Wellbore Linear Actuator With Hydraulic Feed-Through Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore intervention technologies lack a linear actuator that can both position tools and provide power and control signals independently, leading to increased complexity and reduced efficiency in well operations.
Innovation Solution
A double-acting cylinder-based wellbore linear actuator with a single fluid circuit for operation and tool feeding, featuring a mechanical interface for tool attachment, hydraulic fluid supply, and optional electric power and control signals, allowing for autonomous tool operation once positioned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate systems are used for actuator operation and tool power supply, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuator operation system and tool power supply system into a single integrated hydraulic circuit. The feed fluid passage serves dual purposes: it provides hydraulic fluid to the first chamber for actuator operation and simultaneously supplies hydraulic fluid to the tool through the second fluid line. This merging eliminates the need for separate pumps and distribution circuits, reducing device complexity while maintaining system reliability through a unified, simpler architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic feed fluid passage is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the actuation circuit for the linear actuator and as the power supply circuit for the tool. The passage extends through the piston head and piston rod, allowing a single hydraulic system to perform multiple functions: positioning the tool and providing power to operate the tool, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple fluid circuits are used for actuator and tool operation, then reliability is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fluid circuits into a single integrated hydraulic system. The feed fluid passage combines the functions of the actuator circuit and tool power circuit, eliminating the need for separate pumps, valves, and distribution networks. This reduction in component count simplifies the system while maintaining operational reliability through a more straightforward architecture with fewer potential failure points.
3Device complexity
If a single fluid circuit is used for both actuator and tool, then device complexity is reduced, but functional separation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
While using a single integrated fluid circuit, the patent segments the hydraulic flow paths through distinct passages and control mechanisms. The feed fluid passage includes a first fluid line through the piston head and piston rod to the first chamber, and a second fluid line through the cylinder head to the tool. This segmentation allows independent control and functional separation within the unified circuit, maintaining adaptability and versatility while reducing overall system complexity.
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 simplifies the system by reducing the number of active components, enhances reliability, and enables efficient power delivery while allowing the use of various tools through a standardized interface, reducing complexity and increasing efficiency within the limited wellbore diameter.
Implementation Method 1
providing hydraulic fluid under pressure to a first chamber of the linear actuator to expand the linear actuator into position
Implementation Method 2
delivering the hydraulic fluid from the first chamber to the tool
Data Source
AI summary
Hydraulic fluid is from a hydraulic pump to a tool connected to respective first and second ends of a wellbore linear actuator. The actuator has a double acting cylinder with a cylinder head, a cylinder cap opposite the cylinder head, a piston head, and a piston rod. The piston head separates the cylinder into a first chamber and a second chamber, and the piston rod extends out of the second chamber through the cylinder cap. The double acting cylinder has first and second ends, and the double acting cylinder further includes a feed fluid passage between the first and second ends. The feed fluid passage includes a first fluid line through the piston head and the piston rod, the first chamber, and a second fluid line through the cylinder head.