Self Metering Setting Tool Integrates Wireline Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for setting downhole devices like frac plugs in hydrocarbon wells are complex and inefficient, often requiring separate wireline adapter kits and slow burn charges, which complicate the process and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A disposable setting tool that integrates the functionality of a wireline adapter kit, featuring a self-metering system with metering ports to control the setting action, eliminating the need for slow burn charges and simplifying assembly by using a tension member with a setting charge to drive the tool's outer housing linearly, while metering ports regulate the stroke speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate wireline adapter kit and setting tool are used, then the setting function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wireline adapter kit functionality and the setting tool into a single integrated setting tool. The integrated design incorporates the adapter components and setting mechanism as unified structures, eliminating the need for separate adapter kits and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the setting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The setting tool is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the wireline adapter for device attachment and the setting mechanism for actuation. This multi-functional design consolidates what were previously separate tools into one universal device, reducing complexity without compromising reliability.
2Speed
If conventional setting tools are used without self metering, then the setting action is fast, but the setting speed cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The setting tool incorporates a self-metering system with metering ports that automatically regulate the discharge of propellant gases during the setting sequence. This self-regulating mechanism controls the expansion rate of the setting element without requiring external control systems or slow-burn charges, providing controlled setting speed while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If slow burn charges are used to control setting speed, then the setting sequence is controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pneumatic metering system where metering ports control the flow of propellant gases during setting. This pneumatic flow control mechanism provides regulated setting speed through physical flow restrictions rather than chemical burn rate control, eliminating the need for complex slow-burn charge formulations while achieving controlled setting sequences.
4Ease of manufacture
If disposable setting tools are used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the quality control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates self-metering ports with precisely controlled dimensions that regulate propellant gas flow. These metering parameters are designed to provide consistent, repeatable setting sequences across all disposable tools. The standardized parameter design enables centralized quality control during manufacturing while maintaining cost-effectiveness through disposable construction.
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 solution reduces complexity and cost by integrating the adapter kit into a disposable tool, allowing for controlled and efficient setting of downhole devices without slow burn charges, shifting risk from field environments to manufacturing, and enabling centralized quality control.
Implementation Method 1
allowing expanding gas resulting from the setting charge to flow through the passages of the tension member into the pressure chamber; and using the expanding gas to drive the outer housing linearly with respect to the tension member to set the device
Implementation Method 2
the metering ports control discharge of fluid from the outer housing to limit stroke speed of the outer housing relative to the tension member
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates improved setting of downhole devices, e.g. frac plugs. The technique utilizes a setting tool, e.g. a disposable setting tool, which integrates the functionality of a wireline adapter kit to provide a compact disposable solution for setting downhole devices. The setting tool comprises a self metering system which slows an otherwise violent setting action to a controlled setting sequence. The self metering system enables avoidance of the use of slow burn charges sometimes used in conventional setting tools.