Indexing Track and Pin Assembly for Known Downhole Tool Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators at the surface cannot reliably determine the actuation status of downhole tools due to unreliable pressure measurements, leading to potential erroneous actuation or deactuation, which can cause damage to the wellbore, downhole tools, and reduce penetration rates.
Innovation Solution
An indexing track and pin assembly that allows the indexing pin to follow specific indexing paths, enabling the downhole tool to be actuated or deactuated by cycling fluid flow rates, and includes a shifting indexing path to reset the assembly to a known position without relying on pressure measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure measurements are used to determine actuation status, then the system can monitor tool state, but the measurements are unreliable leading to erroneous actuation or deactuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an indexing track and pin assembly as an intermediary mechanical device that provides positive indexing positions to track actuation status. The indexing pin engages with protrusions on the indexing track at specific positions (first indexing position for actuated state, second indexing position for deactuated state), providing reliable mechanical feedback that supplements or replaces unreliable pressure measurements for determining tool state.
2Ease of operation
If the indexing pin follows multiple indexing paths, then the downhole tool can be precisely actuated or deactuated, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing track is segmented with distinct protrusions at different positions along the track, creating discrete indexing positions. The indexing pin sequentially engages with these segmented positions (first indexing position, second indexing position) corresponding to different actuation states, providing clear mechanical indication of tool status without requiring complex electronic systems.
3Reliability
If the indexing track and pin assembly is reset to a known position, then operational reliability is improved, but additional operations and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing track and pin assembly is designed to automatically reset to a known position (second indexing position corresponding to deactuated state) when the indexing pin follows the indexing path during normal operation. The mechanical design ensures that completing the actuation cycle naturally returns the assembly to its initial state, eliminating the need for separate manual reset operations.
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 precise control of downhole tools, reducing the risk of erroneous actuation, minimizing damage, and increasing penetration rates by ensuring the indexing track and pin assembly is consistently positioned, thus simplifying operations and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
Some downhole tools may be hydraulically actuated. An actuation system may include an indexing track and pin assembly.
Implementation Method 2
decreasing a fluid flow from an actuating flow rate to an indexing flow rate. The indexing flow rate is greater than a low flow rate and less than the actuation flow rate.
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool is hydraulically actuated. The actuation system includes an indexing track and pin assembly. An operator may lose track of the location of the track and pin assembly. The indexing track and pin assembly includes a shifting indexing path. By moving the indexing track and pin assembly through the shifting indexing path, the indexing track and pin assembly will move to a known position without needing any pressure measurement.