Downhole sequentially-firing casing perforating gun with electronically-actuated wireline release mechanism, and actuation circuit therefor
AssigneeCasedhole Solutions, Inc.
InventorsLyle G. Love, Michael W. Dobrinski, Frank L. Lezu, Jr., John R. Harris, Brian S. Buffington, Sanford E. Stark
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A downhole release tool for use in conjunction with multiple select-fire perforating guns and a method for electronically actuating the release tool using either positive or negative control voltage. In a preferred embodiment, the release tool employs operating circuitry that allows actuation of the release tool by either a positive or a negative voltage at an absolute magnitude greater than the absolute magnitude of positive or negative voltages used to arm or fire the perforating guns.
Claims12
A downhole tool (10) comprising:
- a first end (10A);
- a second end (10B) releasably coupled to said first end (10A);
- an actuator (145) coupled to said first and second ends (10A, 10B) and arranged for parting said second end (10B) from said first end (10A) upon energization by an electrical current;
- a conductive electrical path between said first end (10A) and said second end (10B), said electrical path defining an input node (104) at said first end (10A);
- a first switch element (201) electrically connected in said conductive electrical path, said first switch element (201) arranged to connect said actuator (145) to said input node (104) upon application of negative voltage of a first predetermined level at said input node (104);
- and
- a second switch (202) element electrically connected in said conductive electrical path, said second switch element (202) arranged to connect said actuator (145) to said input node (104) upon application of positive voltage of a second predetermined level at said input node (104);
- whereby said first and second switch elements (201, 202) allow said second end (10B) to be parted from said first end (10A) upon application of either negative or positive voltage at said input node (104).
In a downhole release tool (10) for use in a well, including a first end connected (10A) to a second end (10B) and an actuator (145) arranged to part said second end (10B) from said first end (10A) upon energization by an electrical current, the improvement comprising:
- a release tool actuation circuit (101) having first and second signal paths connected between said actuator (145) and an input node (104);
- said first signal path arranged for allowing current to flow through said actuator (145) in only a first direction;
- and
- said second signal path arranged for allowing current to flow through said actuator (145) in only a second direction opposite to said first direction.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.