Timed Hydraulic Actuation for Independently Controlled Downhole Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of oil and gas wells face challenges in controlling multiple downhole tools in real-time across complex reservoir structures with multiple production zones, as existing systems require numerous control lines and lack efficient timing mechanisms for actuating tools within specific windows of opportunity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a control unit with a timer and valve for each downhole tool connected to hydraulic fluid lines, allowing hydraulic fluid communication only during predetermined windows of time, enabling precise actuation and control of downhole tools, such as sliding sleeves, across multiple production zones with a reduced number of control lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional control systems are used for multiple downhole tools, then each tool can be controlled independently, but the number of control lines increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single control line by implementing time-division multiplexing. Each downhole tool is assigned a specific time window during which it can receive actuation signals through the shared control line, eliminating the need for separate control lines for each tool while maintaining independent control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic time windows to grant control access to different downhole tools in sequence. Each tool has a predetermined time window during which it can be actuated, creating a periodic control pattern that allows multiple tools to share a single control line without interference.
2Ease of operation
If real-time control of downhole tools is implemented, then operators can respond to reservoir conditions, but precise timing control within opportunity windows is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes time windows for each downhole tool before operation begins. These predetermined time windows are configured during system setup, allowing operators to control tools in real-time within their assigned windows while maintaining precise timing control through the pre-planned schedule.
3Productivity
If multiple production zones are controlled simultaneously, then hydrocarbon production efficiency improves, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic time windows that allow multiple downhole tools across different production zones to be controlled in sequence through a single control line. This periodic control pattern enables efficient management of multiple production zones without requiring complex simultaneous control mechanisms.
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 independent operation of multiple downhole tools with reduced control lines, allowing for precise control of fluid flow across various production zones, improving hydrocarbon production efficiency by allowing tools to be actuated only during specific time windows, thereby optimizing reservoir management.
Implementation Method 1
controlling the pressure in the at least one hydraulic fluid line for at least a sufficient period of time required to at least actuate the said downhole tool
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of actuating at least one of a plurality of downhole tools connected to at least one hydraulic fluid line is disclosed. The method includes the steps of:- a)providing each of the downhole tools with a control unit comprising a timer which permits fluid communication between the at least one hydraulic fluid line and the downhole tool during a window of time; and b)controlling the pressure in the at least one hydraulic fluid line for at least a sufficient period of time required to at least actuate the said downhole tool, wherein the said sufficient period of time coincides at least partially with the said window of time. A control unit for operating one or more than one of a plurality of downhole tools connected to at least one hydraulic fluid line is also disclosed as including a timer associated with each of the one or more downhole tools, the timer permitting hydraulic fluid to communicate with the respective downhole tool if supplied via the at least one hydraulic fluid line during a window of time. A timer apparatus for use in downhole wellbore for permitting controlled activation of a downhole tool at a point in time is also disclosed as including a valve associated with an energy storage mechanism and which is arranged to move the valve when the energy is released to actuate the downhole tool. A system of downhole tools is also disclosed as including two or more downhole tools, at least one hydraulic fluid line, wherein each of the two or more downhole tools is connected to the at least one hydraulic fluid line and at least one control unit comprising at least one timer, wherein each of the one or more downhole tools is connected to a timer, said timer permitting hydraulic fluid to communicate with the respective downhole tool. A method of controlling flow downhole in a wellbore is also disclosed.