Hydraulic System Actuating Tools via Chemical Injection Line
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic systems used in industries like carbon dioxide sequestration and hydrocarbon recovery require reduction in conduit numbers and costs, while maintaining effective operation in deep earth formations.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic system with a chemical injection line and multiple tools that are independently actuated by pressure changes, allowing for controlled flow of wellbore fluids without altering chemical injection, using a combination of pressure profiles and control valves to manage tool actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hydraulic systems are used to actuate multiple tools, then reliable tool actuation is achieved, but the number of conduits required increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chemical injection line is designed to serve dual purposes: delivering chemical treatment to the wellbore and simultaneously functioning as a hydraulic conduit to actuate multiple downhole tools. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate hydraulic lines, reducing conduit quantity while maintaining reliable tool actuation through pressure wave propagation in the chemical injection fluid
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the chemical injection system and hydraulic actuation system into a single integrated conduit network. The chemical injection line and hydraulic control lines are combined, allowing the same fluid pathway to perform both chemical delivery and mechanical tool actuation functions, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate hydraulic lines are used for each tool, then independent tool control is achieved, but the number of conduits and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments control of multiple tools through a single conduit by using distinct pressure wave profiles. Each tool or group of tools is assigned specific pressure thresholds, wave shapes, or timing sequences that enable independent actuation. This allows one conduit to control multiple tools independently by encoding different actuation signals in the pressure variations
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic control system uses dynamic pressure wave profiles including varying amplitudes, frequencies, and temporal patterns to differentiate between tools requiring actuation. By modulating the pressure signal characteristics over time, the system can selectively activate specific tools along the conduit without requiring separate physical lines for each tool
3Ease of operation
If chemical injection is continuously maintained for tool actuation, then tool control is achieved, but chemical consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous chemical injection, the system employs periodic or transient pressure waves introduced into the chemical injection line to actuate tools at specific depths and times. Chemical injection is maintained only at baseline levels for treatment purposes, while tool actuation is achieved through temporary pressure variations that propagate as hydraulic signals without requiring additional chemical flow, thereby minimizing chemical consumption
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 and cost-effective control of wellbore fluid flow and tool actuation, reducing the need for additional conduits and lowering operational costs by utilizing pressure changes to manage tool operation independently within the chemical injection line.
Implementation Method 1
Hydraulic systems employ pressurized fluids to do work usually through moving pistons relative to cylinders
Implementation Method 2
Circuits of conduits such as pipes, ports, tubes and hoses, for example, are positioned and configured to transport pressurized fluid to the desired locations
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic system includes a chemical injection line and a plurality of tools in operable communication with the chemical injection line that are independently responsive to changes in pressure or flow through the chemical injection line and that are configured to control flow of wellbore fluids.