Hydrostatic setting tool with degradable-on-demand closure member and method for setting a downhole tool

Abstract

An hydrostatic setting tool including a housing defining a central bore, a piston in the housing, a port in the housing exposed to hydrostatic pressure in use, a closure member preventing access of the hydrostatic pressure to the piston, the closure member comprising a degradable-on-demand material; and a source of energy connected to the closure member. A downhole system including the hydrostatic setting tool. A method for setting a downhole tool.

1 . A hydrostatic setting tool comprising;
 a housing defining a central bore;   a piston in the housing;   a port in the housing exposed to hydrostatic pressure in use;   a closure member preventing access of the hydrostatic pressure to the piston, the closure member being made at least in part of an energetic degradable-on-demand material; and   a source of energy connected to the closure member.   
     
     
         2 . The tool as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the closure member is composed entirely of degradable-on-demand material. 
     
     
         3 . The tool as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the closure member includes seals at opposing ends, the closure member bridging the port. 
     
     
         4 . The tool as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the closure member is oriented in parallel with the central bore. 
     
     
         5 . The tool as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the closure member bears a tensile load. 
     
     
         6 . The tool as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the closure member is arranged in parallel to the port and substantially perpendicular to the central bore. 
     
     
         7 . The tool as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the port is stepped. 
     
     
         8 . The tool as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the closure member contacts a stop surface of the port. 
     
     
         9 . The tool as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the closure member extends into contact with a wall of the housing preventing differential pressure based movement of the closure member. 
     
     
         10 . The tool as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the tool further includes a retainer. 
     
     
         11 . A downhole system including the hydrostatic setting tool as claimed in  claim 1 . 
     
     
         12 . A method for setting a downhole tool comprising:
 sending an electrical signal to a degradable-on-demand closure member of a hydrostatic setting tool as claimed in  claim 1 ;   degrading the closure member; and providing access of hydrostatic pressure to the piston.   
     
     
         13 . The method as claimed in  claim 12  wherein the degrading is of the entirety of the closure member. 
     
     
         14 . The method as claimed in  claim 12  wherein the degrading is of a portion of the closure member. 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . The method as claimed in  claim 12  wherein the degrading includes igniting of the degradable-on-demand material.