Downhole Actuator Frangible Member Rupture Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for actuating down-hole tools, such as ball valves, require pressure testing before activation, which can be time-consuming and inefficient, especially when the required pressure is the same as that needed for actuation, limiting the speed of operations in the oil and gas industry.
Innovation Solution
An actuator device with indexing means, a pressure-activated actuating member, and a frangible member that allows high-pressure fluid to enter a chamber upon rupture, enabling remote operation of down-hole tools by linking a hydro-mechanical counter to a trigger mechanism, utilizing a piston and spring return system to increment a rod and rupture a metal plate, allowing hydrostatic pressure to activate the actuating member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure testing is performed before actuating down-hole tools, then reliability of operation is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The counter mechanism performs preliminary counting of pressure cycles during normal operation before the actuation event. The indexing means progressively moves the rupturing member with each pressure cycle, preparing the system in advance so that when actuation is needed, the frangible member has already been positioned for rupture, eliminating the need for separate pressure testing
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the normal operational pressure cycles themselves to drive the counter mechanism and prepare the actuation system. The same pressure fluctuations that perform the work also advance the rupturing member through the indexing means, making the system self-preparing without requiring additional testing operations
2Device complexity
If the same pressure is used for both pressure testing and actuation, then equipment simplicity is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes periodic pressure cycles during normal operation to progressively advance the rupturing member through the indexing mechanism. Each pressure cycle increments the counter, and after a predetermined number of cycles, the frangible member ruptures to enable actuation. This converts routine periodic operations into the actuation trigger
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible member acts as an intermediary that accumulates stress from multiple pressure cycles and then releases it all at once to trigger actuation. It mediates between the gradual counting process and the sudden actuation event, allowing the same pressure source to serve both monitoring and actuation functions
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 efficient and remote activation of down-hole tools, such as ball valves, by allowing high-pressure fluid to activate the actuating member after a predetermined number of pressure cycles, reducing the need for pre-activation pressure testing and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the frangible member is adapted to rupture on a predetermined movement of the counter, allowing well pressure to move the actuating member
Implementation Method 2
The indexing means may comprise a counter which comprises a piston and spring return. the piston and spring return may increment a rod
Implementation Method 3
The indexing means may comprise a counter which comprises a piston and spring return
Implementation Method 4
allowing hydrostatic pressure to move the actuating member
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator device for downhole tools comprising: indexing means for progressively moving a rupturing member (12, 16); a pressure activated actuating member in fluid communication with a chamber; and a frangible member (HA) interposing the indexing means and the chamber, wherein the actuator device is adapted such that, upon a predetermined movement of the rupturing member, the rupturing member ruptures the frangible member to allow high pressure fluid to enter the chamber and activate the actuating member.