Downhole Igniter Assembly Using Propellant-Driven Tool Activation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for efficient techniques to reliably activate downhole tools in harsh and compact downhole environments.
Innovation Solution
An igniter system comprising an igniter housing, a switch assembly, and a propellant is used to activate downhole components by igniting the propellant upon receiving a trigger signal, releasing pressurized fluid to activate the downhole tool components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional activation methods are used in harsh downhole environments, then the downhole tools can be activated, but the reliability of activation is reduced and downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical activation systems with an electrical ignition system. The igniter uses an electrical switch assembly to ignite a propellant charge, which then generates pressurized fluid to activate the downhole component. This substitution of mechanical systems with electrical/chemical systems improves reliability in harsh environments where mechanical systems may fail, and reduces downtime through more consistent and controllable activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a propellant charge that generates pressurized fluid (gas or liquid) to actuate the downhole component. The igniter housing contains the propellant and directs the pressurized fluid through a discharge aperture onto the component. This pneumatic/hydraulic approach provides reliable activation in harsh downhole conditions where mechanical linkages may be problematic, and allows for precise timing control that reduces downtime.
2Reliability
If robust activation systems are used to ensure reliability in harsh conditions, then activation reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The igniter system is divided into distinct functional segments: an igniter housing containing the propellant charge, a switch assembly for electrical control, and a discharge mechanism for the pressurized fluid. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for reliability while maintaining overall system manageability. The modular structure reduces complexity by clearly defining boundaries and functions of each subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The igniter system is designed as a universal activation device that can be applied to various downhole components and tools. The standardized igniter housing, switch assembly, and propellant configuration can activate different types of downhole equipment, reducing the need for multiple specialized systems. This multi-functionality decreases overall device complexity while maintaining high reliability across different applications.
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
The igniter system provides reliable activation of downhole tools, reducing downtime, increasing efficiency, and ensuring operability in harsh conditions, with interchangeable and disposable components for flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The propellant is connected to the switch and is ignitable thereby when the switch is moved to the triggered position whereby the propellant releases a pressurized fluid through the propellant opening
Data Source
AI summary
An igniter for activating a downhole component of a downhole tool includes an igniter housing, a switch assembly, and a propellant. The igniter is positionable in the downhole tool, and includes an igniter portion and a nose portion. The igniter portion has a switch chamber therein. The nose portion has a propellant opening therethrough. The switch assembly is positioned in the switch chamber, and includes a switch movable between an untriggered and a triggered position. The propellant is supported by the nose portion. The propellant is connected to the switch and is ignitable thereby when the switch is moved to the triggered position whereby the propellant releases a pressurized fluid through the propellant opening to activate the downhole component.