Modular Pressure Cylinder for Downhole Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piston assemblies for downhole tools require multiple pistons to generate mechanical force at opposite ends, increasing the length of the tool and being inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A modular pressure cylinder system with interconnected pressure cylinder modules and pistons that reciprocate along an active mandrel tube, allowing pressurized fluid to flow through and generate mechanical force in opposite directions without the need for multiple pistons at each end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If multiple pistons are provided at opposite ends of the downhole tool to generate mechanical force, then the mechanical force requirement is met, but the length of the downhole tool increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple piston functions into a single modular pressure cylinder assembly. The modular design allows multiple pressure cylinders to be interconnected in series along a single mandrel, enabling multiple pistons to generate mechanical force at different locations while sharing a common structural support, thereby reducing the overall tool length compared to having separate piston assemblies at each end.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure cylinder assembly is divided into modular segments that can be interconnected. Each module contains its own piston and pressure cylinder, and these modules are connected in series along the mandrel. This segmentation allows the system to generate mechanical force at multiple points while maintaining a compact, integrated structure that reduces overall length.
2Force
If separate piston assemblies are provided at each end of the downhole tool, then mechanical force can be generated at opposite ends, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple piston assemblies are merged into a single integrated modular pressure cylinder system that operates from a common fluid supply. The modules share common structural elements and fluid pathways, reducing the overall complexity compared to having completely separate piston assemblies at each end of the tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular pressure cylinder modules are designed with universal interfaces and standardized configurations that allow them to perform multiple functions. Each module can generate mechanical force in different directions and can be arranged in various configurations to meet different operational requirements, reducing the need for specialized designs for each location.
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
The modular pressure cylinder system effectively converts fluid pressure to mechanical force while reducing the overall length of the downhole tool, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
pressurized fluid flowing through the active mandrel tube to flow into the pressure cylinders and urge the interconnected pressure cylinder walls and the interconnected pressure pistons to move in opposite directions along an axis of the active mandrel tube
Implementation Method 2
Piston assemblies for converting pumped fluid pressure to mechanical force in a downhole tool
Data Source
AI summary
A modular pressure cylinder for a downhole tool has an active mandrel tube that supports a modular pressure cylinder. Pistons of the modular pressure cylinder are respectively interconnected and cylinder walls of modular pressure cylinder are respectively interconnected. When fluid is pumped through a tubing string into the downhole tool, the pistons are urged in one direction while the cylinder walls are urged in an opposite direction along an axis of the active mandrel tube.