An underwater choke valve

Abstract

The application discloses an underwater throttling valve, which comprises a hydraulic driver, a PLC controller in the underwater throttling valve, an electro-hydraulic reversing valve, a pressure sensor and an electromagnetic parameter sensor, the electro-hydraulic reversing valve is communicated with the hydraulic driver through a pipeline, the pressure sensor is arranged at a liquid inlet of the underwater throttling valve, the electromagnetic parameter sensor is arranged on the hydraulic driver, the PLC controller judges whether the production pipeline pressure of the underwater Christmas tree is normal according to the received pressure signal and electromagnetic parameter signal, if the production pipeline pressure is abnormal, the control of the hydraulic driver is switched from the pulse hydraulic signal control sent by the underwater control system to the direct electric control of the PLC controller, the PLC controller sends a control signal to the electro-hydraulic reversing valve, and the electro-hydraulic reversing valve acts to control the hydraulic driver to work. The application can realize the monitoring of the production pipeline pressure, can timely treat the abnormal production pipeline pressure, and improves the capacity of the underwater throttling valve in real-time adjustment, safety protection and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of subsea wellhead technology, and in particular to a subsea throttling valve. Background Technology

[0002] Subsea wellheads are core equipment for offshore oil and gas extraction. Subsea throttle valves are key components of subsea wellheads. Located on the wellhead's production pipeline, their main function is to regulate the flow rate or output of the production medium and stabilize the medium pressure.

[0003] Submersible throttle valves control fluid flow by changing the throttling cross-section; they are underwater pressure and flow control valves. A hydraulic stepper actuator provides precise position control for the submersible throttle valve, receiving pulsed hydraulic signals from the submersible control system of the submersible production tree. The submersible control system sends pulsed hydraulic signals to the submersible throttle valve according to preset instructions. The hydraulic stepper actuator within the submersible throttle valve receives these pulsed hydraulic signal commands and adjusts the valve opening accordingly, while simultaneously feeding back the executed command data to the submersible control system. Currently, the hydraulic stepper actuators of existing submersible throttle valves are controlled and issued by the submersible control system. If the distance between the submersible control system and the submersible throttle valve is large, the hydraulic signal will suffer significant loss during long-distance transmission, and the timing of hydraulic transmission is difficult to guarantee. Especially when the pressure on the production pipeline is abnormal, the submersible throttle valve needs to take corresponding emergency actions; if the emergency control is not timely, it may cause operational malfunctions. Submersible throttle valves generally suffer from drawbacks such as complex control, low control precision, and low reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide an underwater throttle valve to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0006] An underwater throttle valve includes a hydraulic actuator, and further includes a PLC controller, an electro-hydraulic directional valve, a pressure sensor, and an electromagnetic parameter sensor disposed inside the underwater throttle valve. The electro-hydraulic directional valve is connected to the hydraulic actuator via a pipeline. The pressure sensor is disposed at the liquid inlet of the underwater throttle valve, and the electromagnetic parameter sensor is disposed on the hydraulic actuator. The electro-hydraulic directional valve, pressure sensor, and electromagnetic parameter sensor are all communicatively connected to the PLC controller. The pressure sensor is used to transmit the pressure signal at the liquid inlet to the PLC controller, and the electromagnetic parameter sensor is used to transmit the pressure signal at the liquid inlet to the PLC controller. The PLC controller transmits electromagnetic parameter signals to the hydraulic actuator. Based on the received pressure signal and electromagnetic parameter signal, the PLC controller determines whether the pressure in the production pipeline of the subsea production tree is normal. If normal, the hydraulic actuator is controlled by the pulse hydraulic signal issued by the subsea control system of the subsea production tree, and the electro-hydraulic directional valve inside the subsea throttle valve does not work. If abnormal, the control of the hydraulic actuator is switched from the pulse hydraulic signal issued by the subsea control system to direct electrical control by the PLC controller. The PLC controller sends a control signal to the electro-hydraulic directional valve, and the electro-hydraulic directional valve actuates to control the hydraulic actuator.

[0007] Furthermore, the PLC controller has a preset reference curve, which is determined by the liquid inlet pressure and the electromagnetic parameters of the hydraulic actuator during the test. The PLC controller judges whether the pressure in the production pipeline is normal based on the changes in the parameter values ​​and parameter curves transmitted by the pressure sensor and the electromagnetic parameter sensor.

