Downhole Switch System for Single Control Line Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsurface safety valves (SSSVs) require multiple control lines for operation, which increases complexity and cost in well completion and maintenance, especially in deepwater and environmentally sensitive areas.
Innovation Solution
A switch system that allows a single primary electric control line to operate two different downhole tools or redundant tools by switching power between them, reducing the need for additional control lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple control lines are used to operate downhole tools, then reliability of tool operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control lines into a single control line that can selectively activate different downhole tools. The switch system allows one control line to perform the function of multiple separate control lines by routing power and control signals to different tools based on operational needs, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single control line is designed with multi-functionality to operate multiple different downhole tools including subsurface safety valves and tubing retrievable safety valves. The control line can switch between different tools and modes of operation, making it a universal control interface that replaces multiple dedicated control lines.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control lines are installed, then operational control of multiple tools is improved, but installation cost and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control line system is designed as a universal interface that can control multiple types of downhole tools through a single line. This multi-functional design allows the same control line to operate subsurface safety valves, tubing retrievable safety valves, and potentially other tools, thereby reducing installation requirements and maintenance needs compared to having separate control lines for each tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch system acts as an intermediary between the single control line and multiple downhole tools. It receives control signals from the surface through the single control line and distributes them to the appropriate tools, enabling versatile operational control without requiring direct separate control lines to each tool, thus simplifying installation and maintenance.
3Reliability
If redundant downhole tools are deployed, then safety and reliability are improved, but the need for multiple control lines increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of redundant downhole tools into a single control line system. Instead of having separate control lines for primary and redundant tools, the switch system allows one control line to selectively activate either the primary subsurface safety valve or the redundant tubing retrievable safety valve, maintaining safety and reliability while reducing control line complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to be dynamic, allowing the single control line to switch between different redundant tools based on operational conditions. The switch system can dynamically route control signals to the appropriate tool, enabling flexible management of redundant systems without the static complexity of multiple dedicated control lines.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a downhole tool, a well system, and a method. The downhole tool, in one aspect, includes a first downhole device, the first downhole device including a first outer housing including a first central bore extending axially through the first outer housing. The downhole tool, according to one aspect, further includes a switch system, the switch system including an input coupled to a primary electric control line, a first output coupled to a first electrical component of the first downhole device, and a second output coupleable to a second electrical component of a second downhole device, the switch system configured to switch power between the primary electric control line and the first downhole device and the second downhole device.