Swelling Seal Layer for Tubular Element Wellbore Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packers for sealing annular spaces in wellbores lack flexibility in placement and require remote assembly, limiting their application during tubular element installation and increasing logistical challenges.
Innovation Solution
A method involving flexible seal layers made of materials that swell upon contact with specific fluids, applied in situ to tubular elements, allowing for radial application and adjustment during assembly, with the seal layers extending around the tubular elements to provide effective sealing at desired wellbore depths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If packers are pre-fitted to tubular element sections in a dedicated workshop, then the sealing functionality is ensured, but the flexibility in setting packers at desired wellbore depths is reduced and logistical challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The packer system is divided into separable components: the tubular element and the packer assembly. The packer can be detached from the tubular element after deployment, allowing the tubular element to be reused for additional sealing operations at different depths. This segmentation enables multiple sealing locations without requiring pre-fitted packers for each section.
Solution Approach 2:
The packer is designed with dynamic deployment characteristics, transitioning from a compact state during lowering to an expanded sealing state at the target depth. The packer can be set at any depth along the wellbore by controlling the deployment timing, providing flexibility in selecting sealing locations without being constrained by pre-fitted positions.
2Reliability
If packers are pre-fitted to tubular element sections, then the sealing functionality is provided, but the number of required packers and assembly locations increases logistical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
A single packer assembly can serve multiple sealing functions at different wellbore depths by being deployed on demand. The reusable tubular element can carry the same packer assembly to multiple locations, eliminating the need for multiple pre-fitted packers and reducing logistical requirements for assembling and managing multiple sealed tubular sections.
3Manufacturing precision
If packers are assembled in a dedicated workshop remote from the wellbore site, then the sealing quality is controlled, but the flexibility in applying packers during on-site assembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The packer assembly is prepared in advance in a controlled workshop environment, ensuring proper sealing quality and component integrity before deployment. This preliminary preparation includes assembling the packer with the tubular element and pre-installing any necessary sealing components, allowing for quality control while maintaining on-site deployment flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A simplified coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the packer and tubular element, allowing for easy attachment and detachment. This intermediary connection system enables rapid on-site assembly and reconfiguration without requiring complex tools or procedures, bridging the gap between controlled workshop preparation and flexible field operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances flexibility in selecting seal placement locations and eliminates logistical issues by allowing in-situ assembly of tubular elements, ensuring effective sealing and preventing fluid migration through annular spaces.
Implementation Method 1
the seal layer being made of a material susceptible of swelling upon contact with a selected fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided of applying an annular seal to a tubular element (7) for use in a wellbore (1). The method comprises the steps of: a) providing at least one flexible seal layer (20) at the wellbore site, each seal layer having a pair of opposite longitudinal edges movable relative to each other between an open position wherein the seal layer can be radially applied to the tubular element, and a closed position wherein the seal layer extends substantially around the tubular element, the seal layer being made material susceptible of swelling upon contact with a selected fluid; b) partially lowering the tubular element (7) into the wellbore (1); c) radially applying the seal layer (20) in the open position thereof to a portion of the tubular element extending above the wellbore; d) moving the seal layer (20) to the closed position thereof; and e) further lowering the tubular element (7) with the seal layer (20) applied thereto into the wellbore (1) until the seal layer is located at a selected location in the wellbore (1).