Downhole Tool Activation via Electromagnetic Wireline Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conveying and activating downhole tools often require large, expensive, and cumbersome activation devices due to the high forces needed to move components downhole, which complicates the process in production and other systems.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus utilizing a stationary and movable component with magnetic members, where a magnetic force is created between them to move the movable component, activating the downhole tool, reducing the need for large activation devices by using a power supply to control the magnetic interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If large activation devices are used to move components downhole, then the force required to move components is sufficient, but the device becomes expensive and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce to move componentVSAvoidactivation device size

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical activation devices with an electromagnetic system. Electromagnets are used to generate magnetic forces that move the component downhole, eliminating the need for large mechanical activation devices. The electromagnetic system provides sufficient force while being more compact and less cumbersome than conventional mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter used for activation from mechanical force to electromagnetic force. By controlling the current through the electromagnets, the magnetic force can be precisely adjusted to move the component downhole. This parameter change allows for a more efficient and compact activation system compared to traditional mechanical approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If large activation devices are conveyed downhole, then the component can be moved, but the conveying process becomes expensive and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce to move componentVSAvoidconveying process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces large mechanical activation devices with a more compact electromagnetic system that can be more easily conveyed downhole. The electromagnetic actuators require less space and are simpler to handle during the conveying process, making the overall operation less expensive and cumbersome while still providing the necessary force to move the component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Force

If electromagnetic members are activated to create magnetic force, then the movable component can be moved with less force, but energy must be supplied to activate the magnets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic force between membersVSAvoidenergy to activate magnets

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic system uses the wireline power supply already present in the downhole environment to activate the electromagnets. The power supply is self-contained and can be activated through the existing wireline infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate energy delivery systems. This self-service approach allows the electromagnetic force to be generated using available energy resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 activation of downhole tools with reduced complexity and cost by leveraging magnetic forces to move components, allowing for precise control and operation of downhole tools without the need for large, cumbersome devices.

Implementation Method 1

activating at least one of the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member to create a magnetic force between the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member to move the movable component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9790768B2Apparatus to activate a downhole tool by way of electromagnets via wireline current

Publication Date: 2017.10.17 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

An apparatus and method for activating a downhole tool of a production system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first component, a first magnetic member coupled to the first component, a second component of movable with respect to the first component, and a second magnetic member attached to the second component. The first component is generally stationary with respect a work string of the production system. An electric current activates at least one of the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member to create a magnetic force between the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member, thereby moving the movable component with respect to the stationary component to perform the action downhole. The produced motion of the movable component activates the downhole tool.