Downhole Tool Actuation via Dual Sensing Member Pressure Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole tools face challenges in actuation methods that may compromise the integrity of the tubular string by requiring higher pressures than those withstood during burst pressure tests, posing risks to the string's integrity.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool design featuring two sensing members that change communication status in response to pressure changes, preventing actuation until a specific configuration is reached, allowing actuation only after the members can communicate, thereby reducing the need for excessive pressure application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pressure actuation is used to actuate the downhole tool, then the tool can be actuated without surface manipulation, but a second pressure in excess of the burst pressure test level must be applied, posing a risk to the integrity of the tubular string
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary burst pressure test at a first pressure level to verify the tubular string can withstand the operating pressure. Only after this preliminary test confirms integrity does the system allow actuation at a second, higher pressure level. This preliminary action ensures the string can handle the actuation pressure without compromising integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensing members to detect the pressure level and provides feedback to a controller. The controller receives signals from the sensing members during the burst pressure test and uses this feedback to determine when it is safe to proceed to actuation. This feedback mechanism ensures the system only actuates when the tubular string has proven capable of withstanding the required pressure.
2Reliability
If a second pressure in excess of burst pressure test level is applied to actuate the tool, then the tool can be reliably actuated, but the tubular string may be damaged due to excessive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary burst pressure test at a first pressure level to verify the tubular string can withstand the operating pressure. Only after this preliminary test confirms integrity does the system allow actuation at a second, higher pressure level. This preliminary action ensures the string can handle the actuation pressure without compromising integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing members and controller act as intermediaries between the pressure application system and the tool actuation mechanism. The sensing members detect pressure levels and provide feedback to the controller, which then determines when actuation is safe to proceed. This intermediary system prevents direct application of excessive pressure to the tubular string without first verifying its integrity.
3Stress or pressure
If the downhole tool is designed with sensing members that change communication status in response to pressure changes, then actuation can be controlled at lower pressures, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing members automatically detect pressure changes and change their communication status without external intervention. The system uses the pressure-induced changes in sensing member communication to automatically trigger actuation when appropriate, eliminating the need for complex external control systems. The tool essentially controls itself through the pressure-responsive sensing members.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses hydraulic pressure changes in the wellbore to actuate the tool. The sensing members detect these pressure changes and use them to control the actuation timing. This hydraulic-based system leverages the existing pressure field in the wellbore rather than requiring separate complex actuation mechanisms.
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 tool ensures safe and controlled actuation without compromising the tubular string's integrity by using pressure changes to align sensing members, allowing actuation at lower pressures, thus preventing damage and ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second sensing members have a first communication status when the downhole tool is in a first configuration, and the first and second sensing members have a second communication status that is different from the first communication status when the downhole tool is in a second configuration
Implementation Method 2
a first sleeve positioned within the first annulus and configured to move in response to pressure received through the first port
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool and a method for operating the downhole tool, in which the downhole tool includes a first sensing member, and a second sensing member. The first and second sensing members have a first communication status when the downhole tool is in a first configuration. The first and second sensing members have a second communication status that is different from the first communication status when the downhole tool is in a second configuration. The downhole tool is prevented from actuating prior to the first and second sensing members having the second communication status, and the downhole tool is permitted to actuate after the first and second members have the second communication status.