This disclosure relates, in general, to equipment utilized in conjunction with operations performed in relation to subterranean wells and, in particular, to downhole systems and methods for the deployment and use of one or more balls for the actuation of downhole tools.
Without limiting the scope of the present disclosure, its background is described with reference to actuating a downhole tool responsive to tubing pressure applied against a ball disposed in a ball seat, as an example.
It is well known in the subterranean well drilling and completion art to locate a downhole tool string within a casing, liner or production tubing to perform desired operations. Such a tool string may incorporate a variety of tools including sliding sleeves, circulating subs, packers and the like. Once the tool string is properly positioned downhole, actuation of one or more of the downhole tools in the string may be desired. One method to actuate such downhole tools involves deployment of a ball operable to travel down the tool string and engage a ball seat within the downhole tool or an associated setting tool. Thereafter, tubing pressure may be applied to actuate the downhole tool. For example, in the case of a packer, the ball may engage a seat in a packer setting tool. The fluid pressure is then increased above a certain threshold to actuate the packer setting tool, which in turn sets the packer to engage the casing, liner or production tubing.
Typically, the ball used to actuate the downhole tool is deployed from the surface. The ball must then be gravity feed or pumped through the pipe string until it reaches the downhole seat. It has been found, however, that although such a method works in many circumstances, there are several drawbacks to this method. For example, deployment of a ball from the surface is a time-consuming and costly process. In addition, deployment of a ball from the surface may result in the ball becoming stuck or lost in the pipe string or otherwise never making it to the downhole seat. Further, to ensure that the ball can be displaced from the surface to the downhole seat, all of the tools and components in the pipe string above the downhole seat must be free from restrictions that would prevent the ball from passing therethrough.
Accordingly, a need has arisen for an improved system and method for deploying a ball for engagement with a ball seat to enable actuation of a downhole tool. A need has also arisen for such an improved system and method for deploying a ball that does not require gravity feeding or pumping the ball from the surface.
For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the detailed description of the disclosure along with the accompanying figures in which corresponding numerals in the different figures refer to corresponding parts and in which:
While various system, method and other embodiments are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure provides many applicable inventive concepts, which can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative, and do not delimit the scope of the present disclosure.
In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a downhole ball dropping system that is operable to be positioned in a well. The system includes a tool string having a flow path. First and second ball dropper assemblies are interconnected in the tool string. The first ball dropper assembly releasably retains a first ball and the second ball dropper assembly releasably retains a second ball. A sensor is operable to detect deployment of the first ball and is operable to generate a signal to prevent release of the second ball from the second ball dropper assembly.
In one embodiment, the second ball dropper assembly may be positioned downhole of the first ball dropper assembly. In another embodiment, the second ball dropper assembly may be circumferentially positioned relative to the first ball dropper assembly. In some embodiments, the sensor may be operable to detect the first ball passing through the flow path after release thereof by the first ball dropper assembly. For example, the first ball may be a magnetic device and the sensor may detect a change in a magnetic field. Alternatively, the first ball may include an RFID tag and the sensor may be an RFID reader. In certain embodiments, the sensor may be operable to detect release of the first ball from first ball dropper assembly.
In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a downhole ball dropping method. The method includes positioning a downhole ball dropping system in a well, the downhole ball dropping system including a tool string having a flow path, a first ball dropper assembly interconnected in the tool string and releasably retaining a first ball and a second ball dropper assembly interconnected in the tool string and releasably retaining a second ball; sending a deployment signal to the first ball dropper assembly to release the first ball; detecting deployment of the first ball with a downhole sensor; and generating a deactivation signal from the downhole sensor to prevent release of the second ball from the second ball dropper assembly.
The method may also include sending a deployment signal selected from the group consisting of a mechanical signal, a pressure signal, an acoustic signal, an optical signal, an electrical signal, a temperature signal, a displacement signal, a time delay signal and combinations thereof; detecting the first ball passing through the flow path after release thereof by the first ball dropper assembly; detecting a change in a magnetic field; detecting an RFID tag; detecting release of the first ball from the first ball dropper assembly; and/or sending a deployment signal from the downhole sensor to at least one of a surface controller and a downhole component.
In a further aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a downhole ball dropping system that is operable to be positioned in a well. The system includes a tool string having a flow path. A first ball dropper assembly is interconnected in the tool string. The first ball dropper assembly releasably retains a first ball. A first actuation assembly is operably associated with the first ball dropper assembly. The first actuation assembly is operated responsive to a deployment signal of a first type. A second ball dropper assembly is interconnected in the tool string. The second ball dropper assembly releasably retains a second ball. A second actuation assembly is operably associated with the second ball dropper assembly. The second actuation assembly is operated responsive to a deployment signal of a second type, wherein, the deployment signal of the second type is different from the deployment signal of the first type, thereby providing independent and redundant ball deployment capability.
