Patent · US Expired

Downhole actuation system utilizing electroactive fluids

US6568470B2 · kind B2 · utility

96Cited by
12References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 27, 2001
Grant dateMay 27, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 30, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S137/909
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

Downhole wellbore tools are actuated by electrically controllable fluids that are energized by a magnetic field. When energized, the viscosity state of the fluid may be increased by a degree depending on the fluid formulation. Reduction of the controllable fluid viscosity by terminating a magnetic field acting upon the fluid may permit in situ wellbore pressure to displace a tool actuating piston. When the field is de-energized, the controllable fluid viscosity quickly falls thereby permitting the fluid to flow through an open orifice into a low pressure receiving volume. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, an expandable volume fluid may be used against a slip actuating element in the same manner as a fluid pressure motor.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.