Downhole Activating Profile Diameter Change for Tool Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole tools in tubing strings can only be activated sequentially due to the size differences in activating devices and seats, limiting the utility of multiple tools in a single string.
Innovation Solution
The use of activating devices with profiles that can extend to engage larger seats and retract to pass through smaller seats, allowing for the activation of tools in any order by passing through progressively larger seats and then reconfiguring to activate subsequent tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If activating devices with fixed diameters are used for multiple tools, then tools can be activated sequentially, but the ability to activate tools in any order is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The activating device incorporates a diameter-changing mechanism that allows the device to dynamically alter its diameter between extended and retracted states. This dynamic capability enables the single activating device to adapt to multiple seat diameters, allowing tools to be activated in any desired order rather than being restricted to sequential activation from distal to proximal ends.
Solution Approach 2:
The activating device changes its physical parameter (diameter) between two states: an extended diameter for engaging larger seats and a retracted diameter for passing through smaller seats. This parameter change capability resolves the contradiction by enabling versatile tool activation sequences while using a single reusable device rather than multiple fixed-diameter devices.
2Force
If permanent flow restrictions are provided in tools, then activating force can be generated, but pressure losses increase and access to string below restriction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flow restriction is segmented into two functional parts: a permanent restriction that generates the activating force, and a temporary activating device that occludes the string bore to create the pressure differential. This segmentation allows the permanent restriction to remain small (minimizing pressure loss) while the temporary device provides the necessary flow blockage for activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The activating device is deployed preliminarily to occlude the string bore before the permanent restriction can cause significant pressure loss. By establishing the pressure differential through the temporary occlusion first, the system generates activating force while minimizing energy loss through the permanent restriction.
3Productivity
If multiple activating devices of different diameters are used, then tools can be activated in sequence, but device inventory and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single activating device is designed to perform multiple functions by changing its diameter between extended and retracted states. The device can engage with seats of different diameters (first, second, and third seats) by adjusting its diameter, eliminating the need for multiple specialized activating devices and reducing inventory requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The diameter-changing mechanism is nested within the activating device body, allowing the device to compact into a smaller configuration for passing through seats and expand to a larger configuration for engaging seats. This nesting approach enables one device to replace multiple devices of different sizes.
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 method enables the activation of multiple tools in a tubing string in any desired order, enhancing the operational flexibility and utility of downhole tools by allowing for multiple activations without restricting fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic pressure in the string, generated by surface pumps, acts across at least a part of the tool to create an activating force
Implementation Method 2
The activating device may wholly or partly occlude the string bore, facilitating creation of a pressure differential across the device and the seat, and thus the creation of a potentially significant activating force
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
Downhole apparatus comprises first and second tools for location in a tubing string. The first tool has a first seat of a first diameter and the second tool has a second seat of a second diameter larger than the first diameter. First and second activating devices are provided for use in activating the respective first and second tools. The first activating device includes a first activating profile having an extended diameter larger than the first diameter and smaller than the second diameter and a retracted diameter smaller than the first diameter. The second activating device includes a second activating profile having an extended diameter larger than the second diameter and a retracted diameter smaller that the first diameter.