Electric method and apparatus to expend disappearing plug and operate autofill sub

Abstract

Disclosed herein are an apparatus, a system, and a method for actuating a downhole tool. In one embodiment, a system for use in a wellbore, comprises a downhole tool and an apparatus for activating the downhole tool. The apparatus comprises a metallic plate; an electromagnetic plate; and a spring positioned between the metallic plate and the electromagnetic plate. The apparatus is configured to actuate in response to application of an electrical signal to the electromagnetic plate, wherein actuation of the apparatus activates a downhole component. The downhole tool may be a disappearing plug wherein actuating of the apparatus initiates a flow of fluid to the plug and the plug activates in response to the flow of fluid. In other embodiments the downhole tool may be an autofill sub wherein the fill sub closes in response to actuation of the apparatus.

Description

ELECTRIC METHOD AND APPARATUS TO EXPEND DISAPPEARING PLUG ANDOPERATE AUTOFILL SUBFIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] Some implementations relate generally to the field of downhole tools positioned in a wellbore completion and more particularly to the field of flow7control in wellbore completions.BACKGROUND

[0002] When a w ell is completed, prior to production, a completion string is run into the well. On run in the string must be open to allow fluid to flow up the tubing of the string. The tubing must be sealed so that sufficient downhole pressure can be created to set the production packer mounted on the string and together provide a doworhole barrier. The barrier thus allows pressure testing to be undertaken prior to the tubing string being opened so that produced oil can flow up the completion string to the surface. Certain downhole tools may be utilized to control the flow of reservoir fluid as it flows from the subsurface formation to the surface. For example, plugs may be used to set packers and control flow7of fluids. An autofill sub may be used when wellbore completions may require automatic filling of the tubing.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Implementation of the disclosure may be better understood by referencing the accompanying drawings.

[0004] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of an example well system, according to some implementations.

[0005] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a disappearing plug positioned in a downhole completion, according to some implementations.

[0006] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic actuator for the disappearing plug of FIG. 2 in a first state, according to some implementations.

[0007] FIG. 3B is a perspective view' of the electromagnetic actuator for the disappearing plug in the first state, according to some implementations.

[0008] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic actuator for the disappearing plug of FIG. 2 in a second state, according to some implementations.

[0009] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the electromagnetic actuator for the disappearing plug in the second state, according to some implementations.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an autofill sub positioned in a downhole completion, according to some implementations.

[0011] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic actuator for the autofill sub of FIG. 5 in a first state, according to some implementations.

[0012] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the electromagnetic actuator for the autofill sub in the first state, according to some implementations.

[0013] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the autofill sub of FIG. 5 shown in an open configuration, according to some implementations.

[0014] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the autofill sub of FIG. 5 shown in a closed configuration, according to some implementations.DESCRIPTION

[0015] The description that follows includes example systems, methods, techniques, and program flow s that embody aspects of the disclosure. However, it is understood that this disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. For instance, this disclosure refers to one or more components configured to induce vibrations for an impulse turbine in a wellbore. Aspects of this disclosure can also be applied to other components and / or a combination of components configured to induce vibrations for an impulse turbine positioned in wellbore. For clarity, some well-known instruction instances, protocols, structures, and techniques have been omitted.

[0016] In the drawings and descriptions that follow, like parts are typically marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals, respectively. The drawn figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features of the disclosure may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form and some details of certain elements may not be shown in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The present disclosure may be implemented in embodiments of different forms.

[0017] Unless otherwise specified, use of the terms "connect," "engage," "couple," "attach." or any other like term describing an interaction between elements is not meant to limit the interaction to a direct interaction between the elements and may also include an indirect interaction between the elements described. Unless otherwise specified, use of the terms "up," "upper," "upward," "uphole," "upstream," or other like terms shall be construed as generally away from the bottom, terminal end of a well; likewise, use of the terms "down," "lower." "downward," "downhole," or other like terms shall be construed as generally toward the bottom, terminal end of the well, regardless of the wellbore orientation. Use of any one or more of the foregoing terms shall not be construed as denoting positions along a perfectly vertical axis. In some instances, a part near the end of the well can be horizontal or even slightly directed upwards. Unless otherwise specified, use of the term "subterranean formation" shall be construed as encompassing both areas below exposed earth and areas below earth covered by water such as ocean or fresh water.