In one embodiment, the second ball dropper assembly may be positioned downhole of the first ball dropper assembly. In another embodiment, the second ball dropper assembly may be circumferentially positioned relative to the first ball dropper assembly. In some embodiments, the deployment signal of the first type and the deployment signal of the second type may each be selected from the group consisting of a mechanical signal, a pressure signal, an acoustic signal, an optical signal, an electrical signal, a temperature signal, a displacement signal, a time delay signal and combinations thereof.
In yet another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a downhole ball dropping method. The method includes positioning a downhole ball dropping system in a well, the downhole ball dropping system including a tool string having a flow path, a first ball dropper assembly interconnected in the tool string and releasably retaining a first ball and a second ball dropper assembly interconnected in the tool string and releasably retaining a second ball; sending a deployment signal of a first type to the first ball dropper assembly to release the first ball; determining deployment of the first ball failed with a downhole sensor; and sending a deployment signal of a second type to the second ball dropper assembly to release the second ball, wherein, the deployment signal of the second type is different from the deployment signal of the first type, thereby providing independent and redundant ball deployment capability.
The method may also include sending a deployment signal selected from the group consisting of a mechanical signal, a pressure signal, an acoustic signal, an optical signal, an electrical signal, a temperature signal, a displacement signal, a time delay signal and combinations thereof; detecting the first ball has not passing through the flow path downhole of the first ball dropper assembly; detecting no a change in a magnetic field; detecting no RFID tag; detecting a failure to release the first ball from the first ball dropper assembly; and/or sending a deployment failure signal from the downhole sensor to at least one of a surface controller and a downhole component.
In an additional aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a downhole ball dropping method. The method includes positioning a downhole ball dropping system in a well, the downhole ball dropping system including a tool string having a flow path and a ball dropper assembly interconnected in the tool string that releasably retains a ball; sending a deployment signal to the ball dropper assembly to release the ball; shifting a piston of a release assembly in the ball dropper assembly; pushing the ball out of the ball dropper assembly through a port with the release assembly; sensing operation of the release assembly and closing the port.
In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a downhole ball dropping system that is operable to be positioned in a well. The system includes a tool string having a flow path. A ball dropper assembly is interconnected in the tool string. The ball dropper assembly releasably retains a ball. An actuation assembly is operably associated with the ball dropper assembly. The actuation assembly is operated responsive to a deployment signal. A release assembly including a piston is disposed within the ball dropper assembly. A sensor is operably associated with the ball dropper assembly. Responsive to the deployment signal, the actuation assembly triggers operation of the release assembly, the release assembly pushes the ball into the flow path through a port of the ball dropper assembly, the sensor senses operation of the release assembly and the port of the ball dropper assembly is closed.
In a further aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a downhole ball dropping method. The method includes positioning a downhole ball dropping system in a well, the downhole ball dropping system including a tool string having a flow path and a ball dropper assembly interconnected in the tool string and releasably retaining a ball; sending a deployment signal to the ball dropper assembly to release the ball; determining whether the ball deployed from the ball dropper assembly with a downhole sensor; and sending a signal from the downhole sensor to at least one of a surface controller and a downhole component indicating whether the ball deployed.
The method may also include sending a deployment signal selected from the group consisting of a mechanical signal, a pressure signal, an acoustic signal, an optical signal, an electrical signal, a temperature signal, a displacement signal, a time delay signal and combinations thereof; detecting whether the ball has passed through the flow path downhole of the ball dropper assembly; determining whether there is a change in a magnetic field; determining whether an RFID tag is detected; detecting whether the ball was released from the ball dropper assembly; and/or laterally forcing the ball out of ball dropper assembly with a ball release assembly by shifting a first element having a ramp relative to a second element having a slot such that the ramp enters the slot.
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During the process of ball activation of downhole tools, it is important to know whether a ball has been deployed into the flow path of the tool string. In the present disclosure, sensors and systems are incorporated into the tool string to accomplish this operation. For example, sensor 52 of ball dropper assembly 46 is operable to determine whether ball dropper assembly 46 has released ball 48 into flow path 22. Sensor 52 may be a mechanical sensor, an electrical sensor, an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor or the like that is capable of identifying whether ball 48 is located within ball dropper assembly 46, whether ball 48 has passed through a particular location of ball dropper assembly 46 or both. Regardless of the sensing means, if sensor 52 determines that ball 48 has been released into flow path 22, sensor 52 is operable to provide a signal that indicates ball 48 has been released into flow path 22. Depending upon the configuration of tool string 12, this signal may be sent to a surface controller via a wellbore telemetry system or, as illustrated, the signal may be sent directly to ball dropper assembly 38 via a wired downhole communication network 54. Alternatively, the signal may be sent from sensor 52 to ball dropper assembly 38 via a wireless downhole communication system such as via acoustic communication.
