Downhole Tool Escapement System for Incremental Shifting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for incrementally shifting members within tubulars in the resource recovery industry are complex to manufacture and reduce the flow area, as they require machining and multiple sleeves to achieve precise movement.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool with a tubular design featuring a hydraulic passage with dual branches and a piston system that uses hydraulic pressure to radially clamp a locking ring against a member, allowing incremental axial movement while maintaining a larger flow area by eliminating the need for multiple sleeves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a series of J-slots of varying length are used to shift a member in increments, then incremental shifting is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases and flow area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular is segmented into multiple axial positions using circumferential grooves that engage with a locking mechanism. This allows the single tubular to be divided into functional segments for incremental positioning without requiring multiple separate sleeves or complex machining of internal surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking ring acts as an intermediary element between the tubular and the member. The locking ring engages with grooves on the tubular exterior to provide incremental positioning, eliminating the need for complex internal machining while achieving precise incremental shifts.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple sleeves are used to achieve incremental movement, then incremental shifting is achieved, but flow area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements (tubular, member, locking mechanism) are merged into a single integrated assembly. The locking ring engages with grooves on the tubular exterior rather than requiring multiple separate sleeves, thereby maintaining a larger flow area while achieving incremental positioning precision.
3Ease of operation
If hydraulic pressure is applied to shift a sleeve axially, then the sleeve shifts directionally, but control complexity increases for incremental movement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is designed to be movable under hydraulic pressure, allowing it to engage or disengage from grooves dynamically. This enables incremental positioning control through simple hydraulic actuation without complex control mechanisms, as the locking ring naturally responds to pressure changes by moving between engagement states.
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
Enables easier manufacturing and maintains an increased flow area by allowing incremental shifting of members within tubulars, improving operational efficiency and fluid flow in resource exploration and recovery systems.
Implementation Method 1
Application of hydraulic pressure in the first branch urges the piston radially inwardly clamping the locking ring against the member and application of hydraulic pressure in the second branch urges the member axially in a first direction relative to the tubular
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool includes a tubular having an outer surface, an inner surface, a recess extending from the inner surface toward the outer surface, and an opening extending from the outer surface to the recess. A hydraulic passage extends through the tubular. The hydraulic passage includes an inlet, a first and a second branch. The second branch is fluidically exposed at the inner surface. A piston is arranged in the recess. A locking ring is arranged radially inwardly of the piston and a member is arranged in the tubular spaced from the inner surface. Application of hydraulic pressure in the first branch urges the piston radially inwardly clamping the locking ring against the member and application of hydraulic pressure in the second branch urges the member axially in a first direction relative to the tubular.