Hydraulic control system for downhole tools
AssigneeHallliburton Energy Services, Inc.
InventorJimmie R. Williamson JR.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A hydraulic control system and associated methods provides selective control of operation of multiple well tool assemblies. In a described embodiment, a hydraulic control system includes multiple control modules, each of which has a member that is displaceable to multiple predetermined positions to thereby select a corresponding one of multiple well tool assemblies for operation thereof. When the member of a certain control module is in a selected position, an actuator of a corresponding one of the well tool assemblies is placed in fluid communication with a flowpath connected to the control module. The members of the multiple control modules are displaced simultaneously in response to pressure on a line connected to each of the control modules.
Claims47
A hydraulic control system for controlling operation of multiple well tool assemblies interconnected thereto, the system comprising:
- multiple control modules, each of the control modules being interconnected to a corresponding one of the well tool assemblies, each of the control modules being interconnected between at least one first flowpath extending to a remote location and at least one second flowpath extending to the corresponding well tool assembly, and each of the control modules including a member which displaces in response to pressure on the first flowpath, each of the members being displaceable between a first position in which fluid communication is permitted between the first and second flowpaths, and at least one second position in which fluid communication between the first and second flowpaths is prevented.
A flow control device for use in a subterranean well, comprising:
- a ratchet mechanism operable in response to pressure applied thereto;
- and
- a member incrementally displaceable by the ratchet mechanism, displacement of the member progressively varying a flow area through the flow control device.
A method of controlling operation of multiple well tool assemblies positioned in a well, the method comprising the steps of:
- interconnecting multiple control modules to the well tool assemblies, each of the control modules being connected to a corresponding one of the well tool assemblies, and each of the control modules including a member displaceable between a first position and at least one second position, the corresponding well tool assembly being operable when the member is in the first position, and the corresponding well tool assembly being inoperable when the member is in the second position;
- and
- displacing the members simultaneously in response to pressure on at least one first flowpath interconnected to the control modules.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.