Whipstock Anchor Packer Sequence for Sidetrack Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing whipstock and anchor systems face challenges in setting and releasing mechanisms, particularly when there is no surface available to generate compressive force, which can hinder the efficient diversion of wellbores in the oil and gas industry.

Innovation Solution

A whipstock assembly with a mechanically activatable packer and anchor, where the anchor is set before the packer, utilizing a temporary connection that releases with a mechanical setting force, allowing the packer to seal and the anchor to anchor in the casing, and a hydraulic line for hydraulic activation, enabling efficient sidetrack formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical anchor setting mechanism is used requiring compressive force, then the anchor can be set reliably, but it cannot be set when there is no surface available to generate compressive force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchor setting reliabilityVSAvoidapplicability in different wellbore conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical compressive force-based anchor setting mechanism with a hydraulic setting mechanism. The hydraulic line delivers pressurized fluid to actuate the anchor, eliminating the need for a stationary surface to generate compressive force. This allows the anchor to be set in locations where no bridge plug or other restriction is available.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a hydraulic system with a hydraulic line extending from the whipstock to the anchor. Pressurized hydraulic fluid is used to actuate the anchor setting mechanism, enabling reliable anchor deployment in various wellbore conditions without requiring mechanical compression from a stationary surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If the packer is set before the anchor, then the sealing can be established early, but the anchor cannot be properly positioned and the packer cannot be set eccentrically

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidsetting sequence control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a setting sequence where the anchor is set first as a preliminary action, establishing a stable reference point and fulcrum. This preliminary anchoring enables the subsequent eccentric positioning of the packer, which would not be possible if the packer were set first without a secured reference point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor serves as an intermediary element that mediates between the whipstock and the packer. By setting the anchor first, it provides a stable intermediate reference that enables the packer to be positioned eccentrically relative to the casing, achieving both reliable sealing and proper positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If hydraulic fluid is used to set the anchor, then the anchor can be set without compressive force, but hydraulic lines and complex mechanisms are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability without stationary surfaceVSAvoidhydraulic system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic line serves multiple functions: it acts as the actuation mechanism for the anchor, provides a reference for positioning, and enables the setting operation without requiring additional complex hydraulic mechanisms at the anchor itself. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite using hydraulic actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reliable and efficient sidetrack formation by ensuring the anchor is set before the packer, allowing for effective sealing and fulcrum positioning, improving operational flexibility and reducing the need for hydraulic lines during setting.

Implementation Method 1

a compressible packing element disposed on the end ring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a hydraulic line extending from the whipstock to the anchor for hydraulic activation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS10006264B2Whipstock assembly having anchor and eccentric packer

Publication Date: 2018.06.26 WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A whipstock assembly has a whip, a packer, and an anchor. The packer connects between the whip and the anchor and sets after the anchor is set. The anchor can be set mechanically or hydraulically. To communicate hydraulic pressure to the hydraulically-set anchor, the packer can have an internal bypass for communicating fluid or for passing a hydraulic line from the whip to the anchor. The packer is set mechanically with set down weight applied from the whip via a setting tool or the like. The packer sets eccentrically in the casing and acts as a fulcrum to push the tip of the whip against the inside of the casing.