Downhole Tool Actuation

• US 20100212965A1
• Filed: 02/24/2009
• Published: 08/26/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 02/24/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation (Schlumberger NV)
• Original Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation (Schlumberger NV)
• Inventors: Hall, David R., Dahlgren, Scott, Marshall, Jonathan
• Granted Patent: US 8,365,843 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 175/101
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 10/322 cutter shifted by fluid pressure E21B10/345 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 10/60 characterised by conduits or nozzles for drilling fluids for roller bits E21B10/18; for percussion drill bits E21B10/38
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 4/006 Mechanical motion converting means, e.g. reduction gearings E21B4/10 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 4/02 Fluid rotary type drives
• CPC Class Codes: F03B 13/02 Adaptations for drilling wells

Abstract

In one aspect of the invention, a downhole tool string component has at least one end adapted to connect to an adjacent tool sting component and a bore adapted to accommodate a flow of drilling fluid. A turbine is disposed within the bore and an actuating assembly is arranged such that a clutch may mechanically connect and disconnect with the turbine.

Claims

1. A downhole tool string component, comprising:

at least one end comprising an attachment to an adjacent tool string component and a drilling mud bore;

a turbine disposed within the bore; and

an actuating assembly arranged such that when actuated a clutch mechanically connects the assembly to the turbine and when deactivated the assembly and turbine are mechanically disconnected;

wherein the actuating assembly moves a linearly translatable sleeve connected to the turbine through a planetary gear system when the actuating assembly is actuated.

3. The component of claim 1, wherein the sleeve comprises at least one port, wherein the at least one port is adapted to align with a channel formed within a wall of the bore.

4. The component of claim 1, wherein the actuating assembly comprises a collar with a guide slot disposed around a cam shaft with a pin or ball extending into the slot, wherein when the collar moves axially, the cam shaft rotates due to the interaction between a pin and slot.

5. The component of claim 4, wherein the cam shaft is in mechanical communication with a shaft and adapted to activate a switch.

6. The component of claim 4, wherein the cam shaft is in communication with a switch plate adapted to engage a plurality of gears.

7. The component of claim 1, wherein the clutch is a centrifugal clutch adapted to rotate with the turbine.

8. The component of claim 6, wherein the clutch comprises at least one spring loaded contact adapted to connect the clutch to a shaft.

9. The component of claim 1, wherein the actuating assembly comprises a switching mechanism adapted to rotate a gear set in multiple directions.

10. The component of claim 9, wherein the actuating assembly comprises at least one solenoid adapted to move a translation member in communication with the switching mechanism.

11. The component of claim 1, wherein the actuating assembly controls a reamer blade associated with the component.

12. The component of claim 1, wherein the actuating assembly is triggered by an increase in turbine rotational velocity.

13. The component of claim 1, wherein the actuating assembly is triggered by a decrease in turbine rotational velocity.

14. The component of claim 1, wherein the actuating mechanism is triggered by an electric signal.

15. The component of claim 1, wherein the clutch is controlled by a solenoid.

16. The component of claim 1, wherein the actuating assembly controls a stabilizer blade position.

17. The component of claim 1, wherein the actuating assembly controls an indenting member in a drill bit.

18. The component of claim 1, wherein the actuating assembly controls an in-line vibrator.

19. The component of claim 1, wherein the clutch is controlled over a wired drill pipe.

20. The component of claim 1, wherein the clutch is controlled through a closed loop system.

2. (canceled)