Resettable Remote Manual Actuated Well Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subterranean well tools lack a reliable mechanism for both remote and mechanical actuation, which limits their operational flexibility and reliability, particularly in scenarios where remote signals may fail or are unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A well tool with a valve assembly that combines remote actuation using a signal-responsive actuator assembly and mechanical actuation via a shifting tool, allowing for multiple cycles of operation between remote and manual control, ensuring fluid isolation and reconfiguration without relying solely on remote signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a well tool uses only remote actuation, then automation is improved, but reliability deteriorates when remote signals fail
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator sleeve is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be actuated remotely via the actuator in response to remote signals, and it can also be mechanically actuated by a shifting tool manipulated from the surface. This multi-functionality ensures that the well tool maintains operational capability even when remote actuation fails, thereby resolving the contradiction between automation and reliability.
2Reliability
If a well tool combines remote and mechanical actuation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the remote actuation mechanism and the mechanical actuation mechanism into a single integrated actuator sleeve assembly. The actuator sleeve serves as a common interface for both actuation methods, and the dog mechanism provides a unified coupling system that works for both remote and manual operation. This merging approach reduces overall complexity compared to having separate independent mechanisms for each actuation method.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator sleeve is designed as a universal component that accepts both remote actuation forces and mechanical actuation forces from the shifting tool. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate actuation systems, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If the actuator sleeve is continuously coupled to the actuator, then remote actuation reliability is improved, but mechanical actuation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the actuator sleeve and actuator is made dynamic rather than static. The dog mechanism allows the actuator sleeve to be coupled to the actuator when remote actuation is needed, and uncoupled when mechanical actuation by a shifting tool is required. This dynamic coupling capability enables the system to adapt to different operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between remote actuation reliability and mechanical actuation versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The dog is positioned and configured in advance to automatically couple the actuator sleeve to the actuator when the actuator moves, and to allow uncoupling when mechanical actuation is needed. This preliminary configuration ensures that the correct coupling state is achieved without requiring complex control mechanisms during operation.
Data Source
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Figure 2B
AI summary
A well tool has a housing and an actuator sleeve in the housing. An actuator in the housing includes a spring and an internal shifting tool engaging profile. The actuator is responsive, independent of well annulus pressure, to a remote hydraulic signal in a central bore of the well tool to change from an unactuated state to an actuated state to shift the actuator sleeve from a first position to a second position. The actuator is responsive to reset to the unactuated state using the internal shifting tool engaging profile.