Valve and method of operating a valve

Abstract

The valve can include a self-cleaning feature that can be configured to at least partially displace material from a portion of the valve. Such a valve can be used in a pressure exchanger. The present application also provides a method of operating a valve.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Invention Patent Application No. 2019800738609, filed on November 8, 2019, entitled “Methods and Valves Including Flushing Features.”

[0002] Priority Claim

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 758,340, filed November 9, 2018, entitled “Valves Including One or More Flushing Features and Related Assemblies, Systems, and Methods,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to valves including one or more flushing features. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to valves including one or more flushing features for removing debris or other objects from the valve, and to related assemblies and related methods. In some cases, such valves can be used in fluid exchange devices, and systems and methods, for exchanging one or more of properties (e.g., pressure) between fluids. BACKGROUND

[0005] Industrial processes often involve hydraulic systems, which include pumps, valves, impellers, and the like. Pumps, valves, and impellers can be used to control the flow of fluid used in the hydraulic process. For example, some pumps can be used to increase (e.g., boost) pressure in a hydraulic system, other pumps can be used to move fluid from one location to another. Some hydraulic systems include valves to control the direction of fluid flow. Valves can include control valves, ball valves, gate valves, stop valves, check valves, isolation valves, combinations thereof, and the like.

[0006] Some industrial processes involve the use of corrosive fluids, abrasive fluids, and / or acidic fluids. These types of fluids can increase the amount of wear on components of the hydraulic system. Increased wear can result in increased maintenance and repair costs, or the need to replace equipment ahead of schedule. For example, abrasive, corrosive, or acidic fluids can increase the amount of wear on internal components of a pump, such as impellers, shafts, vanes, nozzles, and the like. Some pumps are repairable, and operations can choose to replace worn parts to repair a worn pump, which can result in extended downtime of the worn pump, resulting in the need for a redundant pump or resulting in decreased productivity. Other operations can replace the worn pump, which is more expensive but results in reduced downtime.

[0007] Well completion operations in the oil and gas industry often involve hydraulic fracturing (often referred to as fracking or fracturing) to increase the release of oil and gas in a rock formation. Hydraulic fracturing involves pumping a fluid (e.g., a fracturing fluid, a fracking fluid, etc.) containing a combination of water, chemicals, and proppant (e.g., sand, ceramic) into a well at high pressure. The high pressure of the fluid increases the size of the fractures and the propagation of the fractures in the rock formation, releasing more oil and gas, while the proppant prevents the fractures from closing after the fluid is depressurized. Fracturing operations use high pressure pumps to increase the pressure of the fracturing fluid. However, the proppant in the fracturing fluid increases the wear and tear and maintenance of the high pressure pumps and substantially reduces the operational life of the high pressure pumps due to its abrasive nature. SUMMARY

[0008] Different implementations can include apparatuses or systems for exchanging pressure between fluids. The apparatus can include a tank and a pilot valve apparatus. The tank can include a clean side for receiving a clean fluid at a higher pressure and a dirty side for receiving a downhole fluid (e.g., a fracturing fluid, a drilling fluid) at a lower pressure. At least one port can be positioned proximate the dirty side of the at least one tank and define a fluid passageway. At least one valve can be disposed along the fluid passageway of the at least one port. The valve can be configured to at least one of enable the downhole fluid to enter the tank or enable the downhole fluid to exit the tank. The valve can include a valve body, a valve seat, a valve member configured to define a seal with the valve seat, and at least one flush feature. The flush feature can be configured to supply a fluid to at least a portion of the valve seat along another fluid passageway at least partially separate from the fluid passageway of the at least one port. The flush feature can be configured to at least partially displace material from the valve seat. The pilot valve apparatus can be configured to selectively communicate the clean fluid at the higher pressure through the at least one piston with the downhole fluid at the lower pressure to pressurize the downhole fluid to a second, higher pressure.

[0009] Another embodiment can include a device or system for exchanging pressure between fluids. The device can include a first side to receive a first fluid at a higher pressure and a second side to receive a second fluid at a lower pressure. The device can also include at least one port and at least one valve. The port can be positioned proximate the second side of the tank and define a first fluid passageway. The valve can be disposed along the first fluid passageway of the port. The valve can be configured to at least one of enable the second fluid to enter the tank or enable the second fluid to exit the tank. The valve can include a valve body, a valve seat, a valve member, and a self-cleaning feature. The valve body can define a portion of the first fluid passageway. The valve body can also define a portion of a second fluid passageway. The valve member can be configured to define a seal with the valve seat. The self-cleaning feature can be configured to supply fluid along the second fluid passageway to at least a portion of the valve seat of the valve. The self-cleaning feature can be configured to at least partially dislodge material from at least one of the valve seat or the valve member.

[0010] Another embodiment can include a valve. The valve can include a valve body, a valve member, at least one flushing feature. The valve body can have a fluid conduit defined therethrough. The valve body can include a seat portion. The valve member can be coupled to the valve body. The valve member can be movable relative to the valve body to at least partially obstruct the fluid conduit. The flushing feature can be configured to supply fluid along another fluid passageway at least partially separate from the fluid passageway of the valve body to at least a portion of the valve. The flushing feature can be configured to at least partially dislodge material from the valve.

[0011] Another embodiment can include a system for exchanging pressure between at least two fluid streams. The system can include a pressure exchange device as described above and at least one pump to supply a cleaning fluid to the pressure exchange device.

[0012] Another embodiment can include a method of controlling a valve in operation. The method can include flowing a fluid along a fluid conduit defined through a valve body; at least partially obstructing the flow of the fluid through the valve body by moving a valve member toward a valve seat defined by the valve body; and at least partially dislodging material from the valve by supplying fluid to at least a portion of the valve proximate the valve seat along another fluid passageway at least partially separate from the fluid passageway of the valve body using at least one flushing feature. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming that which is regarded as the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is believed that the embodiments of the present disclosure can be more readily understood from the following description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0014] Figure 1is a schematic illustration of a hydraulic fracturing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid exchange apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of a control valve in a first position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of a control valve in a second position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a valve in a portion of a fluid handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a valve in a portion of a fluid handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The illustrations presented herein are not meant to be actual views of any particular fluid exchanger or component thereof, but are idealized representations that are employed to describe the illustrative embodiments. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Elements that are common between drawings can retain the same reference numeral.

[0021] As used herein, relational terms such as“first,”“second,”“top,”“bottom,” and the like can be used solely to distinguish the order of one operational, positional, or temporal event from another, without necessarily implying that any actual relationship or order exists between such events. Moreover, the terms“first,”“second,” and the like can be used interchangeably with the designation“A / B” or“1st / A and 2nd / B” or the like.

[0022] As used herein, the term“and / or” means and includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0023] As used herein, the terms“vertical” and“lateral” refer to the orientation depicted in the drawings.

[0024] As used herein, the term“substantially” or“about” in reference to a given parameter, property, or condition means and includes to a degree that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that a given parameter, property, or condition is met within a small degree of variation, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. For example, substantially meeting a parameter can mean meeting the parameter to at least 90%, to at least 95%, to at least 99%, or even to 100%.