[0008] Furthermore, the PLC controller includes a communication module, a judgment module, a storage module, and a control module. The storage module pre-stores reference curves, various pressure anomalies, and corresponding preset control commands. The communication module is communicatively connected to the pressure sensor, electromagnetic parameter sensor, underwater control system, and storage module. The judgment module is communicatively connected to the communication module, storage module, and control module. The control module is communicatively connected to the storage module and electro-hydraulic directional valve.

[0009] Furthermore, a linear displacement sensor is provided above the hydraulic actuator. The linear displacement sensor converts the position state of the hydraulic actuator into a linear displacement for indicating the valve opening degree. The linear displacement sensor transmits the opening degree signal to the underwater control system through an LVDT electrical wet connector and an electric fly wire.

[0010] Furthermore, the underwater throttle valve is equipped with an opening position indicator, and high-wavelength indicator lights are installed around the opening position indicator and the underwater throttle valve on the underwater production tree.

[0011] Furthermore, the PLC controller and the electro-hydraulic directional valve are sealed and encapsulated in a sealed box, which is installed inside the underwater throttle valve.

[0012] Furthermore, the underwater throttle valve adopts a sliding structure.

[0013] In summary, the technical effects and advantages of this invention are as follows:

[0014] The PLC controller built into the underwater throttle valve can determine whether the pressure in the production pipeline of the subsea wellhead is normal based on the received pressure and electromagnetic parameter signals, enabling a simple and quick assessment of the underwater throttle valve's operating status. If the pressure is normal, the hydraulic actuator operates under the control of the underwater wellhead's control system via pulse hydraulic signals, and the electro-hydraulic directional valve inside the underwater throttle valve remains inactive. If the pressure is abnormal, the control of the hydraulic actuator changes from pulse hydraulic signals from the underwater control system to direct electrical control by the PLC controller. The PLC controller sends control signals to the electro-hydraulic directional valve, which then controls the hydraulic actuator. Because the PLC controller and the electro-hydraulic directional valve are built-in, the control is more direct, resulting in a faster response and enabling timely handling of abnormal production pipeline pressure. This enhances the underwater throttle valve's capabilities in real-time adjustment and safety protection. This invention solves the problems of conventional underwater throttle valves, such as complex control, low precision, and difficulty in meeting the practical application requirements of underwater throttle valves. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an underwater throttle valve according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the underwater throttle valve in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cage structure in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of a linear sensor in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electric flying wire in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] In the picture:

[0022] 11. Valve body; 12. Valve core; 111. Liquid inlet; 112. Liquid outlet; 21. Hydraulic actuator; 22. Valve stem; 23. Piston; 24. Cage sleeve; 241. Cage sleeve throttle orifice; 25. LVDT electrical wet connector; 26. Linear displacement sensor; 27. Opening position indicator; 28. Clamp connector; 31. Electrical fly wire; 32. LVDT electrical connection assembly; 33. Kongshi quick connector; 34. Pin quick socket; 35. Pin quick connector. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0025] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0027] This embodiment provides an underwater throttle valve, which adopts a sliding structure, specifically, as follows: Figure 1-5As shown, the submersible throttle valve includes a valve body 11, a valve core 12, a valve stem 22, a plunger 23, a cage sleeve 24, a clamp connector 28, and a hydraulic actuator 21. The submersible throttle valve adopts a split structure, with the upper part containing components such as the hydraulic actuator 21, and the lower part containing components such as the valve body 11, valve core 12, plunger 23, and cage sleeve 24. The two parts are connected by the clamp connector 28. The valve body 11 has a liquid inlet 111 and a liquid outlet 112, and the valve core 12 is installed in the upper part of the valve body 11. The output end of the hydraulic actuator 21 is connected to the valve stem 22, and the lower end of the valve stem 22 slides within the valve core 12. The lower end of the valve stem 22 is connected to the plunger 23, and the valve stem 22 drives the plunger 23 to move up and down axially along the cage sleeve 24. The cage sleeve 24 has flow throttling orifices. The up-and-down movement of the plunger 23 adjusts the flow area of ​​the throttling orifices on the cage sleeve 24 to regulate the pressure and flow rate of the medium in the submersible production pipeline.

