Downhole Setting Assembly With Igniter Switch Status Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for confirming the setting of downhole 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 sealing device's status.
Innovation Solution
A setting tool initiator with an igniter switch module that communicates its status to the surface by disabling or disconnecting the igniter switch upon ignition, ensuring a reliable surface indication of successful actuation while maintaining the effectiveness of the setting tool's pressure force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual tension checks are used to confirm sealing device setting, then the operator can verify sealing status, but the process becomes time-consuming and may be unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an igniter switch module that provides automatic feedback to the surface system. When the igniter is activated to set the sealing device, the switch module automatically sends a signal indicating the activation status, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual tension checks and providing reliable real-time feedback on sealing device status.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification through the igniter switch module that automatically monitors and reports its own activation status to the surface. The system serves itself by providing internal confirmation of proper operation without requiring external manual verification procedures.
2Loss of information
If the igniter switch remains operational after ignition, then the system maintains communication capability, but it cannot provide clear indication of successful actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating two distinct states of the igniter switch module: operational (before ignition) and inoperable (after ignition). The switch module's electrical properties change locally at the point of ignition, transitioning from conducting to non-conducting state, which provides clear status indication without requiring complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electrical state changes analogous to color changes - the igniter switch transitions from an operational state (electrical continuity present) to an inoperable state (electrical continuity broken). This state change provides visualizable and measurable indication of the ignition status to the surface 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
Provides a fast and reliable method to confirm the setting of downhole tools, reducing operational time and costs by ensuring clear communication of the tool's status to the surface, thereby enhancing the efficiency of wellbore completion operations.
Implementation Method 1
A setting tool initiator with an igniter switch module that communicates its status to the surface by disabling or disconnecting the igniter switch upon ignition, ensuring a reliable surface indication of successful actuation
Data Source
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.