[0018] It is common in hydrocarbon wells to perform well operations requiring a temporary plug of the axial passageway through a tool or tool string. Recently, the industry has developed degradable or disappearing / dissolvable plugs, or plugs otherwise removable in situ. A disappearing plug is a plugging device designed to run as an integral part of the tubing. The plug may be used in setting packers, testing the tubing string, etc. The disappearing plugs can be of various materials and degraded using various methods. A common method is to expend a soluble plug using a fluid, often water. Since the plugs are often expendable upon contact with tubular fluids, such as wellbore or treatment fluids, the disappearing plug is initially isolated from such fluids when run in hole. The isolation is removed, for example, using rupture discs or other temporary covers. Some methods use rupture disc assemblies actuated hydraulically, by pressure pulses propagated through the wellbore fluid, etc. Once the plug is expended, the plug material dissolves and disintegrates, leaving a full tubing ID for non-restricted production through the tubing string and eliminating the need to use wireline or coiled tubing to be run in hole to retrieve the plugging device.

[0019] Previous embodiments of disappearing plugs have been activated by hydraulic pressure and required multiple pressure cycles to expend the plug. There remains a need for other actuating methods in conjunction with disappearing plugs. Embodiments disclosed herein include an electric method and apparatus to activate the plug.

[0020] In some embodiments, an autofill sub is run above the plug when tubing autofill is required. The autofill sub may also be used independently of the plug. During run in hole . the autofill sub is open, allowing annulus fluids to enter the tubing, while providing a reliable seal from the tubing side. Previous autofill subs relied on pressure resistance of lockout shear pins to retain an isolation sleeve in place, so the tubing may be tested multiple times, provided the shear pressure of the lockout piston is not exceeded Once the lockout pins shear, as a result of tubing pressure, the piston drives the ports in the isolation sleeve past o-rings, locking the autofill sub into a closed configuration.

[0021] In this arrangement a plugging material is located at the end of the tubing string with an autofill sub located above it. During run in hole, the autofill is open allowing the infill of fluids to the tubing string above the plug. At depth, a number of pressure cycles are generated from surface which close the autofill, test the tubing and set the production packer. The disappearing plug is activated by these pressure cycles and dissolves and disintegrates with the last pressure cycle expending the plug to leave an open well bore for non-restricted production through the tubing string.

[0022] Previous embodiments of disappearing plugs and autofill subs have been activated by hydraulic pressure and required multiple pressure cycles to expend the plug. There remains a need for other actuating methods. Operators are increasingly demanding electric completions in order to save costs on long and expensive hydraulic control lines. In addition, in some examples, a hydraulic pulse may sometimes prematurely set the autofill sub to close. Embodiments disclosed herein include an electric method and apparatus to activate the plug. An electromagnetic actuator is used to activate a downhole component, such as to expend a disappearing plug and set an autofill sub to close, using an electric line or battery as the source of energy for an electrical signal and without needing hydraulic pressure.

[0023] In one embodiment, an actuator may comprise at least a metallic plate; an electromagnetic plate; and a spring positioned between the metallic plate and the electromagnetic plate. The actuator is configured to actuate in response to application of an electrical signal to the electromagnetic plate, wherein actuation changes a flow of fluid and the apparatus activates a downhole component.

[0024] In one embodiment, the downhole component is a disappearing plug. The actuator is an electric or battery powered actuator module that punctures, pinches, or drills holes in a seal to create leak path and initiate a flow of fluid from a chamber to the plug. The actuator may includeone or more hollow rods coupled through the electromagnetic plate and the metallic plate. The rods may include a plurality of axial openings for passage of fluid therethrough. The electrical signal applied to the electromagnetic plate may apply current to the electromagnetic plate. The metallic plate may comprise ferromagnetic material and the signal will cause the electromagnetic plate to attract or repel the metallic plate. When the metallic plate moves, the rods are able to move toward the seal and distal ends of the rods may puncture the seal to create a leak path. After the leak path creation, dissolving fluid such as water will travel from a chamber to a disappearing plug and expend the plug. In another embodiment, the plug may be in an allelectric completion. An electric power source may be used to reverse polarity of an electromagnetic plate, which when actuated pushes an adjacent component away, such as an adjacent metallic plate, which provides the mechanical force to pierce through the seal to create a leak path for water to expend the plug.

