Downhole Well Tool Actuation via Single-Pressure Control Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Space constraints in wellbores limit the number of control lines that can be routed downhole, restricting the operation of flow control valves and the number of downhole tools that can be utilized, especially in subsea wells where the use of multiple pressure levels is cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A system using three hydraulic control lines operating at a single pressure level to actuate and control downhole well tools, where one line selects the tool, another supplies pressure for actuation, and the third resets the module piston, allowing for sequential staging and individual control of multiple tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control lines are routed downhole to control actuation of multiple flow control valves, then the number of downhole tools that can be utilized is increased, but space constraints in the wellbore restrict the number of control lines that can be routed downhole
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling three control lines to control multiple flow control valves through selective actuation sequences. Each control line can be selectively actuated in different sequences to control different valves, allowing the same control infrastructure to serve multiple tools without requiring dedicated control lines for each valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control function by dividing the actuation process into sequential stages. Each flow control valve is actuated through a specific sequence of control line actuations, allowing independent control of each valve while using the same limited set of control lines. This segmentation enables multiple valves to be controlled independently through temporal separation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two or more pressure levels are used to actuate different downhole tools, then selective actuation of multiple tools is enabled, but the operation of the system is restricted in subsea wells and the potential number of downhole tools is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from multiple pressure levels to a single pressure level with selective sequencing. Instead of using different pressure levels to differentiate tool actuation (which complicates subsea operation), the system uses temporal sequencing of a single pressure level application to selectively actuate different tools, simplifying the operational complexity while maintaining selective control capability.
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 efficient and flexible control of downhole well tools with reduced infrastructure needs, allowing for the potential use of multiple tools in a single string without the limitations of multiple pressure levels, enhancing operational flexibility in constrained environments.
Implementation Method 1
Actuation of the control modules and the well tools is achieved with three control lines connected to the one or more control modules. Transitioning of the control modules to sequential stages is achieved by applying a single pressure level selectively through the three control lines.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates control over one or more well tools coupled to one or more corresponding control modules. Actuation of the control modules and the well tools may be achieved with three control lines connected to the one or more control modules. Transitioning of the control modules to sequential stages and the consequent actuation of the corresponding well tools is achieved by applying a single pressure level selectively through the three control lines.