Pressure Delay Actuation Assembly for Downhole Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuation assemblies for downhole tools in wellbores are often complex and costly due to their multiple components and control lines, necessitating a simpler mechanism for effective actuation.
Innovation Solution
A pressure delay actuation assembly that utilizes a pressure differential created by varying the rate of pressure application between different portions of the assembly, employing a chamber, pressure path, energy storage device, and member to actuate tools, with a pressure damper and energy storage device to manage pressure communication and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple components and control lines are used to actuate downhole tools, then the actuation function is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single control line by using a pressure delay assembly that creates pressure differentials to sequentially actuate multiple tools. Instead of requiring separate control lines for each tool, the system merges control into one line that uses pressure timing to differentiate between actuation commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure delay assembly acts as an intermediary device between the control line and the downhole tools. It receives pressure signals from the control line and translates them into sequential actuation commands for multiple tools by creating controlled pressure delays, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If multiple control lines are used to actuate downhole tools, then the actuation function is achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single control line by using a pressure delay assembly that creates pressure differentials to sequentially actuate multiple tools. Instead of requiring separate control lines for each tool, the system merges control into one line that uses pressure timing to differentiate between actuation commands.
3Device complexity
If pressure is applied uniformly to all portions of the actuation assembly, then the structure remains simple, but the ability to actuate tools in sequence is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control system is segmented into distinct zones with different pressure characteristics. The first portion experiences faster pressure application while the second portion experiences delayed pressure application, allowing sequential actuation of tools positioned at different locations along the assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically creates pressure differentials between different portions of the assembly by using a pressure delay mechanism. This dynamic pressure control allows the system to transition from a static uniform pressure state to a dynamic sequenced actuation state, enabling tools to be actuated in a specific sequence based on pressure timing.
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 simplifies the actuation process by creating a pressure differential that effectively actuates downhole tools while reducing complexity and cost, allowing for efficient operation in wellbores with varying pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Pressure delay tools can actuate downhole tools via the application of pressure at different rates to different portions of a pressure delay actuation assembly
Implementation Method 2
The different rates of pressure application can delay pressure communication to the second portion of the pressure delay actuation assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole assembly for tool actuation using pressure delay is provided. The downhole assembly can include a chamber, a pressure path, a pressure damper, a pressure source, and a member. The pressure path can be positioned between first and second ends of the chamber. The pressure damper can reduce a rate at which pressure is communicated in the pressure path. Pressure from the pressure source can be communicated to the first end of the chamber and the second end of the chamber at different rates. The member can be positioned in the chamber between the first end and the second end. The member can actuate a downhole tool in response to a pressure difference between the first end and the second end. The pressure difference can result from a difference in between the first rate and the second rate.