[0028] Furthermore, to address the issue of significant hydraulic signal loss and unreliable transmission time during long-distance transmission due to the long distance between the underwater control system and the underwater throttle valve, especially when the pressure on the production pipeline is abnormal, the underwater throttle valve in this embodiment also incorporates a PLC controller, an electro-hydraulic directional valve, a pressure sensor, and an electromagnetic parameter sensor. The electro-hydraulic directional valve is connected to the hydraulic actuator 21 via a pipeline. The pressure sensor is located at the liquid inlet 111 of the underwater throttle valve, and the electromagnetic parameter sensor is located on the hydraulic actuator 21. The electro-hydraulic directional valve, pressure sensor, and electromagnetic parameter sensor are all communicatively connected to the PLC controller. The pressure sensor transmits the pressure signal at the liquid inlet to the PLC controller, and the electromagnetic parameter sensor transmits the electromagnetic parameter signal from the hydraulic actuator 21 to the PLC controller. The PLC controller determines whether the pressure in the production pipeline of the underwater wellhead is normal based on the received pressure signal and electromagnetic parameter signal. This determination process can also be called edge computing, which enables a simple and quick determination of whether there is an abnormality in the production pipeline pressure, facilitating timely handling of abnormal production pipeline pressure.

[0029] This embodiment employs an electro-hydraulic control method. If the PLC controller determines that the production pipeline pressure is normal, the underwater control system of the subsea wellhead controls the hydraulic actuator 21 to operate according to the pulse hydraulic signal issued by the preset program. The electro-hydraulic directional valve inside the underwater throttle valve does not operate. At this time, the PLC controller is used to monitor the production pipeline pressure and store historical data. If the PLC controller determines that the production pipeline pressure is abnormal, the control of the hydraulic actuator 21 is switched from pulse hydraulic signal control issued by the underwater control system to direct electrical control by the PLC controller. The PLC controller sends a control signal to the electro-hydraulic directional valve, and the electro-hydraulic directional valve actuates to control the hydraulic actuator 21 to operate. The electro-hydraulic directional valve controls the hydraulic actuator 21 according to preset instructions, maximizing speed and directly handling abnormal pressure problems.

[0030] Furthermore, the PLC controller has a preset reference curve, which is determined based on the liquid inlet pressure and the electromagnetic parameters of the hydraulic actuator 21 in the software simulation and actual test. The PLC controller judges whether the pressure of the production pipeline is normal based on the changes in the parameter values ​​and parameter curves transmitted by the pressure sensor and the electromagnetic parameter sensor.

[0031] Specifically, the PLC controller includes a communication module, a judgment module, a storage module, and a control module. The storage module pre-stores reference curves, various pressure anomalies, and corresponding preset control commands. The communication module communicates with the pressure sensor, electromagnetic parameter sensor, underwater control system, and storage module. The judgment module communicates with the communication module, storage module, and control module. The control module communicates with the storage module and electro-hydraulic directional valve. In principle, the pressure at the liquid inlet (which indicates the pressure on the production pipeline), the electromagnetic parameters of the hydraulic actuator 21, and the state of the underwater throttle valve are in one-to-one correspondence. The judgment module judges whether the pressure in the production pipeline is normal based on this principle.

[0032] During operation, the communication module receives pressure and electromagnetic parameter signals from the pressure sensor and electromagnetic parameter sensor. The judgment module compares these signals with a reference curve in the storage module. If the pressure is normal, the pressure, electromagnetic parameters, judgment process, and judgment result are stored in the storage module, and the underwater control system normally controls the hydraulic actuator 21. If the pressure is abnormal, the control module reads the preset control command corresponding to the abnormal pressure from the storage module and sends it to the electro-hydraulic directional valve to control the hydraulic actuator 21. The judgment module also sends the abnormal pressure and handling notification to the underwater control system via the communication module, and stores the pressure, electromagnetic parameters, judgment process, judgment result, handling process, and result in the storage module. After the handling is completed or the production pipeline pressure returns to normal, the underwater throttle valve resumes normal control mode, meaning the underwater control system resumes controlling the hydraulic actuator 21. Furthermore, the underwater control system can access historical data such as the pressure judgment process stored in the storage module through the communication module.