[0025] In another embodiment, the downhole component is an autofill sub. An electromagnetic module actuates to close the autofill sub without need of pressure. When actuated, the electromagnet module is able to create a required force to stroke a piston downhole to engage a sleeve of the autofill sub. The sleeve is pushed in a downhole direction, sealing one or more openings of the autofill sub from a flow of fluids from the annulus, thereby closing the autofill sub. Compared to existing tools, embodiments of electromagnetic actuators disclosed herein can only be activated after signal or predetermined time therefore the plug cannot be falsely set while running in completion through tight spots and the autofill sub cannot be prematurely closed. The features disclosed herein are easy to set compared to pressure pulses and can be verified with the help of electric signal feedback.Example Systems

[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of an example well system, according to some implementations. In particular, a w ell system 100 of FIG. 1 includes a wellbore 102 in a subsurface formation 101. The wellbore 102 includes casing 104 and number of perforations 116, 118 being made in the casing 104. Each set of perforations 116, 118 is located in a respective reservoir 130, 132 to allow reservoir fluids (i.e., oil, water, and gas) from the respective reservoirs 130, 132 to flow into the wellbore 102 and into the tubular string 106 (the production tubing or drill string). The tubular string 106 may include one or more packers, such as packer 112 and 114 that may prevent the comingling of fluids produced from the reservoirs 130, 132 in the wellbore 102. A production assembly 108 may allow the inflow of fluidproduced from the reservoir 130 into the tubular string 106. Likewise, a production assembly 110 may allow the inflow of fluid produced from the reservoir 132 into the tubular stnng 106.

[0027] Each of the production assemblies 108, 110 may include one or more downhole tools (not pictured). In some implementations, the downhole tools may be configured to control the flow of fluid produced from the reservoirs 130, 132 and into the tubular string 106. The downhole tool may include one or more disappearing plugs. In some implementations the one or more disappearing plugs may be used to set the one or more packers 112, 114. In some implementations, an autofill sub may be used in conjunction with or independently of the one or more disappearing plugs when autofilling of the tubing downhole is required. Filling the tubing downhole of the autofill sub with hydraulic fluid enables the tubing to be run in hole faster.Once the plug is expended, the autofill sub may need to close to prevent further communication between the annulus and the tubing dow nhole of the autofill sub. In some implementations, each of the production assemblies 108, 110 may also include electronics to control (e.g.. for controlling timing, directionality, and / or voltage threshold for powering and / or activating the downhole tool) the respective downhole tools.

[0028] In some embodiments, the wellbore may include a controller 122 positioned uphole and communicatively coupled with a wellhead 120. The controller 122 may control operations within the wellbore 102 or may control certain operations during completion operations, such as setting of the packers 112, 114, activating one or more disappearing plugs, or closing one or more autofill subs.Example Plug Assembly

[0029] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a downhole assembly 200. The downhole assembly 200 may include a disappearing plug 202 (hereinafter “plug”). An electromagnetic actuator 204 may be fluidly coupled with the plug 202 by a seal 206. The seal 206 may be placed between outer housing 208 and a middle sub 210 to seal the plug 202 from communication with any fluid from the annulus or the w ellbore or the middle sub 210 while the downhole assembly is run in hole and until the plug 202 needs to be expended. Flexible barrier 211 is placed between the upper housing 209 and end sub 213, dissolvable liquid is held between a chamber comprised by the barrier 211 and plug 202. The seal 206 may be one or more molded seals and comprises plastic, rubber, or metal. In some embodiments, the seal 206 may be one or more rupture discs. In some embodiments, outer housing 208 may comprise rubber or an elastic material. In some examples, the fluid w ithin the middle sub 210 may be water. Actuation of theactuator 204 will activate the plug 202 by puncturing the seal to create a leak path, initiating a flow of fluid to the plug 202. The plug 202 will expend in response to the flow of fluid.

