Apparatus for use in a downhole tool and method of operating same

A downhole tool, comprising:

• a hydraulically functioning element comprising a hydraulic piston housed in a piston housing, wherein the hydraulic piston is configured to move within the housing by hydraulic pressure, and wherein the hydraulically functioning element has an internal environment;
• and
• an apparatus that includes:
• a membrane, wherein the internal environment is disposed on a first side of the membrane and a second environment is disposed on a second side of the membrane opposite the first side, wherein the membrane is configured to isolate the internal environment from the second environment;
• and
• an electrical element configured to conduct an electrical current, wherein the electrical element is positioned with respect to the membrane such that energy generated by the electrical current passing through the electrical element is incident on the membrane;
• and
• wherein the membrane is configured to be weakened and/or ruptured when the energy is incident thereon to allow fluid communication between the internal environment and the second environment;
• and
• wherein the apparatus is disposed relative to the hydraulically functioning element such that upon weakening and/or rupturing of the membrane, a fluid is released into the internal environment and at least partially operates the hydraulically functioning element.

A method of operating a downhole tool, the method comprising:

• providing a hydraulically functioning element comprising a hydraulic piston housed in a piston housing, wherein the hydraulic piston is configured to move within the housing by hydraulic pressure, and wherein the hydraulically functioning element has an internal environment;
• using a membrane to isolate the internal environment of the hydraulically functioning element from a second environment, wherein the internal environment is disposed on a first side of the membrane and a second environment is disposed on a second side of the membrane opposite the first side;
• positioning an electrical element configured to conduct an electrical current, with respect to the membrane such that energy generated by the electrical current passing through the electrical element is incident on the membrane;
• and
• applying the electrical current to the electrical element to weaken and/or rupture the membrane when the energy is incident thereon to allow fluid communication between the internal environment and the further environment;
• wherein the weakened and/or ruptured membrane allows passage of a fluid from the second environment to the internal environment in a manner that at least partially operates the hydraulically functioning element.