Electro-Mechanical Release Tool Mandrel Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current well tools lack a reliable and convenient method to disconnect upper and lower sections of a bottom hole assembly in a wellbore, making it difficult to retrieve the upper section while leaving the lower section for later retrieval, especially when the lower section becomes stuck.

Innovation Solution

An electro-mechanical release tool with an inner mandrel and electric motor assembly that rotates to release the upper and lower portions of the tool, allowing for controlled disconnection by aligning or misaligning lobes with collet engagement members, facilitated by an electrical signal through a conductor or alternative power sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a release tool is used to disconnect upper and lower sections of a bottom hole assembly, then the upper section can be retrieved from the wellbore, but the disconnection mechanism increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to disconnect and retrieve sectionsVSAvoidcomplexity of release tool mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional complex mechanical release mechanisms with an electric motor assembly that rotates the inner mandrel. This substitution simplifies the overall mechanism by using electrical actuation instead of complex mechanical linkages, while maintaining the ability to reliably disconnect upper and lower sections of the bottom hole assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The release tool is divided into distinct functional components: an inner mandrel with lobes, an outer body with engagement members, and an electric motor assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while enabling reliable disconnection through rotational movement of the segmented parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If traditional release mechanisms are used, then disconnection can be achieved, but sensitive instruments may be damaged by shock

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of sensitive instrumentsVSAvoidshock to instruments

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The release tool design incorporates a controlled rotation mechanism that gradually disengages engagement members from lobes, rather than sudden mechanical failure. This gradual release process cushions the shock that would otherwise be transmitted to sensitive instruments, protecting them from damage while maintaining reliable disconnection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If manual disconnection methods are used, then simplicity is maintained, but retrieval efficiency decreases when lower section becomes stuck

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretrieval efficiencyVSAvoidtime for fishing operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The release tool is designed with an electric motor assembly that can be actuated by a fishing vessel's existing equipment, allowing the tool to perform its own disconnection function without requiring complex external intervention. This self-service capability enables rapid disconnection even when the lower section becomes stuck, significantly improving retrieval efficiency and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 reliable and convenient disconnection of upper and lower sections of the bottom hole assembly, protecting sensitive instruments from shock and allowing for separate retrieval of the upper section while leaving the lower section in the wellbore for later retrieval.

Implementation Method 1

an electric motor assembly (54) positioned in the lower portion (22b)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11808092B2Electro-mechanical release tool and associated methods

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 KING SOUTHWEST & CONSULTING OF CYPRESS

AI summary

A release tool can include an inner mandrel, an electric motor assembly, and an engagement member. The inner mandrel is displaceable by the electric motor assembly between a position in which the inner mandrel supports the engagement member and prevents separation of portions of the release tool, and another position in which the engagement member is not supported by the inner mandrel and separation of the portions of the release tool is permitted. A method of separating portions of a release tool in a well can include transmitting an electrical signal to an electrical motor assembly of the release tool, displacing an inner mandrel of the release tool in response to the transmitting, and separating the portions of the release tool after the displacing.