[0030] FIG. 3A and 3B are a cross-sectional and a perspective view of the electromagnetic actuator 204 shown in a run in hole configuration. The actuator 204 may include a metallic plate 212 and an electromagnetic plate 214 For illustration, the electromagnetic plate 214 is shown having a circular shape, but could comprise be any suitable shape. A spring 216 may be positioned between the metallic plate 212 and the electromagnetic plate 214. The spring 216 maintains the actuator 204 in an always-biased / run in hole position to maintain the metallic plate 212 in place and keep the leak path sealed until a required time. One or more communication rods 220 are coupled with and extend through radial openings of the both the metallic plate 212 and the electromagnetic plate 214. The one or more communication rods 220 may include one or axial openings 222, which may include axially drilled openings and cross openings for communicating fluid through the rods 220. In the run in hole configuration, a distal end of the rods 220 does not protrude through the electromagnetic plate 214 and does contact the seal 206. The seal 206 is placed at an uphole end of a chamber 224, wherein the chamber 224 is fluidly connected with the plug 202. When the plug 202 is to be expended, such as, for example, after one or more packers have been set, an electrical signal is sent to the electromagnetic plate 214 via an electrical connection 230 to initiate the flow of fluid to the plug 202.

[0031] FIG. 4A and 4B are a cross-sectional and a perspective view of the downhole assembly 200 and actuator 204 shown in an activation configuration for expending the plug 202. The electrical signal may apply current to the electromagnetic plate 214. The metallic plate 212 may comprise a ferromagnetic material and when current is applied to the electromagnetic plate 214, the electromagnetic plate 214 will either repel or attract the metallic (ferromagnetic) plate 212. In the shown embodiment, the electromagnetic plate 214 will attract the metallic plate 212. but in other embodiments, the position of the plates may be switched wherein the current will cause the electromagnetic plate 214 to repel the metallic plate 212 and rods 220 toward the seal 206.

[0032] In this embodiment, as the metallic plate 212 is attracted to and moves toward the electromagnetic plate 214, the spring 216 compresses and the rods 220 protrude through the electromagnetic plate 214 until the distal end of the rods 220 pierces through the seal 206 to create a leak path for fluid to contact the plug 202. Fluid flows through the rods 220, into and through a chamber 224 and into contact with the plug 202. The plug may be surrounded within the outer housing 208 by a dissolvable matrix and once the leak path is created to initiate a flowof fluids to the plug 202, the matrix dissolves such as with a conventional disappearing plug to create full-bore access.

[0033] In some embodiments when hydraulic fluid is present in the middle sub instead of water, multiple cycles of electric currents may be sent to the electromagnetic plate 214 in order to move the rods 220 to create clear passage for hydraulic fluid to expend the plug 202.

[0034] The electrical connection 230 may be connected with a power source to receive the electrical signal. The power source may be a controller positioned at the surface of the wellbore, or may be an electric or battery powered source positioned downhole. The battery powered source may be positioned in a housing or module positioned proximate the downhole assembly 200. In some embodiments, the actuation may be remotely controlled by an operator. The signal may be sent through one or more pressure pulses, from either electric lines or a battery pack. In some embodiments, the battery’ pack may be coupled with a control module of the downhole assembly and the signal may be preprogrammed to occur after a certain period of time has passed or in response to other activities or operations downhole. In some examples, the period of time may be 100 hours. In some other examples, the plug may expend itself in response to a downhole operation such as a packer being set downhole.Example Autofill Assembly

[0035] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a downhole assembly 500 according to some implementations. The downhole assembly 500 may include an autofill sub such as fill sub 502 and an electromagnetic actuator 504. The downhole assembly 500 may similarly7include an outer housing 508. The fill sub 502 may have a sleeve 510 positioned around its outer circumference. When the downhole assembly is run in hole, a flexible valve 506 (or may also be called a barrier) may flex to allow displacement of annulus fluid into tubing of and downhole of downhole assembly 500. Fluid may flow through openings 511 in the sleeve 510 and into the fill sub 502 through one or more openings 513 while the fill sub 502 is in an “open” configuration. The valve 506 may comprise rubber or other suitable flexible materials. The downhole assembly 500 may be used in conjunction with and be positioned uphole of the downhole assembly7200 with plug 202. When fluid is no longer desired in the tubing, such as after the plug 202 has been expended, the actuator 504 will actuate to activate the fill sub 502 to a “closed” configuration such that there is no more fluid communication betw een the annulus and the fill sub 502.

