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US 11,142,977 B2Granted
Electrically controlled propellant in subterranean operations and equipment
AssigneeHalliburton Energy Services, Inc.
InventorsPhilip D. Nguyen, Norman R. Warpinski, Vladimir Nikolayevich Martysevich, Ronald Glen Dusterhoft, Harold Grayson Walters
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Abstract
Systems and methods using electrically controlled propellant to operate equipment in subterranean formations are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise: providing a tool assembly that comprises a tool body and an electrically controlled propellant; and placing the tool assembly in at least a portion of a subterranean formation. Electrical current may be applied to at least a portion of the electrically controlled propellant to ignite the portion of the propellant to operate a portion of the tool assembly.
Claims20
A method comprising:
- providing a tool assembly that comprises an electrically controlled propellant and a tool body, wherein the tool body comprises at least one actuatable mechanical component, wherein there is a locking slot assembly disposed at a lower end of the tool body, wherein the tool body further comprises a biasing member configured to bias the locking slot assembly in an unlocked position;
- placing the tool assembly in at least a portion of a subterranean formation;
- applying an electrical current to at least a portion of the electrically controlled propellant to ignite the portion of the propellant, wherein igniting the portion of the propellant increases the pressure within a fluid chamber;
- allowing energy from ignition of the electrically controlled propellant to actuate the mechanical component;
- and
- actuating the locking slot assembly once the pressure within the fluid chamber reaches a predetermined value.
3 more elements
A downhole tool that comprises:
- a tool body, wherein the tool body comprises at least one actuatable mechanical component, wherein there is a locking slot assembly disposed at a lower end of the tool body, wherein the tool body further comprises a biasing member configured to bias the locking slot assembly in an unlocked position;
- an electrically controlled propellant disposed on the tool body, wherein the electrically controlled propellant, when ignited, provides an energy source to operate the actuatable mechanical component, wherein the electrically controlled propellant is located in a fluid chamber in the tool body;
- and
- an electrically conductive conduit having a first portion in contact with the electrically controlled propellant and a second portion connected to a source of electrical current, wherein the electrically controlled propellant is configured to be ignited by applying the electrical current to at least a portion of the electrically controlled propellant through the electrically conductive conduit, wherein ignition of the electrically controlled propellant is configured to increase the pressure within the fluid chamber, wherein the locking slot assembly is configured to be actuated once the pressure within the fluid chamber reaches a predetermined value.
1 more element
A method comprising:
- providing a packer assembly that comprises:
- a tool body that comprises at least one mechanically actuatable component, wherein there is a locking slot assembly disposed at a lower end of the tool body, wherein the tool body further comprises a biasing member configured to bias the locking slot assembly in an unlocked position;
- an electrically controlled propellant disposed on the tool body, wherein the electrically controlled propellant is located in a fluid chamber in the tool body;
- and
- an electrically conductive conduit having a first portion in contact with the electrically controlled propellant and a second portion connected to a source of electrical current;
- placing the packer assembly in a well bore that penetrates at least a portion of a subterranean formation;
- applying an electrical current to at least a portion of the electrically controlled propellant to ignite the portion of the propellant, wherein igniting the portion of the propellant increases the pressure within the fluid chamber;
- and
- allowing energy from ignition of the electrically controlled propellant to actuate the mechanical component;
- and
- actuating the locking slot assembly once the pressure within the fluid chamber reaches a predetermined value and set the packer assembly in the well bore.
8 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.