Wellbore Isolation Device Spacer and Support Shoe Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wellbore isolation devices are limited in run-in speed due to swabbing, where high velocity fluid flow causes premature actuation and damage to sealing elements, restricting fluid displacement rates and increasing operational costs.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a spacer with an inverse airfoil configuration to divert fluid flow and support shoes with lever arms and jogged legs to mitigate swabbing, allowing faster run-in speeds and higher circulation rates by reducing pressure drops and preventing premature actuation of sealing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If wellbore isolation devices are moved downhole at high speed, then deployment time is reduced, but swabbing occurs causing premature actuation and damage to sealing elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces support shoes as intermediary components between the sealing elements and the wellbore wall. These support shoes have lever arms that provide mechanical protection to the sealing elements during high-speed deployment, preventing direct contact and damage while allowing rapid installation without swabbing-induced premature actuation
2Productivity
If fluid displacement rate is increased, then operational efficiency improves, but swabbing effects increase causing premature sealing element actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The support shoes with lever arms serve as protective intermediaries that shield the sealing elements from swabbing forces generated during high-rate fluid displacement. This allows the system to operate at higher productivity rates without the sealing elements prematurely actuating due to swabbing-induced pressure drops
3Reliability
If run-in speed is limited to prevent swabbing, then sealing element damage is prevented, but operational costs increase due to extended labor time
Solution Approach 1:
The support shoes act as protective intermediaries that enable faster run-in speeds by preventing direct damage to sealing elements during high-speed deployment. This resolves the contradiction by allowing rapid installation (reducing labor time) while maintaining sealing element integrity through the protective lever arm mechanism
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 configuration enables faster deployment of wellbore isolation devices with reduced risk of swabbing, allowing higher circulation rates and increased operational efficiency while protecting sealing elements from damage.
Implementation Method 1
a spacer with an inverse airfoil configuration to divert fluid flow and support shoes with lever arms and jogged legs to mitigate swabbing, allowing faster run-in speeds and higher circulation rates by reducing pressure drops and preventing premature actuation of sealing elements
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore isolation device includes an elongate body and a packer assembly disposed about the elongate body and including upper and lower sealing elements positioned axially between an upper shoulder and a lower shoulder, a spacer interposing the upper and lower sealing elements and having an annular body that provides an upper end, a lower end, and a recessed portion extending between the upper and lower ends. An upper cover sleeve is coupled to the upper shoulder, and a lower cover sleeve is coupled to the lower shoulder. An upper support shoe has a lever arm extending over the upper sealing element and a jogged leg received within a gap defined between the upper cover sleeve and shoulder. A lower support shoe has a lever arm extending over the lower sealing element and a jogged leg received within a gap defined between the lower cover sleeve and shoulder.