Degradable Actuation Ring for Downhole Tool Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wellbore operations face challenges in actuating downhole tools due to incompatible engagement profiles, leading to fluid flow restrictions and access issues, as shifting tools may not be compatible with profiles closer to the surface, and engagement profiles farther downhole can cause undesirable restrictions.

Innovation Solution

The use of degradable engagement profiles in downhole tools that can be actuated by actuation tools and subsequently degraded to minimize flow restrictions and access barriers, allowing for reconfiguration and removal of obstructions without additional tripping of tubing strings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If engagement profiles are made smaller farther downhole to allow tool access, then tool accessibility is improved, but fluid flow restriction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool accessibilityVSAvoidfluid flow restriction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement profile is extracted as a separate removable component (actuation ring) from the downhole tool body. After the shifting tool engages the profile to actuate the tool, the actuation ring is removed or degraded, eliminating the flow restriction while preserving the actuation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuation ring provides a localized engagement profile at a specific position in the downhole tool. This localized feature allows the shifting tool to engage without requiring the entire tool bore to be restricted, enabling selective actuation while maintaining overall flow capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If engagement profiles are made larger closer to the surface to enable shifting tool engagement, then actuation capability is improved, but compatibility with downhole tools is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation capabilityVSAvoidprofile compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement profile is segmented into a separate actuation ring component rather than being integrated into the downhole tool body. This segmentation allows the profile dimensions to be optimized for shifting tool engagement while the ring itself can be made small enough to pass through restricted downhole sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The actuation ring serves as an intermediary component between the shifting tool and the downhole tool mechanism. It provides the necessary engagement profile for actuation while being small enough to be deployed through restricted sections, mediating between the conflicting size requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If permanent engagement profiles are used to ensure reliable actuation, then actuation reliability is improved, but flow restriction and access barriers persist

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation reliabilityVSAvoidflow restriction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation ring is designed as a temporary component that is discarded after serving its actuation function. It is removed or degraded after the shifting tool has engaged and actuated the downhole tool, eliminating the flow restriction while ensuring reliable actuation during the critical period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement profile transitions from a static permanent feature to a dynamic temporary component. The actuation ring is present during actuation to ensure reliable engagement, then disappears through removal or degradation, adapting the system's structure to different operational phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enables efficient reconfiguration of downhole tools by engaging and degrading profiles, reducing fluid flow restrictions and tool access barriers, facilitating subsequent wellbore operations while avoiding debris interference.

Implementation Method 1

a degradable actuation ring with a profile. The actuation tool can engage the profile and displace the actuation ring. At least a portion of the actuation ring can be degraded downhole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDegradation: Decomposition (biological)

Data Source

PatentUS11047186B2Actuating a downhole tool with a degradable actuation ring

Publication Date: 2021.06.29 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A system and method to actuate a downhole tool, where the tool can include a body, a closure member and a degradable actuation ring. A profile of the actuation ring can be configured to engage an actuation tool (e.g. shifting tool, ball drop, dart, plug, etc.) used to displace the activation ring via the engagement and thereby displacing the closure member to a different position. The degradable actuation ring can be degraded by an agent downhole to degrade and/or remove the actuation ring from the downhole tool thereby providing an increased clearance through the tool.