Remote Subterranean Tool Activation via Magnetic Repulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure actuated assemblies for subterranean tools face challenges such as long actuation times in horizontal runs, potential leak paths through wall openings, and reliance on seals that can deteriorate, necessitating a remote and seal-free actuation method.
Innovation Solution
An actuation system utilizing a lock that releases stored potential energy through a magnetic field, where a moving magnet repels another magnet to create kinetic energy, driving an actuation assembly to set the tool, with options including a solenoid or electromagnet to align magnets and defeat the lock, thereby avoiding wall openings and leaks.
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 the actuation time is prolonged and the ball may not locate on the seat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ball-pumping system with a magnetic field-based actuation system. A magnet is pumped to a magnet seat, and its magnetic field directly actuates the tool mechanism, eliminating the need for prolonged mechanical pumping and improving actuation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the actuation parameter from mechanical pressure (ball pumping) to magnetic field strength. By controlling the magnetic field through magnet positioning and pump pressure, the system achieves rapid and reliable tool actuation without the time-consuming ball transit required in horizontal runs.
2Ease of operation
If wall openings are used to build internal pressure to a piston housing, then the tool can be actuated, but leak paths are created if seals deteriorate or fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pressure-based mechanical actuation system (requiring wall openings and seals) with a magnetic field-based system. The magnet's magnetic field directly actuates the tool mechanism through the tubing wall without requiring internal pressure buildup, thereby eliminating seal failure risks and leak paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the pump and the tool actuation mechanism. This magnetic intermediary transmits force through the tubing wall without requiring direct mechanical contact or seal interfaces, eliminating the reliability issues associated with seal deterioration.
3Reliability
If a lock is used to store potential energy for tool actuation, then the tool can be reliably set, but the lock must be reliably defeated to release the energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical lock and release mechanisms with a magnetic field-based locking system. Magnets are positioned to create magnetic fields that hold the lock in place, and when the field changes, the lock automatically releases. This substitution simplifies the mechanism while maintaining reliable tool setting through the inherent stability of magnetic fields.
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, remote, and seal-free actuation of subterranean tools like liner hangers, reducing actuation time and eliminating leak paths by converting stored potential energy into kinetic energy to set the tool without relying on pressure or seal integrity.
Implementation Method 1
A magnet is pumped to a magnet seat and lands. The magnet generates a magnetic field that acts on a lock to hold a setting mechanism in a run-in position.
Implementation Method 2
The magnet generates a magnetic field that acts on a lock to hold a setting mechanism in a run-in position. 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. The repelling force on the second magnet moves it away from a locking position on a stored potential energy system 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 storing the potential energy that can set the tool when the lock is defeated.