[0025] As used herein, the term "fluid" can mean and include fluids of any type and composition. Fluids can take the form of a liquid, a gas, or a combination thereof, and in some cases can include some solid material. In some embodiments, fluids can transition between liquid and gas forms during a cooling or heating process as described herein. In some embodiments, the term fluid includes gases, liquids, and / or pumpable mixtures of liquids and solids.

[0026] Described herein generally relates to valves for controlling fluid flow along a fluid path of a fluid conduit (e.g., proximate to a fluid inlet and / or outlet). Such valves (e.g., check valves, ball valves, etc.) can be implemented in piping systems, such as those used in fracking processes, power plants, boiler applications, etc., where it is desirable to have a valve to limit (e.g., prevent) certain types of fluid flow. For example, a valve can limit fluid flow in a backflow situation to avoid damage to associated components of the system in which the valve is implemented, or even to avoid catastrophic failure in the system.

[0027] It is noted that while embodiments of the present disclosure are primarily discussed herein with respect to check valves (e.g., swing or tilt check valves, in-line check valves, piston check valves, stop check valves, lift check valves, one-way check valves, two-way or more check valves, etc.), other embodiments of the present disclosure can include multiple seats for other types of valves such as, for example, plug valves, ball valves, stop or globe valves, angle valves, butterfly valves, and gate valves.

[0028] Embodiments of the present disclosure can relate to valves used, for example, in an exchange device (e.g., a pressure exchanger) for exchanging one or more properties between fluids. Such exchangers (e.g., pressure exchangers) are sometimes referred to as "flow work exchangers" or "isobaric devices," and are machines for exchanging pressure energy from a relatively high pressure flow fluid system to a relatively low pressure flow fluid system.

[0029] Other embodiments of such valves can be used in any other suitable fluid handling application.

[0030] In some industrial processes, elevated pressure is required in certain portions of the operation to achieve a desired result, after which the pressurized fluid is depressurized. In other processes, some of the fluids used in the process are available at high pressure, while others are available at low pressure, and it is desirable to exchange pressure energy between the two fluids. Thus, in some applications, great economic improvements can be realized if pressure can be effectively transferred between two fluids.

[0031] In some embodiments, the exchangers disclosed herein can be similar to and include various components and configurations of the pressure exchangers disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,797,429 to Shumway, issued August 25, 1998, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0032] Although some embodiments of the present disclosure are described as being used and employed as pressure exchangers between two or more fluids, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure can be used in other implementations, such as, for example, exchanging other properties (e.g., temperature, density, etc.) and / or constituents between one or more fluids and / or mixtures of two or more fluids.

[0033] In some embodiments, the pressure exchangers can be used to protect moving components (e.g., pumps, valves, impellers, etc.) in processes where the fluid can damage the moving components (e.g., abrasive fluids, corrosive fluids, acidic fluids, etc.) that require high pressure.

[0034] For example, pressure exchange devices in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in hydrocarbon-related processes, such as hydraulic fracturing or other drilling operations (e.g., subterranean downhole drilling operations).

[0035] As noted above, well completion operations in the oil and gas industry often involve hydraulic fracturing, drilling operations, or other downhole operations that use high pressure pumps to increase the pressure of downhole fluids (e.g., fluids intended to be directed into a subterranean formation or wellbore, such as fracturing fluids, drilling fluids, drilling muds). The proppants, chemicals, additives, etc. that are generated in these fluids often increase the wear and maintenance of the high pressure pumps.

[0036] In some embodiments, a hydraulic fracturing system can include a hydraulic energy transfer system that transfers pressure between a first fluid (e.g., a clean fluid, such as a fluid that is partially (e.g., mostly) or substantially free of proppants or a pressure exchange fluid) and a second fluid (e.g., a fracturing fluid, such as a proppant-laden fluid, an abrasive fluid, or a dirty fluid). Such a system can at least partially (e.g., substantially, primarily, completely) isolate the high pressure first fluid from the second dirty fluid while still being able to pressurize the second dirty fluid with the high pressure first fluid without having to pass the second dirty fluid directly through a pump or other pressurization device.

[0037] Although some embodiments discussed herein can be directed to fracturing operations, in additional embodiments, the exchanger systems and devices disclosed herein can be used for other operations. For example, the devices, systems, and / or methods disclosed herein can be used for other downhole operations, such as, for example, downhole drilling operations.

[0038] Figure 1 A system diagram illustrating an embodiment of a hydraulic fracturing system 100 that utilizes a pressure exchanger between a first fluid stream (e.g., a clean fluid stream) and a second fluid stream (e.g., a fracturing fluid stream) is shown. Although not explicitly depicted, it should be understood that each component of the system 100 can be directly connected to or coupled to an adjacent (e.g., upstream or downstream) component through a fluid conduit (e.g., a pipe). The hydraulic fracturing system 100 can include one or more devices for pressurizing the first fluid stream, such as, for example, a fracturing pump 102 (e.g., a reciprocating pump, a centrifugal pump, a vortex pump, etc.). The system 100 can include multiple fracturing pumps 102, such as at least two fracturing pumps 102, at least four fracturing pumps 102, at least ten fracturing pumps 102, at least sixteen fracturing pumps, or at least twenty fracturing pumps 102. In some embodiments, the fracturing pumps 102 can provide relatively and substantially clean fluid from a fluid source 101 at high pressure to a pressure exchanger 104. In some embodiments, fluid can be provided to each pump 102 separately (e.g., in a parallel configuration). After pressurization in the pumps 102, the high pressure clean fluid 110 can be combined and transmitted to the pressure exchanger 104 (e.g., in a serial configuration).

[0039] As used herein, a "clean" fluid can describe a fluid that is at least partially or substantially free (e.g., substantially completely free or completely free) of chemical species and / or proppant typically found in downhole fluids, and a "dirty" fluid can describe a fluid that at least partially contains chemical species and / or proppant typically found in downhole fluids.

[0040] The pressure exchanger 104 can transfer pressure from the high pressure clean fluid 110 to a low pressure fracturing fluid (e.g., a fracturing fluid 112) to provide a high pressure fracturing fluid 116. The clean fluid can be discharged from the pressure exchanger 104 as a low pressure fluid 114 after transmitting pressure to the low pressure fracturing fluid 112. In some embodiments, the low pressure fluid 114 can be at least partially or substantially clean fluid that is substantially free of chemical species and / or proppant except for a small amount of chemical species and / or proppant that can be transferred from the fracturing fluid 112 to the low pressure fluid 114 in the pressure exchanger 104.

[0041] In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger 104 can include one or more pressure exchanger devices (e.g., operating in parallel). In such a configuration, the high pressure input can be split and provided to an input of each of the pressure exchanger devices. The output of each of the pressure exchanger devices can be combined when the high pressure fracturing fluid exits the pressure exchanger 104. For example, and as referenced above with respect to FIG. 1, the pressure exchanger 104 can include two pressure exchanger devices 104a and 104b. The high pressure clean fluid 110 can be split and provided to an input of each of the pressure exchanger devices 104a and 104b. The output of each of the pressure exchanger devices 104a and 104b can be combined to provide the high pressure fracturing fluid 116. Figure 1As discussed, the pressure exchanger 104 can include two or more (e.g., three) pressure exchanger devices operating in parallel. As shown, the pressure exchanger 104 can be disposed on a mobile platform (e.g., a truck trailer) that can be relatively easily installed at and removed from a fracking well site.

