Downhole Shifting Tool Assembly for Completion Valve Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for locating and actuating completion valves in oil and gas wells are time-consuming and unreliable, as they require manual searching for shifting profiles and applying precise axial force.

Innovation Solution

A shifting tool assembly equipped with a shifting profile locating mechanism, an anchoring mechanism, and an extension mechanism, which allows for accurate placement of the shifting tool, anchoring to the wellbore tubular, and applying a predetermined axial force to operate the completion valve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual searching methods are used to locate the shifting profile, then the shifting tool can be deployed, but the operation becomes time-consuming and unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of locating activation mechanismVSAvoidtime to locate shifting profile

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the shifting tool at a known reference point (the isolation member) before attempting to locate the shifting profile. The method establishes a starting position using a standoff spacer that contacts the isolation member, then systematically moves the tool a predetermined distance to engage the shifting profile, eliminating the need for random or manual searching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical searching with an automated systematic positioning system. Instead of repeatedly lowering and raising the tool or manually guiding it, the system uses a controller to automatically extend an actuator tool, which in turn moves the shifter tool a precise predetermined distance to locate the shifting profile, substituting human operation with automated mechanical control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the shifting tool is repeatedly lowered and raised to search for the shifting profile, then coverage is improved, but operational time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to locate shifting profileVSAvoidoperational speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The method performs preliminary positioning by first establishing contact with the isolation member using the standoff spacer, then immediately extending the actuator tool to move the shifter tool to the shifting profile in a single systematic action, rather than requiring multiple repeated lowering and raising cycles to search for the profile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the skipping principle by moving the shifter tool directly through the predetermined distance to reach the shifting profile without intermediate searching steps. The systematic extension of the actuator tool allows the tool to rush through the positioning process in one continuous motion, eliminating the need to repeatedly lower and raise the tool to search for the profile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

3Measurement precision

If an extension mechanism is used to move the shifting tool through the valve, then positioning accuracy improves, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracy of shifting toolVSAvoidcomplexity of locating mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the positioning system into distinct functional modules: a standoff spacer for initial contact with the isolation member, an actuator tool for extension movement, and a shifter tool for engaging the shifting profile. This modular segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving precise positioning while maintaining manageable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator tool serves multiple functions: it extends to move the shifter tool to the shifting profile, it can be controlled by a controller for automated operation, and it integrates with the anchoring tool to provide a unified positioning system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12241337B2Method for opening a completion isolation valve with e-line powered shifting tool

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A downhole shifter tool assembly configured to operate a downhole tool. The shifter tool assembly comprises a anchor tool, an extension tool, a shifting key, and a standoff spacer. The standoff spacer is configured to locate the shifter tool assembly at a reference position by contacting an isolation member on the downhole tool. An anchoring mechanism within the anchor tool can anchor the shifter tool assembly in the reference position. An extend-retract mechanism within the extension tool can extend move the shifting key on a shifting tool into engagement with a shifting profile on the downhole tool and move the shifting profile to a second position. The downhole tool can be operated by the shifting key moving the shifting profile from an initial position to the second position.