DOWNHOLE VALVE POSITION DETECTION SYSTEMS, DOWNHOLE VALVES AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING THE POSITION OF A DOWNHOLE VALVE

Abstract

A downhole valve position detection system includes a magnetic material that can be moved by a downhole valve actuating element to a plurality of positions along the valve, starting from a first position within that plurality. The system also includes a sensing assembly mechanically coupled to the downhole valve, comprising a magnetic sensor configured to detect a magnetic signal generated by the magnetic material at a series of positions within that plurality along the valve.

Description

Title of the invention: DETECTION SYSTEMS DOWNHOLE VALVE POSITION, DOWNHOLE VALVES AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING A POSITION OF A BOTTOM HOLE VALVE Context

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to downhole valve position detection systems, downhole valves, and methods for determining the position of a downhole valve.

[0002] Drill wells are sometimes drilled into underground formations to allow the extraction of hydrocarbons and other materials. Valves are sometimes installed in a drill well and are used during one or more well operations to restrict the flow of fluid through the wellbore. Brief description of the drawings

[0003] Illustrative embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the figures in the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein by way of reference and in which:

[0004] Fig. 1 shows an example of a well environment in which a downhole valve having a downhole valve position detection system is deployed;

[0005] [Fig.2] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a downhole valve position detection system similar to the downhole valve position detection system of [Fig.1], and which can be deployed in the environment illustrated in [Fig.1];

[0006] Fig. 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a downhole valve position detection system similar to the downhole valve position detection system of Fig. 2, where the magnetic material is positioned at a first position along a downhole valve;

[0007] Fig. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the downhole valve position detection system of Fig. 3A after the magnetic material has moved to a second position along a downhole valve;

[0008] Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a downhole valve position detection system similar to the downhole valve position detection system of Fig. 2, and having two magnetic materials positioned at different locations along a downhole valve;

[0009] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a downhole valve position detection system similar to the downhole valve position detection system of Figure 2, and having a magnetic material and a detection assembly which are stored in the same housing; and

[0010] Fig. 6 illustrates a process for determining the position of a downhole valve.

[0011] The figures illustrated are intended solely to serve as examples and are not intended to assert or imply any limitation with regard to the environment, architecture, design or process in which different embodiments may be implemented. Detailed description

[0012] In the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form an integral part thereof. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable a person skilled in the art to carry out the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be used and that logical, structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid details that are not necessary to enable a person skilled in the art to carry out the embodiments described herein, the description may omit certain information known to a person skilled in the art. The following detailed description should therefore not be taken in a restrictive sense, and the scope of the illustrative embodiments is defined solely by the accompanying claims.

[0013] This disclosure relates to downhole valve position detection systems, downhole valves, and methods for determining the position of a downhole valve. A downhole valve position detection system used to determine the position of a downhole valve (for example, whether the downhole valve is open, partially open, or closed) has a magnetic material that can be moved by an actuation element of the downhole valve. As stated herein, a magnetic material includes any material capable of being magnetized or having a relative magnetic permeability greater than 10. Examples of magnetic materials include magnets and similar materials or objects that produce magnetic fields, and ferromagnetic materials, such as iron, steel, nickel, cobalt, and other types of ferromagnetic materials.As noted here, an actuation element includes any component or device designed to move along one or more positions. Examples of actuation elements include, but are not limited to, [missing information]. Pistons, sleeves, covers, arms, rods, latches, springs, and other components or devices designed to move at least from a first position along the downhole valve to a second position along the downhole valve. In some embodiments, the actuating element is designed to actuate the downhole valve from an open position to a closed position, and from the closed position to the open position. As noted here, the position of a downhole valve refers not only to whether the downhole valve is open or closed, but also to the increment by which the downhole valve is opened or closed.Examples of valve positions include, but are not limited to, fully open, fully closed, 25% open, 50% open, 75% open, remains closed unless one or more downhole valve actuation elements are moved one or more variable distances in one or more directions (e.g., an axial direction, a radial direction, a circumferential direction), where each variable distance is determined by the downhole valve position sensing system, remains open unless one or more downhole valve actuation elements are moved a variable distance in one or more directions, and other quantifiable measures used to measure the increment by which the downhole valve is opened or closed.Further descriptions of different downhole valve positions are provided in the paragraphs below and are illustrated at least in Figures 2 to 5.

