Dielectric Fluid-Isolated Actuator for Pressure-Balanced Well Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Well tool actuators are often impaired by fluids in subterranean wells, necessitating improved methods for isolating them from well fluids and effectively actuating well tools.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a well tool design featuring a flow passage with a dielectric fluid-filled internal chamber, where the actuator is exposed to the dielectric fluid, and a flow path that alternates direction to provide pressure communication between the chamber and the passage, allowing for pressure balancing and isolation from well fluids, along with the use of sensors to control actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuator is exposed to well fluids, then the actuator can be directly actuated, but the actuator is damaged or impaired by the fluids
Solution Approach 1:
A dielectric fluid is introduced as an intermediary medium between the well tools and the actuator. The dielectric fluid fills the chamber and provides both electrical insulation and pressure transmission, allowing the actuator to be isolated from harmful well fluids while maintaining operational capability through the fluid-mediated pressure transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical coupling with an electrical field-based actuation system. The actuator uses electrical fields to control the dielectric fluid, which in turn transmits pressure to the well tool components, substituting direct mechanical contact with an electrical-mechanical intermediary system.
2Reliability
If the actuator is isolated from well fluids using a chamber, then the actuator is protected from fluid damage, but the chamber requires thick walls to contain pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric fluid serves as a pressure equalization intermediary, providing pressure communication between the chamber and the well tool flow passage. This eliminates the need for thick pressure-containing walls by allowing the chamber to be pressure-balanced with the external environment through the alternating direction flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path alternates direction in a multi-dimensional configuration, creating a U-shaped or serpentine path that provides pressure communication while maintaining physical separation. This dimensional arrangement allows pressure equalization without direct fluid contact, reducing wall thickness requirements.
3Stress or pressure
If a flow path is used to provide pressure communication, then the chamber can be pressure balanced, but the flow path adds structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The alternating direction flow path serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides pressure communication between the chamber and flow passage, isolates the actuator from well fluids, and enables dielectric fluid pressure transmission. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the intricate flow path geometry.
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 design effectively isolates actuators from well fluids, reduces the thickness of the well tool's walls, and enables precise control of the actuation process, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of well tool operations.
Implementation Method 1
an internal chamber containing a dielectric fluid
Implementation Method 2
a flow path which alternates direction and provides pressure communication between the internal chamber and the flow passage
Data Source
AI summary
A well tool for use with a subterranean well can include a flow passage extending longitudinally through the well tool, an internal chamber containing a dielectric fluid, and a flow path which alternates direction, and which provides pressure communication between the internal chamber and the flow passage. A method of controlling operation of a well tool can include actuating an actuator positioned in an internal chamber of the well tool, a dielectric fluid being disposed in the chamber, and the chamber being pressure balanced with a flow passage extending longitudinally through the well tool, and varying the actuating, based on measurements made by at least one sensor of the well tool.