A new high-strength electrical release device has been developed that supersedes the typical weakpoint and achieves the same strength as the tool tension rating. A stronger release device facilitates running heavier tools on wireline, along with the ability to run significantly longer gun strings, which increases operational efficiency. The release device was subjected to a rigorous qualification program conducted to ensure the highest safety and reliability of this device under demanding conditions. This technology uses a motorized release that holds two sections together via retractable dogs. The release device operates using new telemetry protocols that are combinable and segregated from other communication schemes. An optional battery with a preset timer provides redundant control if electrical communication is lost during operations. After the electrical release signal is sent, the motor activates the release mechanism, enabling the device to separate, even with significant residual tension on the toolstring. Completion of rigorous qualification testing was necessary to confirm performance for the heavy load requirements and high shock levels characteristic of long perforating toolstrings. The new electrical release device has delivered flawless performance in seemingly impossible well programs. In field cases, the device was the optimal answer in providing a secondary release device that is high functioning in the harsh perforating environment. One case presents the completion of a project that involved the collaboration of six product lines. The release device was used with coiled tubing deployment of extremely long gun strings in a reservoir containing high H2S and CO2 content. The device enabled a significant reduction in the number of coiled tubing runs, which resulted in a significant increase in operational efficiency. Another application enabled the conveyance of large gun strings using wireline, which reduced the number of descents required and saved valuable time for the operator. These well programs were successfully completed because of the extreme engineering qualification achieved. For example, surface integration testing involved a maximum allowable gun string of more than 120 ft in a well to model downhole exposure. If this trend continues, it is possible that this device will change the future of wireline perforating operations. The new controllable electrical release device with exceptional strength enables the deployment of heavy tools and long guns on both coiled tubing and wireline. This will lead to efficiencies in well design as well as optimization and a higher standard in wireline perforating operations.

Wireline electromechanical release devices are critical and imperative for wireline operations. New-technology intervention and tractor tools cannot be deployed in oil wells without a reliable release device. For the intrinsic challenges of high temperature and longer horizontal wells, the reliability of these electromechanical release devices in the event a toolstring gets stuck downhole becomes even more important. The ability to operate an electromechanical release device on battery at high temperature reduces the overall risk of the intervention because it provides a secondary release option in case there is a damage to the wireline cable or toolstring that prevents communication with the release device downhole. A battery-operated release device activates on the expiration of a programmed timer, even in the absence of wireline power or the presence of a short circuit. The programmed timer can be updated only if communication with the toolstring is feasible, otherwise it reliably releases as originally programmed. Battery-operated electromechanical release devices for 175°C-rated tools, require the battery and associated control and power management electronics to function reliably at 175°C. Due to the chemical composition of this high-temperature battery, its capacity at low temperature is a small fraction of its capacity at high temperature. This presents a challenge in deploying these batteries, because some are installed and activated at surface ambient temperature of –10°C, for deployment in 175°C wells. Now the solution exists as a result of the combination of the development of a high-temperature battery and sophisticated battery management to maximize battery capacity for high-temperature operations. Through thorough qualification, this high-temperature battery was developed and validated. Test results show that the battery works optimally above 120°C. Below 120°C, the battery depletes exponentially, as the temperature decreases. The release device has been designed to intelligently manage battery capacity by switching to wireline power when it is present. The reliable low-bandwidth telemetry makes it possible to update the timer as desired during the wireline operation. The passivation prevention circuit helps prevent battery chemical passivation, maintaining its maximum capacity during the operation. All these technology components combined enable reliable and repeatable battery activation of the electromechanical release device at 175°C.