eMotion
Description
eMotion is a self-contained, downhole hydraulic power and control unit. It can be used to control any other standard hydraulic tool, such as a sliding sleeve (intelligent well) valve without the requirement for any control lines to surface while also adding operational flexibility.
Typically, the eMotion unit is made-up directly to the slave tool and connected to its open and close ports, creating a closed-loop hydraulic circuit. A motorised pump within the eMotion unit pumps hydraulic fluid around the circuit driving the slave valve either open or closed, as if it was attached to surface control lines. The pump and direction of flow are all controlled by the on-board electronics, which also provide the surface communication capability. The whole assembly is deployed on the tubing string as per normal operations.
eMotion is perfectly suited for use with the Red Spider Revolver and Evolution flow control valves (refer to PODs 002935 and 003487).
Control
The control system of eMotion is based on field-proven eRED technology. This system uses integrated sensors and electronics to monitor and respond to the actual downhole conditions.
The eMotion is pre-programmed to respond to a specific well condition (known as a trigger) by initiating a task. In most cases the task is to open or close the slave valve by pumping the hydraulic fluid in the appropriate direction.
In a closed-in well, the conditions at the eMotion can be effectively manipulated from surface by applying pressure to the tubing. This technique of creating the trigger conditions allows the operator to communicate and operate the eMotion without the need for any control lines.
The eMotion only responds to a pre-defined pressure being applied for the pre-defined time. Any pressure applied outside the defined values will be ignored, allowing unlimited and various pressure cycles to be applied to the tubing without activating the eMotion.
On-board data analysis, allows the eMotion to distinguish its own commands from other external factors such as naturally fluctuating hydrostatic or reservoir pressure. This enables it to behave as planned, even if the downhole conditions have changed unexpectedly. A timer can also be used as a trigger or as a back-up to the primary trigger.
Once a particular trigger has been detected and the associated task for that trigger completed, the eMotion can be programmed to look for another trigger which in turn initiates the next task. Using a series of different trigger and task combinations, the eMotion can be used in complex well programs, operating the slave valve as required.