As illustrated, sensor 52 and actuator 50 of ball dropper assembly 46 and sensor 44 and actuator 42 of ball dropper assembly 38 are nodes in wired downhole communication network 54. Preferably, the signal indicating ball 48 has been released into flow path 22 is received by sensor 44 and/or actuator 42 of ball dropper assembly 38. Either or both of sensor 44 and actuator 42 may include a downhole processor operably to interpret the signal and cause deactivation of ball dropper assembly 38 such that ball 40 will not be released into flow path 22. In this embodiment, the signal from sensor 52 indicating ball 48 has been released into flow path 22 may be referred to as a deactivation signal operable to prevent release a redundant ball; namely ball 40, into flow path 22. In this manner, proper deployment of ball 48 into flow path 22 prevents a subsequent unwanted deployment of ball 40 into flow path 22.
Alternatively or additionally, sensor 44 of ball dropper assembly 38 may be operable to determine whether ball 48 of ball dropper assembly 46 has entered flow path 22 and traveled past sensor 44. Sensor 44 may be a mechanical sensor, an electrical sensor, an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor or the like that is capable of identifying the passing of ball 48 in flow path 22 proximate sensor 44.
In one embodiment, ball 48 may be a magnetic device that includes one or more permanent magnets disposed within or on the surface of ball 48. In this embodiment, sensor 44 may be a giant magneto-resistive (GMR) sensor, a Hall-effect sensor, conductive coils or the like. Permanent magnets can be combined with sensor 44 in order to create a magnetic field that is disturbed by ball 48. A change in the magnetic field can be detected by sensor 44 as an indication of the presence or in this case the passage of ball 48.
Sensor 44 may include electronic circuitry which determines whether the sensor has detected a particular predetermined magnetic field, or pattern or combination of magnetic fields, or other magnetic properties of ball 48. For example, the electronic circuitry could have the predetermined magnetic field(s) or other magnetic properties programmed into non-volatile memory for comparison to magnetic fields/properties detected by sensor 44. The electronic circuitry could be supplied with electrical power via an on-board battery, a downhole generator, or any other electrical power source.
In one example, the electronic circuitry could include a capacitor, wherein an electrical resonance behavior between the capacitance of the capacitor and sensor 44 changes, depending on whether ball 48 is present. In another example, the electronic circuitry could include an adaptive magnetic field that adjusts to a baseline magnetic field of the surrounding environment such as the formation, the surrounding metallic structures or the like. The electronic circuitry could determine whether the measured magnetic fields exceed the adaptive magnetic field level. In a further example, sensor 44 could comprise an inductive sensor, which can detect the presence of a metallic device by, for example, detecting a change in a magnetic field. In this case, ball 48 need not contain a magnetic element or elements, however, ball 48 can still be considered a magnetic device, in the sense that it conducts a magnetic field and produces changes in a magnetic field, which can be detected by sensor 44.
In another embodiment, ball 48 may contain an electrical circuit such as, but not limited to, a passive or active radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. In the case of ball 48 containing a passive RFID tag, sensor 44 may include a transmitter operable to transmit an alternating current electromagnetic signal into flow path 22. As ball 48 passes sensor 44, the electrical circuit of ball 44 generates an electromagnetic signal responsive to the alternating current electromagnetic signal. A receiver of sensor 44 is operable to receive the responsive signal from the electrical circuit. The passive tag circuits have no internal power source, such as a battery. They contain an electromagnetic or electronic coil that can be excited by a particular frequency of electromagnetic energy transmitted from the transmitter of sensor 44. The electromagnetic energy transmitted from the transmitter to the coil momentarily excites the coil causing the electrical circuit to transmit the contents of its buffer, such as some stored value unique to that particular tag. The transmitted information is then detected by the receiver of sensor 44.
In the case of ball 48 containing an active RFID tag, the electrical circuit carried by ball 48 generates and transmits an electromagnetic signal. In this case, sensor 44 requires only an RFID reader or receiver operable to receive the electromagnetic signal from the electrical circuit. The active tag circuits contain an internal power source, typically a long life battery. The active tag can have read and write capability, allowing its internal operating program and other information to be remotely updated or changed as required. The active tag's memory can store, for example, several kilobytes information for future recall such as serial numbers, lot numbers, build dates, expiration dates and the like. Additionally, an active tag can be designed to transmit without initiation or interrogation by a transmitter. In this manner, the active tag, under its own power and circuit design or programmed control can self-generate an identifying electromagnetic signal that is detected by the receiver of sensor 44.
Regardless of the sensing means, if sensor 44 determines that ball 48 has traveled past ball dropper assembly 38, sensor 44 is operable to provide a deactivation signal such that ball 40 will not be released into flow path 22. In this manner, proper deployment of ball 48 into flow path 22 prevents a subsequent unwanted deployment of ball 40 into flow path 22.
