Downhole Setting Assembly With Igniter Switch Confirmation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for confirming the setting of sealing devices in wellbores are time-consuming and unreliable, particularly in deep wells or offshore applications, as they rely on manual tension checks that may not accurately indicate the successful setting of auxiliary tools.

Innovation Solution

A setting tool initiator with an igniter switch module that includes a switch module comprising an igniter switch and igniter, configured to shift from an operational state to an inoperable state upon ignition, providing a clear surface indication of successful activation by disconnecting electrical communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual tension checks are used to confirm sealing device setting, then the operator can verify plug setting, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveverification reliabilityVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual tension checking system with an electrical signaling system. The igniter switch module provides automatic electrical indication when the plug is set, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual wireline tension checks and reducing operational time while maintaining verification reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-verification through automatic electrical signaling. The igniter switch module automatically indicates plug setting status through electrical communication changes, allowing the system to verify its own state without requiring external manual intervention or time-consuming physical checks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If the igniter switch remains operational after ignition, then electrical communication can be maintained, but the indication of successful activation becomes ambiguous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivation status informationVSAvoidswitch module complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses electrical communication state changes as an indicator mechanism. The igniter switch transitions from an operational state (electrical communication present) to a disconnected state (electrical communication lost), providing a clear binary indication of successful activation that is easily detectable at the surface without adding significant complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Measurement precision

If additional verification methods are implemented, then confirmation accuracy improves, but operational costs and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetting confirmation accuracyVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces multiple time-consuming verification methods with a single automatic electrical indication system. The igniter switch module provides immediate, unambiguous confirmation of plug setting through electrical communication changes, achieving high measurement precision while maintaining operational efficiency by eliminating the need for sequential verification steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Ensures timely and reliable confirmation of the setting tool's activation, reducing the need for costly and time-consuming manual checks, and maintaining the effectiveness of the setting tool's actuation force.

Implementation Method 1

an igniter configured to ignite the energetic element of the setting tool in response to the igniter switch receiving a firing signal addressed to the igniter switch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIgnition: Combustion

Data Source

PatentUS20250361785A1Downhole setting assembly with switch module

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 G&H DIVERSIFIED MFG LP

AI summary

A system for plugging a wellbore includes a plug including an annular sealing element, a setting tool configured to couple with the plug and including an energetic element, the setting tool configured to shift the plug from an initial configuration to a set configuration in response to ignition of the energetic element, and a setting tool initiator including an addressable igniter switch and an igniter, wherein the igniter is configured to ignite the energetic element of the setting tool in response to the igniter switch receiving a firing signal addressed to the igniter switch, and wherein the setting tool initiator is configured to shift the igniter switch from an operational state to an inoperable state in response to the ignition of the igniter.