Downhole Hydraulic Control Module for Two-Line Device Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole hydraulic control systems are limited by the number of control line penetrations, restricting the number of hydraulically controlled devices that can be operated, as they require a greater number of control lines than devices, especially in N+1 implementations.
Innovation Solution
A downhole hydraulic control system utilizing a hydraulic control module and two hydraulic control lines to operate two hydraulically controlled downhole devices between multiple positions without a J-slot mechanism, allowing independent and simultaneous operation of the devices using pressure variations in the control lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional N+1 hydraulic control system is used, then each flow control device can be independently controlled, but the number of control lines required increases beyond the number of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control functions for multiple flow control devices into a single hydraulic control module. The module uses two control lines that can be switched between different configurations to control multiple devices, merging what would traditionally require separate control lines into a shared control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic control module employs a switchable configuration system where the internal routing of hydraulic fluid can be dynamically changed between different states. This allows the same two control lines to serve multiple devices at different times, making the control system adaptive rather than static.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more flow control devices are installed in the completion, then zonal isolation and production control capability is improved, but the number of control line penetrations required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic control module is designed as a universal control unit that can control multiple different flow control devices through two control lines. By making the control module multi-functional and switchable, the system can accommodate multiple devices without requiring proportional increases in control line penetrations.
3Ease of operation
If two control lines are used per flow control device, then precise independent control is achieved, but the total number of control lines becomes unmanageably large
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic control module acts as an intermediary between the two control lines and multiple flow control devices. It receives control signals through two lines and internally routes them to the appropriate devices, eliminating the need for each device to have dedicated control lines while maintaining independent control capability.
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 efficient operation of multiple hydraulically controlled devices with only two control lines, reducing the need for additional penetrations and allowing independent or simultaneous control of fluid flow devices, enhancing the management of well production zones without the limitations of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
pressure variations in the first and second hydraulic control lines are operable to independently shift the first and second actuators in respective first directions
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole hydraulic control system includes a hydraulic control module positioned in a well. First and second hydraulically controlled devices are positioned in the well. The first hydraulically controlled device has a first actuator and the second hydraulically controlled device has a second actuator. First and second hydraulic control lines extend uphole of the hydraulic control module in the well. In a first configuration of the hydraulic control module, pressure variations in the first and second hydraulic control lines are operable to independently shift the first and second actuators in respective first directions. In a second configuration of the hydraulic control module, pressure variations in the first and second hydraulic control lines are operable to shift the first and second actuators in respective second directions.