초록 ▼

A method for positional control of an actuator includes applying pressure to both an input line and an output line connected to the actuator and then releasing a predetermined volume of fluid from the output line, thereby displacing a piston of the actuator a corresponding predetermined distance. A

A method for positional control of an actuator includes applying pressure to both an input line and an output line connected to the actuator and then releasing a predetermined volume of fluid from the output line, thereby displacing a piston of the actuator a corresponding predetermined distance. A system for positional control of an actuator includes the actuator included in a well tool positioned in a well; the input line connected to the actuator and extending to a remote location; the output line connected to the actuator and extending to the remote location; and a fluid volume measurement device connected to the output line at the remote location. The fluid volume measurement device is operative to meter the predetermined volume of fluid from the output line.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A method for positional control of at least a first downhole actuator, the method comprising the steps of: applying pressure to both an input line and a first output line, the input line being connected to an input of the first downhole actuator and the first output line bein

What is claimed is: 1. A method for positional control of at least a first downhole actuator, the method comprising the steps of: applying pressure to both an input line and a first output line, the input line being connected to an input of the first downhole actuator and the first output line being connected to an output of the first downhole actuator; and then releasing a first predetermined volume of fluid from the first output line into a fluid volume measurement device, thereby displacing a piston of the first downhole actuator a corresponding first predetermined distance. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the pressure applying step further comprises applying pressure to input and output lines of multiple downhole actuators. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the input line is connected to a second downhole actuator. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of releasing a second predetermined volume of fluid from a second output line connected to the second downhole actuator, thereby displacing a piston of the second downhole actuator a corresponding second predetermined distance. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the pressure applying step further comprises applying pressure to the second output line. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first actuator is connected to a flow control device, and wherein the releasing step further comprises changing a rate of fluid flow through the flow control device. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the releasing step further comprises directly measuring the first predetermined volume of fluid discharged from the first output line. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the releasing step further comprises sensing a rate of fluid flow from the first output line. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the releasing step further comprises regulating a rate of fluid flow from the first output line. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the releasing step further comprises opening a valve for a predetermined period of time to permit the first predetermined volume of fluid to flow from the first output line. 11. A method for positional control of at least a first downhole actuator, the method comprising the steps of: applying pressure to an input line connected to an input of the first downhole actuator; transmitting the pressure from the input line, through the first downhole actuator and to a first output line connected to an output of the first downhole actuator, the pressure being prevented from escaping from the first output line by a first valve; and then opening the first valve, thereby releasing a first predetermined volume of fluid from the first output line into a fluid volume measurement device, and displacing a piston of the first downhole actuator a corresponding first predetermined distance. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the opening step further comprises opening the first valve for a predetermined period of time to permit the first predetermined volume of fluid to flow from the first output line. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the pressure applying step further comprises applying pressure to input and output lines of multiple downhole actuators. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the input line is connected to a second downhole actuator. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of releasing a second predetermined volume of fluid from a second output line connected to the second downhole actuator, thereby displacing a piston of the second downhole actuator a corresponding second predetermined distance. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the pressure applying step further comprises applying pressure to the second output line. 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the first actuator is connected to a flow control device, and wherein the valve opening step further comprises changing a rate of fluid flow through the flow control device. 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the valve opening step further comprises directly measuring the first predetermined volume of fluid discharged from the first output line. 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the valve opening step further comprises sensing a rate of fluid flow from the first output line. 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the valve opening step further comprises regulating a rate of fluid flow from the first output line. 21. A system for positional control of at least a first downhole actuator, the system comprising: the first downhole actuator included in a well tool positioned in a well; an input line connected to an input of the first downhole actuator and extending to a remote location; a first output line connected to an output of the first downhole actuator and extending to the remote location; and a fluid volume measurement device connected to the first output line at the remote location, the fluid volume measurement device being operative to meter a first predetermined volume of fluid from the first output line to thereby displace a piston of the first downhole actuator a corresponding first predetermined distance. 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the fluid volume measurement device includes a timer for limiting a duration of fluid discharge from the first output line. 23. The system of claim 21, wherein the fluid volume measurement device includes a flow rate sensor. 24. The system of claim 21, wherein the fluid volume measurement device includes a flow rate regulator. 25. The system of claim 21, further comprising a second downhole actuator and a second output line connected to the second downhole actuator, and wherein the fluid volume measurement device is operative to meter a second predetermined volume of fluid from the second output line to thereby displace a piston of the second downhole actuator a corresponding second predetermined distance. 26. The system of claim 21, wherein the well tool includes a flow control device, and wherein displacement of the piston of the first downhole actuator changes a rate of flow through the flow control device. 27. The system of claim 21, wherein the fluid volume measurement device includes a sensor which directly measures the first predetermined volume of fluid.