Electromechanical Shifting Tool with Compliant Keys

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shifting tools in oil and gas well production systems, particularly those used for gravel packing, often rely on hydraulic systems that are expensive to maintain and pose safety hazards due to heat and high pressure conditions, and require complex backup systems to ensure safe operation.

Innovation Solution

A shifting tool with compliant shifting keys that can automatically retract upon power shutdown, eliminating the need for a backup battery, utilizing a detent spring mechanism to align with shifting sleeves and a return spring for automatic retraction, allowing controlled opening and closing of shifting sleeves without the need for continuous power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hydraulic systems are used for shifting tools, then reliable operation is achieved, but high cost and safety hazards due to heat and high pressure conditions occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliable operationVSAvoidheat and high pressure conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hydraulic system with an electromechanical system that uses an electric motor to rotate a cam mechanism. This substitution eliminates the harmful heat and high pressure conditions associated with hydraulic systems while maintaining reliable operation through precise mechanical control of the shifting sleeve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a cam mechanism as an intermediary between the electric motor and the shifting sleeve. The cam converts rotational motion into the desired linear motion to actuate the shifting sleeve, providing reliable control without the hazards of hydraulic fluid under pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If hydraulic systems are used for shifting tools, then shifting control is achieved, but high maintenance cost occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshifting controlVSAvoidmaintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The electromechanical system with its electric motor and cam mechanism eliminates the need for hydraulic fluid, hoses, and seals that require maintenance. This substitution significantly reduces maintenance costs while preserving precise shifting control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs simpler mechanical components that are less prone to degradation and failure compared to hydraulic systems. These components can be easily replaced if needed, reducing overall maintenance costs and improving ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If backup systems are added to hydraulic systems for safety, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidcomplex backup systems

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing the hydraulic system with an electromechanical system, the patent inherently eliminates the need for complex backup systems. The electric motor and cam mechanism provide intrinsic safety through precise control and predictable mechanical operation, simplifying the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromechanical system is inherently safer and requires no additional backup systems. The design achieves safety through its simple, predictable operation without requiring redundant components or complex control systems.

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

The solution provides a safer, cost-effective, and reliable means to control shifting sleeves in wellbore operations, reducing maintenance costs and eliminating the risk of hydraulic system failures, while ensuring safe tool removal and operation.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a detent spring mechanism to align with shifting sleeves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic potential energy: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a return spring for automatic retraction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS9840891B2Electromechanical shifting tool

Publication Date: 2017.12.12 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Disclosed are shifting tools for opening and closing shifting sleeves. A disclosed completion system includes a completion string having a shifting sleeve movably arranged therein, a service tool configured to be arranged at least partially within the completion string and including a shifting tool having one or more shifting keys configured to mate with the shifting profile. When the shifting keys locate and mate with the shifting profile, an axial load applied on the service tool axially moves the shifting sleeve. If the shifting key is misaligned with a complementary shape of the shifting sleeve, a lower detent housing retracts toward an upper detent housing against a force of a detent spring to allow the shifting keys to retract while maintaining a radially outward force. If an axial load is removed, the housings are automatically retracted by a return spring, causing the shifting keys to disengage.