Multi-piston Hydrostatic Setting Tool Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrostatically operated subterranean tools face component failure due to increased burst and collapse forces at depths exceeding 8,000 meters, where space constraints prevent scaling up components to resist heightened pressure differentials, and the placement of locking systems within atmospheric chambers exacerbates the issue.
Innovation Solution
The design features multiple pistons in pressure balance with the annulus, relocates the locking mechanism outside atmospheric chambers, and uses a single locking mechanism for all pistons to reduce loading, allowing for thicker components and enhanced resistance to pressure loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If components are scaled up to resist heightened burst and collapse loads at greater depths, then strength and pressure resistance are improved, but the tool occupies excessive space in the borehole
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure balance parameter by introducing atmospheric pressure chambers that balance the hydrostatic pressure acting on the pistons. This allows the use of thinner-walled components that can still withstand the pressure differential, thereby reducing the overall tool size while maintaining sufficient strength for deep well applications.
2Volume of moving object
If locking systems are placed within atmospheric chambers, then space is saved, but the locking mechanism is subject to increased differential pressure stresses causing component failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking mechanism from the atmospheric pressure chamber environment and relocates it to a region exposed to annulus pressure. This removal from the high differential pressure environment eliminates the cause of component failure while the locking function is maintained through the pressure-balanced piston configuration.
3Reliability
If multiple locking systems are used for each piston, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking functions for multiple pistons into a single integrated locking mechanism. The pressure-balanced piston configuration allows one lock to control multiple pistons simultaneously, reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable locking through the distributed pressure balance.
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
This configuration enables reliable operation at depths greater than 8,000 meters by distributing load effectively and reducing the burden on the locking system, while allowing for increased component thickness to withstand differential pressures.
Implementation Method 1
pressure in the annulus either rises to a predetermined value with depth or is raised to a predetermined value from the surface to break rupture disc 45
Implementation Method 2
Chamber 104 is also initially at atmospheric pressure so as to put piston 39 initially in pressure balance to annulus pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulically actuated setting tool has a plurality of pistons that move in tandem when unlocked. The pistons are initially in pressure balance to take a load off a single locking mechanism that retains all the pistons. The pistons move due to admission of hydrostatic and/or applied pressure from the annulus on one side of each piston with an opposite side exposed to atmospheric pressure. The locking member is exposed to the annulus and is located away from any atmospheric chambers associated with the pistons. In this manner the components can be made thicker to resist burst and collapse pressure and the loads on the locking member reduced due to initial piston pressure balance configuration. Depths of greater than 10,000 meters can be used due to one or more of the described design features.