Atmospheric Chamber Pressure Equalization via Porous Plug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole tools with atmospheric chambers face reduced performance due to significant pressure differential after actuation, which can compromise the tool's rating and setting process.
Innovation Solution
A controlled equalization assembly is introduced, featuring a fluid passage with a porous plug member and a frangible rupture member, allowing gradual pressure equalization between the atmospheric chamber and the surrounding annulus, maintaining a significant pressure differential during the setting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the atmospheric chamber is collapsed due to pressure differential during setting, then positive actuation of the tool is ensured, but the pressure differential reduces the rating of the tool following actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous plug member as a fluid restrictor within the fluid passage. The porous material allows controlled fluid flow through its interstices, enabling gradual pressure equalization between the atmospheric chamber and surrounding annulus after actuation, thereby maintaining tool rating while having already achieved positive actuation.
2Stress or pressure
If rapid pressure equalization occurs after actuation, then the pressure differential is reduced quickly, but the setting process is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow parameters by introducing a fluid restrictor (porous plug member) that controls the rate of fluid flow during pressure equalization. This restrictor modifies the fluid dynamics to achieve gradual equalization over an extended time period, preventing disruption to the setting process while still achieving pressure balance.
3Reliability
If a fluid restrictor is added to control pressure equalization, then the setting process is protected from disruption, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a porous plug member that can be simply disposed within the fluid passage to provide flow restriction. This porous material component adds minimal structural complexity while effectively controlling pressure equalization timing, protecting the setting process from disruption.
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
This approach ensures a stable and prolonged significant pressure differential, preventing disruption to the setting process and maintaining tool performance by gradually equalizing fluid pressure, thus extending the tool's operational effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid passage is provided with a fluid restrictor. One exemplary fluid restrictor is a porous plug member which is disposed within the fluid passage. In a preferred embodiment, the porous plug member is substantially formed of a sintered metal which provides interstices through which fluid may be communicated by seepage
Implementation Method 2
entry of fluid into the setting chamber from the annulus is selectively blocked by a frangible rupture member. During actuation of the setting tool, the rupture member is ruptured to permit fluid communication into the setting chamber from the surrounding annulus
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for equalizing an atmospheric chamber within a well tool in a controlled manner following the operation of setting the well tool. A packer setting tool has a setting mechanism with an atmospheric chamber and an equalization assembly to permit the pressure differential between the atmospheric chamber and the surrounding annulus to be substantially equalized.