Magnetically Initiated Actuation Mechanism

• US 20140124266A1
• Filed: 01/13/2014
• Published: 05/08/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 09/02/2010
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Birckhead, John M., Mayeu, Christopher W.
• Original Assignee: Birckhead, John M., Mayeu, Christopher W.
• Inventors: Birckhead, John M., Mayeu, Christopher W.
• Application Number:
  US14/153,361
• Publication Number:
  US 20140124266A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 175/24
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 44/005 Below-ground automatic control systems
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 33/0058 using bistable elements, e.g. Reed switches
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 33/038 using permanent magnets, e.g. balances, torsion devices
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 33/0385 in relation with magnetic force measurements magnetic force microscopes G01Q60/50

Abstract

The present invention provides a mechanism to remotely initiate actuation of a device positioned in a borehole. The disclosure includes a magnetically initiated actuation mechanism.

Claims

1. A magnetically initiated actuation mechanism, comprising:

a first assembly comprising a plurality of electromagnetic sensors disposed within a tubular; and

a second assembly comprising a means for generating magnetic fields,

wherein said second assembly is configured such that it can be conveyed through said tubular;

wherein the means for generating magnetic fields are configured such that the means for generating magnetic fields align with the electromagnetic sensors when the second assembly is conveyed to a point within the tubular containing the electromagnetic sensors;

wherein the electromagnetic sensors are configured to detect at least one of presence and absence of said magnetic fields; and

wherein the electromagnetic sensors are further configured to initiate activation of an associated actuator.

2. The magnetically initiated actuation mechanism of claim 1, wherein the actuator is configured to engage at least one of a hydrostatic valve, battery operated motor, explosive, and incendiary device.

3. The magnetically initiated actuation mechanism of claim 1, further comprising, additional sensors capable of sensing at least one of pressure, temperature, vibration, and flow rates.

4. The magnetically initiated actuation mechanism of claim 1, wherein the means for generating magnetic fields are a series of permanent magnets.

5. A method of initiating down-hole actuation, comprising:

incorporating electromagnetic sensors in tubing of a borehole;

incorporating a means of generating magnetic fields into a second device configured to be passed through the tubing of the borehole; and

initiating the down-hole actuation when the means of generating magnetic fields is aligned with the electromagnetic sensors;

wherein the electromagnetic sensors are configured to initiate activation of an associated actuator.