Dissolvable Connector for Downhole Tool Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing downhole release mechanisms require external actions like tension application, electrical pulses, or costly wire-cutting operations, lacking the ability to safely release tools and equipment based on environmental conditions in the wellbore without telemetry or weak-point breaking.

Innovation Solution

A dissolvable connector that dissolves based on downhole environmental conditions such as temperature, pressure, or chemical exposure, allowing for the release of tools and equipment without external intervention, composed of materials that degrade under specific conditions like high temperatures or pressures, and potentially using a protective sheath for controlled release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing release mechanisms (telemetry actuation, wire-cutting, weak-point breaking) are used, then tools and equipment can be released downhole, but the operations are costly, complex, and require external intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe release of toolsVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector automatically releases tools based on environmental conditions (temperature, pressure, chemical exposure) without requiring external telemetry signals or manual intervention. The dissolvable material self-activates when exposed to downhole conditions, eliminating the need for complex external control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical release mechanisms (wire-cutting tools, explosive charges, mechanical latches) with a chemical dissolution mechanism. The dissolvable material breaks down through chemical reactions with downhole environment, substituting complex mechanical operations with a simpler chemical process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If telemetry actuation or wire-cutting operations are used for release, then tools can be disconnected, but operational expenses increase and time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompletion efficiencyVSAvoidrelease time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is pre-configured with dissolvable material that is ready to react immediately upon exposure to downhole conditions. No preliminary setup, signaling, or activation steps are needed - the release mechanism is prepared in advance and automatically triggers when environmental thresholds are met.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs the release function autonomously based on environmental sensing, eliminating the need for time-consuming external operations. The connector monitors and responds to downhole conditions automatically, reducing both operational time and labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If external actions (tension, electrical pulses) are applied for release, then tools can be released, but the system requires additional equipment and operational steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelease operationVSAvoidsystem requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector inherently contains the release mechanism within its structure through dissolvable material. When exposed to downhole conditions, the material automatically degrades and releases the tool, eliminating the need for external actuators, power sources, or control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the release function from external systems and embeds it directly into the connector itself. The dissolvable material is integrated into the connector structure, removing the need for separate release mechanisms, telemetry systems, or external intervention equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 safe and cost-effective retrieval of downhole tools and equipment by dissolving under specific environmental conditions, eliminating the need for external actuation, thereby reducing operational expenses and enhancing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The dissolvable material dissolves at least partially when exposed to a threshold environmental condition in the wellbore

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution:

Implementation Method 2

composed of materials that degrade under specific conditions like high temperatures or pressures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal degradation:

Data Source

PatentUS11578539B2Dissolvable connector for downhole application

Publication Date: 2023.02.14 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A dissolvable connector allows a wireline or similar conveyance to be detached from a downhole tool or device based on conditions in a downhole environment instead of an external action, such as application of tension or an electrical pulse. The dissolvable connector can be strategically positioned to allow retrieval of expensive tools and equipment that are located above the connector. A protective sheath may be provided around the dissolvable connector that opens or unsheathes based on conditions in the downhole environment (e.g., pressure, temperature), a telemetry signal (e.g., from the surface or from a tool string), or tension, to provide greater control over the timing of the release of the dissolvable connector. Such a dissolvable connector allows the device to be detached from the conveyance without the need for wire-cutting operations or weak-point breaking operations.