Downhole Valve Electronic Control for Precise Tool Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for actuating downhole well tools, such as packers, often rely on complex mechanical systems or pressure manipulation, which can be inefficient and prone to mechanical failures.

Innovation Solution

An electronic control system is used to control the actuation of a valve downhole, enabling selective control over fluid flows for the actuation of well tools and other downhole operations. This system includes a motor, pump, motor controller, and sensor system, working together to provide an electro-hydraulically actuated valve system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional mechanical methods (ball drop, pressure manipulation) are used to actuate downhole tools, then the system structure is simpler, but the reliability and precision of actuation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation methods (ball drop, pressure manipulation) with an electronic control system that uses electrical signals to actuate the downhole valve. The valve controller receives electrical signals from the surface and electronically controls the valve actuator, eliminating the need for complex mechanical mechanisms while improving actuation reliability and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electronic control system as an intermediary between the surface and downhole tools. The valve controller and valve actuator serve as intermediate components that translate electrical signals into mechanical valve movement, providing a reliable communication and control pathway that improves actuation reliability without requiring direct mechanical intervention from the surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional pressure-based actuation is used, then the device complexity is lower, but the precision and control capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces pressure-based mechanical actuation with an electronic control system that provides precise control through electrical signals. The valve controller can accurately position the valve by controlling the valve actuator with electrical commands, achieving superior actuation precision compared to traditional pressure manipulation methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a monitoring system that provides feedback regarding valve position and downhole operation status. This feedback mechanism allows the electronic control system to verify valve position and make precise adjustments, ensuring high actuation precision while maintaining manageable control system complexity through intelligent control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If complex mechanical valves are used for downhole actuation, then the actuation capability is sufficient, but the reliability and maintenance requirements deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical valves with an electronically controlled valve system. The valve controller and valve actuator use electrical components instead of complex mechanical linkages, reducing the number of moving parts and mechanical failure points. This substitution improves system reliability and simplifies maintenance, as electrical components have fewer wear-related issues compared to mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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

The electronic control system allows for precise and reliable actuation of downhole tools, improving operational efficiency and reducing the risk of mechanical failures, while also providing real-time monitoring and feedback.

Implementation Method 1

The technique utilizes an electronic control system for controlling actuation of a valve downhole... This system includes a motor, pump, motor controller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A given well string may comprise packers and other well tools which are actuated downhole... Appropriate pressure may then be applied down through the well string to cause well tool actuation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS12270277B2Methodology and system for electronic control and acquisition of downhole valve

Publication Date: 2025.04.08 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A technique facilitates control over a downhole well operation. The technique utilizes an electronic control system for controlling actuation of a valve downhole. The valve, in turn, is operated to enable selective control over fluid flows governing the actuation of a downhole tool and/or other downhole operations. In some embodiments, the electronic control system may work in cooperation with a downhole hydraulic system to provide a downhole electro-hydraulically actuated valve system. A monitoring system provides feedback regarding the valve position and/or status of the downhole operation.