[0042] The low pressure cleaning fluid 114, after being discharged from the pressure exchanger 104, can travel to and be collected in a mixing chamber 106 (e.g., a blender unit, a mixing unit, etc.). In some embodiments, the low pressure fluid 114 can be converted (e.g., modified, transformed, etc.) into a low pressure fracking fluid 112 in the mixing chamber 106. For example, proppant can be added to the low pressure cleaning fluid 114 in the mixing chamber 106 to form the low pressure fracking fluid 112. In some embodiments, the low pressure cleaning fluid 114 can be discharged as waste.

[0043] In many hydraulic fracking operations, a separate process can be used to heat the fracking fluid 112 (e.g., to ensure proper mixing of proppant in the fracking fluid) before the fracking fluid 112 is discharged downhole. In some embodiments, the use of the low pressure cleaning fluid 114 to produce the fracking fluid 112 can eliminate the step of heating the fracking fluid. For example, because the high pressure cleaning fluid 110 is pressurized by the fracking pump 102, the low pressure cleaning fluid 114 can already be at an elevated temperature. After the transfer of pressure from the high pressure cleaning fluid 112 that has been heated by the pump 102, the low pressure cleaning fluid 114 now retains at least a portion of the thermal energy when it passes from the pressure exchanger 104 to the mixing chamber 106. In some embodiments, the use of the low pressure cleaning fluid 114 that is already at an elevated temperature to produce the fracking fluid can eliminate the step of heating the fracking fluid. In other embodiments, the elevated temperature of the low pressure cleaning fluid 114 can result in a reduction in the amount of heating required for the fracking fluid.

[0044] After proppant is added to the low pressure fluid or fracking fluid 114, the low pressure fracking fluid 112 can be discharged from the mixing chamber 106. The low pressure fracking fluid 112 can then enter the pressure exchanger 104 on the fracking fluid end through the fluid conduit 108 that is connected (e.g., coupled) between the mixing chamber 106 and the pressure exchanger 104. After entering the pressure exchanger 104, the low pressure fracking fluid 112 can be pressurized by the pressure transferred through the pressure exchanger 104 from the high pressure cleaning fluid 110. The high pressure fracking fluid 116 can then exit the pressure exchanger 104 and be transferred downhole.

[0045] Hydraulic fracturing systems typically require high operating pressures for the high pressure fracturing fluid 116. In some embodiments, the desired pressure of the high pressure fracturing fluid 116 can be between about 8,000 PSI (55,158 kPa) to about 12,000 PSI (82,737 kPa), such as between about 9,000 PSI (62,052 kPa) to about 11,000 PSI (75,842 kPa), or about 10,000 PSI (68,947 kPa).

[0046] In some embodiments, the pressure to which the high pressure cleaning fluid 110 can be pressurized is at least substantially the same or slightly greater than the desired pressure of the high pressure fracturing fluid 116. For example, the high pressure cleaning fluid 110 can be pressurized to be between about 0 PSI (0 kPa) to about 1000 PSI (6,894 kPa) greater than the desired pressure of the high pressure fracturing fluid 116, such as between about 200 PSI (1,379 kPa) to about 700 PSI (4,826 kPa) greater than the desired pressure, or between about 400 PSI (2,758 kPa) to about 600 PSI (4,137 kPa) greater than the desired pressure, to account for any pressure loss during the pressure and exchange processes.

[0047] Figure 2 An embodiment of a pressure exchanger 200 is illustrated. The pressure exchanger 200 can be a linear pressure exchanger, in the sense that it operates by moving or translating an actuation assembly substantially along a linear path. For example, the actuation assembly can move linearly to selectively at least partially communicate (e.g., indirectly communicate, where the pressure of the high pressure fluid can be transferred to the low pressure fluid) the low and high pressure fluids, as discussed in detail below.

[0048] The linear pressure exchanger 200 can include one or more (e.g., two) chambers 202a, 202b (e.g., tanks, collectors, cylinders, tubes, pipes, etc.). The chambers 202a, 202b (e.g., parallel chambers 202a, 202b) can include pistons 204a, 204b configured to substantially maintain the high pressure cleaning fluid 210 and the low pressure cleaning fluid 214 (e.g., cleaning side) separate from the high pressure dirty fluid 216 and the low pressure dirty fluid 212 (e.g., dirty side), while enabling pressure transfer between the respective fluids 210, 212, 214, and 216. The size of the pistons 204a, 204b (e.g., the outer diameter of the pistons 204a, 204b relative to the inner diameter of the chambers 202a, 202b) can be set to enable the pistons 204a, 204b to travel through the chambers 202a, 202b, while minimizing fluid flow around the pistons 204a, 204b.

[0049] The linear pressure exchanger 200 can include a clean control valve 206 configured to control flow of high pressure clean fluid 210 and low pressure clean fluid 214. Each of the chambers 202a, 202b can include one or more dirty control valves 207a, 207b, 208a, 208b configured to control flow of low pressure dirty fluid 212 and high pressure dirty fluid 216.

[0050] As discussed in more detail below, one or more of the control valves 207a, 207b, 208a, 208b can include a self-cleaning valve configured to reduce an amount of material (e.g., contaminants, such as proppants from dirty or frac fluid) from a portion of the valve (e.g., a valve seat).

[0051] Although Figure 2 Embodiments of the linear pressure exchanger 200 are contemplated, other embodiments can include other types of pressure exchangers involving other mechanisms for selectively at least partially communicating low and high pressure fluids (e.g., rotary actuators, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent 9,435,354, issued September 6, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, etc.).

[0052] In some embodiments, the cleaning control valve 206 can selectively allow (e.g., input, place, etc.) high pressure cleaning fluid 210 provided from the high pressure inlet port 302 to enter the first chamber 202a on the clean side 220a of the piston 204a, the cleaning control valve including an actuating rod 203 that moves one or more barriers 308 along (e.g., linearly along) the body 205 of the valve 206. The high pressure cleaning fluid 210 can act on the piston 204a, causing the piston 204a to move in a direction toward the dirty side 221a of the piston 204a and compress the dirty fluid in the first chamber 202a to create high pressure dirty fluid 216. The high pressure dirty fluid 216 can exit the first chamber 202a through the dirty discharge control valve 208a (e.g., outlet valve, high pressure outlet). At substantially the same time, low pressure dirty fluid 212 can enter the second chamber 202b through the dirty fill control valve 207b (e.g., inlet valve, low pressure inlet). The low pressure dirty fluid 212 can act on the dirty side 221b of the piston 204b, causing the piston 204b to move in the second chamber 202b in a direction toward the clean side 220b of the piston 204b. As the piston 204b moves in the direction toward the clean side 220b of the piston 204b, low pressure cleaning fluid 214 can be discharged (e.g., emptied, expelled, etc.) through the cleaning control valve 206, thereby reducing the space on the clean side 220b of the piston 204b within the second chamber 202b. Upon each piston 204a, 204b moving a substantial length (e.g., a majority of the length) of the respective chamber 202a, 202b, a cycle of the pressure exchanger is complete (the "cycle" can be half a cycle of the piston 204a, 204b moving along the length of the chamber 202a, 202b in one direction, while a full cycle includes the piston 204a, 204b moving along the length of the chamber 202a, 202b in one direction and then in the other direction to return to substantially the original position). In some embodiments, only a portion of the length can be utilized (e.g., in the case of a reduced capacity). Upon completion of a cycle, the actuating rod 203 of the cleaning control valve 206 can change position, enabling the high pressure cleaning fluid 210 to enter the second chamber 202b, thereby changing the second chamber 202b to a high pressure chamber and the first chamber 202a to a low pressure chamber, and repeating the process.