[0033] Furthermore, a linear displacement sensor 26 is provided above the hydraulic actuator 21. The linear displacement sensor 26 can convert the position state of the hydraulic actuator 21 into a linear displacement for indicating the valve opening. The linear displacement sensor 26 transmits the opening signal to the underwater control system through the LVDT electrical wet connector 25 and the electric fly wire 31, realizing remote monitoring of the underwater throttle valve. In addition, the hydraulic actuator 21 should also have a throttle valve opening position indicator 27. The opening position indicator is located on the outermost part of the underwater throttle valve, which allows the operator to intuitively observe the valve opening. The opening position indicator is prior art, and its specific structure will not be described in detail here. Specifically, in this embodiment, the linear displacement sensor 26 is provided with an LVDT electrical wet connector 25, one end of the electric fly wire 31 is provided with an LVDT electrical connection component 32, the quick-connect plug 33 of the LVDT electrical connection component 32 is directly connected to the LVDT electrical wet connector 25, and the other end of the electric fly wire 31 is a pin quick-connect socket 34, which is used in conjunction with the pin quick-connect plug 35 of the underwater control system; the electric fly wire 31 is also prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0034] Optionally, high-wavelength indicator lights are installed around the underwater production tree, including the opening position indicator and the underwater throttle valve. These lights illuminate the underwater workspace when the ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) is in position, providing the ROV operator with a working view.

[0035] Furthermore, the PLC controller and the electro-hydraulic directional valve are sealed within a sealed enclosure, which is installed inside the underwater throttle valve. The sealed enclosure can be installed on the lower valve body 11 of the underwater throttle valve, or it can be installed on the upper part of the underwater throttle valve near the hydraulic actuator 21. In this embodiment, the second structure is preferred.

[0036] Finally, it should be noted that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An underwater throttle valve, comprising a hydraulic actuator, characterized in that: The system also includes a PLC controller, an electro-hydraulic directional valve, a pressure sensor, and an electromagnetic parameter sensor located inside the underwater throttle valve. The electro-hydraulic directional valve is connected to the hydraulic actuator via a pipeline. The pressure sensor is located at the liquid inlet of the underwater throttle valve, and the electromagnetic parameter sensor is located on the hydraulic actuator. The electro-hydraulic directional valve, pressure sensor, and electromagnetic parameter sensor are all communicatively connected to the PLC controller. The pressure sensor transmits the pressure signal at the liquid inlet to the PLC controller, and the electromagnetic parameter sensor transmits the electromagnetic parameter signal of the hydraulic actuator to the PLC controller. The PLC controller determines whether the pressure in the production pipeline of the underwater production tree is normal based on the received pressure signal and electromagnetic parameter signal. If normal, the hydraulic actuator is controlled by a pulse hydraulic signal issued by the underwater control system of the underwater production tree, and the electro-hydraulic directional valve inside the underwater throttle valve is not activated. If abnormal, the control of the hydraulic actuator is switched from pulse hydraulic signal control by the underwater control system to direct electrical control by the PLC controller. The PLC controller sends a control signal to the electro-hydraulic directional valve, which then activates to control the hydraulic actuator. The PLC controller has a preset reference curve, which is determined by the liquid inlet pressure and the electromagnetic parameters of the hydraulic actuator during the test. The PLC controller judges whether the pressure of the production pipeline is normal based on the value of each parameter transmitted by the pressure sensor and the electromagnetic parameter sensor and the change of the parameter curve. The PLC controller includes a communication module, a judgment module, a storage module, and a control module. The storage module pre-stores reference curves, various pressure anomalies, and corresponding preset control commands. The communication module is connected to the pressure sensor, electromagnetic parameter sensor, underwater control system, and storage module. The judgment module is connected to the communication module, storage module, and control module. The control module is connected to the storage module and electro-hydraulic directional valve.

2. The underwater throttle valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, A linear displacement sensor is provided above the hydraulic actuator. The linear displacement sensor converts the position state of the hydraulic actuator into a linear displacement for indicating the valve opening. The linear displacement sensor transmits the opening signal to the underwater control system through an LVDT electrical wet connector and an electric fly wire.

3. The underwater throttle valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The underwater throttle valve is equipped with an opening position indicator, and high-wavelength indicator lights are installed around the opening position indicator and the underwater throttle valve on the underwater production tree.

4. The underwater throttle valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The PLC controller and the electro-hydraulic directional valve are sealed and encapsulated in a sealed box, which is installed inside the underwater throttle valve.

5. The underwater throttle valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The underwater throttle valve adopts a sliding structure.

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