Analytical model of elastomer seal performance in oil wells

Al-Hiddabi, S.A.; Pervez, Tasneem; Qamar, Sayyad Zahid; Al-Jahwari, Farooq; Marketz, Franz; Al-Houqani, S.; Velden, M. van de

doi:10.1016/j.apm.2014.10.028

Cited by 44 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…Alzebdeh et al [20] studied the effect of seal length, thickness, and compression amount in 2D FEA model of expandable tubular sealing against different formations. Al-Kharusi et al [21] and Al-Hiddabi et al [22] conducted theoretical analysis of compression of elastomer seal in expandable tubular. Assuming linear elastic material properties, they presented analytical model to predict contact stress as a function of different amount of compression and differential fluid pressure across the seal.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigation of Elastomer Seal Energization: Implications for Conventional and Expandable Hanger Assembly

Patel

Salehi

2019

Energies

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Elastomer seals are extensively used in various wellhead and casing/liner hanger equipment as barriers for isolating fluids. Seal assemblies have been identified as one of the major cause of well control incidents. Majority of hangers utilize conventional weight- or mechanical-set slip-and-seal assembly. The objective of this paper is to conduct a detailed investigation of seal energization in conventional and relatively newer expandable type hanger seal assembly. To achieve the objective, the finite element modeling approach was employed. Three dimensional computer models consisting of concentric casings and annular elastomer seal element were constructed. Seal energization process was modelled by manipulating boundary conditions. Conventional seal energization was mimicked by applying rigid support at the bottom of elastomer element and compressing it from the top. Expandable hanger type seal energization was modelled by radially displacing the inner pipe to compress annular seal element. Seal quality was evaluated in terms of contact stress values and profile along the seal-pipe interface. Different amounts of seal energization were simulated. Both types of seal energization processes yielded different contact stress profiles. For the same amount of seal volumetric compression, contact stress profiles were compared. In case of conventional seal energization, contact stress profile decreases from the compression side towards support side. The seal in expandable hanger generates contact stress profile that peaks at the center of contact interface and reduces towards the ends. Convectional seal assembly has more moving parts, making it more prone to failure or under-energization. Finite Element Models were validated using analytical equations, and a good match was obtained. The majority of research related to elastomer seal is focused on material properties evaluation. Limited information is available in public domain on functional design and assessment of seal assembly. This paper adds novel information by providing detailed assessment of advantages and limitations of two different seal energization process. This opens doors for further research in functional failure modes in seal assembly.

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Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigation of Elastomer Seal Energization: Implications for Conventional and Expandable Hanger Assembly

Patel

Salehi

2019

Energies

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“…In order to ensure the normal operation of the packer, the maximum contact pressure of the rubber on sealing surface should be greater than the working pressure [7,8]. Meanwhile, the maximum contact pressure is the sum of maximum contact pressure in these two stages by equation (31).…”

Section: Sealing Performance Criterionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…On the research of sealing performance of the rubber, Al-Hiddabi et al [7] established the solid expandable tubular (SET) analysis model and the deformation of an elastomer between a metal tube and a rigid casing was investigated. Differential equations governing the behavior of the elastomeric seal under radial and axial compression due to tubular expansion and surrounding fluid pressure in the well are developed.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mechanical analysis of sealing performance for compression packer rubber tube

Zhang

Jiang

Song

et al. 2018

Mechanics & Industry

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The compression packer rubber is one of the core components of the packer. According to the sealing mechanism of the compression packers rubber, the deformation of rubber between the central tube and casing tube is analyzed in the initial and working stages. The compression rubber is also strained radially against the support ring by means of a controlled tubular expansion process. In this paper, the theoretical model for the deformation analysis is established by the structure and working characteristics of rubber tube. In addition, the nonlinear relationship between the material, geometry and stress in the constrained and stable deformation stages is analyzed by application of pressure methods. The analytical results show the contact pressure and shear stress distribution on the sealing surface of the rubber and the effect of rubber geometry and its material properties on sealing performance in terms of maximum sealing pressure. Then, the criterion of sealing performance evaluation of the rubber is established by the numerical results. This analytical model will provide a theoretical basis and guidance for the structural design of the compression packer rubber and it will be of great significance to improve the sealing performance and reliability of packer rubber.

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“…Amongst all ultrasonic techniques employed, third interface echo (TIE) gives more promising results to ensure hydraulic seal and zonal isolation in the case of swelling elastomer. 18 Other authors [19][20][21] describe experimental, analytical, and numerical methods for performance evaluation of swell packers and other types of swelling elastomer seals deployed in downhole petroleum applications.…”

Section: Evaluation Of Swellable Packersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Some downhole applications of swelling elastomers in oil and gas wells

Akhtara

Qamarb

Pervezb

2018

IPCSE

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Advanced polymers that exhibit volume increase when immersed in water or oil are known as swelling elastomers. They have been successfully used in recent years in downhole sealing applications in oil and gas drilling. Various case studies of use of swell packers can be found in published literature. However, these reports are usually targeted at only a couple of associated applications. To give a more holistic approach, the current paper describes many major applications of swelling elastomers in the petroleum industry. When undesirable zones are separated from production zones, it is called zonal isolation. Safeguarding production lines from water incursion is known as water shutoff. Techniques used to protect the wellbore from invasion of sand come under the umbrella of sand control. One of these is the use of sand screens, providing protection against plugging and wear of well equipment. Well completion is the series of tasks required to make the well productionready, the most important one being cementing. Well stimulation consists of enlargement of existing passages or formation of new ones for improved production. Swellable elastomers have been successfully employed in all of these applications, paving the way for improved or enhanced oil recovery in a relatively low-cost manner for long-term and effective solutions. These, and other applications, are discussed in the paper. This brief overview can be beneficial for petroleum students, field practitioners, researchers, and application designers.

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Analytical model of elastomer seal performance in oil wells

Cited by 44 publications

References 22 publications

Investigation of Elastomer Seal Energization: Implications for Conventional and Expandable Hanger Assembly

Investigation of Elastomer Seal Energization: Implications for Conventional and Expandable Hanger Assembly

Mechanical analysis of sealing performance for compression packer rubber tube

Some downhole applications of swelling elastomers in oil and gas wells

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