Well Tool Radial Expansion Mechanism for Tight Space Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well tools face challenges in achieving high expansion capabilities while navigating through restrictions in subterranean wells, and subsequent retrieval through tight spaces is often hindered by the need for significant retraction of annular seals and anchor mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The well tool incorporates a radial expansion mechanism with deformable sleeves and anti-extrusion barriers, allowing for high radial expansion when set and subsequent retraction for retrieval, facilitated by a setting tool that applies forces to displace components relative to each other, enabling passage through narrow restrictions and secure engagement with the wellbore.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the annular seal and anchor mechanism are designed for high radial expansion to achieve effective isolation and secure anchoring, then the sealing and anchoring performance is improved, but the ability to pass through narrow restrictions and be retrieved through tight spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The well tool is divided into multiple segments including a tool body, annular seal, and anchor mechanism that can independently expand and contract. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while enabling the overall tool to transition between compact and expanded states for passage and retrieval operations
Solution Approach 2:
The annular seal and anchor mechanism are designed with dynamic expansion and contraction capabilities. The tool transitions from a compact configuration for passing through restrictions to an expanded configuration for sealing and anchoring, then contracts again for retrieval. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between high expansion performance and ease of passage/retrieval
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 well tool achieves effective isolation and secure anchoring with high radial expansion capabilities, allowing for both initial deployment and subsequent retrieval through tight spaces, enhancing the operational flexibility and reliability of subterranean well operations.
Implementation Method 1
The well tool incorporates a radial expansion mechanism with deformable sleeves, allowing for high radial expansion when set
Implementation Method 2
The radial expansion mechanism with deformable sleeves and anti-extrusion barriers, allowing for high radial expansion when set and subsequent retraction for retrieval
Implementation Method 3
facilitated by a setting tool that applies forces to displace components relative to each other, enabling passage through narrow restrictions and secure engagement with the wellbore
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
A well tool can include an annular seal and a radial expansion mechanism having radially retracted and radially expanded configurations, the annular seal being longitudinally displaceable relative to the radial expansion mechanism in the radially retracted configuration. A method of setting a well tool can include positioning the well tool in a well, the well tool including an annular seal and a radial expansion mechanism, and then longitudinally displacing the annular seal to a radially outward position relative to the radial expansion mechanism. A well system can include a well tool including an annular seal, a radial expansion mechanism, an inner mandrel assembly and a setting sleeve, and a setting tool that produces a relative longitudinal displacement between the setting sleeve and the inner mandrel assembly, the annular seal radially outwardly overlying the radial expansion mechanism in response to the relative longitudinal displacement.