During the process of ball activation of downhole tools, it is important to know whether a ball has not been deployed into the flow path of the tool string. In the present disclosure, sensors and systems are incorporated into the tool string to accomplish this operation. As described above, sensor 52 and/or sensor 44 are operable to determine whether ball 48 has been deployed from ball dropper assembly 46 into flow path 22. In the event that the active sensor or sensors determine that ball 48 has not been deployed from ball dropper assembly 46 into flow path 22, the present disclosure includes a second and redundant ball; namely ball 40, in ball dropper assembly 38 that is operable for use in actuating downhole tools such as packer assembly 32 and cross over assembly 30. In this case, ball 40 is released from ball dropper assembly 38 responsive to operation of actuator 42. Actuator 42 may be actuated responsive to a deployment signal sent from the surface or generated downhole such as a mechanical signal, a pressure signal, an acoustic signal, an optical signal, an electrical signal, a temperature signal, a displacement signal, a time delay signal or combinations thereof. Preferably, actuator 42 and the required actuation signal for actuator 42 are different from actuator 50 and the required actuation signal for actuator 50. This is preferred as the cause of the failure of ball deployment from ball dropper assembly 46 may also cause a failure in ball dropper assembly 38 if the same type of actuator and same type of actuation signal are used.
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During the process of ball activation of downhole tools, it is important to know whether a ball has been deployed into the flow path of the tool string. In the present disclosure, sensors and systems are incorporated into the tool string to accomplish this operation. For example, sensor 144 of ball dropper assembly 138 is operable to determine whether ball dropper assembly 138 has released ball 140 into flow path 122. Sensor 144 may be a mechanical sensor, an electrical sensor, an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor or the like that is capable of identifying whether ball 140 is located within ball dropper assembly 138, whether ball 140 has passed through a particular location of ball dropper assembly 138, whether ball 140 has passed through a particular location in flow path 122 or combinations thereof. Regardless of the sensing means, if sensor 144 determines that ball 140 has been released into flow path 122, sensor 144 is operable to provide a signal that indicates ball 140 has been released into flow path 122. Depending upon the configuration of tool string 112, this signal may be sent to the surface, sent to another downhole tool or, as illustrated, the signal can be processed by ball dropper assembly 138 to deactivate the portion of ball dropper assembly 138 responsible for release of ball 141 into flow path 122. In this manner, proper deployment of ball 140 into flow path 122 prevents a subsequent unwanted deployment of ball 141 into flow path 122.
During the process of ball activation of downhole tools, it is important to know whether a ball has not been deployed into the flow path of the tool string. In the present disclosure, sensors and systems are incorporated into the tool string to accomplish this operation. As described above, sensor 144 is operable to determine whether ball 140 has been deployed from ball dropper assembly 138 into flow path 122. In the event that sensor 144 determines that ball 140 has not been deployed from ball dropper assembly 138 into flow path 122, the present disclosure includes a second and redundant ball; namely ball 141 in ball dropper assembly 138 that is operable for use in actuating downhole tools such as packer assembly 132. In this case, ball 141 is released from ball dropper assembly 138 responsive to operation of actuator 143. Actuator 143 may be actuated responsive to a deployment signal sent from the surface or generated downhole such as a mechanical signal, a pressure signal, an acoustic signal, an optical signal, an electrical signal, a temperature signal, a displacement signal, a time delay signal or combinations thereof. Preferably, actuator 143 and the required actuation signal for actuator 143 are different from actuator 142 and the required actuation signal for actuator 142. This is preferred as the cause of the failure of deployment of ball 140 may also cause a failure of deployment of ball 141 if the same type of actuator and same type of actuation signal are used.
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Whether by ball 140 or ball 141, once packer assembly 132 has been set, additional pressure within flow path 122 may be used to cause ball 140 or ball 141 to pass through ball seat 136 as well as ball seat 128 in ball seat assembly 126, which requires a larger ball than ball 140 or ball 141, in the illustrated embodiment. Alternatively, return flow may be used to retrieve ball 140 or ball 141 to the surface or other secure location. Thereafter, as best seen in
During the process of ball activation of downhole tools, it is important to know whether a ball has been deployed into the flow path of the tool string. In the present disclosure, sensors and systems are incorporated into the tool string to accomplish this operation. For example, sensor 152 of ball dropper assembly 146 is operable to determine whether ball dropper assembly 146 has released ball 148 into flow path 122. Sensor 152 may be a mechanical sensor, an electrical sensor, an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor or the like that is capable of identifying whether ball 148 is located within ball dropper assembly 146, whether ball 148 has passed through a particular location of ball dropper assembly 146, whether ball 148 has passed through a particular location in flow path 122 or combinations thereof. Regardless of the sensing means, if sensor 152 determines that ball 148 has been released into flow path 122, sensor 152 is operable to provide a signal that indicates ball 148 has been released into flow path 122. Depending upon the configuration of tool string 112, this signal may be sent to the surface, sent to another downhole tool or, as illustrated, the signal can be processed by ball dropper assembly 146 to deactivate the portion of ball dropper assembly 146 responsible for release of ball 149 into flow path 122. In this manner, proper deployment of ball 148 into flow path 122 prevents a subsequent unwanted deployment of ball 149 into flow path 122.
