US 12,747,641 B2 · Electro-mechanical disconnect mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to a downhole system incorporating an electromagnetic disconnect (EMD). The EMD features an actuator rod, a latch mechanism, and a magnetic solenoid, enabling controlled and selective electrical and/or mechanical disconnect of downhole tools. When activated by an electric current, the solenoid triggers the retraction of spring-loaded components, allowing the actuator rod to disengage from the latch. This allows the latch fingers to contract, and when coupled with an electrical connector interface, will disrupt the electrical continuity within the downhole system. Also, the finger contraction will allow for the mechanical disconnect, releasing the tool from the EMD. The mechanism is reusable, allowing for multiple cycles of engagement and disconnect. The system enhances operational efficiency and safety by providing precise control over tool deployment and retrieval in complex wellbore environments.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A release device, comprising:

a housing;
an actuator rod inside the housing, the actuator rod having a thin portion, a wide portion, and a first collar, wherein the wide portion includes an interior cavity;
a latch having a plurality of fingers, each of the plurality of fingers having a second collar;
a spring wound around the actuator rod, wherein the spring exerts an axial force on the actuator rod away from the latch;
a spring pin having a plurality of protruding spring balls and a release mechanism, wherein a portion of the spring pin is nested inside the interior cavity of the wide portion of the actuator rod;
and
a solenoid that, when activated, extends a protrusion into the release mechanism causing the latch to release.

4 more elements

A downhole system for downhole operations, comprising:

a downhole surface system including a control unit and a depth control system, wherein the depth control system deploys and retracts a cable;
a connection assembly coupled to the cable, the connection assembly including mechanical and electronic connections for interfacing with downhole tools;
a tool string connected to the connection assembly, the tool string including an electromechanical disconnect (EMD), wherein the EMD comprises:
a housing;
an actuator rod inside the housing, the actuator rod having a thin portion, a wide portion, and a first collar, wherein the wide portion includes an interior cavity;
a latch having a plurality of fingers, each of the plurality of fingers having a second collar;
a spring wound around the actuator rod, wherein the spring exerts an axial force on the actuator rod away from the latch;
a spring pin having a plurality of protruding spring balls and a release mechanism, wherein a portion of the spring pin is nested inside the interior cavity of the wide portion of the actuator rod;
and
a solenoid that, when activated by an electric current from the control unit, extends a protrusion into the release mechanism causing the latch to release.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Electro-mechanical disconnect mechanism

Life of this patent

Electro-mechanical disconnect mechanism

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20