Temperature-Actuated Elastomer Seal for Bore Restrictions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure cups used in oil and gas exploration and other applications suffer from damage when run into position due to their larger outer diameter, causing wear and potential failure when encountering bore restrictions, and they lack a reliable mechanism for forming and breaking seals based on environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A pressure control device featuring a seal element with an elastomer external surface that expands with temperature to form a tighter seal and disengages upon temperature decrease, utilizing a deformable support element with voids for structural support and thermal expansion, allowing for easy deployment and removal without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seal element outer diameter is made larger than the conduit diameter to ensure sealing contact, then sealing reliability is improved, but the device cannot pass through bore restrictions and suffers wear during deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The seal element transitions from a static fixed outer diameter to a dynamic structure that can change its effective outer diameter. During deployment, the seal element is compressed to a smaller diameter to pass through restrictions. Upon deployment, it expands to the larger diameter needed for sealing, thus resolving the contradiction between needing a large diameter for sealing and a small diameter for easy deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal element utilizes temperature-dependent parameter changes where the external perimeter increases with environmental temperature. This allows the seal element to be introduced at lower temperatures with a smaller effective diameter and then expand to a larger diameter at higher temperatures to form the seal, resolving the contradiction between deployment ease and sealing reliability.
2Reliability
If the seal element outer diameter is made larger than the conduit diameter to ensure sealing contact, then sealing reliability is improved, but damage occurs during run-in and wear affects seal formation
Solution Approach 1:
The seal element dynamically adjusts its outer diameter based on deployment conditions. During run-in, it maintains a compressed smaller diameter that avoids damage and wear. Once positioned, it expands to the larger sealing diameter, ensuring reliable seal formation without the harmful effects of wear and damage that plague conventional static seal elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal element is pre-compressed to a smaller diameter before deployment to prevent damage during run-in. This preliminary compressed state allows safe passage through the conduit, and only after proper positioning does the seal element expand to its sealing diameter, preventing wear and damage while ensuring reliable seal formation.
3Reliability
If the seal element is constructed with outer diameter slightly larger than bore diameter for constant sealing, then sealing is maintained even when not inflated, but the cup rubs against the bore during run-in and may be damaged by restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The seal element transitions from a static constant sealing design to a dynamic structure that adjusts its sealing characteristics. During deployment, it maintains a smaller compressed diameter that preserves structural integrity and avoids damage. After positioning, it expands to provide the constant sealing effect, thus resolving the contradiction between constant sealing reliability and structural integrity during deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal element utilizes parameter changes based on environmental conditions and internal pressure. It transitions from a compressed state with smaller diameter during deployment to an expanded state with larger diameter for sealing. This parameter change allows the seal element to maintain structural integrity during run-in while still providing reliable sealing when deployed.
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
Enables the pressure control device to form a tight seal at desired depths without damaging the conduit and allows for easy translation or removal by controlling temperature, reducing wear and enhancing seal reliability and durability.
Implementation Method 1
the seal element external surface portion defining an external perimeter, the external perimeter adapted to increase as an environmental temperature increases
Implementation Method 2
the seal element external surface portion may be adapted to decrease its external diameter as an environmental temperature decreases
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure control device for sealing a conduit comprises a seal element comprising an elastomer, the seal element defining a seal element external surface portion, the seal element external surface portion defining an external perimeter. The external perimeter is adapted to increase as an environmental temperature increases, such that, in use, an increase in the environmental temperature can move the seal element external surface portion into engagement with the conduit or, once engaged with the conduit or if already engaged with the conduit, can create an improved seal with the conduit.