Remote Actuated Downhole Pressure Barrier and Method for Use of Same

Abstract

A downhole pressure barrier ( 100 ) operatively positionable in a subterranean well. The downhole pressure barrier ( 100 ) includes a housing ( 102 ) having a flow passage ( 122 ) formed therethrough. A plug member ( 124 ) that is positioned within the flow passage ( 122 ) selectively prevents flow through the flow passage ( 122 ) and allows flow through the flow passage ( 122 ) responsive to contact with an activating agent. At least one retainer assembly ( 130 ) supports the plug member ( 124 ) within the housing ( 102 ). The retainer assembly ( 130 ) selectively prevents communication between the activating agent and the plug member ( 124 ). An activating assembly including a combustible agent ( 164 ) that is positioned between the retainer assembly ( 130 ) and the plug member ( 124 ) is operable to create a communication path through the retainer assembly ( 130 ) upon combustion of the combustible agent ( 164 ) to allow communication between the activating agent and the plug member ( 124 ).

1 . A downhole pressure barrier operatively positionable in a subterranean well, the downhole pressure barrier comprising:
 a housing having a flow passage formed therethrough;   a plug member positioned within the flow passage that selectively prevents flow through the flow passage and allows flow through the flow passage responsive to contact with an activating agent;   at least one retainer assembly supporting the plug member within the housing, the retainer assembly selectively preventing communication between the activating agent and the plug member; and   an activating assembly including a combustible agent positioned between at least a portion of the retainer assembly and the plug member, the activating assembly operable to create a communication path through the retainer assembly upon combustion of the combustible agent to allow communication between the activating agent and the plug member.   
     
     
         2 . The downhole pressure barrier as recited in claim wherein the plug member further comprises a mixture of sand and salt. 
     
     
         3 . The downhole pressure barrier as recited in  claim 1  wherein the activating agent further comprises at least one of a wellbore fluid and water. 
     
     
         4 . The downhole pressure barrier as recited in  claim 1  further comprising at least one seal element positioned between the retainer assembly and the housing. 
     
     
         5 . The downhole pressure barrier as recited in  claim 1  wherein the retainer assembly includes a discoidal portion that has a spaced apart relationship with the plug member. 
     
     
         6 . The downhole pressure barrier as recited in  claim 5  wherein the combustible agent is positioned in the space between the plug member and the discoidal portion of the retainer assembly. 
     
     
         7 . The downhole pressure barrier as recited in  claim 6  further comprising a separator member positioned between the combustible agent and the plug member. 
     
     
         8 . The downhole pressure barrier as recited in  claim 7  wherein the discoidal portion of the retainer assembly and the separator member are metallic. 
     
     
         9 . The downhole pressure barrier as recited in  claim 1  wherein the combustible agent further comprises a mixture of a metal powder and a metal oxide. 
     
     
         10 . The downhole pressure barrier as recited in  claim 1  wherein the activating assembly further comprises an ignition agent operably positioned proximate the combustible agent and an electronic package operable to receive a wireless signal and send a signal to the ignition agent. 
     
     
         11 . The downhole pressure barrier as recited in  claim 1  wherein the housing further comprises a fluid chamber operable to contain the activating agent. 
     
     
         12 . A downhole pressure barrier operatively positionable in a subterranean well, the downhole pressure barrier comprising:
 a housing having a flow passage formed therethrough;   a plug member positioned within the flow passage that selectively prevents and allows flow through the flow passage;   at least one retainer assembly supporting the plug member within the housing; and   an activating assembly including a combustible agent that is integrally formed in the plug member, the activating assembly operable to create a communication path through the retainer assembly upon combustion of the combustible agent.   
     
     
         13 . The downhole pressure barrier as recited in  claim 12  wherein the plug member further comprises a mixture of sand and salt. 
     
     
         14 . The downhole pressure barrier as recited in  claim 12  wherein the plug member further comprises a polymer matrix. 
     
     
         15 . The downhole pressure barrier as recited in  claim 12  wherein the plug member consists essentially of the combustible agent. 
     
     
         16 . The downhole pressure barrier as recited in  claim 12  wherein the combustible agent further comprises a mixture of a metal powder and a metal oxide. 
     
     
         17 . The downhole pressure barrier as recited in  claim 12  wherein the activating assembly further comprises an ignition agent operably positioned proximate the combustible agent and an electronic package operable to receive a wireless signal from a surface source and send a signal to the ignition agent. 
     
     
         18 . The downhole pressure barrier as recited in  claim 12  wherein the housing further comprises a fluid chamber operable to contain an activating agent. 
     
     
         19 . A method for remotely actuating a downhole pressure barrier positioned in a subterranean well, the method comprising:
 receiving a wireless signal at a receiver positioned within the downhole pressure barrier;   generating an activation signal responsive to the received wireless signal;   activating an ignition agent responsive to the activation signal;   igniting a combustible agent with the ignition agent;   creating a communication path between an activating agent and a plug member of the downhole pressure barrier responsive to the combustion; and   contacting the plug member with the activating agent to disperse the plug member, thereby opening a communication path through the downhole pressure barrier.   
     
     
         20 . The method as recited in  claim 19  wherein receiving a wireless signal at a receiver positioned within the downhole pressure barrier further comprises sensing a series of pressure fluctuations via the receiver. 
     
     
         21 . The method as recited in  claim 19  wherein activating an ignition agent responsive to the activation signal further comprises activating a magnesium fuse. 
     
     
         22 . The method as recited in  claim 19  wherein igniting a combustible agent with the ignition agent further comprises igniting a mixture of a metal powder and a metal oxide. 
     
     
         23 . The method as recited in  claim 19  wherein contacting the plug member with the activating agent to disperse the plug member further comprises contacting the plug member with at least one of a wellbore fluid and water. 
     
     
         24 . The method as recited in  claim 19  wherein contacting the plug member with the activating agent to disperse the plug member further comprises contacting a mixture of sand and salt with the activating agent. 
     
     
         25 . The method as recited in  claim 19  further comprising containing the activating fluid in a fluid chamber of the downhole pressure barrier.