Flow-Actuated Actuator Full Bore Flow Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole actuators that rely on reduced diameter elements for actuation limit operations due to diametrical patency, requiring removal to allow full bore access, which is inconvenient and restrictive.
Innovation Solution
A flow-actuated actuator with a tubular and full bore flow-resisting elements that create a greater resistance to fluid flow, allowing actuation without obstructing the bore when not in use, utilizing a movable tubular and biasing members to generate urging forces proportional to fluid flow for actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If reduced diameter elements are used for actuation, then actuation forces are generated proportional to flow rate, but diametrical patency is limited requiring removal of the actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator divides the flow-resisting function into multiple separate full bore elements rather than using a single reduced diameter element. This segmentation allows each element to maintain full bore diameter while collectively providing the necessary flow resistance for actuation forces.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple full bore flow-resisting elements are nested within the tubular actuator body, allowing them to be positioned in series along the flow path. This nesting arrangement enables full bore access when the actuator is not in use while providing cumulative flow resistance during operation.
2Force
If multiple full bore flow-resisting elements are used, then greater resistance to fluid flow is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple full bore flow-resisting elements are combined within a single tubular actuator body, integrating their individual flow resistance properties to achieve greater total resistance. This merging approach provides the flow resistance of multiple elements while containing them within a unified structural envelope.
3Ease of operation
If full bore elements are used instead of reduced diameter elements, then full bore access is maintained, but actuation forces may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The full bore flow-resisting elements are positioned to continuously interact with the flowing fluid throughout the actuator's operational range. This continuous interaction ensures that actuation forces are generated throughout the entire flow path, maximizing the available force while maintaining full bore access.
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 actuation of downhole tools without restricting full bore access, allowing for efficient operation and tool actuation based on fluid flow without the need for actuator removal, providing proportional and sufficient urging forces for tool operation.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of full bore flow-resisting elements disposed at the tubular, the plurality of full bore flow-resisting elements having a greater resistance to fluid flow therethrough than any one of the plurality of full bore flow-resisting elements has alone
Implementation Method 2
urging the tubular in a direction of fluid flow with flow resistance created by fluid flowing over the plurality of full bore flow-resisting elements
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a flow-actuated actuator. The actuator includes, a tubular movable relative to a structure within which the tubular is positionable, and a plurality of full bore flow-resisting elements disposed at the tubular, the plurality of full bore flow-resisting elements having a greater resistance to fluid flow therethrough than any one of the plurality of full bore flow-resisting elements has alone.