Hydraulic setting tool including a fluid metering feature

A method of actuating a downhole component, comprising:

• deploying a borehole string including the downhole component and a setting tool in a borehole in a resource bearing formation, the setting tool including:
• an elongated inner tubular in fluid communication with the borehole string;
• a housing configured to define a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber therein, the first fluid chamber filled with a fluid, the second fluid chamber isolated from the first fluid chamber and in fluid communication with the inner tubular;
• a setting piston coupled to the housing and in pressure communication with the second fluid chamber;
• and
• a metering module coupled to the housing and disposed at an end of the first fluid chamber, the metering module including a fluid path in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber, the fluid path forming a restriction therein, and an outlet connected to the fluid path, the outlet configured to permit fluid in the first fluid chamber to exit the first fluid chamber;
• circulating borehole fluid through the borehole string and an annulus of the borehole;
• increasing fluid pressure in the inner tubular and opening the outlet, wherein opening the outlet permits fluid to flow out of the first chamber at a flow rate controlled by the restriction and reduce fluid pressure in the first chamber;
• and
• generating a differential pressure between the first chamber and the second chamber due to a decrease in fluid pressure in the first chamber, the differential pressure causing the setting piston to apply a gradually increasing force on the downhole component.