During the process of ball activation of downhole tools, it is important to know whether a ball has not been deployed into the flow path of the tool string. In the present disclosure, sensors and systems are incorporated into the tool string to accomplish this operation. As described above, sensor 152 is operable to determine whether ball 148 has been deployed from ball dropper assembly 146 into flow path 122. In the event that sensor 152 determines that ball 148 has not been deployed from ball dropper assembly 146 into flow path 122, the present disclosure includes a second and redundant ball; namely ball 149 in ball dropper assembly 146 that is operable for use in actuating downhole tools such as cross over assembly 130. In this case, ball 149 is released from ball dropper assembly 146 responsive to operation of actuator 151. Actuator 151 may be actuated responsive to a deployment signal sent from the surface or generated downhole such as a mechanical signal, a pressure signal, an acoustic signal, an optical signal, an electrical signal, a temperature signal, a displacement signal, a time delay signal or combinations thereof. Preferably, actuator 151 and the required actuation signal for actuator 151 are different from actuator 150 and the required actuation signal for actuator 150. This is preferred as the cause of the failure of deployment of ball 148 may also cause a failure of deployment of ball 149 if the same type of actuator and same type of actuation signal are used.
If it is determine that ball 148 has not been deployed from ball dropper assembly 146 into flow path 122 by sensor 152, then ball dropper assembly 146 is sent a deployment signal and ball 149 is deployed from ball dropper assembly 146 into flow path 122 (not pictured). Gravity, fluid flow or a combination thereof, then causes ball 149 to travel downhole and engage ball seat 128 of ball seat assembly 126. In this position, a gravel pack operation may be performed to gravel pack the production interval associated with sand control screen 124 and perforations 118 through cross over assembly 130. Thereafter, additional pressure within flow path 122 may be used to cause ball 149 to pass through ball seat 128 or return flow may be used to retrieve ball 149 to the surface or other secure location. It is noted that ball dropper assembly 146 could have one or more additional and redundant balls which could be deployed into flow path 122 in a manner similar to that of ball 149. In addition, it is noted that tool string 112 could have one or more additional and redundant ball dropper assemblies that could be used to deploy a redundant ball into flow path 122 in a manner similar to that of ball 149.
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In operation, actuator 300 releases ball 328 responsive to a mechanical deployment signal. Specifically, when the tool string including actuator 300 is positioned in the well and it is desired to deploy ball 328 into the flow path of the tool string, weight is applied on mandrel 324. When sufficient shear force is generated between outer housing 302 and inner sleeve 304, shear screw 308 is broken. Thereafter, the outer housing 302, ball ramp 314 and mandrel 324 are shiftable relative to inner sleeve 304. The downward force on mandrel 304 now compresses spring 322 and is counteracted by the fluid moving through metering valve circuit 318 to require a predetermined amount of time for this operation. As outer housing 302, ball ramp 314 and mandrel 324 move downwardly relative to inner sleeve 304, ball 328 becomes aligned with ball release opening 306 of inner sleeve 304 and ball 328 is released from ball support member 326, through ball release opening 306 and into the flow path of the tool string. After deployment of ball 328, release of weight on mandrel 324 allows spring 322 to return outer housing 302, ball ramp 314 and mandrel 324 substantially to their run in positions.
In
In operation, actuator 330 releases ball 360 responsive to a pressure deployment signal. Specifically, when the tool string including actuator 330 is positioned in the well and it is desired to deploy ball 360 into the flow path of the tool string, annulus pressure is increased to apply a downward force on piston 350. When sufficient shear force is generated between piston 350 and ball release assembly 346, shear screw 352 is broken. Thereafter, the piston 350 is shiftable relative to ball release assembly 346. The downward force on piston 350 is counteracted by fluid 354 moving through orifice 356 to require a predetermined amount of time for this operation. As piston 350 moves downwardly, fluid 354 acts on piston 358, which shifts piston 358 downwardly pushing ball 360 out of ball holder 362. Ball 360 then contacts ball ramp 344 which is aligned with ball release opening 336 enabling ball 360 to enter the flow path of the tool string. It is noted that the pressure deployment signal could alternatively be generated by increasing the tubing pressure by porting cylindrical chamber 348 to the tubing side.
