Removable Activation Unit for Downhole Tool Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole tools in oil and gas wells face challenges due to harsh environments, requiring reliable and easy-to-service components to avoid costly and time-consuming maintenance, especially when deployed at great depths.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool design featuring a tool housing with a removable activation unit that forms a fluid-tight chamber for mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical components, allowing for easy replacement and maintenance without dismantling the tool string, incorporating a sealing member for improved sealing and pressurization to withstand high pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If components are integrated into a fixed tool housing, then structural integrity and sealing are improved, but maintenance time and ease of repair deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tool housing is divided into a first housing part and a second housing part that can be separated from each other. The activation unit is positioned between these two parts, allowing it to be accessed and replaced independently. This segmentation enables maintenance personnel to service the activation unit without removing the entire tool from the well, thus improving ease of repair while maintaining sealing integrity through the controlled separation interface.
2Strength
If the activation unit is permanently integrated, then structural strength is improved, but productivity during maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the first housing part and second housing part is designed to be dynamically changeable - securely connected during operation to maintain structural strength, and separable during maintenance to improve productivity. The activation unit can be quickly exchanged by separating the housing parts, enabling rapid replacement without compromising the structural integrity when assembled.
3Ease of repair
If components are easily accessible, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The activation unit is extracted as a separate, removable assembly positioned between the first and second housing parts. This extraction allows the activation unit to be easily accessed and replaced by simply separating the housing parts, improving ease of repair. The modular design, while adding some structural complexity, enables independent replacement of the activation unit without affecting the rest of the tool system.
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 design reduces maintenance time and error risk by allowing for quick replacement of vulnerable components, enhances sealing capabilities, and provides collapse resistance in high-pressure environments, improving operational efficiency and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing member (58) arranged between the second tool housing part (56) and the closing member (59)
Implementation Method 2
the chamber may thus be compensated by pressurising the fluid, whereby the chamber is prevented from collapsing when subject to high pressure downhole
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a downhole tool comprising a tool housing for accommodating components of the downhole tool, the tool housing comprising; a first tool housing part having a first end face and a second end face, and an activation unit removably connected with the first tool housing part, the activation unit comprising: a second tool housing part, and a closing member removably connected with the second tool housing part, wherein the second tool housing part and the closing member together constitute a fluid-tight chamber wherein a fluid is retained, the fluid-tight chamber housing mechanical and/or hydraulic and/or electrical components, and wherein the activation unit may be separated from the first tool housing part while the closing member is connected with the second tool housing part. The invention further relates to a downhole system and to a method of performing services of a downhole tool.