Pressure Cycle Actuation Assembly for Tubing-Conveyed Perforating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tubing-conveyed perforating systems face challenges in accurately initiating downhole tools, such as perforating guns, due to issues with pressure cycling and the risk of premature activation during integrity testing, which can lead to unintended firing of explosives.
Innovation Solution
A pressure cycle actuation assembly is designed to manage pressure cycles within a tubular string, using a reciprocating piston, check valve, flow restrictor, and rotating collet to translate axial motion into rotational motion, ensuring precise initiation of downhole tools only after a predetermined number of pressure cycles, thereby preventing premature activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure cycling is used to activate downhole tools, then tool activation is achieved, but premature activation during integrity testing may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary actions by requiring a predetermined number of pressure cycles to occur before the downhole tool can be activated. The cycle counter mechanism accumulates pressure cycle events and only permits tool activation after the specified number of cycles is reached, preventing premature activation during integrity testing phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The cycle counter provides feedback by tracking the number of pressure cycles that have occurred and using this information to control whether the downhole tool can be activated. The system monitors pressure cycle events and adjusts the activation state based on the accumulated cycle count, ensuring tools are only activated when the predetermined number of cycles has been reached.
2Ease of operation
If pressure activated firing heads are used, then downhole tool activation is achieved, but control precision over activation timing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cycle counter provides feedback by tracking the number of pressure cycles that have occurred and using this information to control whether the downhole tool can be activated. The system monitors pressure cycle events and adjusts the activation state based on the accumulated cycle count, ensuring tools are only activated when the predetermined number of cycles has been reached.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct pressure-activated mechanical firing heads with a more sophisticated system that uses a cycle counter and controlled activation mechanism. Instead of immediate mechanical response to pressure changes, the system uses a counting mechanism that tracks pressure cycles and controls activation timing more precisely through a dedicated activation assembly.
3Productivity
If integrity testing is conducted while tubing-conveyed perforating system is downhole, then operational efficiency is improved, but risk of accidental firing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary actions by requiring a predetermined number of pressure cycles to occur before the downhole tool can be activated. The cycle counter mechanism accumulates pressure cycle events and only permits tool activation after the specified number of cycles is reached, preventing premature activation during integrity testing phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The cycle counter acts as an intermediary between the pressure cycling system and the downhole tool activation. It mediates the connection by requiring a predetermined number of cycles to be accumulated before allowing activation signals to pass through, thus protecting against accidental firing while permitting controlled operation.
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 ensures reliable and controlled activation of downhole tools, reducing the risk of accidental firing and allowing for precise control over pressure cycles, enhancing the safety and efficiency of well completion operations.
Implementation Method 1
In operation, the reciprocating piston is movable between a first position in the housing when a pressure differential across the piston exceeds a predetermined threshold
Implementation Method 2
a check valve positioned between the first and second fluid chambers, the check valve permitting fluid flow from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber but preventing fluid flow from the second fluid chamber to the first fluid chamber
Implementation Method 3
a flow restrictor positioned between the first and second fluid chambers, the flow restrictor restricting fluid flow between the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber
Implementation Method 4
a rotating collet coupled to the reciprocating piston, the rotating collet translating reciprocal axial motion of the reciprocating piston into one-direction rotation and axial lengthening or shortening of the rotating collet relative to the reciprocating piston
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a pressure cycle actuation assembly. The pressure cycle actuation assembly, in one aspect, includes a housing, a reciprocating piston located within the housing and defining first and second fluid chambers, and a check valve positioned between the first and second fluid chambers, the check valve permitting fluid flow from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber but preventing fluid flow from the second fluid chamber to the first fluid chamber. The A pressure cycle actuation assembly, according to this aspect, further includes a flow restrictor positioned between the first and second fluid chambers, the flow restrictor restricting fluid flow between the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber, and a rotating collet coupled to the reciprocating piston, the rotating collet translating reciprocal axial motion of the reciprocating piston into one-direction rotation and axial lengthening or shortening of the rotating collet relative to the reciprocating piston.