Downhole Valve Activation via Coded Magnetic Dart Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanisms for activating multiple downhole devices in wellbore operations are time-consuming, expensive, and limited by the need for sequential activation and restricted access, often resulting in damaged control lines and reduced production efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A mechanism using correlated magnet structures with coded magnets to selectively activate downhole valves, allowing for independent activation of multiple zones without compromising full-bore diameter and enabling flexible sequencing, featuring a sliding sleeve with a magnet set and a dart with matching magnet arms for precise activation and retrieval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If graduated balls or darts are used to activate valves sequentially from bottom up, then valves can be activated in a controlled sequence, but the system becomes limited to a fixed activation sequence and requires restrictions that reduce full-bore access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled sequence activationVSAvoidflexibility in activation sequence

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The valve activation system is segmented into multiple independent stages, each with its own magnet set and activation mechanism. This allows each valve to be activated independently through selective deployment of correspondingly coded magnets, eliminating the fixed sequential constraint while maintaining controlled activation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses coded magnets with varying magnetic field parameters (strength, polarity, configuration) to selectively activate different valves. By changing the magnetic field parameters of the deployed magnets, the system can target specific valves at any depth, enabling flexible activation sequences without physical restrictions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If control lines are used to activate restrictions at varying depth, then valves can be activated at different zones, but the control lines may be damaged during run-in-hole especially in horizontal wells

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivation at varying depthVSAvoidcontrol line integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces mechanical control lines with a magnetic field-based activation mechanism. Magnets are deployed through the wellbore and activate valves through magnetic attraction without requiring physical control lines to extend to each valve, eliminating the risk of control line damage during deployment especially in horizontal wells.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the deployed magnets and the valve mechanisms. The magnetic field transmits the activation signal through the wellbore environment without requiring direct mechanical connection or physical control lines, protecting the system from damage during run-in-hole operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If valve thickness increases to accommodate complex hydraulic mechanisms, then valve functionality is improved, but the internal diameter of the valve decreases reducing full-bore access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve functionalityVSAvoidinternal diameter

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical hydraulic mechanisms with magnetic actuation. Magnets mounted on the valve exterior or interior surfaces activate the sliding sleeves through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for thick valve walls to accommodate complex hydraulic mechanisms while maintaining full-bore access capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables efficient and flexible activation of multiple downhole valves, allowing for independent control of production zones without the need for sequential activation, reducing the risk of damage and optimizing production profiles by using coded magnets for precise and reliable operation.

Implementation Method 1

a dart for pumping in hole including a dart magnet set matched to the valve magnet set such that the dart couples to the valve when in close proximity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

the dart couples to the valve when in close proximity and, in turn, the sleeve moves from the closed position to the open position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS8297367B2Mechanism for activating a plurality of downhole devices

Publication Date: 2012.10.30 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A mechanism for selectively activating a plurality of downhole pathways including a) a valve having: i) a sleeve coupled for movement between an open and normally closed position; and ii) a valve magnet set mounted to the sleeve; and b) a dart for pumping in hole including a dart magnet set matched to the valve magnet set such that the dart couples to the valve when in close proximity and, in turn, the sleeve moves from the closed position to the open position.