Downhole Tool Actuation via Electrical Pressure Waves
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole tools in hydrocarbon exploration require hazardous materials for operation, posing challenges during transportation and operation due to varying laws regarding hazardous materials.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool actuation arrangement utilizing a submerged discharge electrical pressure source, where a capacitor bank stores voltage for rapid release through electrodes immersed in a fluid, creating a pressure wave to move a piston without the need for remote pressure sources or mechanical impacts, allowing for controlled and cumulative movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a power charge is used to create expanding gas for actuating downhole tools, then the tool can operate effectively, but hazardous materials are required which create transportation and importation difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the power charge (hazardous material) from the system entirely. Instead of using expanding gas from a power charge, the invention uses an electrical pressure source with electrodes that create pressure waves directly in the fluid medium, eliminating the need for hazardous materials while maintaining tool actuation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical system (power charge creating expanding gas) with an electrical system (electrodes creating pressure waves in fluid). This substitution eliminates hazardous materials while achieving the same mechanical actuation effect through electrical energy conversion
2Reliability
If a remote pressure source is used to actuate downhole tools, then the tools can be set, but the system complexity increases and control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure generation function directly into the tool housing by integrating electrodes and fluid chamber within the same structure. This eliminates the need for separate remote pressure sources and complex transmission systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining actuation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fluid as an intermediary medium between electrical energy and mechanical actuation. The electrical pressure source creates pressure waves in the fluid, which then directly actuate the tool components, providing simplified energy transmission with better control precision
3Reliability
If mechanical impact sources are used to actuate downhole tools, then the tools can be set, but control accuracy and precision are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic electrical discharges through the electrodes to create controlled pressure waves in the fluid. This periodic action allows precise control over the timing and magnitude of tool actuation, significantly improving setting process accuracy compared to single-impact mechanical methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls actuation precision by adjusting electrical parameters (voltage, discharge timing, pulse duration) of the electrical pressure source. These parameter changes provide fine control over pressure wave characteristics, enabling high-precision tool setting without the limitations of mechanical impact methods
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a downhole tool actuation arrangement. The arrangement includes a housing having a chamber, at least one piston in operable communication with the chamber and at least one electrode exposed to the chamber. The electrodes are receptive to a power source. Further disclosed is a method for actuating a downhole tool. The method includes discharging a voltage source through at least one electrode to cause a pressure wave in a fluid surrounding the at least one electrode and moving at least one piston in response to the pressure wave.