[0036] FIG. 6A and 6B are a cross-sectional view of the downhole assembly 500 and a perspective view of the actuator 504, show n in a run in hole “open” configuration. The actuator 504 includes a piston 520 at a downhole end with the fill sub 502 and configured to engage the sleeve 510. The actuator includes metallic plate 512 coupled to and about the piston 520 at one end and an electromagnetic plate 514 positioned about the piston 520 proximate an opposing end. A spring 516 may be positioned between the metallic plate 512 and the electromagnetic plate 514. The spring 516 maintains the actuator 504 in an unbiased position while the downhole assembly 500 is run in hole and provides additional security against the actuator 504 triggering prematurely. When the fill sub 502 needs to close in order to stop communication of fluid from the annulus to the tubing, an electrical signal may be sent to the electromagnetic plate 514 via an electrical connection 530.

[0037] FIG. 7A and 7B are a cross-sectional and a perspective view of the downhole assembly 500. FIG. 7A illustrates the downhole assembly 500 in an “open” configuration and FIG. 7B illustrates the downhole assembly 500 in a “closed” (actuated) configuration. The electrical signal may apply current to the electromagnetic plate 514. The metallic plate 512 may comprise a ferromagnetic material and when current is applied to the electromagnetic plate 514, the electromagnetic plate 514 will either repel or attract the metallic (ferromagnetic) plate 512. In the shown embodiment, the electromagnetic plate 514 will attract the metallic plate 512 and compress the spring 516, but in other embodiments, the position of the plates may be switched wherein the current will cause the electromagnetic plate 514 to repel the metallic plate 512 and uncompress the spring 516.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 7A, when the downhole assembly 500 is in the open configuration, the one or more openings 513 of the sleeve 510 are aligned w ith the valve 506 and uphole of a sealing ring 528 (such as an o-ring) such that fluid may flow- through the openings 511 in the sleeve 510 through the valve 506 into the fill sub 502. FIG. 7B shows the fill sub 502 in an activated or closed position in response to actuation of the actuator 504. The electrical signal in this embodiment applies current one or more times to the electromagnetic plate 514 and attracts the metallic plate 512. The metallic plate 512 moves in response to the applied current, thereby moving / stroking the piston 520 downhole to engage and push the sleeve 510. The sleeve 510 is pushed downhole and seals the one or more openings 513 from the valve 506 and downhole of the sealing ring 528, sealing the fill sub 502 from further fluid flow from annulus.

[0039] Similar to operation of the downhole assembly 200, the electrical connection 530 maybe connected with and receive the electrical signal from a power source. The power source may be a controller positioned at the surface of the wellbore or may be an electric or batten powered source positioned proximate the downhole assembly 500. The actuation may be remotely controlled by an operator, or may be pre-programmed and sent from a downhole module with a local power source such as a battery. The preprogrammed signal may occur after a certain period of time has passed or in response to other activities or operations downhole, such as time period of 100 hours, or after a packer has been set.

[0040] While the aspects of the disclosure are described with reference to various implementations and exploitations, it will be understood that these aspects are illustrative and that the scope of the claims is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible.

[0041] Plural instances may be provided for components, operations or structures described herein as a single instance. Finally, boundaries between various components, operations and data stores are somewhat arbitrary, and particular operations are illustrated in the context of specific illustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality are envisioned and mayfall within the scope of the disclosure. In general, structures and functionality presented as separate components in the example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosure.

[0042] Various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles and the novel features disclosed herein.