[0053] In some embodiments, each chamber 202a, 202b can have a higher pressure on one side of the piston 204a, 204b, causing the piston to move away from the higher pressure. For example, the high pressure chamber can experience a pressure between about 8,000 PSI (55,158 kPa) and about 13,000 PSI (89,632 kPa), with the highest pressure being in the high pressure cleaning fluid 210, to cause the piston 204a, 204b to move away from the high pressure cleaning fluid 210, compress and discharge the dirty fluid, resulting in the high pressure dirty fluid 216. Conversely, the low pressure chamber 202a, 202b can experience a much lower pressure, with the relatively higher pressure in the low pressure dirty fluid 212 in the current low pressure chamber 202a, 202b still being sufficient to cause the piston 204a, 204b to move away from the low pressure dirty fluid 212, thereby discharging the low pressure dirty fluid 214. In some embodiments, the pressure of the low pressure dirty fluid 212 can be between about 100 PSI (689 kPa) and about 700 PSI (4,826 kPa), such as between about 200 PSI (1,379 kPa) and about 500 PSI (3,447 kPa), or between about 300 PSI (2,068 kPa) and about 400 PSI (2,758 kPa).

[0054] Referring again to Figure 1 In some embodiments, the system 100 can include an optional device (e.g., a pump) to pressurize the low pressure dirty fluid 212 (e.g., to a pressure level suitable to cause the piston 204a, 204b to move toward the clean side) as it is provided into the chamber 202a, 202b.

[0055] Referring again to Figure 2 If any fluid leaks past the piston 204a, 204b (e.g., leaks, escapes, etc.), it will generally tend to flow from the higher pressure fluid to the lower pressure fluid. The high pressure cleaning fluid 210 can be maintained at the highest pressure in the system, such that the high pressure cleaning fluid 210 can generally be substantially uncontaminated. The low pressure cleaning fluid 214 can be maintained at the lowest pressure in the system. Thus, the low pressure cleaning fluid 214 can be at risk of contamination by the low pressure dirty fluid 212. In some embodiments, the low pressure cleaning fluid 214 can be used to produce the low pressure dirty fluid 212, substantially negating any damage caused by contamination. Likewise, any contamination of the high pressure cleaning fluid 210 by the high pressure dirty fluid 216 will also be minimal.

[0056] In some embodiments, the contamination control valves 207a, 207b, 208a, 208b can be check valves (e.g., flap valves, non-return valves, backflow valves, retention valves, or one-way valves). For example, one or more of the contamination control valves 207a, 207b, 208a, 208b can be ball check valves, diaphragm check valves, swing check valves, tilting disc check valves, clapper valves, stop check valves, lift check valves, in-line check valves, duckbill valves, etc. In further embodiments, one or more of the contamination control valves 207a, 207b, 208a, 208b can be an actuated valve (e.g., solenoid valves, pneumatic valves, hydraulic valves, electronic valves, etc.) configured to receive a signal from a controller and open or close in response to the signal.

[0057] The contamination control valves 207a, 207b, 208a, 208b can be arranged in an opposing configuration such that when the chambers 202a, 202b are in a high pressure configuration, the high pressure contamination fluid opens the contamination discharge control valves 208a, 208b while the pressure in the chambers 202a, 202b keeps the contamination fill control valves 207a, 207b closed. For example, the contamination discharge control valves 208a, 208b comprise check valves that open in a first direction away from the chambers 202a, 202b, while the contamination fill control valves 207a, 207b comprise check valves that open in a second, opposite direction into the chambers 202a, 202b.

[0058] The contamination discharge control valves 208a, 208b can be connected to downstream elements (e.g., fluid conduits, separate or shared manifolds) such that high pressure in the downstream elements keeps the contamination discharge valves 208a, 208b closed in the chambers 202a, 202b that are in a low pressure configuration. Such a configuration enables low pressure contamination fluid to open the contamination fill control valves 207a, 207b and enter the chambers 202a, 202b.

[0059] Figure 3A and Figure 3B An embodiment of a cleaning control valve 300 is illustrated in cross-sectional views in two different positions. In some embodiments, the cleaning control valve 300 can be similar to the control valve 206 discussed above. The cleaning control valve 300 can be a multi-port valve (e.g., a 4-way valve, a 5-way valve, The cleaning control valve 300 can have one or more high pressure inlet ports (e.g., one port 302), one or more low pressure outlet ports (e.g., two ports 304a, 304b), and one or more chamber connection ports (e.g., two ports 306a, 306b). The cleaning control valve 300 can include at least two barriers 308 (e.g., plugs, pistons, discs, valve members, etc.). In some implementations, the cleaning control valve 300 can be a linear actuated valve. For example, the barriers 308 can be linearly actuated such that the barriers 308 move along a substantially straight line (e.g., along a longitudinal axis L of the cleaning control valve 300). 300 ) moves.

[0060] The cleaning control valve 300 can include an actuator 303 (e.g., an actuator coupled with a valve stem 301 of the cleaning control valve 300) configured to actuate the cleaning control valve 300. In some implementations, the actuator 303 can be electronic (e.g., solenoid, rack and pinion, ball screw, segmented spindle, moving coil, etc.), pneumatic (e.g., pull rod cylinder, diaphragm actuator, etc.), or hydraulic. In some implementations, the actuator 303 can enable the cleaning control valve 300 to move the valve stem 301 and the barriers 308 at a variable rate (e.g., varying speed, adjustable speed, etc.).

[0061] Figure 3A The cleaning control valve 300 is illustrated in a first position. In the first position, the barriers 308 can be positioned such that high pressure cleaning fluid can enter the cleaning control valve 300 through the high pressure inlet port 302 and exit through the chamber connection port 306a to enter the first chamber. In the first position, low pressure cleaning fluid can travel through the cleaning control valve 300 between the chamber connection port 306b and the low pressure outlet port 304b (e.g., can exit through the low pressure outlet port 304b).

[0062] Figure 3B The cleaning control valve 300 is illustrated in a second position. In the second position, the barriers 308 can be positioned such that high pressure cleaning fluid can enter the cleaning control valve 300 through the high pressure inlet port 302 and exit through the chamber connection port 306b to enter the second chamber. Low pressure cleaning fluid can travel through the cleaning control valve 300 between the chamber connection port 306a and the low pressure outlet port 304a (e.g., can exit through the low pressure outlet port 304a).

[0063] Reference is now made to Figure 2 , Figure 3A and Figure 3Bcleaning fluid to the first chamber 202a. After the cycle is complete, the cleaning control valve 206 can move the barrier 308 to a second position, connecting the high pressure inlet port 302 to the second chamber 202b through the chamber connection port 306b.

