Disappear-on-Demand Material Actuation by Tubing String Trigger

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing actuation methods for disappear-on-demand materials in boreholes require interventions via tethers, which are inefficient and costly, limiting their use and necessitating frequent interventions.

Innovation Solution

A disappear-on-demand material actuator triggered by manipulating a tubing string, which includes a trigger and an electrical energy source to initiate actuation without the need for additional interventions, using a turbine or biaser to generate electrical energy and ignite the material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If tethers are used to actuate DOD material, then the material can be actuated remotely, but interventions are required frequently which are inefficient and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote actuation capabilityVSAvoidintervention frequency and duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is pre-configured with an electrical energy source (battery or generator) and trigger mechanism before deployment. The system performs preliminary setup by installing the actuator with all necessary components (power source, trigger, DOD material) in advance, eliminating the need for frequent interventions to replenish power or reconfigure the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator system is designed to be self-sufficient with an onboard electrical energy source that provides power for actuation without requiring external power supply or intervention. The trigger mechanism is pre-set to activate the DOD material when specific conditions are met, allowing the system to operate autonomously without frequent human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If tethers are used to actuate DOD material, then actuation is possible, but the operational time is limited by tether permanence in borehole

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation capabilityVSAvoidoperational duration without intervention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is pre-equipped with a long-duration electrical energy source (battery or generator) that is installed before the operational period begins. This preliminary provisioning of energy ensures that the actuator can operate for extended periods without requiring tether reinstallation or intervention, as all necessary components are already in place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses an autonomous power source that independently provides electrical energy for actuation without relying on external tethers. The battery or generator onboard the actuator sustains operation over extended periods, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the time limitation imposed by tether permanence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If interventions are used to re-actuate DOD material, then actuation can be maintained, but costs increase due to inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation continuityVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is pre-configured with all necessary components including the electrical energy source and trigger mechanism before deployment. This preliminary setup ensures that the system can maintain continuous operation and actuation capability without requiring costly interventions to replenish power or reconfigure the system, thereby improving both reliability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator system operates autonomously with an onboard electrical energy source that maintains actuation capability without external intervention. The self-sufficient design eliminates the need for costly intervention operations to replenish power or reconfigure the system, sustaining both reliability and operational efficiency throughout the operational period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 actuation of disappear-on-demand materials without tethered interventions, saving time and costs by allowing remote actuation through string manipulation, thereby extending operational duration and reducing inefficiencies.

Implementation Method 1

Electrical energy needs merely be supplied to the material and the material will disappear

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

the trigger configured to respond to manipulation of a tubing string

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12467338B1Disappear-on-demand material actuator, method and system

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A disappear-on-demand material actuator, including a trigger disposed in operable contact with the material, the trigger configured to respond to manipulation of a tubing string in operable communication with the actuator, and an electrical energy source electrically connected to the material and configured to supply electrical energy to the material upon a sequence initiation of the trigger. A method for actuating a disappear-on-demand material, including manipulating a tubing string, changing a trigger on the actuator, and conveying electrical energy to the material.