Investigation of Elastomer Seal Energization: Implications for Conventional and Expandable Hanger Assembly
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 asse...
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Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/12/4/763 |
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doaj-8a71db9df9474646b635bd46ccff9f742020-11-24T23:56:42ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732019-02-0112476310.3390/en12040763en12040763Investigation of Elastomer Seal Energization: Implications for Conventional and Expandable Hanger AssemblyHarshkumar Patel0Saeed Salehi1Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73071, USAMewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73071, USAElastomer 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.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/12/4/763elastomer sealfinite element analysiscontact pressuresensitivity analysiswell integrityliner hanger |
collection |
DOAJ |
language |
English |
format |
Article |
sources |
DOAJ |
author |
Harshkumar Patel Saeed Salehi |
spellingShingle |
Harshkumar Patel Saeed Salehi Investigation of Elastomer Seal Energization: Implications for Conventional and Expandable Hanger Assembly Energies elastomer seal finite element analysis contact pressure sensitivity analysis well integrity liner hanger |
author_facet |
Harshkumar Patel Saeed Salehi |
author_sort |
Harshkumar Patel |
title |
Investigation of Elastomer Seal Energization: Implications for Conventional and Expandable Hanger Assembly |
title_short |
Investigation of Elastomer Seal Energization: Implications for Conventional and Expandable Hanger Assembly |
title_full |
Investigation of Elastomer Seal Energization: Implications for Conventional and Expandable Hanger Assembly |
title_fullStr |
Investigation of Elastomer Seal Energization: Implications for Conventional and Expandable Hanger Assembly |
title_full_unstemmed |
Investigation of Elastomer Seal Energization: Implications for Conventional and Expandable Hanger Assembly |
title_sort |
investigation of elastomer seal energization: implications for conventional and expandable hanger assembly |
publisher |
MDPI AG |
series |
Energies |
issn |
1996-1073 |
publishDate |
2019-02-01 |
description |
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. |
topic |
elastomer seal finite element analysis contact pressure sensitivity analysis well integrity liner hanger |
url |
https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/12/4/763 |
work_keys_str_mv |
AT harshkumarpatel investigationofelastomersealenergizationimplicationsforconventionalandexpandablehangerassembly AT saeedsalehi investigationofelastomersealenergizationimplicationsforconventionalandexpandablehangerassembly |
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