System and method for maintaining operability of a downhole actuator
AssigneeSchlumberger Technology Corporation
InventorSteven L. Anyan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and systems for facilitating actuation of downhole components by filtering actuation fluid and by preventing inoperability due to plugging. A well component is deployed downhole into a wellbore and operated via an actuator moved by a flow of fluid. A filter system is mounted in the flow of fluid to remove debris before the flow of fluid reaches the actuator. The filter system further comprises a pressure release member that opens when sufficient pressure builds up due to plugging of the filter system.
Claims12
A system to facilitate an actuating fluid flow for a well component, comprising:
- a formation isolation valve that can be actuated by a flow of fluid;
- a filter system coupled to the formation isolation valve to filter the flow of fluid during actuation, the filter system comprising a flow passage for conducting the flow of fluid, a filter mounted in the flow passage, and a pressure release member that opens under sufficient pressure to allow continued flow of fluid when the filter becomes plugged, wherein the pressure release member comprises a retention member working in cooperation with the filter to enable the filter to separate from a surrounding housing when exposed to the sufficient pressure;
- and
- wherein the pressure release member comprises a ring press fit into the surrounding housing.
A system to facilitate an actuating fluid flow for a well component, comprising;
- a formation isolation valve that can be actuated by a flow of fluid;
- a filter system coupled to the formation isolation valve to filter the flow of fluid during actuation, the filter system comprising a flow passage for conducting the flow of fluid, a filter mounted in the flow passage, and a pressure release member that opens under sufficient pressure to allow continued flow of fluid when the filter becomes plugged, wherein the pressure release member comprises a retention member working in cooperation with the filter to enable the filter to separate from a surrounding housing when exposed to the sufficient pressure;
- and
- wherein the pressure release member comprises a removable solid member separate from the filter.
A method, comprising:
- coupling a filter system to a formation isolation valve;
- actuating the formation isolation valve with a fluid directed through the filter system;
- filtering the fluid as it passes through the filter system, wherein filtering comprises filtering the fluid with at least one pop-off filter;
- maintaining the ability to flow actuating fluid to the formation isolation valve when the filter system becomes plugged by employing a pressure release member that opens upon sufficient buildup of pressure;
- and
- wherein maintaining comprises using a filter press fit into a filter housing in a manner that allows removal of the filter upon sufficient buildup of pressure.
A method, comprising
- coupling a filter system to a formation isolation valve;
- actuating the formation isolation valve with a fluid directed through the filter system;
- filtering the fluid as it passes through the filter system wherein filtering comprises filtering the fluid with at least one pop-off filter;
- maintaining the ability to flow actuating fluid to the formation isolation valve when the filter system becomes plugged by employing a pressure release member that opens upon sufficient buildup of pressure;
- and
- wherein maintaining comprises using a removable solid member separate from a filter in a manner that allows removal of the removable solid member upon sufficient buildup of pressure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.