Tandem Seal Adapter Assembly for Compact Wellbore Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wellbore tool connectors lack sufficient mechanical strength and increase the length of the tool string, which is inefficient and costly due to the combination of sealing and coupling components on the same part, and are sensitive to wellbore conditions.
Innovation Solution
A tandem seal adapter (TSA) and collar assembly that mechanically and electrically couples wellbore tools while sealingly isolating them from wellbore conditions, with overlapping sealing and coupling elements to reduce overall length and enhance structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional connectors combine sealing elements and coupling components on the same part, then the connector can perform both sealing and coupling functions, but the overall axial length of the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate components: a coupling component and a sealing component. The coupling component includes coupling elements for mechanical connection, while the sealing component includes sealing elements for pressure isolation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and enables the sealing component to be positioned at the end of the coupling component, reducing the overall axial length while maintaining both functions.
2Length of moving object
If conventional connectors use separate sealing and coupling components, then the axial length is reduced, but the mechanical coupling strength between consecutive wellbore tools is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling component is designed with coupling elements that engage with corresponding elements in the wellbore tools before the sealing component is activated. The coupling elements are positioned to establish mechanical connection first, ensuring strong coupling strength, and then the sealing component is positioned at the end to provide pressure isolation. This preliminary action ensures that mechanical strength is achieved before sealing functions are engaged.
3Ease of manufacture
If the connector axial length is increased to accommodate separate sealing and coupling components, then the tool string length increases, but this increases time and cost for deployment
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connector into separate coupling and sealing components, the design allows for optimized positioning of functional elements. The sealing component can be positioned at the end of the coupling component, minimizing the overall axial length. This reduced length directly decreases the tool string length, thereby reducing the time and cost for deployment while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular design.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter assembly may include a tandem seal adapter (TSA) and a collar. The TSA may include a TSA body extending along an axial direction. The collar may include a collar body, a first collar coupling, and a second collar coupling. The collar body may be a substantially annular shape extending in the axial direction. The collar may be outward from the TSA in a radial direction. The first collar coupling and the second collar coupling axially displaced from the first collar coupling may be provided on an interior surface of the collar body. The TSA body and the collar body may overlap in the axial direction. The first collar coupling, second collar coupling, and the TSA may define a first space respectively configured to receive an end of a first housing of a first wellbore tool and an end of a second housing of a second wellbore tool.