Magnetic Locking Mechanism for Subterranean Tool Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure actuated subterranean tools face challenges such as long actuation times in horizontal runs, potential leak paths through wall openings, and high friction forces required to release stored energy, making remote selective actuation inefficient and prone to sticking situations.
Innovation Solution
An actuation system that uses a magnetic field to repel a magnet and release stored potential energy, minimizing friction forces by employing a selectively energized electromagnet or solenoid to align a magnet and retract locking dogs, allowing kinetic energy to drive the actuation of subterranean tools like liner hangers without direct contact through wall openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a ball is pumped to a ball seat in a horizontal run, then the tool can be actuated, but it takes a long time and the ball may not locate on the seat
Solution Approach 1:
The locking dog is pre-positioned in a locked state to hold the ball on the ball seat before actuation is required. This eliminates the need to pump the ball through long horizontal runs, achieving rapid actuation by simply releasing the pre-loaded locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pumping system with a magnetic field-based actuation system. A magnet is used to move the locking dog, which in turn releases the ball from the ball seat, eliminating the need for continuous pumping and reducing actuation time.
2Ease of operation
If wall openings are used to build internal pressure to a piston housing, then the tool can be actuated, but wall openings present potential leak paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pressure-based mechanical actuation system with a magnetic field-based system. Instead of building pressure through wall openings to move a piston, a magnet directly moves the locking dog to release the ball, eliminating the need for wall openings and associated seals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the wall opening and piston housing components from the system entirely. The magnetic actuation mechanism operates without requiring pressure buildup, extracting the problematic seal interface from the design while maintaining actuation functionality.
3Reliability
If a locking dog is used to hold potential energy force, then the tool can be set, but high friction force makes it hard to move the dog to release energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical friction-based locking system with a magnetic field-based locking system. The locking dog is moved by magnetic attraction/repulsion forces between magnets, which can be more easily controlled and reduced compared to direct mechanical friction, allowing smoother release of stored energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using magnetic fields instead of mechanical contact forces. This allows the locking dog to be moved with smaller forces by changing magnetic field strength rather than overcoming high friction, enabling easier release of the stored potential energy.
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 reliable remote actuation of subterranean tools by reducing the force required to release stored energy, minimizing friction, and eliminating sticking issues, while avoiding the need for wall openings, thus improving the reliability and efficiency of tool setting processes.
Implementation Method 1
the release is accomplished with a repelling response to a magnet while other locking dogs serve at least in part as a locking key for the potential energy that actuates the tool when ultimately released
Implementation Method 2
The release device can be a selectively energized electromagnet or a solenoid that shifts at least one magnet into alignment with at least one second magnet
Implementation Method 3
a magnetic field can be triggered in a stationary magnet such as one delivered on wireline, for example, to accomplish tool actuation. The repelling force on the second magnet moves it away from a locking position
Data Source
AI summary
An actuation tool uses a lock that when released allows a moving magnet to move into position to repel another magnet. Alternatively a magnetic field can be triggered in a stationary magnet such as one delivered on wireline, for example, to accomplish tool actuation. The repelling force on the second magnet moves it away from a locking position to allow another lock to retract and release the stored potential energy, where the release of the potential energy creates kinetic energy to drive an actuation assembly to set the tool. In a preferred application the tool can be a liner hanger. The release device can be a selectively energized electromagnet or a solenoid that shifts at least one magnet into alignment with at least one second magnet so as to defeat the second magnet from effectively supporting dogs that retain the potential energy whose movement can set the tool.