In
In operation, actuator 400 releases ball 428 responsive to a differential pressure deployment signal. Specifically, when the tool string including actuator 400 is positioned in the well and it is desired to deploy ball 428 into the flow path of the tool string, tubing pressure is increased to generate a differential pressure between the tubing pressure and the annulus pressure which applies a downward force on piston 438. When sufficient shear force is generated, shear screw 440 is broken. Thereafter, piston 438 is shiftable relative to outer housing 402 and the downward force on piston 438 acts through inner sleeve 404 to compress spring 424. Now, piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 move together until spring 424 is fully compressed or a lower surface of platform 432 of inner sleeve 404 contacts upper extension 426 of plunger member 420. In this position, ball 428 is aligned with ball release opening 406. Further downward movement of piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 now causes plunger member 420 to shift downwardly relative to ball ramp 412. The combination of the downward movement of piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 together with the force generated by spring 424 between ball ramp 412 and plunger member 420 cause ball 428 to be expelled through ball release opening 406 and into the flow path of the tool string. After deployment of ball 428, piston 438 may be fully extended such that locking feature 446 interacts with lock assembly 444 preventing retraction of piston 438. In this configuration, ball release opening 406 has moved behind a lower portion of outer housing 402 to protect the inside components of actuator 400 from abrasive fluid flow.
In
In operation, actuator 450 releases ball 428 responsive to a pressure deployment signal. Specifically, when the tool string including actuator 450 is positioned in the well and it is desired to deploy ball 428 into the flow path of the tool string, tubing pressure is increased which acts on rupture disk 452. When the tubing pressure reaches a sufficient absolute pressure, rupture disk 452 will burst. Thereafter, the fluid pressure generates a downward force on piston 438, which acts through inner sleeve 404 to compress spring 424. Now, piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 move together until spring 424 is fully compressed or a lower surface of platform 432 of inner sleeve 404 contacts upper extension 426 of plunger member 420. In this position, ball 428 is aligned with ball release opening 406. Further downward movement of piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 now causes plunger member 420 to shift downwardly relative to ball ramp 412. The combination of the downward movement of piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 together with the force generated by spring 424 between ball ramp 412 and plunger member 420 cause ball 428 to be expelled through ball release opening 406 and into the flow path of the tool string. After deployment of ball 428, piston 438 preferably remains in its fully extended positioned wherein ball release opening 406 has moved behind a lower portion of outer housing 402 to protect the inside components of actuator 450 from abrasive fluid flow.
In
In operation, actuator 460 releases ball 428 responsive to a pressure deployment signal. Specifically, when the tool string including actuator 460 is positioned in the well and it is desired to deploy ball 428 into the flow path of the tool string, annulus pressure is increased which acts on piston 466. When sufficient shear force is generated, shear screw 470 is broken allowing piston 466 to shift upwardly releasing lock ring 464. Thereafter, the fluid pressure generates a downward force on piston 438, which acts through inner sleeve 404 to compress spring 424. Now, piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 move together until spring 424 is fully compressed or a lower surface of platform 432 of inner sleeve 404 contacts upper extension 426 of plunger member 420. In this position, ball 428 is aligned with ball release opening 406. Further downward movement of piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 now causes plunger member 420 to shift downwardly relative to ball ramp 412. The combination of the downward movement of piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 together with the force generated by spring 424 between ball ramp 412 and plunger member 420 cause ball 428 to be expelled through ball release opening 406 and into the flow path of the tool string. After deployment of ball 428, piston 438 preferably remains in its fully extended positioned wherein ball release opening 406 has moved behind a lower portion of outer housing 402 to protect the inside components of actuator 460 from abrasive fluid flow.
In
In operation, actuator 480 releases ball 428 responsive to a pressure deployment signal. Specifically, when the tool string including actuator 480 is positioned in the well and it is desired to deploy ball 428 into the flow path of the tool string, tubing pressure is increased which acts upper piston 488 compressing spring 492. Downward movement of upper piston 488 downwardly shifts lower piston 484 downwardly via ratchet keys 490. At the same time, lower piston 484 is able to move downwardly relative to ratchet keys 486. When tubing pressure is released, the biasing force of spring 492 either alone or in combination with the fluid pressure force of the annular fluid via fluid passageway 434 acts to upwardly shift upper piston 488 which is able to move upwardly relative to ratchet keys 490. At the same time, ratchet keys 486 prevent upward movement of lower piston 484. The tubing pressure is then cycled up and down in a manner similar to that described above to further downwardly shift lower piston 484 in a stepwise fashion. This process continues as lower piston 484 and inner sleeve 404 move together and spring 424 is fully compressed or a lower surface of platform 432 of inner sleeve 404 contacts upper extension 426 of plunger member 420. In this position, ball 428 is aligned with ball release opening 406. Further downward movement of piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 now causes plunger member 420 to shift downwardly relative to ball ramp 412. The combination of the downward movement of piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 together with the force generated by spring 424 between ball ramp 412 and plunger member 420 cause ball 428 to be expelled through ball release opening 406 and into the flow path of the tool string. After deployment of ball 428, further downward movement of inner sleeve 404 positions ball release opening 406 behind a lower portion of outer housing 402 to protect the inside components of actuator 480 from abrasive fluid flow.
