Tubing Plug With Collapsible Radial Gap Sealing Ring

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for improved methods and apparatus for providing a plug inside a tubing string containing well fluid, preferably using a 2-step ball contact with deformable and rigid plug components to enhance sealing and anchoring within the tubing string.

Innovation Solution

A plug assembly featuring a continuous expandable sealing ring with a radial gap and an integral locking ring, where the radial gap allows for dimensional adaptation without transmitting radial forces, combined with a 2-step expansion process using a retrievable setting tool and untethered object to enhance sealing and anchoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a continuous expandable sealing ring is used without a radial gap, then radial forces are transmitted to the tubing string which may cause damage, but the sealing ring cannot adapt to dimensional variations in the tubing string

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimensional adaptationVSAvoidradial force transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous expandable sealing ring is segmented by introducing a radial gap that can collapse during expansion. This segmentation allows the sealing ring to adapt to dimensional variations in the tubing string by collapsing the gap inward, while preventing radial forces from being transmitted to the tubing string wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The radial gap provides an additional dimensional degree of freedom for adaptation. Instead of adapting radially by expanding outward against the tubing wall, the gap allows adaptation by collapsing inward, effectively using the radial dimension in reverse to accommodate dimensional variations without contacting the tubing wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If setting forces are applied to expand the sealing ring, then sealing contact is achieved, but the forces may be poorly distributed causing uneven sealing or damage to the tubing string

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing contactVSAvoidforce distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The radial gap segments the sealing ring structure, allowing setting forces to be applied to expand the sealing ring while the gap collapses inward to absorb excess force. This prevents uneven force distribution and potential damage to the tubing string while ensuring reliable sealing contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collapsible radial gap acts as a built-in cushion that absorbs setting forces before they are transmitted to the tubing string. This beforehand cushioning prevents force overload and ensures even force distribution during the sealing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional plug design is used without a collapsible gap, then the structure is simpler, but the plug cannot accommodate both dimensional variations and prevent radial force transmission simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimensional adaptationVSAvoidsealing ring structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing ring is segmented by incorporating a radial gap, which provides dimensional adaptation capability. While this adds some structural complexity, the gap is integrated into the continuous ring structure, minimizing additional components while achieving the desired adaptability and force isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The solution provides enhanced sealing and anchoring within the tubing string by focusing setting forces on anchoring devices, adapting to dimensional variations, and ensuring stable plug placement under varying well conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a collapsible radial gap within said continuous expandable sealing ring, said collapsible radial gap allowing said continuous expandable sealing ring to adapt dimensionally without transmitting radial forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12366135B2Method and apparatus for a plug including a radial and collapsible gap within the continuous expandable sealing ring

Publication Date: 2025.07.22 JACOB GREGOIRE MAX

AI summary

A plug assembly includes a continuous expandable sealing ring having an embedded radial gap feature. The continuous expandable sealing ring includes a first section with a prominent external surface, whereby the first section with a prominent external surface includes a radial gap underneath, and a second section with a second external surface. During the setting of the plug, the first prominent external surface comes in contact with the internal surface of the tubing string, while the radial gap underneath allows avoiding transmitting radial forces from the continuous sealing ring towards the tubing string, therefore keeping the majority of the force transmission from the expandable gripping ring towards the tubing string.