[0043] Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations also may be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation also may be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described as acting in certain combinations and eveninitially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0044] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Further, the drawings may schematically depict one more example process in the form of a flow diagram. However, some operations may be omitted and / or other operations that are not depicted may be incorporated in the example processes that are schematically illustrated. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the illustrated operations. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the implementations described should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and the described program components and systems may generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. Additionally, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims may be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results.Example Implementations

[0045] Aspects disclosed herein include:

[0046] Aspect A: An apparatus to be positioned in a wellbore, the apparatus comprising: a metallic plate; an electromagnetic plate; and a spring positioned between the metallic plate and the electromagnetic plate. The apparatus is configured to actuate in response to application of an electrical signal to the electromagnetic plate, wherein actuation of the apparatus activates a downhole component.

[0047] Aspect B: A system for use in a wellbore, comprising: a downhole tool; an apparatus for activating the downhole tool, the apparatus comprising: a metallic plate; an electromagnetic plate; and a spring positioned between the metallic plate and the electromagnetic plate. Theapparatus is configured to actuate in response to application of an electrical signal to the electromagnetic plate, wherein actuation of the apparatus activates a downhole component.

[0048] Aspect C: A method, the method comprising: running a downhole tool and an apparatus for activating the downhole tool into a wellbore, the apparatus comprising: a metallic plate; an electromagnetic plate; and a spring positioned between the metallic plate and the electromagnetic plate. The apparatus is configured to actuate in response to application of an electrical signal to the electromagnetic plate, wherein actuation of the apparatus activates a downhole component. The method further comprises applying the electrical signal to the electromagnetic plate.

[0049] Aspects A, B, and C may have one or more of the following additional elements in combination:

[0050] Element 1 : wherein the electrical signal applies current to the electromagnetic plate.

[0051] Element 2: wherein the metallic plate comprises a ferromagnetic material and the metallic plate moves in response to the current applied to the electromagnetic plate.

[0052] Element 3: wherein actuating of the apparatus initiates a flow of fluid and the downhole component is a disappearing plug that expends in response to the flow of fluid.

[0053] Element 4: the apparatus further comprising: at least one rod having a plurality of axial openings therein; and a seal fluidly coupled with a disappearing plug; wherein the at least one rod extends through openings in the metallic plate and the electromagnetic plate; and wherein the metallic plate moves in response to the application of the electrical signal, moving the at least one rod toward the seal, wherein a distal end of the at least one rod punctures the seal to initiate fluid flow through the seal.

[0054] Element 5 : wherein the downhole component is a fill sub, wherein the fill sub closes in response to actuation of the apparatus.

[0055] Element 6: the apparatus further comprising: a piston, the piston configured to engage a sleeve, wherein the metallic plate moves in response to the application of the electrical signal, and wherein the piston strokes downhole as the metallic plate moves and pushes the sleeve downhole to close the fill sub.

[0056] Element 7: wherein the electrical signal is received from a controller positioned at a surface of the wellbore.

[0057] Element 8: wherein the electrical signal is received from a battery positioned within a module positioned downhole in the wellbore proximate the apparatus.

[0058] Element 9: wherein the electrical signal is preprogrammed.

[0059] Element 10: wherein the electrical signal applies current to the electromagnetic plate, and wherein the metallic plate comprises a ferromagnetic material.

[0060] Element 11 : wherein the electrical signal is received from one of a controller positioned at a surface of the wellbore and a battery positioned within a module positioned downhole in the wellbore.

[0061] Use of the phrase “at least one of’ preceding a list with the conjunction “and’' should not be treated as an exclusive list and should not be construed as a list of categories with one item from each category, unless specifically stated otherwise. A clause that recites “at least one of A, B, and C” can be infringed with only one of the listed items, multiple of the listed items, and one or more of the items in the list and another item not listed.

