Downhole Deployment Tool with Latch-Linked Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling operations face challenges in ensuring proper installation of downhole tools, leading to inefficiencies and safety risks due to uncertainty in tool positioning.
Innovation Solution
A deployment tool with a lodgement assembly that includes a latch and interdependent valve actuator, allowing fluid flow only when properly installed, providing real-time feedback on installation status through fluid flow detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a deployment tool is used to install downhole tools, then the installation process can be automated, but it becomes difficult to verify whether the tool is properly installed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where fluid flow through the control shaft serves as an indicator of proper installation. When the deployment tool is correctly installed, fluid can flow freely through the control shaft and out the exterior, providing real-time feedback that installation was successful. This resolves the information loss by creating a visible, measurable signal about installation status.
2Productivity
If the tool allows fluid flow freely, then fluid can pass through during operation, but it cannot prevent operation when not properly installed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the latch and valve actuator to prevent fluid flow during installation and retrieval operations. The valve actuator blocks the fluid path until the latch deploys, confirming proper installation before allowing fluid flow to commence. This ensures reliability by verifying installation status before permitting operational fluid flow.
3Reliability
If the latch deploys to secure the tool, then the tool is properly installed, but the valve actuator may move independently causing premature operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the latch and valve actuator into an integrated assembly where the valve actuator is physically constrained by the latch. The retention pins connect the valve actuator to the latch, ensuring that the valve actuator can only move into the open position when the latch deploys. This combining of functions eliminates independent movement and ensures that fluid flow only occurs when proper installation is confirmed.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for installation in a drill string for delivering, retrieving, activating and/or deactivating one or more downhole tools for performing one or more down-hole functions with a drill string, the tool comprising: an outer body, a control shaft with at least one fluid path from the inside to the outside of the control shaft, a wireline coupling for connection to a wireline, and a lodgement assembly that is deployable to secure the tool within the drill string and/or bottom hole assembly and allow fluid flow in the fluid path when the tool has reached an installed position, the lodgement assembly comprising: a latch that is free to deploy when the tool reaches the installed position, and a valve with a valve actuator with movement interdependent on and/or constrained by the latch, wherein during installation: if the tool reaches the installed position, the latch is free to deploy and the valve actuator is free to move into an operational position that permits fluid flow in the fluid path, if the tool does not reach the installed position, the latch is not free to deploy and constrains the tethered valve actuator in a closed position that prevents fluid flow in the fluid path.