Non-explosive power source for actuating a subsurface tool
AssigneeRobertson Intellectual Properties, LLC
InventorsDouglas J. Streibich, Mark Lancaster, Michael C. Robertson
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Abstract
A power source for actuating a subsurface tool is described herein, the power source comprising thermite in a quantity sufficient to generate a thermite reaction, and a polymer disposed in association with the thermite. The polymer produces a gas when the thermite reaction occurs, the gas slowing the thermite reaction. The slowed thermite reaction enables a continuous pressure to be provided to the subsurface tool over a period of time, providing superior actuation over a conventional explosive power charge, through a non-explosive reaction.
Claims15
A subsurface tool comprising:
- a movable member;
- and
- a power source disposed in an operative relationship with respect to the movable member, wherein the power source comprises:
- a quantity of thermite sufficient to generate a thermite reaction when heated in excess of an ignition temperature;
- and
- a polymer disposed in association with the thermite, wherein the polymer produces a gas when the thermite reaction occurs, wherein the gas slows the thermite reaction, and wherein pressure produced by the thermite reaction, the gas, or combinations thereof, is applied to the moveable member, causing the movable member to move from a first position to a second position.
A method for actuating a subsurface tool, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a power source in operative association with a movable member of the subsurface tool, wherein the power source comprises:
- a quantity of thermite sufficient to generate a thermite reaction when heated in excess of an ignition temperature;
- and
- a polymer disposed in association with the thermite, wherein the polymer produces a gas when the thermite reaction occurs;
- initiating the thermite reaction thereby causing the polymer to produce the gas and thereby causing the movable member to move from a first position to a second position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.