[0064] In some implementations, the cleaning control valve 206 can pass through a substantially fully closed position at an intermediate portion of the travel between the first position and the second position. For example, in the first position, the barrier 308 can maintain a fluid pathway between the high pressure inlet port 302 and the chamber connection port 306a and a fluid pathway between the chamber connection port 306b and the low pressure outlet port 304b. In the second position, the barrier 308 can maintain a fluid pathway between the high pressure inlet port 302 and the chamber connection port 306b and a fluid pathway between the chamber connection port 306a and the low pressure outlet port 304a. The transition between the first position and the second position can involve at least substantially closing both fluid pathways to change the connection of the chamber connection port 306a from the high pressure inlet port 302 to the low pressure outlet port 304a and to change the connection of the chamber connection port 306b from the low pressure outlet port 306b to the high pressure inlet port 302. The fluid pathways can be substantially closed at least at an intermediate portion of the travel to effect the change in connection. When fluids are operating at high pressures, opening and closing valves can cause pressure surges (e.g., water hammer) that can cause damage to components in the system when high pressure is suddenly introduced or removed from the system. Thus, the pressure surges can occur at the intermediate portion of the travel when the fluid pathways are closed and opened, respectively.

[0065] In some implementations, the actuator 303 can be configured to move the barrier 308 along a stroke of the clean control valve 206 at a variable speed. As the barrier 308 moves from the first position to the second position, the barrier 308 can move at a high rate as it traverses a first portion of the stroke that does not involve newly introducing flow from the high pressure inlet port 302 into the chamber connection port 306a, 306b. As the barrier 308 approaches the closed position at a middle portion of the stroke (e.g., when the barrier 308 occludes the chamber connection port 306a, 306b during the transition between the high pressure inlet port 302 connection and the low pressure outlet port 304a, 304b connection), the barrier 308 can slow down to a low rate. The barrier 308 can continue at the lower rate while the high pressure inlet port 302 is in communication with one of the chamber connection ports 306a, 306b. After traversing the chamber connection port 306a, 306b, the barrier 308 can speed up to another high rate as it approaches the second position. The low rate at the middle portion of the stroke can reduce the speed at which the clean control valve 206 opens and closes, enabling the clean control valve to gradually introduce and / or remove high pressure from the chamber 202a, 202b.

[0066] In some implementations, the motion of the pistons 204a, 204b can be controlled by regulating the rate of fluid flow (e.g., the rate of inflow fluid) and / or the pressure differential between the clean side 220a, 220b of the piston 204a, 204b and the dirty side 221a, 221b of the piston 204a, 204b caused at least in part by movement of the clean control valve 206. In some implementations, it can be desirable to move the pistons 204a, 204b in the low pressure chambers at substantially the same speed as the pistons 204a, 204b in the high pressure chambers by manipulating the pressure differential in each of the low pressure chambers 202a, 202b and the high pressure chambers 202a, 202b and / or by controlling the rate of fluid flow into and out of the chambers 202a, 202b. However, the pistons 204a, 204b in the low pressure chambers 202a, 202b can tend to move at a greater speed than the pistons 204a, 204b in the high pressure chambers 202a, 202b.

[0067] In some implementations, the rate and / or pressure differential of the fluid flow can be varied to control acceleration and deceleration of the pistons 204a, 204b (e.g., by manipulating and / or varying the stroke of the cleaning control valve 206, and / or by manipulating the pressure in the fluid flow with one or more pumps). For example, when the pistons 204a, 204b are near the clean end 224 of the chamber 202a, 202b at the beginning of the high pressure stroke, increasing the flow rate and / or pressure of the high pressure cleaning fluid 210 can increase the rate and / or pressure differential of the fluid flow in the chamber 202a, 202b. Increasing the rate and / or pressure differential of the fluid flow can cause the pistons 204a, 204b to accelerate to a faster rate or move at a faster rate. In another example, when the pistons 204a, 204b are near the dirty end 226 of the chamber 202a, 202b at the end of the high pressure stroke, the flow rate and / or pressure of the high pressure cleaning fluid 210 can be decreased. Decreasing the rate and / or pressure differential of the fluid flow can cause the pistons 204a, 204b to decelerate and / or stop before reaching the dirty end of the respective chamber 202a, 202b.

[0068] Similar control of the stroke of the cleaning control valve 206 can be utilized to prevent the pistons 204a, 204b from traveling to the farthest extent of the clean end of the chamber 202a, 202b. For example, the cleaning control valve 206 can close one of the chamber connection ports 306a, 306b before the pistons 204a, 204b contact the farthest extent of the clean end of the chamber 202a, 202b, thereby preventing any further fluid flow and slowing and / or stopping the pistons 204a, 204b. In some implementations, the cleaning control valve 206 can open one of the chamber connection ports 306a, 306b to communicate with the high pressure inlet port 302 before the pistons 204a, 204b contact the farthest extent of the clean end of the chamber 202a, 202b, thereby slowing, stopping, and / or reversing the motion of the pistons 204a, 204b.

[0069] If the pistons 204a, 204b reach the clean end 224 or the dirty end 226 of the respective chambers 202a, 202b, the high pressure fluid can bypass the pistons 204a, 204b and mix with the low pressure fluid. In some embodiments, mixing the fluids can be desirable. For example, if the pistons 204a, 204b reach the dirty end 226 of the respective chambers 202a, 202b during the high pressure stroke, the high pressure clean fluid 210 can bypass the pistons 204a, 204b (e.g., by traveling around the pistons 204a, 204b or through a valve in the pistons 204a, 204b), flushing any remaining contaminants off the surface of the pistons 204a, 204b. In some embodiments, mixing the fluids can be undesirable. For example, if the pistons 204a, 204b reach the clean end 224 of the respective chambers 202a, 202b during the low pressure stroke, the low pressure dirty fluid 212 can bypass the pistons 204a, 204b and mix with the low pressure clean fluid, contaminating the clean area in the clean control valve 206 with dirty fluid.

[0070] In some embodiments, the system 100 can prevent the pistons 204a, 204b from reaching the clean end 224 of the respective chambers 202a, 202b. For example, the clean control valve 206 can include a control device 209 (e.g., a sensor, a safety, a switch, etc.) to trigger a position change of the clean control valve 206 when the pistons 204a, 204b are detected to be approaching the clean end 224 of the respective chambers 202a, 202b, so that the system 100 can utilize the clean control valve 206 to change the flow path position before the pistons 204a, 204b reach the clean end 224 of the chambers 202a, 202b.

[0071] In some embodiments, the system 100 can be configured to enable the pistons 204a, 204b to reach the dirty end 226 of the respective chambers 202a, 202b during the high pressure stroke. In some embodiments, the clean control valve 206 can include a control device 209 to trigger a position change of the clean control valve 206 when the pistons 204a, 204b are detected to be approaching the dirty end 226 of the respective chambers 202a, 202b. In some embodiments, the control device can be configured such that the control valve 206 does not complete the directional change of the pistons 204a, 204b until the pistons 204a, 204b have reached the farthest extent of the dirty end 226 of the respective chambers 202a, 202b. In some embodiments, the control device can include a time delay, either programmed or mechanical, to enable the pistons 204a, 204b to reach the farthest extent of the dirty end 226 of the chambers 202a, 202b.

