BOOST ASSISTED FORCE BALANCING SETTING TOOL

摘要

A setting tool is provided for positioning in a subterranean wellbore. The tool carries a pre-charged, pressurized chamber, preferably filled with inert gas. A force-balanced piston assembly, with the piston chamber initially at atmospheric pressure, is in selective fluid communication with the pressurized chamber. A release mechanism, rupture disc, or valve is selectively operable to open the pressurized chamber and allow fluid flow to the piston chamber. The pressurized gas drives the piston which, in turn, drives a power rod for setting a downhole tool. Preferably a flow restrictor is incorporated in the gas flow path to meter the fluid and control the setting speed. In a preferred embodiment, the pressurized chamber is opened by rupturing a disc. A pyrotechnic device, which qualifies as a non-explosive device and is triggered by a low-powered battery, drives a piercing member into and through the rupture disc.

主权项

1. A setting tool for use in setting a settable downhole tool positioned in a subterranean wellbore, the tool comprising:
a booster assembly having an energy source stored therein and operable to release energy; a force-balanced piston assembly having a piston member mounted for movement in a piston chamber; a release mechanism operable to release the energy stored in the booster assembly; a delivery system operable to deliver released energy from the booster assembly to the piston chamber to drive the piston member; and a linkage assembly attached operable to transfer motion from the piston member to a settable downhole tool.