Redundant Anchor Activation System for Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window milling systems in the drilling and completion industry require time-consuming removal of the drill string to repair actuation systems, such as hydrostatic or hydraulic actuators, when they fail, leading to inefficiencies at the rig floor.
Innovation Solution
A redundant anchor activation system that uses a housing with a piston cylinder and shear element, allowing for multiple activation forces to be introduced radially through the outer surface to release the piston and activate the anchor without reconfiguring the system, ensuring continued operation even if primary activation methods fail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydrostatic or hydraulic actuator is used to activate the anchor, then the anchor can be activated reliably, but the system requires time-consuming removal of the drill string for repair when activation fails
Solution Approach 1:
The activation system is segmented into multiple independent activation methods (primary hydraulic actuator and secondary mechanical weight system). Each segment can operate independently, so if one fails, the other can be used without requiring complete system removal or reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the activation parameter from solely hydraulic pressure to include mechanical force application. By introducing a second activation method that uses mechanical weights to directly apply force to the shear element, the system provides an alternative activation path that does not require drill string removal when the primary hydraulic system fails.
2Device complexity
If a single activation system is used for the anchor, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system requires reconfiguration or removal when activation fails
Solution Approach 1:
Two different activation systems (hydraulic actuator and mechanical weight system) are merged into a single integrated anchor activation device. Both systems share common components such as the piston, shear element, and anchor mechanism, allowing redundant activation capability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation system is designed with multi-functionality, where the same physical components (piston, shear element, anchor) can be activated through multiple different methods (hydraulic pressure or mechanical force). This universal design allows a single system to perform multiple activation functions without requiring separate dedicated systems for each method.
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
Enables efficient activation of the anchor without the need to remove the drill string or reconfigure the anchor activation system, thereby increasing operational efficiency and reducing downtime at the rig floor.
Implementation Method 1
breaking a shear element retaining the piston with the first activation to release the piston
Data Source
AI summary
A method of activating an anchor with an anchor activation system including a housing having an outer surface and an inner surface defining an internal chamber includes introducing a first activation force to a trigger comprising a piston arranged in a piston cylinder extending radially through the outer surface to the internal chamber, sensing that the first activation force did not activate the anchor, and introducing a second activation force to the trigger without reconfiguring the anchor activation system to break a shear element retaining the piston with the first activation to release the piston and activate the anchor.