Pyrotechnic Wireline Release Tool Mandrel Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for releasing downhole tools in wellbores are time-consuming, costly, and pose safety risks due to mechanical connections that can break, requiring multiple personnel and complex operations.
Innovation Solution
A wireline release tool with a housing, inner mandrel, retractable latch, and linear actuator that adjusts from an unactuated to an actuated position to decouple from the wireline tool, using a pyrotechnic event or explosive charge to shear a shear pin and release the mandrel, allowing for autonomous or user-initiated release of downhole tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical connection systems are used to release downhole tools, then the tool can be controlled and positioned, but the operation becomes time-consuming, costly, and prone to mechanical failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical connection and release system with a pyrotechnic-based actuation system. The pyrotechnic composition, when ignited, generates rapid gas expansion that mechanically actuates the release mechanism, eliminating the need for slow mechanical manipulation and reducing operation time while maintaining reliability through the robust pyrotechnic ignition system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of the pyrotechnic composition from solid to gas upon ignition. This rapid phase change generates the necessary force to actuate the release mechanism, providing a reliable and rapid release action that overcomes the time-consuming nature of conventional mechanical release systems.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical connections are used for downhole tool control, then the tool can be positioned and commanded, but safety concerns increase and personnel requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service release system where the pyrotechnic composition automatically actuates the release mechanism upon ignition, eliminating the need for complex mechanical manipulation and reducing the number of personnel required. The system performs the release function autonomously once initiated, thereby reducing safety risks associated with manual mechanical operations in the wellbore environment.
3Productivity
If conventional release systems are used, then downhole tools can be released, but the complexity of operations increases and the risk of breakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical release operations with a pyrotechnic-based system that simplifies the release process. The pyrotechnic composition provides a direct and reliable actuation mechanism that reduces operational complexity while improving release efficiency, as the system requires fewer steps and fewer personnel to execute the release function.
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
Facilitates safer, faster, and more efficient release of downhole tools, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing the risk of mechanical failure, enabling easier retrieval and operation in wellbore environments.
Implementation Method 1
A linear actuator is configured to adjust from an unactuated position to an actuated position in response to a pyrotechnic event
Implementation Method 2
A portion of gas proppant ignitable by the pyrotechnic event to exert a force to move the piston coupled to the mandrel
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for releasing a well tool string from a wireline release tool includes initiating actuation of a linear actuator of the wireline release tool, the actuator coupled to an inner mandrel on which a retractable latch rides, the retractable latch including a profile formed on an outer surface of the latch that is coupled to the well tool string; actuating the actuator to move the inner mandrel of the wireline release tool to remove support of the profile by a ramp formed on the outer surface, the profile retracted toward the inner mandrel based on the movement of the inner mandrel; decoupling the profile from the well tool string based on retraction of the profile toward the inner mandrel; and moving the wireline release tool into a position to release the wireline release tool from the well tool string.