[0072] In some embodiments, the system 100 can be configured to enable the pistons 204a, 204b to reach the dirty end 226 of the respective chambers 202a, 202b during the high pressure stroke and prevent the pistons 204a, 204b from reaching the clean end 224 of the respective chambers 202a, 202b during the low pressure stroke. For example, the system 100 can drive both pistons 204a, 204b through the respective chambers 202a, 202b a selected distance, where the pistons 204a, 204b are maintained a selected distance from the clean end 224, while simultaneously enabling the pistons 204a, 204b to travel relatively closer to or in contact with the dirty end 226. In some embodiments, the system 100 can be configured such that the pressure differential across the pistons 204a, 204b in the low pressure chambers 202a, 202b can be less than the pressure differential across the pistons 204a, 204b in the high pressure chambers 202a, 202b, thereby enabling the pistons 204a, 204b to travel slower during the low pressure cycle than during the high pressure cycle.

[0073] In some embodiments, the control device 209 can be configured to initiate a position change of the clean control valve 206 upon detecting that the pistons 204a, 204b are approaching the clean end 224 of the respective chambers 202a, 202b, such that the clean control valve 206 can change position before the pistons 204a, 204b reach the clean end 224 of the chambers 202a, 202b. In some embodiments, the control device 209 can be configured to initiate a position change of the clean control valve 206 upon detecting that the pistons 204a, 204b are approaching the dirty end 226 of the respective chambers 202a, 202b. In some embodiments, the control device can be configured to initiate a position change of the clean control valve 206 by evaluating both pistons 204a, 204b as they approach the clean end 224 and the dirty end 226 of the chambers 202a, 202b, respectively. For example, the control device 209 can detect that the pistons 204a, 204b are approaching the dirty end 226 of the chambers 202a, 202b and start a timer (e.g., a mechanical timer, an electronic timer, a programmed time delay, etc.). If the control device 209 detects that the pistons 204a, 204b are approaching the clean end 224 of the chambers 202a, 202b before the time initiates a position change of the clean control valve 206, the control device 209 can override the timer and change the position of the clean control valve 206 to prevent the pistons 204a, 204b from reaching the clean end 224 of the chambers 202a, 202b.

[0074] In some embodiments, the automatic controller can generate a signal that can be transmitted to the cleaning control valve 206 instructing the cleaning control valve 206 to move from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position (e.g., at a constant and / or variable rate).

[0075] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a valve 400 (e.g., check valve, ball valve, stop valve, etc.) positioned in a portion of a fluid handling device 402 in an open position (e.g., in a port defining an inlet and / or outlet of the device such as, for example, a pressure exchange device discussed above) is illustrated. In some embodiments, the valve 400 can be similar to and perform the same functions as the control valves 207a, 207b, 208a, 208b Figure 2 ) and perform the same functions.

[0076] In some embodiments, the valve 400 can include a valve seat 404 (e.g., a seat site or region where two or more surfaces form a seal) on a valve body 408 and a valve member 406 (e.g., a disc, valve disc, obstruction, ball, poppet, etc.) disposed within a valve sleeve 409 (e.g., a bore, housing, bushing, etc.). As illustrated, the valve 400 can include a one-way check valve. The valve member 406 can be configured to move along an axis L 400 of the valve 400. The valve member 406 can include a seat surface 410 configured to contact a complementary seat surface 412 on the valve body 408. One or more of the seat surface 410 and the complementary seat surface 412 can include a sealing member (e.g., a metal, rubber, and / or polymer seat). For example, the seat surface 410 on the valve member 406 can be defined by an annular metal, rubber, and / or polymer seat. As illustrated, the seat surface 410 can be defined by an external annular ring (e.g., a polymer o-ring seat) and an internal portion of the valve member 406 (e.g., a metal internal portion).

[0077] One or more of the valve body 408 and the sleeve 409 can define a fluid conduit 424 for fluid to travel through the valve 400 (e.g., substantially along the axis L 400 of the valve 400).

[0078] The valve member 406 can be configured to move axially (e.g., along the axis L 400). In some implementations, the valve member 406 can include one or more guide elements 422 (e.g., feet, rods, cages, barriers, tracks, etc.) configured to control movement of the valve member 406. For example, the guide elements 422 can be configured to maintain the valve member 406 in a substantially coaxial orientation relative to the valve body 408. In some implementations, the guide elements 422 can be configured to limit movement of the valve member 406, such as to limit a travel (e.g., travel, axial displacement, etc.) of the valve member 406.

[0079] In some implementations, movement of the valve member 406 can be controlled by a pressure differential between fluids on the first side 414 and the second side 416 of the valve member 406. For example, higher pressure fluid on the first side 414 can create a force on the first surface 418 of the valve member 406, causing the valve member 406 to move in a direction toward the second side 416. When the seat surface 410 of the valve member 406 is in contact (e.g., rests against, abuts, etc.) the complementary seat surface 412 of the valve body 408, the valve member 406 can at least partially (e.g., almost substantially, substantially, or completely) inhibit fluid flow from the first side 414 of the valve member 406 to the second side 416 of the valve member 406. Higher pressure fluid on the second side 416 of the valve member 406 can create a force on the second surface 420 of the valve member 406, causing the valve member 406 to move in a direction toward the first side 414. When the seat surface 410 of the valve member 406 is moved away from the complementary seat surface 412 of the valve body 408, the valve member 406 can enable fluid flow from the second side 416 of the valve member 406 to the first side 414 of the valve member 406.

[0080] In some implementations, the valve member 406 can be biased in at least one direction. For example, the valve 400 can include a biasing element (e.g., a spring, a gasket, etc.) positioned, for example, on the guide elements 422 and configured to bias the valve member 406 to a closed position (e.g., in a direction toward the second side 416). In another example, the biasing element can be configured to bias the valve member 406 to an open position (e.g., in a direction toward the first side 414).

[0081] In some embodiments, the fluid passing through the valve 400 can include contaminants (e.g., particulates, particles, deposits, proppants, chemicals, abrasive materials, foreign materials, etc.). The contaminants can create buildup or blockage on components of the valve. For example, the contaminants can create buildup on one or more portions of the valve seat 404, such as the seat surface 410 and / or the complementary seat surface 412. The buildup on the seat surface 410 and / or the complementary seat surface 412 can cause the valve 400 to stop functioning properly. For example, the valve member 406 can stick in an open or closed position, or the buildup can prevent the seat surface 410 from contacting the complementary seat surface 412, such that the valve member 406 can not substantially inhibit fluid flow from the first side 414 to the second side 416.

[0082] Figure 5 A close-up cross-sectional view of the valve 400 is illustrated, with the valve member 406 Figure 4 removed. Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the valve 400 can include a self-cleaning feature (e.g., a flushing feature) for cleaning (e.g., removing debris and / or other foreign materials) one or more portions of the valve seat 404, such as the seat surface 410 and / or the complementary seat surface 412. The flushing or self-cleaning feature can include a fluid outlet 504 coupled to a fluid source. The fluid source can be separate from the fluid passing through the valve 400. For example, the fluid or other flowable material can be supplied to the fluid outlet 504 from a fluid source that is different and separate from the fluid passing through the fluid conduit 424 (e.g., from a clean fluid source that is separate from a dirty source that delivers a dirty end to the chambers 202a, 202b Figure 2 ).