In
In operation, depending upon the configuration of computer controlled lock assembly 502, actuator 500 releases ball 428 responsive to one or more of an acoustic deployment signal, a pressure deployment signal, a temperature deployment signal, a displacement deployment signal and a time delay deployment signal or combinations thereof. For example, a pressure deployment signal may be detected by sensor 506, sensor 508 or both. Alternatively or additionally, an acoustic deployment signal or a temperature deployment signal could be detected by sensor 506, sensor 508 or both. As yet another alternative, an accelerometer and timer may work together to generate a deployment signal based upon actuator 500 remaining stationary for a predetermined time period. This deployment signal may be in addition to one of the exterior stimuli, i.e., pressure, temperature, acoustic, discussed above. Regardless of the type or types of deployment signals used, once received, the processor of computer controlled lock assembly 502 verifies the deployment signal then triggers the motor to retract its arm along with lock ring 504 to release piston 438. Thereafter, annular fluid pressure via fluid passageway 434 generates a downward force on piston 438, which acts through inner sleeve 404 to compress spring 424. Now, piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 move together until spring 424 is fully compressed or a lower surface of platform 432 of inner sleeve 404 contacts upper extension 426 of plunger member 420. In this position, ball 428 is aligned with ball release opening 406. Further downward movement of piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 now causes plunger member 420 to shift downwardly relative to ball ramp 412. The combination of the downward movement of piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 together with the force generated by spring 424 between ball ramp 412 and plunger member 420 cause ball 428 to be expelled through ball release opening 406 and into the flow path of the tool string. After deployment of ball 428, piston 438 preferably remains in its fully extended positioned wherein ball release opening 406 has moved behind a lower portion of outer housing 402 to protect the inside components of actuator 500 from abrasive fluid flow.
In
In operation, actuator 510 releases ball 428 responsive to one or more of an optical and an electrical deployment signal. Specifically, when the tool string including actuator 510 is positioned in the well and it is desired to deploy ball 428 into the flow path of the tool string, the surface controller sends the deployment signal and provides power to operate motor 512. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor drives the extendable shaft 514 downward generating a downward force on piston 438, which acts through inner sleeve 404 to compress spring 424. Now, piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 move together until spring 424 is fully compressed or a lower surface of platform 432 of inner sleeve 404 contacts upper extension 426 of plunger member 420. In this position, ball 428 is aligned with ball release opening 406. Further downward movement of piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 now causes plunger member 420 to shift downwardly relative to ball ramp 412. The combination of the downward movement of piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 together with the force generated by spring 424 between ball ramp 412 and plunger member 420 cause ball 428 to be expelled through ball release opening 406 and into the flow path of the tool string. After deployment of ball 428, further downward movement of inner sleeve 404 positions ball release opening 406 behind a lower portion of outer housing 402 to protect the inside components of actuator 510 from abrasive fluid flow.
In
In operation, depending upon the configuration of computer controlled release assembly 522, actuator 520 releases ball 428 responsive to one or more of an acoustic deployment signal, a pressure deployment signal, a temperature deployment signal, a displacement deployment signal and a time delay deployment signal or combinations thereof. Regardless of the type or types of deployment signals used, once received, the processor of computer controlled release assembly 522 verifies the deployment signal then triggers the motor to retract arm 524 which exposes cylindrical chamber 430 to annular pressure generating a downward force on piston 438, which acts through inner sleeve 404 to compress spring 424. Now, piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 move together until spring 424 is fully compressed or a lower surface of platform 432 of inner sleeve 404 contacts upper extension 426 of plunger member 420. In this position, ball 428 is aligned with ball release opening 406. Further downward movement of piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 now causes plunger member 420 to shift downwardly relative to ball ramp 412. The combination of the downward movement of piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 together with the force generated by spring 424 between ball ramp 412 and plunger member 420 cause ball 428 to be expelled through ball release opening 406 and into the flow path of the tool string. After deployment of ball 428, piston 438 preferably remains in its fully extended positioned wherein ball release opening 406 has moved behind a lower portion of outer housing 402 to protect the inside components of actuator 520 from abrasive fluid flow.
In
In operation, depending upon the configuration of computer controlled release assembly 532, actuator 530 releases ball 428 responsive to one or more of an acoustic deployment signal, a pressure deployment signal, a temperature deployment signal, a displacement deployment signal and a time delay deployment signal or combinations thereof. Regardless of the type or types of deployment signals used, once received, the processor of computer controlled release assembly 532 verifies the deployment signal then triggers a current flow to generate heat in wire 536 which melts or otherwise removes plug 534 and exposes cylindrical chamber 430 to annular pressure generating a downward force on piston 438, which acts through inner sleeve 404 to compress spring 424. Now, piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 move together until spring 424 is fully compressed or a lower surface of platform 432 of inner sleeve 404 contacts upper extension 426 of plunger member 420. In this position, ball 428 is aligned with ball release opening 406. Further downward movement of piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 now causes plunger member 420 to shift downwardly relative to ball ramp 412. The combination of the downward movement of piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 together with the force generated by spring 424 between ball ramp 412 and plunger member 420 cause ball 428 to be expelled through ball release opening 406 and into the flow path of the tool string. After deployment of ball 428, piston 438 preferably remains in its fully extended positioned wherein ball release opening 406 has moved behind a lower portion of outer housing 402 to protect the inside components of actuator 530 from abrasive fluid flow.
