Downhole Safety Device Conductor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole tools face challenges in preventing unintentional activation of components like perforation switches when electronic failures occur, leading to potential uncontrolled operations, especially in drilling and cementing units, due to the risk of excessive electrical power transfer.
Innovation Solution
A safety device with a first member and a second member, both comprising conductors, where the first conductors have a greater surface area for power transfer and the second conductors have a smaller surface area for signaling, ensuring that power is only transferred when the safety device is in the correct position, preventing unintentional activation of operational units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the conductors have large surface area for power transfer, then power transfer capability is improved, but the risk of unintentional power transfer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor system is segmented into two distinct groups: first conductors with large surface area for power transfer, and second conductors with small surface area for signaling only. This segmentation ensures that even if signaling conductors are accidentally contacted, they cannot transfer dangerous power levels due to their limited surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
Different surface area properties are assigned to different conductors based on their function. The first conductors have large surface area optimized for high power transfer, while the second conductors have small surface area optimized for low-power signaling. This local differentiation of properties prevents unintentional high-power activation.
2Productivity
If the first conductors are always in contact with the second member conductors, then power delivery is improved, but unintentional activation of operational units occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The contact state between first conductors and second member conductors is made dynamic rather than static. The first conductors can be moved into contact with the second member conductors only when power delivery is intentionally required, and can be withdrawn when not needed. This dynamic control prevents unintentional activation while maintaining efficient power delivery when active.
3Reliability
If separate conductors are used for power and signaling, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety mechanism is merged with the existing conductor structure by differentiating surface areas within the conductor system itself, rather than adding separate safety devices. The second conductors serve dual purposes: they provide signaling capability and simultaneously act as a safety barrier due to their limited surface area, preventing them from transferring dangerous power levels.
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 safety device effectively prevents unintentional power transfer to operational units by ensuring the first conductors are only in contact when necessary, thereby preventing uncontrolled operations and ensuring secure operation of downhole tools.
Implementation Method 1
the first conductors can transfer more power to the conductors of the second member than the second conductors
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a downhole safety device (1) for a downhole tool (2) for controlling a delivery of electricity from a power device to an electrical component in the tool, comprising a first member (3) comprising a plurality of conductors (4) and a second member (6) comprising a plurality of conductors (7). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for activating the safety device.