[0083] The valve 400 can include one or more inlet ports 502 (e.g., a single inlet port 502) configured to receive fluid or other flowable material (e.g., a cleaning agent, a cleaning fluid, a detergent, a flushing fluid, etc.) from a fluid source or fluid reservoir. In some embodiments, the fluid can be introduced to the inlet port 502 at a high pressure (e.g., at least higher than a pressure of the fluid in the second side 416 of the valve member 406).

[0084] As shown, the complementary seat surface 412 can include a nozzle 504 (e.g., a port, a jet, a hole, a discrete hole, etc.) configured to introduce (e.g., jet, deliver, disperse) fluid into the area between the complementary seat surface 412 and the seat surface 410 of the valve seat 404. The nozzle 504 can be positioned in the valve body 408 and positioned to introduce fluid into the area between the complementary seat surface 412 and the seat surface 410. In other embodiments, the nozzle 504 can be positioned in another portion of the valve 400 (e.g., the valve member 406, the valve sleeve 409).

[0085] In some embodiments, the nozzle 504 can be oriented to supply fluid between the complementary seat surface 412 and the seat surface 410 in a direction complementary to the fluid flow in the valve 400 (e.g., upstream or downstream of the valve 400). For example, the nozzle 504 can direct fluid toward the valve member 406 with the opening of the nozzle placed in substantial alignment (e.g., on a plane) with the complementary seat surface 412. In such embodiments, fluid can flow from the second side 416 to the first side 414. The nozzle 504 can provide fluid directed in the same direction as the fluid flow through the valve 400 to enhance flushing of particles from one or more portions of the valve seat 404.

[0086] In further embodiments, the nozzle 504 can direct fluid in a direction away from the valve member 406 (e.g., directed toward the axis L 400 of the valve 400) with the opening of the nozzle 504 placed substantially transverse to the complementary seat surface 412 (e.g., the opening of the nozzle 504 is cut into the complementary seat surface 412). In such embodiments, fluid can flow from the first side 414 to the second side 416. The nozzle 504 can provide fluid directed in the same direction as the fluid flow through the valve 400 to enhance flushing of particles from one or more portions of the valve seat 404.

[0087] The valve 400 can include one or more fluid conduits to supply fluid to the nozzle 504. For example, one or more channels 506 (e.g., grooves, annular rings) can be defined in the valve body 408. The channels 506 can be configured to supply fluid from the inlet port 502 along a direction transverse (e.g., perpendicular) to the axis L 400The passages 506 can be defined in an outer circumference of the valve body 408. For example, the passages 506 can be formed as open annular channels or grooves in an outermost portion of the valve body 408. In other embodiments, the passages 506 can be defined in an inner circumference of the sleeve 409.

[0088] As shown, the inlet port 502 can extend from a fluid source through a portion of the fluid handling device 402, through the sleeve 409, and to the passages 506 in the valve body 408.

[0089] The nozzles 504 can be connected (e.g., fluidically coupled, collectively coupled) to the one or more passages 506 by one or more fluidic pathways 508 (e.g., vias, conduits, tubes, lines, etc.). For example, the fluidic pathways 508 can include separate fluidic pathways 508 that respectively connect one respective nozzle 504 to the common passage 506. The fluidic pathways 508 can divert fluid from the passages 506 to the nozzles 504 in a direction that is at least partially along the axis L 400 of the valve 400. The nozzles 504 can be directly connected to the passages 506. In some embodiments, the nozzles 504 can be directly connected to the inlet port 502 by separate fluidic pathways 508.

[0090] In further embodiments, the fluidic pathways 508 can include a common fluidic pathway 5008 (e.g., a substantially annular fluidic pathway) that collectively connects each of the nozzles 504 to the common passage 506.

[0091] The nozzles 504 can be defined into the complementary seat surface 412 (e.g., machined, forged, cast, etc.). In some embodiments, the nozzles 504 can be separately formed and attached to the complementary seat surface 412 (e.g., welded, brazed, soldered, threaded, pressed, glued, epoxied, etc.). In some embodiments, the nozzles 504 can exhibit different orifice characteristics (e.g., size, shape, spray pattern, etc.). The nozzles 504 can be selected based on the characteristics of the orifice in the nozzle 504 for different locations (e.g., locations within the valve 400, locations on the complementary seat surface 412, etc.).

[0092] As shown, the nozzles 504 can be evenly spaced apart (e.g., uniformly spaced apart, equidistant) about (e.g., around) the axis L 400 of the valve 400. The nozzles 504 can be radially oriented relative to the axis L 400are positioned with substantially equal radial displacement. In further embodiments, the nozzles 504 can be positioned with unequal radial displacement 400 are positioned with alternating radial displacement and / or about the axis L 400 are positioned with unequal radial spacing.

[0093] Still referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5 fluid can be provided to the inlet port 502 at a pressure greater than about 500 PSI (3,447.4 kPa), such as at a pressure greater than about 1,000 PSI (6,894.8 kPa), greater than about 10,000 PSI (68,947.6 kPa), or greater than about 13,000 PSI (89,631.8 kPa). The fluid can travel in the passage 506 about the valve body 408 so as to be distributed to the nozzles 504 via one or more fluid passages 508.

[0094] In some embodiments, fluid can be provided to the inlet port 502 during operation of the system such that fluid can be introduced into the valve seat 404 region between the seat surface 410 and the complementary seat surface 412 at any time when the seat surface 410 is not in contact with the complementary seat surface 412. In some embodiments, fluid can only be introduced after a trigger or signal from the valve 400. For example, fluid can be introduced in response to a signal from a sensor for a period of time (e.g., a preprogrammed time, a mechanical timer, until another signal is received). In some embodiments, fluid can be introduced in accordance with a sensor monitoring performance of the valve 400, such as when the seat surface 410 is not in proper contact with the complementary seat surface 412. In some embodiments, fluid can be introduced in accordance with a timer configured to introduce fluid (e.g., a mechanical timer, a programmed timer, etc.).

[0095] As shown in Figure 5 the valve sleeve 409 can include a shoulder 512 configured to receive a complementary shoulder 514 of the valve body 408 so as to secure the valve body 408 and position the passage 506 relative to the inlet port 502.

[0096] The valve body 408 and the valve sleeve 409 can include one or more seals 510 for minimizing any fluid traveling between the valve body 408, the valve sleeve 409, and the fluid handling apparatus 402.

[0097] In some embodiments, one or more of the valve body 408, sleeve 409, and valve member 406 can be interchangeable in order to vary the nozzle angle of the flush hole, flow through the valve 400, and valve 400 actuation depending on the particular application. For example, the valve body 408 can be changed to provide the nozzle 504 in different orientations, sizes, flow rates, etc. As described above, the opening angle of the nozzle 504 can be changed in order to flush upstream or downstream of the particles in a path that has the least resistance and is far away from one or more portions of the valve seat 404. In some embodiments, the opening size of the nozzle 504 can be changed to ensure that the flow and pressure will effectively remove the particles from one or more portions of the valve seat 404, which will depend on the application. In some embodiments, the supply of flush fluid can be varied between continuous flushing and controlled flushing such that the flush fluid either flows constantly or is controlled to flow only when the valve 400 is open (e.g., when the seating surface 412 of the valve body 408 is separated from the valve member 406).

