Well Tool Actuation Using Pressure Drop and Hydraulic Accumulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well tools are prone to damage and inefficient actuation due to high pressure differentials, which can lead to seal failure and component damage, particularly when actuated by high pressure levels.
Innovation Solution
A well tool actuation mechanism that utilizes a pressure increase followed by a reduction to actuate well tools, employing a piston system with a flow restrictor and accumulator to manage pressure differentials, ensuring controlled actuation of well tools like packers and inflow control valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If high pressure is applied to actuate well tools, then actuation force is sufficient, but seal failure and component damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by first increasing pressure to set the packer and charge the accumulator, then subsequently decreasing pressure to actuate the inflow control valve. This sequential approach allows the system to prepare necessary conditions before executing the final actuation, avoiding direct exposure to high pressure differentials that would damage seals.
Solution Approach 2:
The accumulator serves as a cushioning element that stores energy during the pressure increase phase and releases it during the pressure decrease phase. This beforehand cushioning allows the inflow control valve to be actuated using stored energy rather than direct high pressure, protecting seals from damage while ensuring reliable actuation.
2Speed
If high pressure is transmitted immediately to actuate tools, then actuation speed is fast, but component damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary pressure increase to charge the accumulator and set the packer before executing the pressure decrease that actuates the inflow control valve. This preliminary action prepares the system state necessary for safe and efficient actuation, separating the force-generating step from the actuation step.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by first increasing pressure and then decreasing it to actuate the inflow control valve. This cyclic pressure variation allows the system to utilize the pressure differential efficiently while protecting components from sustained exposure to high pressure differentials that would cause damage.
3Reliability
If pressure increase is used to actuate packer, then packer setting is achieved, but subsequent tool actuation is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple functions into a single pressure cycle: the pressure increase simultaneously sets the packer and charges the accumulator, while the subsequent pressure decrease actuates the inflow control valve. This combining of functions reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate actuation systems for each tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The accumulator serves as an intermediary element that decouples the packer setting operation from the inflow control valve actuation. By storing energy during pressure increase and releasing it during pressure decrease, the accumulator mediates between the two operations, allowing them to be performed sequentially using a single pressure control system.
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 safe and efficient actuation of well tools by minimizing damage from high pressure differentials, allowing for controlled setting of packers and opening of inflow control valves without immediate high-pressure transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a flow restrictor connected between the first piston area and the input line
Implementation Method 2
an accumulator connected between the input line and the first piston area
Implementation Method 3
when fluid pressure applied to the first piston area is greater than fluid pressure applied to the second piston area
Data Source
AI summary
A well tool can include a well tool component that actuates in response to application of pressure to the well tool component, and an actuator in fluid communication with the well tool component. The actuator can include an input line configured for connection to a fluid pressure source, a valve including opposing piston areas connected to the input line, and a flow restrictor connected between one of the piston areas and the input line. A method of actuating a well tool in a subterranean well can include increasing fluid pressure in the well, the increased fluid pressure being communicated to an actuation line of an actuator, and decreasing the fluid pressure in the well, the increased fluid pressure in the actuation line causing a valve of the actuator to open when the fluid pressure is decreased.