Downhole Tool Activation via Simultaneous Multi-Line Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hydraulic control systems for actuating downhole tools in oil and gas wells are uneconomical due to the need for multiple hydraulic control lines from the surface, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A method of hydraulically actuating downhole tools using simultaneous pressure from multiple control lines, where each tool is activated only when all pressures reach a preset value, minimizing the number of control lines required and optimizing tool operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple hydraulic control lines are run from the surface to each downhole tool, then the tools can be independently actuated, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control lines into a single control line that carries multiple hydraulic signals. The downhole tool includes multiple pistons that respond to different pressure signals within the same control line, allowing independent actuation of multiple functions through one consolidated control line, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining operational independence
Solution Approach 2:
The control line is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously by carrying different hydraulic pressure signals that trigger different tool responses. A single control line can activate multiple pistons at different pressure thresholds, enabling one control line to perform the work of multiple separate control lines
2Reliability
If multiple hydraulic control lines are installed, then each tool can be precisely controlled, but the installation and maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple control functions into a single control line infrastructure, reducing installation materials and labor costs while maintaining precise control through multiple pressure-sensitive pistons that respond to different signal levels within the same hydraulic line
3Device complexity
If a single control line is used, then the system is simpler, but the ability to independently actuate multiple tools is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control line incorporates locally differentiated pressure zones or signal levels that trigger specific tool responses at different locations or conditions. Each piston is calibrated to respond to specific pressure thresholds, creating localized actuation capabilities within a single unified control line system
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes in the hydraulic signal (pressure levels, flow rates) to differentiate between various actuation commands. By varying the pressure parameters within the single control line, the system can independently activate different tools or functions without requiring separate physical control lines
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
This approach reduces the number of hydraulic control lines needed, simplifies the system, and enhances the efficiency of downhole tool activation, while allowing independent operation of control lines without activating the tools.
Implementation Method 1
a first piston is movable between a first initial position and a first actuated position in response to a pressure increase in a first control line
Implementation Method 2
a second piston is movable between a second initial position and a second actuated position in response to a pressure increase in a second control line
Implementation Method 3
the tool is only activated when both of the pistons are in the actuated positions
Data Source
AI summary
A method of hydraulically actuating downhole equipment includes supplying pressure P(z) to a downhole network comprising tools T(n), tool T(x), control lines C(z), and control lines Y(z), wherein n and z are integers, and x=n+1, wherein a pressure P(z) is applied to tool T(n) using at least one control line C(z) in hydraulic communication with tool T(n); applying pressure P(z) to a hydraulically movable portion of tool T(n), wherein pressure P(z) to tool T(n) is not high enough to independently activate tool T(x); and applying each pressure P(z) to a hydraulically movable portion of tool T(x), wherein tool T(x) is only activated when all of pressures P(z) are simultaneously applied to the hydraulically movable portion of tool T(x), and wherein tool T(x) is only activated when each pressure P(z) is at least at a preset value PV(z).