Pressure-Activated Indexing Device for Downhole Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore operations require multiple trips downhole to activate downhole devices, increasing manual intervention and reducing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A communications sub that uses pressure cycles to remotely open a fluid path between the communications sub and downhole devices, employing a pressure-activated indexing device and latch body to allow fluid communication after a predetermined number of pressure cycles, reducing the need for manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireline or slickline is run within the wellbore to activate downhole devices, then the downhole devices can be activated, but additional trips downhole are required increasing time and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The communications sub is pre-installed in the wellbore during initial operations, and pressure cycles are applied in advance to remotely activate downhole devices without requiring additional trips. The system prepares the fluid path activation mechanism beforehand, allowing immediate device activation when pressure cycles are applied through the existing tubing string.
Solution Approach 2:
A communications sub is introduced as an intermediary device between the surface control system and downhole devices. It uses pressure cycles transmitted through the tubing string to remotely activate downhole devices, eliminating the need for physical wireline or slickline trips. The communications sub mediates the activation process by converting pressure signals into device activation commands.
2Reliability
If wireline or slickline is run within the wellbore to activate downhole devices, then the downhole devices can be activated, but operational efficiency is reduced due to manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service activation where downhole devices are activated automatically through pressure cycles applied through the existing tubing string. The communications sub autonomously processes the pressure signals and activates the appropriate downhole devices without requiring manual intervention or additional equipment deployment, thereby maintaining reliability while significantly improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wireline or slickline system with a pressure-based activation system. Instead of physically deploying cables to activate devices, pressure cycles are transmitted through the fluid in the tubing string to remotely activate downhole devices via the communications sub, eliminating the need for mechanical intervention and improving productivity.
3Ease of operation
If a fixed volume of fluid is used within the communications sub to activate downhole devices, then controlled communication is achieved, but the system requires pressure cycling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The communications sub serves multiple functions: it acts as a pressure cycle receiver, a fluid path control valve, and a downhole device activation system. By consolidating these functions into a single device, the system achieves controlled communication capability while minimizing overall device complexity. The same pressure cycling mechanism that activates the fluid path also controls the activation sequence.
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 solution minimizes manual interventions, enhancing overall system efficiency by enabling controlled communication and activation of downhole devices without additional trips, thus reducing non-productive times.
Implementation Method 1
the lock mandrel of the pressure-activated indexing device can incrementally move between an engaged state and a disengaged state when subjected to two or more pressure cycles
Implementation Method 2
fluid within the fluid chamber can be used to activate another downhole device via the control line when the latch body is in the released position
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a communications sub. The communications sub, in one aspect, includes a fluid chamber, and a pressure-activated indexing device positioned within the fluid chamber, the pressure-activated indexing device including a lock mandrel configured to incrementally move between an engaged state and a disengaged state when subjected to two or more pressure cycles. The communications sub, in accordance with one aspect, further includes a latch body positioned in the fluid chamber, the latch body configured to be fixed in place by the lock mandrel and close a fluid path from the fluid chamber to a control line when the lock mandrel is in the engaged state, and configured to be allowed to move and open the fluid path from the fluid chamber to the control line when the lock mandrel is in the disengaged state.