In
In operation, depending upon the configuration of computer controlled release assembly 542, actuator 540 releases ball 428 responsive to one or more of an acoustic deployment signal, a pressure deployment signal, a temperature deployment signal, a displacement deployment signal and a time delay deployment signal or combinations thereof. Regardless of the type or types of deployment signals used, once received, the processor of computer controlled release assembly 542 verifies the deployment signal then triggers a current flow to generate heat in wire 548 which melts or otherwise removes plug 544. Tubing pressure via fluid passageway 436 acts on piston 552 to move piston 552 downwardly. The downward force on piston 552 is counteracted by fluid 554 moving through orifice 546 to require a predetermined amount of time for this operation. After passing through orifice 546, fluid 554 acts on piston 438, which in turn acts through inner sleeve 404 to compress spring 424. Now, piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 move together until spring 424 is fully compressed or a lower surface of platform 432 of inner sleeve 404 contacts upper extension 426 of plunger member 420. In this position, ball 428 is aligned with ball release opening 406. Further downward movement of piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 now causes plunger member 420 to shift downwardly relative to ball ramp 412. The combination of the downward movement of piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 together with the force generated by spring 424 between ball ramp 412 and plunger member 420 cause ball 428 to be expelled through ball release opening 406 and into the flow path of the tool string. After deployment of ball 428, piston 438 preferably remains in its fully extended positioned wherein ball release opening 406 has moved behind a lower portion of outer housing 402 to protect the inside components of actuator 540 from abrasive fluid flow.
In
In operation, depending upon the configuration of computer controlled release assembly 562, actuator 560 releases ball 428 responsive to one or more of an acoustic deployment signal, a pressure deployment signal, a temperature deployment signal, a displacement deployment signal and a time delay deployment signal or combinations thereof. Regardless of the type or types of deployment signals used, once received, the processor of computer controlled release assembly 562 verifies the deployment signal then triggers operation of fluid pump 564 which circulates fluid through cylindrical chamber 430 creating a high pressure regions above and a low pressure region below piston 438. This action generates a downward force on piston 438, which acts through inner sleeve 404 to compress spring 424. Now, piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 move together until spring 424 is fully compressed or a lower surface of platform 432 of inner sleeve 404 contacts upper extension 426 of plunger member 420. In this position, ball 428 is aligned with ball release opening 406. Further downward movement of piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 now causes plunger member 420 to shift downwardly relative to ball ramp 412. The combination of the downward movement of piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 together with the force generated by spring 424 between ball ramp 412 and plunger member 420 cause ball 428 to be expelled through ball release opening 406 and into the flow path of the tool string. After deployment of ball 428, further downward movement of inner sleeve 404 positions ball release opening 406 behind a lower portion of outer housing 402 to protect the inside components of actuator 560 from abrasive fluid flow.
In
In operation, actuator 580 releases ball 428 responsive to an electrical deployment signal. Specifically, when the tool string including actuator 580 is positioned in the well and it is desired to deploy ball 428 into the flow path of the tool string, the electric power to electromagnet 582 is cut off. The magneto-rheological fluid 586 that previously formed a barrier not returns to its liquid state. Tubing pressure via fluid passageway 436 acts on piston 588 to move piston 588 downwardly causing fluid 586 to acts on piston 438 which in turn acts through inner sleeve 404 to compress spring 424. Now, piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 move together until spring 424 is fully compressed or a lower surface of platform 432 of inner sleeve 404 contacts upper extension 426 of plunger member 420. In this position, ball 428 is aligned with ball release opening 406. Further downward movement of piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 now causes plunger member 420 to shift downwardly relative to ball ramp 412. The combination of the downward movement of piston 438 and inner sleeve 404 together with the force generated by spring 424 between ball ramp 412 and plunger member 420 cause ball 428 to be expelled through ball release opening 406 and into the flow path of the tool string. After deployment of ball 428, piston 438 preferably remains in its fully extended positioned wherein ball release opening 406 has moved behind a lower portion of outer housing 402 to protect the inside components of actuator 580 from abrasive fluid flow.
It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the illustrative embodiments described herein are not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments as well as other embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to this disclosure. It is, therefore, intended that the appended claims encompass any such modifications or embodiments.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2013/058964 | Sep 2013 | US | national |
This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 of the filing date of International Application No. PCT/US2013/058964, filed Sep. 10, 2013.