Self-energized Downhole Tool Setting Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for setting downhole tools, such as external casing packers, require an inner string, a dropped ball, or pressurization of the wellbore, which are limited and costly in certain well conditions.

Innovation Solution

The use of hydrostatic pressure in the wellbore to set a downhole tool after exposure to well fluids for a predetermined time or temperature, eliminating the need for an inner string, dropped ball, or pressurization, by harnessing hydrostatic forces or releasing a biasing source to trigger the setting mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If traditional setting methods (inner string, dropped ball, or pressurization) are used to set downhole tools, then the tool can be set, but additional equipment and surface intervention are required, increasing device complexity and operational costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic setting of downhole toolVSAvoidequipment and surface intervention required

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The downhole tool sets itself automatically using the wellbore's hydrostatic pressure and thermal conditions. The tool's setting mechanism responds autonomously to the well environment without requiring external equipment or surface intervention, eliminating the need for inner strings, dropped balls, or pressurization systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical setting mechanisms (inner string, dropped ball, pressurization system) with a self-actuating mechanism that uses hydrostatic pressure and temperature-induced material property changes. This substitution eliminates complex surface equipment and automated the setting process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If traditional setting methods are used, then the tool can be set, but operational costs and complexity increase due to additional equipment and surface intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetting operation efficiencyVSAvoidequipment and operational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool automatically sets itself using wellbore conditions, eliminating the need for additional equipment and surface intervention. This self-service approach streamlines the setting operation, improving productivity while reducing operational complexity and costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If hydrostatic pressure and time/temperature exposure are used to set the tool, then automatic setting is achieved without additional equipment, but the setting mechanism must be designed to respond to these conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment and surface interventionVSAvoidsetting mechanism design requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The setting mechanism utilizes changes in material properties induced by temperature and pressure parameters. Materials are selected and designed to change their physical or mechanical properties in response to wellbore temperature and hydrostatic pressure, enabling automatic setting without complex equipment while maintaining manufacturability through standard material science applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 automatic actuation of downhole tools without the need for additional equipment or surface intervention, ensuring proper positioning and setting of tools like packers, sliding sleeves, and bridge plugs, reducing operational costs and complexity.

Implementation Method 1

setting mechanisms for downhole tools are described that take advantage of hydrostatic pressure in the wellbore which is harnessed to set a tool after exposure to well fluids for a given time or temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrostatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

exposure to well fluids at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time allows the tool to be set

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature: Temperature Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS7552777B2Self-energized downhole tool

Publication Date: 2009.06.30 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

Setting mechanisms for downhole tools are described that take advantage of hydrostatic pressure in the wellbore which is harnessed to set a tool after exposure to well fluids for a given time or temperature defeats a lock and allows hydrostatic forces to trigger the setting of the tool. Alternatively, some other biasing source is released to set the downhole tool after exposure to well fluids for a time or a temperature and time defeats a lock and allows the biasing source to set the tool. While applications to packers are preferred, other downhole tools can be set in his manner removing the need for an inner string, dropping a ball on a seat or pressurizing the wellbore to achieve the setting of the downhole tool.