Wellbore Dart Separable Activator Radial Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wellbore darts used to activate downhole tools often obstruct the placement of other devices, requiring time-consuming and costly removal processes to allow subsequent activations or device placement.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore dart with a separable tool activator connected by frangible devices, allowing radial expansion for device passage and subsequent retraction, enabling the dart to remain in the wellbore while allowing other devices to be introduced downstream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional wellbore dart is used to activate downhole tools, then the tool activation function is achieved, but the dart obstructs the placement of subsequent devices requiring removal operations
Solution Approach 1:
The dart is divided into two separable components: a body portion and a tool activator portion. The tool activator is detachably connected to the body via a frangible connection that allows the activator to separate after performing its activation function, clearing the path for subsequent devices while the body remains in place
Solution Approach 2:
The tool activator portion is extracted as a separable component from the dart body. After activating the downhole tool, the activator detaches and is carried downstream by fluid flow, removing the obstruction that would otherwise block subsequent device placement
2Loss of time
If the dart remains in the wellbore after activation, then operational time and cost are reduced, but device placement is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the dart into body and activator portions, the system enables the body to remain in the wellbore (saving time) while the activator separates to allow subsequent device placement (restoring versatility)
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible connection acts as an intermediary mechanism that initially holds the activator in place for activation, then fails in a controlled manner to allow separation, enabling both time efficiency and subsequent device placement
3Ease of operation
If the tool activator is separable, then subsequent device placement is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation into body and activator with frangible connection adds structural complexity, but this complexity is offset by the simplicity of the separation mechanism that enables subsequent device placement without requiring full dart retrieval
4Device complexity
If the dart structure is simplified for easy placement, then ease of operation improves, but the ability to enable subsequent devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible connection provides a simple yet effective segmentation solution that enables the activator to separate from the body, restoring adaptability for subsequent device placement without requiring complete dart removal
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
Facilitates efficient activation of downhole tools without obstructing subsequent device placement, reducing operational time and cost by allowing the dart to remain in the wellbore after activation.
Implementation Method 1
a frangible device connecting the tool activator to the body
Implementation Method 2
a retracting device, wherein the retracting device is configured to move the first, second, and third sections radially towards each other from the expanded position into a retracted position when the force is removed from the inner diameter of the tool activator
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore dart can be used to activate a downhole tool within a wellbore to perform a function, such as shifting a sleeve. The dart includes a tool activator that is releasably connected to a body of the dart. After the downhole tool has been activated, the body can be released from the tool activator to open a fluid flow path within the downhole tool. A device can be pumped and land on the tool activator. The tool activator can include multiple sections that expand radially away from each other when force from the device is exerted on the sections. Expansion of the sections allows the device to pass through the tool activator. The dart can also include a retracting device that moves the sections back together after the device has passed through the tool activator.