Release Tool Separation Bolt Trigger Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole tool strings often become stuck in wellbores, requiring costly and time-consuming fishing operations due to issues like differential sticking and debris, and existing cutting tools may not effectively sever the conveyance line, leaving behind a long length that needs retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A release tool with a separation bolt and trigger mechanism that sends an electrical signal to detonate the bolt, allowing the tool string to separate into upper and lower portions, enabling retrieval of the upper portion without manual intervention and leaving a reusable external fish neck for future fishing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cutting tool is dropped to sever the conveyance line, then the conveyance can be retrieved, but the tool may not reach the top of the tool string or may prematurely cut the conveyance, leaving a long length that requires expensive fishing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical dropping system with a controlled deployment system. The cutting tool is attached to a conveyance line and deployed in a controlled manner rather than being simply dropped, allowing precise positioning at the desired cut location and preventing premature activation or incorrect positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controlled deployment mechanism as an intermediary between the surface operation and the cutting tool. This intermediary system provides controlled release and positioning, ensuring the tool reaches the exact intended location without premature activation or positioning errors.
2Loss of substance
If fishing operations are performed to retrieve the remaining conveyance, then the conveyance can be recovered, but this results in considerable added expense and lost rig time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by providing clear markings and controlled deployment before the cutting operation. The conveyance line is marked to indicate the desired cut location, and the tool is deployed in a controlled manner to ensure accurate positioning, preventing the need for subsequent fishing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual markings (color changes or distinct visual indicators) on the conveyance line to clearly indicate the desired cut location. This visual guidance system ensures the cutting tool is positioned at the correct location, eliminating the need for expensive and time-consuming fishing operations to retrieve remaining conveyance.
3Ease of operation
If ordinary tensile or compressive forces are applied to free the tool string, then the tool string can be freed from common wellbore conditions, but this may not work when the conveyance line becomes stuck due to differential sticking or key seating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tool string into separable components with a dedicated release tool. The release tool is designed to detach from the conveyance line at a specific location, allowing the upper portion to be retrieved while leaving the stuck lower portion in place. This segmentation enables effective release even when ordinary forces cannot free the stuck tool string.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the release function as a separate, dedicated tool rather than relying on the entire tool string being freed. The release tool is specifically designed to detach at a predetermined location, separating the retrieval operation from the stuck portion and ensuring effective release regardless of the sticking mechanism.
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 separation of stuck tool strings at or near the surface, reducing rig time and production loss, and allows for reuse of the release tool, facilitating safer and more economical wellbore operations.
Implementation Method 1
a trigger mechanism communicably coupled to the separation bolt and configured to send an electrical signal to the separation bolt whereupon the separation bolt breaks
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a release tool used to separate portions of a tool string. One release tool includes a main body, a bolt housing coupled to the main body and defining a bore for receipt of a separation bolt therein, the separation bolt being configured to couple the bolt housing to a lower sub, and a trigger mechanism communicably coupled to the separation bolt and configured to send an electrical signal to the separation bolt whereupon the separation bolt breaks and thereby allows the lower sub to separate from the bolt housing.