Piezoelectric Pump Actuation for Reduced-Electronics Wellbore Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore operations face challenges in precisely controlling downhole equipment due to the use of excessive electronics, which occupy space and reduce reliability, or rely on brushed designs with limited life, necessitating a more efficient and reliable actuation system.
Innovation Solution
A piezoelectric pump system is used to control wellbore tools, minimizing downhole electronics by employing piezoelectric stacks to actuate a piston, which strokes to open or close safety valves and inflow control valves, utilizing a solenoid valve to manage pressure differentials and a retraction device like a spring to ensure reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If excessive electronics are used to control wellbore tools, then control capability is improved, but device complexity and reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic control systems with a piezoelectric actuation system. The piezoelectric pump converts electrical signals directly into mechanical motion to actuate the piston, eliminating the need for complex downhole electronics while maintaining precise control capability. This substitution of electronic control with piezoelectric mechanical actuation directly resolves the contradiction between control capability and electronic complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic system where the piezoelectric pump generates differential pressure to move the piston. The hydraulic fluid transmits the force from the piezoelectric actuator to the wellbore tool, providing a reliable mechanical transmission mechanism that reduces electronic complexity while maintaining effective control.
2Ease of manufacture
If brushed motor designs are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but duration of action worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces brushed motor designs with a piezoelectric pump system that has no moving electrical contacts. The piezoelectric stacks provide a solid-state actuation mechanism with no brushes or commutators, eliminating wear-related failures and significantly extending service life while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through established piezoelectric component technology.
3Productivity
If piezoelectric pump strokes in multiple directions, then productivity is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic solenoid valve system that can switch flow directions rapidly. The solenoid valve dynamically redirects hydraulic fluid flow to enable the piston to stroke in multiple directions based on operational requirements. This dynamic flow control allows multi-directional actuation for improved productivity while managing system complexity through a well-defined valve control strategy.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric pump operates with periodic reciprocating motion, and the solenoid valve coordinates periodic flow direction changes to enable bidirectional piston movement. This periodic action pattern allows the system to achieve multiple strokes in different directions efficiently, improving productivity through rhythmic, controlled actuation cycles.
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 system provides precise control over wellbore operations with enhanced reliability and reduced electronic complexity, allowing for efficient actuation of safety valves and inflow control valves, even in the absence of power, by using a piezoelectric pump that strokes in multiple directions and balances pressure effectively.
Implementation Method 1
piezoelectric stacks to actuate a piston
Implementation Method 2
solenoid valve to manage pressure differentials
Implementation Method 3
retraction device like a spring to ensure reliable operation
Data Source
AI summary
A system can be used to control a wellbore tool using a piezoelectric pump. The system can include a piston, the piezoelectric pump, and a solenoid valve. The piston can be positioned in a wellbore to control the wellbore tool. The piezoelectric pump can be coupled with the piston to generate differential pressure. The piston can be actuated in at least a first direction or a second direction in response to receiving the differential pressure. The solenoid valve can be coupled with the piezoelectric pump to selectively cause the piezoelectric pump to apply the differential pressure in the first direction or in the second direction.