Device and method for controlled release of a restriction element inside a well

Abstract

A setting tool for setting a plug in a well, the setting tool including a housing extending along a longitudinal axis X and having a bore; a sleeve extending along the longitudinal axis of the housing, and located within the bore of the housing; and a holding mechanism located within the sleeve and configured to hold a ball within the sleeve. The holding mechanism is configured to release the ball upon receiving a signal.

1 . A setting tool for setting a plug in a well, the setting tool comprising:
 a housing extending along a longitudinal axis X and having a bore;   a sleeve extending along the longitudinal axis of the housing, and located within the bore of the housing; and   a holding mechanism located within the sleeve and configured to hold a ball within the sleeve,   wherein the holding mechanism is configured to release the ball upon receiving a signal.   
     
     
         2 . The setting tool of  claim 1 , wherein the signal is a physical touch between a part of the holding mechanism and a plug set by the setting tool. 
     
     
         3 . The setting tool of  claim 1 , wherein the signal is an electrical signal sent along a wire from the surface to the holding mechanism. 
     
     
         4 . The setting tool of  claim 1 , wherein the signal is an acoustic signal detected by a local controller of the holding mechanism. 
     
     
         5 . The setting tool of  claim 1 , wherein the signal is a pressure change in a well fluid around the holding mechanism. 
     
     
         6 . The setting tool of  claim 1 , wherein the signal is related to a motion pattern. 
     
     
         7 . The setting tool of  claim 1 , wherein the signal is a velocity of the setting tool inside the well. 
     
     
         8 . The setting tool of  claim 1 , wherein the holding mechanism includes a swinging arm that has a closed position for holding the ball inside the sleeve and an open position for releasing the ball. 
     
     
         9 . The setting tool of  claim 8 , wherein the swinging arm changes from the closed position to the open position when a pushing arm contacts the plug. 
     
     
         10 . The setting tool of  claim 8 , wherein the holding mechanism further comprises:
 a biasing mechanism located inside the sleeve and pressing against the ball to exit the sleeve.   
     
     
         11 . The setting tool of  claim 1 , wherein the holding mechanism comprises:
 a rotating arm that holds the ball; and   a motor connected to the rotating arm and configured to rotate the rotating arm to release the ball.   
     
     
         12 . The setting tool of  claim 11 , wherein the motor is located inside an inner cavity of the sleeve, which is insulated from the well fluid, and the rotating arm extends through a wall of the inner cavity so that a first part of the rotating arm is located inside the inner cavity and a second part of the rotating arm is located outside the inner cavity. 
     
     
         13 . The setting tool of  claim 11 , wherein the holding mechanism further comprises:
 a sensor configured to determine the signal; and   a controller configured to release the ball upon receiving the signal.   
     
     
         14 . The setting tool of  claim 1 , wherein the holding mechanism is a mechanical enclosure having a flexible wall that holds the ball. 
     
     
         15 . A setting tool for setting a plug in a well, the setting tool comprising:
 a sleeve extending along a longitudinal axis and configured to be attached to the plug;   a ball that fits inside a bore of the sleeve; and   a holding mechanism located within the sleeve and configured to hold the ball within the sleeve,   wherein the holding mechanism is configured to release the ball upon receiving a signal.   
     
     
         16 . The setting tool of  claim 1 , wherein the signal is a physical touch of a part of the holding mechanism with a plug set by the setting tool, or an electrical signal sent along a wire from the surface to the holding mechanism, or an acoustic signal detected by a controller of the holding mechanism, or a pressure change in a well fluid around the holding mechanism, or a motion related signal, or a velocity of the setting tool inside the well. 
     
     
         17 . A method for releasing a ball from a setting tool in a well, the method comprising:
 loading the ball into the setting tool;   securing the ball to the setting tool with a holding mechanism located within the setting tool;   lowering the setting tool and the ball into the well;   activating the setting tool to set up a plug inside the well; and   releasing the ball into the well based on a signal received by the holding mechanism.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the signal is a physical touch between a part of the holding mechanism and a plug set by the setting tool, or an electrical signal sent along a wire from the surface to the holding mechanism, or an acoustic signal detected by a controller of the holding mechanism, or a pressure change in a well fluid around the holding mechanism, or a motion related signal, or a velocity of the setting tool inside the well. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 actuating a motor to release the ball.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 pushing a pushing arm to release the ball.