Acoustic Running Tool Activation for Deep Wellbore Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current liner hanger running tools face challenges in generating sufficient hydraulic pressure due to issues with ball-drop activation methods, which are unreliable in deep and deviated wellbores, often resulting in delayed or incomplete activation of the expandable liner hanger.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a running tool activation device (RTAD) that autonomously or remotely activates the running tool using predefined sequences of pressures, movements, tension, compression, and acoustic signals, allowing for isolation of pressure below the running tool from above, enabling efficient expansion of the liner hanger without relying on ball-drop activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ball-drop activation method is used, then the running tool can be activated, but the activation is unreliable in deep and deviated wellbores, resulting in delayed or incomplete activation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivation reliabilityVSAvoidactivation time delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical ball-drop activation system with an acoustic signal-based activation system. The acoustic transmitter sends signals through the wellbore fluid to the receiver, which then triggers the hydraulic pump. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues and time delays associated with ball-drop methods in deep and deviated wellbores, as acoustic signals can travel reliably through the fluid medium regardless of wellbore geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces acoustic signals as an intermediary medium for activation. Instead of relying on physical ball transport, the system uses acoustic waves transmitted through the wellbore fluid to convey the activation command from surface to the downhole device. This intermediary approach ensures reliable and timely activation by utilizing the existing wellbore fluid as the transmission medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If ball-drop activation is used, then activation can occur, but it may not land properly in the seat due to wellbore depth and deviations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivation operationVSAvoidball seating reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical ball-seating operation with an acoustic signal reception system. The acoustic transmitter sends coded signals through the wellbore fluid, and the receiver detects these signals to trigger activation. This eliminates the need for physical ball seating, which is unreliable in deep and deviated wellbores, and replaces it with a more reliable acoustic detection and response mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system substitutes the mechanical ball-drop and ball-seat mechanism with an acoustic communication system. The acoustic transmitter sends signals through the wellbore fluid to the receiver, which then triggers the hydraulic pump. This substitution eliminates the need for physical ball seating, which is unreliable in deep and deviated wellbores, and replaces it with a more reliable acoustic detection and response mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stress or pressure

If ball-drop activation is used, then the running tool may be activated, but the pressure isolation cannot be properly achieved without proper ball seating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydraulic pressureVSAvoidpressure isolation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses acoustic signals as an intermediary to reliably trigger the hydraulic pump and achieve pressure isolation. The acoustic transmitter sends signals through the wellbore fluid to the receiver, which then activates the pump to build hydraulic pressure for liner hanger expansion. This acoustic mediation ensures reliable pressure isolation by providing a consistent and controllable activation mechanism that does not depend on mechanical ball seating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical ball-seating-based pressure isolation trigger with an acoustic signal-triggered hydraulic pump system. The acoustic receiver detects signals from the transmitter and automatically activates the pump, ensuring reliable pressure buildup and isolation without depending on the unreliable ball-seating process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10794157B2Downhole remote trigger activation device for VLH big bore and mono bore configured running tools with programming logic

Publication Date: 2020.10.06 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A method, a device and a system for activating a running/setting tool are provided. The method includes: 1) detecting a wellbore condition at the running tool, 2) based on a signal from surface equipment received at the running tool, initiating an isolation of pressure below the running tool from pressure above the running tool, and 3) if the signal is not received at the running tool, initiating the isolation of pressure below the running tool from the above at a predefined time based on the wellbore condition.