Pre-Stressed Downhole Activator for High-Pressure Break Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing activation devices in the resource recovery and fluid sequestration industries face challenges in delivering stellar results, necessitating the development of new activator types that can withstand high pressures and easily break upon disturbance.
Innovation Solution
An activator with a body surface layer under compressive stress of at least 200 MPa and a trigger that releases this stress, mimicking the properties of a Prince Rupert's drop, allowing it to withstand significant loads until easily broken, thereby activating tools or preventing fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the activator body is made with high strength to withstand high pressure, then the pressure resistance is improved, but the difficulty of breaking the activator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The activator body has non-uniform stress distribution with a surface layer under compressive stress and an inner layer under tensile stress. The surface layer with compressive stress provides high pressure resistance, while the inner layer with tensile stress creates a weak point that facilitates easy breaking when triggered, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of breaking.
Solution Approach 2:
The activator body is pre-stressed during manufacturing with a surface layer under compressive stress and an inner layer under tensile stress. This preliminary stress configuration enables the activator to withstand high pressures during operation while remaining susceptible to breaking when a trigger is applied, without requiring additional weakening measures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the activator body is made with high stiffness to maintain stability under pressure, then the stability is improved, but the ease of breaking decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The activator body exhibits spatially varying mechanical properties through its stress layers. The surface layer with compressive stress provides high stiffness and stability under pressure, while the inner layer with tensile stress creates a region of lower effective stiffness that facilitates easy breaking when triggered, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of breaking.
3Device complexity
If existing activation devices are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of operation under high pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The activator body utilizes controlled stress parameters (compressive stress in surface layer, tensile stress in inner layer) to achieve reliable operation under high pressure conditions. This parameter-based design provides a simple yet reliable activation mechanism that maintains integrity during high-pressure operations and breaks reliably when triggered.
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 activator effectively maintains high pressure until triggered, ensuring reliable tool operation and efficient fluid control, with the broken particles dispersing easily, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a body having a body surface layer with a stress of at least 200 Mega Pascals (MPa)
Implementation Method 2
a trigger extending from the body and configured to release the stress in the body
Data Source
AI summary
An activator including a body surface layer with a stress of at least 200 Mega Pascals (MPa), and a trigger extending from the body to release the stress in the body. A downhole tool, including a first component, a second component that is movable relative to the first component, and an activator disposed to prevent movement between the first and second components, the activator having a surface layer with a stress of at least 200 Mega Pascals (MPa). A barrier tool, including a tubular housing, a mass of material having a surface with a stress of at least 200 MPa within the housing to prevent fluid flowing through the housing, a trigger extending from the mass, and a trigger breaker movable relative to the trigger. A method including applying an input to an activator, disturbing the trigger with the input, and comminuting the body by releasing the stress therein.