[0098] Reference is now made to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger 104 can be formed from multiple linear pressure exchangers 200 operating in parallel. For example, the pressure exchanger 104 can be formed from at least 3 linear pressure exchangers, such as at least 5 linear pressure exchangers, or at least 7 linear pressure exchangers. In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger 104 can be modular such that the number of linear pressure exchangers 200 can be changed by adding or removing portions of linear pressure exchangers based on flow demand. In some embodiments, the operation can include multiple systems operating within a region, and the pressure exchanger 104 of each respective system 100 can be adjusted as needed by adding or removing linear pressure exchangers from other systems within the same region.

[0099] The pressure exchanger can reduce the amount of wear experienced by high pressure pumps, turbines, and valves in systems with abrasive, corrosive, or acidic fluids. The reduced wear can allow the system to operate for longer periods of time with less downtime, thereby increasing the profitability or productivity of the system. Additionally, maintenance costs can be reduced due to fewer parts that can be worn out. In operations using abrasive fluids at high temperatures, such as fracking operations, maintenance and downtime can cause millions of dollars in losses per operation. Embodiments of the present disclosure can result in reduced wear experienced by components of systems using abrasive, corrosive, or acidic fluids at high temperatures. The reduction in wear will result in reduced costs and increased yield of profitability.

[0100] Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a valve configured to remove contaminants from internal components of the valve. Contaminants (e.g., mud particles) can damage internal components of the valve, thereby shortening the operational life of the valve and preventing the proper functioning of the valve. In mud service, system check valves are exposed to fluid particles and contaminants. During check valve operation, these fluid muds contact and abrasively wear the check valve seat and disc surfaces, thereby affecting the operation of the valve and shortening the service life of the valve. The wear on the seat and disc surfaces changes the design clearance and surface quality and renders the valve's ability to isolate low pressure fluids from sealing high pressure fluids ineffective. To extend the service life of the check valve and minimize wear, the particles must be removed from the contact area of the seat to the greatest extent possible before the valve is closed. Flushing one or more portions of the seat before the valve is closed can minimize the particles that are compressed between the seat portion surfaces when the valve is closed. During normal operation, there will be a large pressure differential across the disc when the valve is closed, and this force can cause wear on the seat and disc sealing surfaces. Minimizing the particles on the surfaces will reduce the wear on the components of the valve and maximize the service life of the valve. Valves according to embodiments of the present disclosure can have an extended operational life. Valves often involve jobs that experience large revenue losses due to any downtime, such as fracking jobs. Valves according to embodiments of the present disclosure can allow jobs to operate for longer periods of time between repairs, resulting in greater profits and reduced downtime losses.

[0101] While the present disclosure has been described herein relative to certain illustrative embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Rather, many additions, deletions and modifications to the illustrative embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure as claimed in the claims including its legal equivalents. Additionally, features from one embodiment can be combined with features from another embodiment while still being encompassed within the scope of the disclosure, as contemplated by the inventors.

Claims

1. A valve, comprising: a valve body having a fluid passageway defined therethrough, the valve body formed of a metallic material and defining a first seat surface; a valve member received in the valve body and defining a second seat surface, the valve member movable relative to the valve body to at least partially obstruct the fluid passageway when the second seat surface of the valve member contacts the first seat surface of the valve body; and at least one flush feature including another fluid passageway defined by the valve body, the another fluid passageway extending to at least a portion of the valve and terminating at an opening defined proximate at least one of the first seat surface or the second seat surface, the opening of the at least one flush feature configured to supply fluid through the first seat surface to the at least a portion of the valve along the another fluid passageway at least partially separate from the fluid passageway of the valve body, the at least one flush feature configured to at least partially displace material from at least one of the first seat surface or the second seat surface.

2. The valve of claim 1, further comprising a sleeve in which the valve body is disposed, a fluid passageway including an annular ring defined by both the sleeve and the valve body at an interface therebetween, the fluid passageway configured to deliver fluid through the fluid passageway in the sleeve to the opening of the another fluid passageway.

3. The valve of claim 2, wherein, the at least one flush feature including a bore extending around and through a portion of the first seat surface, the bore fluidly coupled to the another fluid passageway.

4. The valve of claim 2, wherein, the valve member received within and centered within the sleeve.

5. The valve of claim 4, wherein, the valve member including one or more guide elements configured to control movement of the valve member by maintaining the valve member in a generally coaxial orientation relative to the valve body.

6. The valve of claim 5, wherein, the one or more guide elements configured to limit movement of the valve member relative to the sleeve and the valve body.

7. The valve of claim 1, wherein, the opening extending around the first seat surface and through the first seat surface.

8. The valve of claim 7, further comprising an annular ring defined by a portion of the valve, the annular ring extending along the fluid passageway around a primary direction of fluid flow and defining the another fluid passageway, the opening collectively fluidly connected to the annular ring, the at least one flush feature configured to receive fluid into the annular ring, disperse fluid into the opening and the annular ring, and provide fluid to the first seat surface as fluid exits the opening.

9. The valve of claim 1, wherein, the valve including a check valve, the valve member coupled to the valve body and biased relative to the valve body to one of an open position or a closed position.

10. A valve, comprising: a valve body having a first fluid conduit defined therethrough; a valve member received in the valve body, the valve member being movable relative to the valve body so as to at least partially obstruct the first fluid conduit when the valve member and the valve body are in contact at a rigid seat surface; and a bore defined in the rigid seat surface and defining a flush feature configured to supply fluid along a second fluid conduit to at least a portion of the valve, the second fluid conduit being at least partially separate from the first fluid conduit of the valve body.

11. The valve of claim 10, wherein, The bore includes a discrete opening defined in and extending around the valve body, the discrete opening being collectively and fluidly coupled to the second fluid conduit.

12. The valve of claim 10, wherein, The valve body is disposed in a sleeve, wherein a portion of the second fluid conduit is defined by the sleeve, and wherein the second fluid conduit includes a fluid supply passage extending around the valve body to supply fluid to each of the bores.

13. The valve of claim 12, wherein, The sleeve includes a fluid opening in communication with the fluid supply passage, the fluid opening being configured to supply fluid through the sleeve to the fluid supply passage of the valve body.

14. The valve of claim 10, wherein, The valve body is disposed in a valve sleeve, wherein the second fluid conduit extends from the bore through the valve body, through the valve sleeve, to a fluid source.

15. A method of operating a valve, the method comprising: flowing fluid along a fluid passage defined through a valve body; at least partially obstructing fluid flow through the valve body by moving a valve member toward a valve seat defined by the valve body; and supplying the fluid to the valve seat along another fluid passage at least partially separate from the fluid passage of the valve body using at least one flush feature including one or more bores, causing material to at least partially displace from the valve.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: supplying fluid to the one or more bores through a passage that surrounds at least a substantial portion of the valve body, wherein the fluid is supplied from a fluid source.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: supplying fluid into the passage of the valve body through a passage defined in an outer sleeve that houses the valve body.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising: flowing fluid through a rigid seat surface of the valve body.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising: supplying fluid to the one or more bores including individual discrete nozzles through a common passage that surrounds at least a substantial portion of the valve body, wherein the common passage supplies each of the individual discrete nozzles.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising controlling movement of the valve member using one or more guide elements to maintain the valve member in a generally coaxial orientation relative to the valve body.

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