Downhole Activating Device Radial Retraction for Seat Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole tools face challenges in efficiently controlling fluid flow and isolating measurement-while-drilling (MWD) tools from lost circulation material (LCM), leading to potential damage and operational inefficiencies, particularly in high-pressure drilling environments where multiple activating balls or pressure cycles are required, increasing the risk of malfunction and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A downhole bypass valve with a radially movable activation profile and latch mechanism that allows for fluid pressure-actuated opening and reliable sealing, using a single activating device to maintain the valve in an open position, reducing complexity and the risk of malfunction, and minimizing exposure to LCM, allowing for efficient fluid bypass and protection of MWD tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple activating balls or pressure cycles are used to control the bypass valve, then the valve can be reliably activated, but the device complexity and risk of malfunction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the activation function from multiple separate balls or pressure cycles and consolidates it into a single activating ball with an integrated activation profile. This single ball contains all necessary activation features (radially movable member, support structure, latch engagement features) needed to reliably open and hold the bypass valve, eliminating the need for multiple activation devices or complex pressure cycling sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple activation functions into a single activating ball: the radially movable member engages the latch to open the valve, the support structure maintains the activation profile shape, and the integrated design combines these elements into one device. This consolidation reduces the number of components and simplifies the activation mechanism while maintaining reliable valve control.
2Device complexity
If a single activating device is used to maintain the valve open, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of maintaining valve position may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a radially movable member within the activating ball that can dynamically change position. When the ball is in the bypass valve, fluid pressure or mechanical force causes the radially movable member to engage the latch, holding the valve open. This dynamic adjustment allows a single activating device to reliably maintain valve position through self-actuating engagement mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the activation profile is maintained at a larger diameter, then the activating device can be held on the seat, but the device cannot pass through the seat
Solution Approach 1:
The activation profile includes a radially movable member that can change diameter dynamically. During insertion, the profile is reconfigured to a smaller diameter to pass through the seat. Once positioned, the radially movable member extends to the larger diameter to engage the latch and hold the valve open. This dynamic size change resolves the contradiction between passing through and being retained by the seat.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the activation profile diameter based on operational stage. The profile transitions from a smaller diameter configuration during insertion to a larger diameter configuration during valve holding. This parameter change allows the same activating device to both pass through the seat initially and then be retained by it for valve operation.
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
The solution provides reliable and efficient fluid bypass, reduces the risk of tool damage from LCM, and simplifies operation by using a single activating device, minimizing downtime and operational costs, while maintaining the valve open for reverse circulation and dry tripping operations.
Implementation Method 1
the activation profile includes a radially movable member supported in an extended position to define said larger diameter, and the activation profile is re-configurable to radially retract by removal of the support from the radially movable member and permitting radial retraction of said radially movable member from the extended position to define a release diameter smaller than said larger diameter
Implementation Method 2
permit application of a fluid pressure opening force to the device and the sleeve to move the sleeve downwards to an open position
Data Source
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AI summary
An activating device (130) is provided for location in downhole tubing. The device defines an activation profile (131) which is initially maintained at a larger diameter than a tubing seat (36), such that the device may land on and be held up by the seat (36). The profile (131) may be subsequently re-configured to radially retract, allowing the device to pass through the seat.