Tandem Seal Adapter With Uninterrupted Threads for Lower-Cost Assembly

Solution Overview

Problem

Current tandem subs and seal adapters for connecting wellbore tools are expensive to manufacture and inefficient, requiring complex assembly processes and adding length to the downhole tool string.

Innovation Solution

A tandem seal adapter with a maximum outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the wellbore tools, featuring uninterrupted threading and keyways for easy assembly, allowing for internal location within the tools and reducing manufacturing costs and assembly steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional tandem subs or seal adapters are used to connect wellbore tools, then secure connections are achieved, but manufacturing costs increase and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated adapter body that provides both sealing surfaces and threading in one component. The adapter body includes first and second sealing surfaces for creating seals with adjacent wellbore tools, as well as first and second threaded portions for mechanical connection, eliminating the need for separate sealing elements and reducing assembly steps while maintaining connection security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing surfaces for fluid containment, threaded portions for mechanical connection, and structural support for tool string assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies both manufacturing and assembly processes while ensuring reliable connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional tandem subs or seal adapters are used to connect wellbore tools, then secure connections are achieved, but assembly efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated adapter body that provides both sealing surfaces and threading in one component. The adapter body includes first and second sealing surfaces for creating seals with adjacent wellbore tools, as well as first and second threaded portions for mechanical connection, eliminating the need for separate sealing elements and reducing assembly steps while maintaining connection security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing surfaces are pre-configured on the adapter body during manufacturing, so that when the adapter is assembled between wellbore tools, the seals are already in position and ready to function. This preliminary preparation of sealing surfaces eliminates the need for separate sealing component installation and ensures immediate sealing capability upon assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If traditional tandem subs or seal adapters are used to connect wellbore tools, then connections are secured, but the length of the downhole tool string increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidtool string length

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter body is designed with a compact structure where the sealing surfaces and threaded portions are integrated in a space-efficient manner. The first and second sealing surfaces are positioned on opposite ends of the adapter body, with threaded portions arranged to minimize overall length, allowing the adapter to fit tightly between wellbore tools without adding excessive length to the tool string

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20250314135A1Tandem seal adapter for perforating guns

Publication Date: 2025.10.09 DYNAENERGETICS EURO GMBH

AI summary

A tandem seal adapter for connecting first and second wellbore tools includes a body portion. The body portion has a first seal at a first end portion thereof, and a second seal at a second end portion thereof. The body portion includes a maximum outer diameter that is less than a maximum inner diameter of a mating portion of the first or second wellbore tool.