Tension Release Packer Element for Wellbore Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packer actuation methods can damage the packer element due to axial movement requirements, and they often necessitate pressure equalization valves and debris relief passages, which limit tool design and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Applying tension to a compressible, annular elastomeric sealing element to release it from sealing engagement with the wellbore, forming a fluid passageway for pressure equalization and debris flow, thereby eliminating the need for pressure equalization valves and debris relief passages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional packer actuation methods using axial compression and release are used, then the packer can be set and released, but the packer element is damaged due to axial movement requirements and dragging action
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of compressing and releasing the packer element axially as in conventional methods, this invention applies tension to the packer element to release it. The retainer member is pulled axially away from the compression member, putting the packer element in tension, which causes it to radially shrink and release from the wellbore wall without the damaging dragging action of conventional release methods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pressure equalization valves and debris relief passages are included in the tool design, then pressure equalization and debris removal are enabled, but the cross-sectional area for tool design is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
This invention extracts and eliminates the pressure equalization valve and debris relief passage from the tool design. The tension-based release mechanism inherently allows pressure to equalize across the packer element as it releases, and debris can pass through the annular space without requiring dedicated relief passages, thereby freeing up cross-sectional area for other tool design requirements.
3Ease of operation
If conventional axial movement mechanisms are used to release the packer, then the packer can be released, but additional tool string movement is required which increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The packer element serves its own release function through the tension applied via the retainer member. When tension is applied to pull the retainer member away from the compression member, the packer element itself radially shrinks and releases from the wellbore wall without requiring additional axial movement of the entire tool string or complex indexing mechanisms.
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
This method minimizes packer element damage, eliminates the need for pressure equalization valves, and increases the cross-sectional area available for tool design, enhancing tool movement and fluid flow efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the packer is released from sealing engagement with the wellbore by applying axial tension to the elastomeric sealing element
Implementation Method 2
an elastomeric, annular seal element fit concentrically about the mandrel
Data Source
AI summary
A resettable elastomeric packer element of a packer, compressed for sealing in a wellbore, is released from sealing engagement in the wellbore by applying tension to an end of the packer element. The elastomeric packer element stretches and releases from the wellbore forming an annular passageway between the packer element and the wellbore. In the absence of a pressure equalization valve or flow passages through the packer, the annular passageway equalizes pressure differentials across the packer element allowing a tool, in which the packer is incorporated, to be moved in the wellbore with little or no damage to the packer element and further, allows debris to flow from above the packer to below the packer.