[0062] As used herein, the term “or” is inclusive unless otherwise explicitly noted. Thus, the phrase “at least one of A, B, or C” is satisfied by any element from the set {A, B, C} or any combination thereof, including multiples of any element.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus to be positioned in a wellbore, the apparatus comprising: a metallic plate; an electromagnetic plate; and a spring positioned between the metallic plate and the electromagnetic plate, wherein the apparatus is configured to actuate in response to application of an electrical signal to the electromagnetic plate, wherein actuation of the apparatus activates a downhole component.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrical signal applies current to the electromagnetic plate.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the metallic plate comprises a ferromagnetic material and the metallic plate moves in response to the current applied to the electromagnetic plate.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein actuating of the apparatus initiates a flow of fluid and the downhole component is a disappearing plug that expends in response to the flow of fluid.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: at least one rod having a plurality of axial openings therein; and a seal fluidly coupled with a disappearing plug; wherein the at least one rod extends through openings in the metallic plate and the electromagnetic plate; and wherein the metallic plate moves in response to the application of the electrical signal, moving the at least one rod toward the seal, wherein a distal end of the at least one rod punctures the seal to initiate fluid flow through the seal.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the downhole component is a fill sub, wherein the fill sub closes in response to actuation of the apparatus.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising:a piston, the piston configured to engage a sleeve, wherein the metallic plate moves in response to the application of the electrical signal, and wherein the piston strokes downhole as the metallic plate moves and pushes the sleeve downhole to close the fill sub.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrical signal is received from a controller positioned at a surface of the wellbore.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrical signal is received from a battery’ positioned within a module positioned downhole in the wellbore proximate the apparatus.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrical signal is preprogrammed.

11. A system for use in a wellbore, comprising: a downhole tool; an apparatus for activating the downhole tool, the apparatus comprising: a metallic plate: an electromagnetic plate; and a spring positioned between the metallic plate and the electromagnetic plate, wherein the apparatus is configured to actuate in response to application of an electrical signal to the electromagnetic plate, wherein actuation of the apparatus activates a downhole component.

12. The system according to claim 11 , wherein the electrical signal applies current to the electromagnetic plate.

13. The system according to claim 11, wherein the metallic plate comprises a ferromagnetic material.

14. The system according to claim 11, wherein the downhole tool is a disappearing plug that expends in response to a flow of fluid initiated by actuation of the apparatus, and wherein the apparatus further comprises:at least one rod having a plurality of axial openings therein; and a seal fluidly coupled with a disappearing plug; wherein the at least one rod extends through openings in the metallic plate and the electromagnetic plate; and wherein the metallic plate moves in response to the application of the electrical signal moving the at least one rod toward the seal, wherein a distal end of the at least one rod punctures the seal to initiate fluid flow through the seal.

15. The system according to claim 11, wherein the downhole tool is a fill sub, wherein the fill sub closes in response to actuation of the apparatus; and wherein the apparatus further comprises: a piston, the piston configured to engage a sleeve, wherein the metallic plate moves in response to the application of the electrical signal, and wherein the piston strokes downhole as the metallic plate moves and pushes the sleeve downhole to close the fill sub.

16. A method, the method comprising: running a downhole tool and an apparatus for activating the downhole tool into a wellbore, the apparatus comprising: a metallic plate; an electromagnetic plate; and a spring positioned between the metallic plate and the electromagnetic plate, wherein the apparatus is configured to actuate in response to application of an electrical signal to the electromagnetic plate, wherein actuation of the apparatus activates a downhole component; and applying the electrical signal to the electromagnetic plate.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the electrical signal applies current to the electromagnetic plate, and wherein the metallic plate comprises a ferromagnetic material.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the electrical signal is received from one of a controller positioned at a surface of the wellbore and a batten positioned within a module positioned downhole in the wellbore.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the downhole tool is a disappearing plug that expends in response to a flow of fluid initiated by actuation of the apparatus, and wherein the apparatus further comprises: at least one rod having a plurality of axial openings therein; and a seal fluidly coupled with a disappearing plug; wherein the at least one rod extends through openings in the metallic plate and the electromagnetic plate; and wherein the metallic plate moves in response to the application of the electrical signal, moving the at least one rod toward the seal, wherein a distal end of the at least one rod punctures the seal to initiate fluid flow through the seal.

20. The method according to claim 16,wherein the downhole tool is a fill sub. wherein the fill sub is run in hole in an open configuration and wherein the fill sub closes in response to actuation of the apparatus; and wherein the apparatus further comprises: a piston, the piston configured to engage a sleeve, wherein the metallic plate moves in response to the application of the electrical signal, and wherein the piston strokes downhole as the metallic plate moves and pushes the sleeve downhole to close the fill sub.

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