Method & apparatus for actuating a downhole tool
US5558153A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 20, 1994 |
| Grant date | Sep 24, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 20, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B34/06
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A downhole tool, comprising one or more separate packers and sliding sleeves in the preferred embodiment, is actuable from a nonelectrical signal transmitted from the surface to the tool. The signal is received at the tool by a control system located within the tool. The control system operates in conjunction with a power supply in the tool to accomplish tool actuation. In the preferred embodiment, the valve member is temporarily retained in a sealing position, isolating pressure in one chamber from a different pressure in an adjacent chamber. The valve member or piston is temporarily retained by a high-strength fiber, such as Kevlar.RTM., in the preferred embodiment. The control system actuates the power source to heat a resistance heating wire, which causes failure in the fiber. Other mechanisms to trigger pressure-equalization can be used. The fiber can be cut by a cutter actuated electrically. The piston can be retained by solder which is melted electrically. The piston can be designed to be substantially in pressure balance so that the fiber can effectively hold the piston in place until it is rendered inoperative by heating up a resistance wire from the power supply as trigge…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.