Resettable Downhole Shifting Tool with Radially Biased Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shifting tools for subterranean wells often disengage from equipment when excessive force is applied, leading to unsuccessful operations and the need for retrieval to the surface for reconfiguration, which is inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A resettable shifting tool design featuring radially biased engagement members and reset dogs that allow for downhole reconfiguration by applying forces in specific directions, enabling the tool to be reset without surfacing, utilizing detent devices and flexible collets to manage longitudinal positions and maintain engagement with well tool components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a shifting tool applies excessive force to operate well equipment, then the equipment may be actuated, but the shifting tool disengages from the equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshifting tool engagementVSAvoidforce application

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shifting tool employs dynamic engagement members that can transition between engaged and disengaged states. The engagement members are designed to flex and adjust their position based on the force applied, allowing the tool to maintain engagement during normal operation while safely disengaging when excessive force is encountered, preventing tool damage while preserving the ability to retry the operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tool is designed to temporarily discard engagement with the equipment when excessive force is detected, allowing retrieval to surface. The engagement members can be recovered and re-engaged after resetting at surface, enabling multiple attempt operations without requiring new tools or complex downhole reconfiguration mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Adaptability or versatility

If the shifting tool is retrieved to surface for redressing, then another attempt can be made, but operational time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple attempt capabilityVSAvoidretrieval time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement members are pre-configured with the capability to be reset at surface and re-engaged for subsequent operations. The tool design incorporates preliminary preparation of the engagement mechanism during surface operations, allowing quick re-deployment without extensive reconfiguration, thereby reducing the time penalty associated with multiple attempts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The shifting tool is designed with self-resetting capabilities through its engagement member configuration. After disengagement due to excessive force, the tool can be easily reset at surface by simply repositioning the engagement members, eliminating the need for complex mechanical reconfiguration or specialized service interventions, thus minimizing operational downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the shifting tool maintains continuous engagement with well equipment, then operational efficiency improves, but the risk of damage from excessive force increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidtool component integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement members are designed with inherent flexibility and stress-distribution features that cushion the interaction between the shifting tool and well equipment. This preliminary cushioning capability allows the tool to maintain continuous engagement and apply sustained force for operational efficiency while protecting both the tool and equipment from damage when excessive force conditions arise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 multiple attempts at shifting well tool components without surfacing the tool, improving operational efficiency and reducing the need for frequent retrieval, allowing for effective and reliable operation in subterranean environments.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient member radially biased the engagement member outward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the flexible collet radially flexing inward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3904635B1Shifting tool resettable downhole

Publication Date: 2023.02.15 WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC

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AI summary

A shifting tool (30) for use in displacing a component (80) of a well tool, the shifting tool (30) comprises: an inner mandrel (32); at least one first engagement member (40) outwardly extendable relative to the inner mandrel; a retraction sleeve (54); at least one second engagement member (40) outwardly extendable relative to the inner mandrel (32); a first detent device (60) that releasably secures the inner mandrel in at least two longitudinal positions relative to the first engagement member (40); and a second detent device (70) that releasably secures the retraction sleeve (54) in at least two longitudinal positions relative to the first engagement member.