Downlink-Activated Inner Structure for Downhole Liner Hanger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole operations face challenges in efficiently activating components, such as liner hangers, due to reliance on traditional drop-ball mechanisms, which are slow and less repeatable, especially in complex drilling and completion processes.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a downlink-activated approach using an inner structure with an activation tool that interacts with an outer structure's interaction device, enabling electronic activation and operation through surface-controlled downlink instructions, replacing traditional methods with faster and more repeatable operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional drop-ball mechanisms are used to activate liner hangers, then the activation process is simpler in terms of device complexity, but the operation speed is slower and repeatability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical drop-ball activation mechanism with an electronically controlled hydraulic system. The inner structure includes a hydraulic system with a pump and control valve that can be activated by a downlink signal from the surface, substituting the simple mechanical ball-drop method with a more complex but faster and more controllable electronic-hydraulic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing borehole fluid circulation system to power the hydraulic pump, allowing the activation mechanism to utilize resources already present in the drilling environment. The pump is driven by fluid pressure from the borehole circulation, eliminating the need for separate power sources or complex external activation mechanisms.
2Productivity
If traditional hydraulic activation methods are used, then the system is easier to operate, but the operational efficiency and precision are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the position and state of the liner hanger and other downhole components, providing real-time feedback to the surface control system. This allows for precise control and monitoring of the activation process, improving operational efficiency and repeatability while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual or simple hydraulic activation processes are replaced with an electronically controlled hydraulic system that receives commands from the surface via downlink signals. This substitution enables more precise and efficient operation while maintaining ease of use through remote electronic control from the surface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex completion processes are used, then more tasks can be performed, but the activation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inner structure is designed as a multi-functional platform that can perform various downhole tasks including liner hanger activation, packer deployment, and other completion operations. The hydraulic system and interaction devices are configured to handle multiple types of interactions with different downhole components, providing versatility without requiring separate specialized equipment for each task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is pre-configured with all necessary interaction devices and hydraulic components before being deployed downhole. The inner structure is prepared in advance with the activation sequence programmed or pre-arranged, allowing for rapid execution of multiple tasks without requiring complex on-site assembly or configuration during the activation process.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to perform a downhole operations in a borehole comprising moving, using surface equipment, an inner structure and an outer structure within the borehole, the outer structure equipped with an interaction device and the inner structure configured to be moved relative to the outer structure in a direction parallel to the borehole by the surface equipment, transmitting, by a transmitter, a downlink instruction to the inner structure, and performing an interaction routine with the interaction device in response to the downlink instruction, wherein the interaction routine comprises an interaction at least partially outside of the outer structure to perform the downhole operation.