Degradable Material Time Delay Mechanism for Wellbore Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wellbore tools lack a cost-effective and predictable time delay mechanism that can function independently of wellbore fluids and temperatures, often relying on complex and expensive systems, which are not suitable for downhole operations.
Innovation Solution
A downhole wellbore time delay tool comprising a mechanical restraining element, a reservoir for a reactive fluid, and an actuating device that enables a chemical reaction between the fluid and the element, allowing for a pre-determined time delay by altering the element's physical properties, thereby controlling the release of stored energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanisms and expensive materials are used for time delay elements, then reliability and precision of time delay can be improved, but cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a degradable material that is intentionally designed to be inexpensive and consumable. This material degrades over time through chemical reaction with wellbore fluids, providing a reliable time delay without requiring complex or expensive mechanical components. The degradable material serves its purpose and is then discarded, eliminating the need for costly replacement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in material properties through chemical degradation to control time delay. By selecting materials with specific degradation rates and exposing them to controlled fluid environments, the system achieves predictable time delays through material parameter changes rather than complex mechanical timing mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex mechanisms and expensive materials are used for time delay elements, then time delay precision can be improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The degradable material is designed to be cost-effective and simple to manufacture. Instead of precision mechanical timing devices that require expensive tolerances and assembly, the system uses a chemical degradation process that can be manufactured economically at scale, achieving sufficient precision through controlled material selection and environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical timing mechanisms with a chemical degradation process. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive precision mechanical components, gears, or springs, while achieving time delay precision through controlled chemical reaction rates that are less sensitive to manufacturing tolerances.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pressure activated percussion initiation is used to detonate TCP, then the system can function without electric conductors, but the ability to control timing precisely is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The degradable material acts as an intermediary between the pressure activation event and the actual detonation. Pressure first activates the degradable material to begin degradation, which then controls the timing of the firing pin release. This intermediary chemical process enables precise timing control in non-conductive environments where electrical timing cannot be used.
4Ease of operation
If spool valves are used for fluid control, then directional control can be achieved, but pre-determined time delay control is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spool valve's fluid control capability with a degradable material timing mechanism. The valve controls fluid flow direction while the degradable material provides time delay control through chemical degradation. This merging of hydraulic control with chemical timing enables both directional fluid control and pre-determined time delay in a single integrated 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
This solution provides a low-cost, configurable, and predictable time delay mechanism that can operate effectively at various temperatures and fluid conditions, enabling precise control of wellbore operations without the need for expensive electronics or bulky hydraulics.
Implementation Method 1
a reactive fluid, said reactive fluid configured to react with the mechanical restraining element
Implementation Method 2
the chemical reaction enables a physical property change in the mechanical restraining element such that the stored energy applied on the wellbore device is delayed by a pre-determined time delay
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C~3D
AI summary
A time delay tool and method includes a mechanical restraining element, a reservoir for containing a reactive fluid, an actuating device and a wellbore device. When a stored energy is applied on the wellbore device, the actuation device is actuated and enables the reactive fluid in the reservoir to come in contact with the mechanical restraining element. While the mechanical restraining element undergoes a change in shape due to a chemical reaction, a stored energy applied on the wellbore device is delayed by a pre-determined time delay. The amount of the pre-determined time delay is determined by factors that include the reactive fluids, concentration of the reactive fluids, geometry and size of the mechanical restraining element.