Solid state phase change flasking for a downhole tool component
AssigneeSchlumberger Technology Corporation
InventorKenneth Randall Goodman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A heat sink of solid state phase change material for a heat sensitive downhole tool component. The heat sink may be of a polyhydric alcohol based or other suitable material which is capable of undergoing a phase change from one solid form to another. That is, the phase change material need not undergo a phase change into a liquid form in order to absorb well heat and provide substantial protection to the heat sensitive downhole tool component. Thus, cost effectiveness, manufacturability and performance may all be enhanced which may be particularly advantageous where the component is of a single application use variety.
Claims19
A downhole tool assembly for deploying into a well the assembly comprising:
- a heat sensitive component;
- and
- a flask structure including a heat sink about the component for absorbing heat of the well, wherein the heat sink comprises a solid state phase change material, a primary insulating body about the heat sink, and an outer insulating layer about the primary insulating body.
A flask structure for protecting a heat sensitive component of a downhole tool from heat within a well at an oilfield, the structure comprising a solid state phase change heat sink located about the heat sensitive component, a primary insulating body about the heat sink;
- and an outer insulating layer about the primary insulating body.
A method of manufacturing a downhole tool assembly, the method comprising:
- conformally molding a solid state heat sink material about a heat sensitive downhole tool component;
- locating the heat sink outfitted component within a primary insulating body;
- wrapping the primary insulating body with an outer insulating layer;
- positioning the insulated heat sink outfitted component assembly within a tool for deployment into a well to perform a downhole application at well temperatures exceeding a temperature rating for the heat sensitive downhole tool component.
A method of performing a downhole application in a well at a location exceeding a given well temperature, the method comprising:
- positioning an application tool at the location, the application tool having a heat sensitive component rated to a temperature below that of the given well temperature;
- protecting the heat sensitive component with a heat sink comprised of a solid state phase change material surrounding the heat sensitive component, a primary insulating body about the heat sink;
- and an outer insulating layer about the primary insulating body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.