Actuating Tool for Downhole Auxiliary Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current downhole tools face challenges in efficiently actuating auxiliary tools in wellbores due to the need for explosive or energetic devices, which can cause shock and increase costs, and existing conveyance strings may be insufficiently rigid to deploy tools effectively.

Innovation Solution

An actuating tool system that uses wellbore pressure to radially expand a plug and anchor it to the wellbore wall, eliminating the need for explosive devices by employing a piston and seal assembly actuated by a heating element, and includes a conveyance string like wireline or coiled tubing for tool deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If explosive or energetic devices are used to actuate auxiliary tools, then the actuation force is sufficient, but shock is generated and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation forceVSAvoidshock

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces explosive or energetic devices with a mechanical piston system actuated by heating element-induced thermal expansion. The heating element expands the piston through thermal effects, eliminating the need for explosive force while maintaining sufficient actuation capability and reducing harmful shock effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes thermal expansion of the piston in response to heating element activation to generate the actuation force. This thermal-mechanical conversion provides controlled, shock-free expansion that replaces the abrupt force delivery of explosive devices while maintaining adequate actuation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #37Thermal expansion

2Speed

If explosive or energetic devices are used to actuate auxiliary tools, then the actuation is rapid, but costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation speedVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive explosive or energetic devices with a cost-effective heating element and piston system. This substitution maintains rapid actuation capability through thermal-mechanical conversion while significantly reducing operational costs and improving reliability by eliminating the need for costly explosive materials and safety protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the actuation mechanism from chemical/explosive energy to thermal-mechanical energy. This parameter change enables controlled, rapid piston expansion through heating while reducing costs by eliminating explosive materials, making the system both faster and more economically reliable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional conveyance strings are used for tool deployment, then the deployment is flexible, but rigidity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment flexibilityVSAvoidrigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a conveyance string system that serves multiple functions: it provides flexible deployment capability for navigating wellbores while simultaneously providing sufficient rigidity for effective tool actuation. The system integrates both flexible conveyance and rigid force transmission capabilities in a single multi-functional deployment mechanism.

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

The system enables smoother, steadier actuation of the plug, reduces shock, and decreases costs by eliminating the need for explosive devices, while ensuring reliable placement and reusability of the actuating tool.

Implementation Method 1

degrading, using the heating element, at least a portion of the seal assembly to sealingly disengage the seal assembly from the housing retainer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 2

the fluid communication between the first sub-chamber and the wellbore moves the piston to a first axial position relative to the housing retainer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11414951B2Actuating tool for actuating an auxiliary tool downhole in a wellbore

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 OSO PERFORATING LLC

AI summary

An actuating tool actuable by degradation of at least a portion of a seal assembly to set an auxiliary tool downhole in an oil and gas wellbore. A system and method for actuating the auxiliary tool downhole in the oil and gas wellbore using the actuating tool by degrading at least a portion of the seal assembly of the actuating tool.