Solid State Phase Change Heat Sink for Downhole Tools

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heat protection methods for downhole tools, such as Dewar-type flasking with phase change materials, are costly and impractical due to the need for complex manufacturing processes and the risk of exposing sensitive components to liquids, especially for single-use applications like perforating guns.

Innovation Solution

A downhole tool assembly using a solid state phase change heat sink, typically made of polyhydric alcohol-based materials, which absorbs heat by transitioning from one solid molecular arrangement to another without becoming liquid, thereby protecting heat-sensitive components from extreme temperatures without the need for a multi-walled structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a multi-walled Dewar-type flask structure with liquid phase change material is used, then heat protection effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat protection effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes solid-state phase change materials that transition between different solid crystal structures (e.g., from monoclinic to triclinic form) rather than melting into liquid. This phase transition occurs at specific temperatures (e.g., around 150-200°C) and provides effective heat absorption while maintaining a solid state, thereby protecting heat-sensitive components without requiring complex multi-walled containment structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state parameter of the phase change material from liquid to solid. By selecting materials that undergo solid-state phase transitions, the system eliminates the need for liquid containment while maintaining thermal protection functionality. This parameter change fundamentally simplifies the structural requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a multi-walled Dewar-type flask structure with liquid phase change material is used, then heat protection effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases to over $40,000

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat protection effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes solid-state phase change materials that transition between different solid crystal structures (e.g., from monoclinic to triclinic form) rather than melting into liquid. This phase transition occurs at specific temperatures (e.g., around 150-200°C) and provides effective heat absorption while maintaining a solid state, thereby protecting heat-sensitive components without requiring complex multi-walled containment structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state parameter of the phase change material from liquid to solid. By selecting materials that undergo solid-state phase transitions, the system eliminates the need for liquid containment while maintaining thermal protection functionality. This parameter change fundamentally simplifies the structural requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If a liquid phase change material is used, then heat absorption capability is improved, but risk of exposing sensitive components to liquid increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat absorption capabilityVSAvoidliquid exposure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes solid-state phase change materials that transition between different solid crystal structures (e.g., from monoclinic to triclinic form) rather than melting into liquid. This phase transition occurs at specific temperatures (e.g., around 150-200°C) and provides effective heat absorption while maintaining a solid state, thereby protecting heat-sensitive components without requiring complex multi-walled containment structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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 manufacturing costs and enhances reliability by avoiding liquid exposure to sensitive components, while effectively protecting them from high temperatures, making it suitable for both reusable and single-use tools.

Implementation Method 1

a solid state phase change heat sink, typically made of polyhydric alcohol-based materials, which absorbs heat by transitioning from one solid molecular arrangement to another without becoming liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

The heat sink is configured for absorbing heat of the well and is of a solid state phase change material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Latent Heat

Data Source

PatentUS10240453B2Solid state phase change flasking for a downhole tool component

Publication Date: 2019.03.26 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A heat sink of solid state phase change material for a heat sensitive downhole tool component. The heat sink may be of a polyhydric alcohol based or other suitable material which is capable of undergoing a phase change from one solid form to another. That is, the phase change material need not undergo a phase change into a liquid form in order to absorb well heat and provide substantial protection to the heat sensitive downhole tool component. Thus, cost effectiveness, manufacturability and performance may all be enhanced which may be particularly advantageous where the component is of a single application use variety.