[0014] The downhole valve position detection system also includes a detection assembly comprising an array of one or more magnetic sensors, each configured to detect magnetic signals (e.g., magnetic fields, magnetic fluxes, magnetic flux density, and other types of magnetic signals) and / or changes in magnetic signals generated by the magnetic material when the magnetic material is displaced by the actuating element. When the magnetic material is displaced by the actuating assembly, magnetic signals generated by the magnetic material and / or changes in the magnetic signals generated by the magnetic material are detected by one or more magnetic sensors in the magnetic sensor array.In some embodiments, a processor in the downhole valve position detection system determines values ​​associated with the detected magnetic signals and uses these values ​​to determine the corresponding location of the magnetic material. Furthermore, the processor uses the location of the magnetic material relative to the actuating element to determine the position of the actuating element and, in turn, uses the position of the actuating element to determine the position of the downhole valve. In some... In these embodiments, the magnetic sensors are configured to detect changes or distortions in magnetic signals caused by the movement of the magnetic material, or by the movement of another magnetic material such as a ferromagnetic material. In one or more of these embodiments, where the magnetic sensors detect changes or distortions in magnetic signals, the processor determines indicative values ​​of the changes or distortions in the magnetic signals and uses these values ​​to determine the corresponding location of the magnetic material. Similarly, the processor uses the location of the magnetic material relative to the actuating element to determine the position of the actuating element and, in turn, uses the position of the actuating element to determine the position of the downhole valve.

[0015] In some embodiments, the magnetic sensors are distributed uniformly along the sensing assembly. In other embodiments, the magnetic sensors are distributed uniformly, with more sensors positioned at locations that correspond to the opening or closing of the downhole valve. In some embodiments, different magnetic sensors in the magnetic sensor array are configured and precisely tuned to detect signals from the magnetic material when the magnetic material moves in different directions, such as axial, radial, circumferential, or other directions.For example, the sensor network includes a first set of magnetic sensors configured to detect magnetic signals generated by the magnetic material when the magnetic material moves in an axial direction, a second set of magnetic sensors configured to detect magnetic signals generated by the magnetic material when the magnetic material moves in a radial direction, and a third set of magnetic sensors configured to detect magnetic signals generated by the magnetic material when the magnetic material moves in a circumferential direction. In some embodiments, the magnetic sensors are contactless, so there is no moving link between the valve and the magnetic sensors. More specifically, the only link between the magnetic sensors and the valve is a wireless magnetic field.In some embodiments, a pressure barrier separates the magnetic sensors and the valve. Further descriptions of different magnetic sensor configurations are provided in the paragraphs below and are illustrated at least in Figures 2 to 5.

[0016] In some embodiments, the downhole valve position detection system comprises several magnetic materials, each designed to move to and from several positions along the downhole valve. In one or more of these embodiments, the downhole valve position detection system includes a first magnetic material that can be moved along a first series of positions along the downhole valve, and a second magnetic downhole material that can be moved along a second series of positions along the downhole valve. One or more magnetic sensors are configured to detect magnetic signals and / or changes in magnetic signals due to the movement of the first and second magnetic materials, and the indicative data of the magnetic signals are analyzed separately or collectively to determine the precise position of the downhole valve.In one or more of these embodiments, the first magnetic material is designed to move along a first direction (for example, along an axial direction, a radial direction, a circumferential direction, or some other direction), and the second magnetic material is designed to move along a second direction different from the first. For example, when the downhole valve is a J-slot valve or a different type of valve that requires two directions of movement to open or close the downhole valve, the downhole valve position detection system is configured to detect magnetic signals and / or changes in magnetic signals due to the movement of the first and second magnetic materials in two or more directions of movement, and to accurately determine the actual position of the downhole valve.In one or more of these embodiments, the downhole valve position detection system is also configured to analyze the current position of the downhole valve, determine how to move one or more actuation elements to open the downhole valve, close the downhole valve, or move the downhole valve to a desired position, and provide a recommendation on how to move the downhole valve to a desired position.

[0017] In some embodiments, the downhole valve position detection system is a component of a downhole valve and can function to dynamically determine the position of the downhole valve and to provide the position of the downhole valve to electronic devices located on the surface. Further descriptions of the downhole valve position detection system, downhole valves, and methods for determining the position of a downhole valve are given in the paragraphs below and are illustrated in Figures 1 to 6.

[0018] Referring now to the drawings, [Fig. 1] shows an example of a well environment in which a downhole valve 122 having a system downhole valve position detection 123 is deployed. In the illustrative embodiment, the operating environment includes a drilling rig 104 positioned on the ground surface 108 and extending over and around a borehole 116. In some embodiments, the drilling rig 104 is a rework or drilling rig. The borehole 116 extends into an underground formation 112 that was formed for the purpose of hydrocarbon recovery. The borehole 116 extends away from the surface 108 over a vertical portion 115, deviates from the vertical over a deviated portion 121, and adopts a path that is approximately parallel to the surface 108 over a horizontal portion 131. In the embodiment of [Fig. 1], the vertical part 115 is partially covered by a coating 117 which, in some embodiments, also extends through the horizontal part 131.In alternative operating environments, all or part of a wellbore may be vertical, deviated at any suitable angle, horizontal, and / or curved. A 116 wellbore may be a new wellbore, an existing wellbore, a straight wellbore, an extended reach wellbore, a deviated wellbore, a multilateral wellbore, or any other type of wellbore for drilling and completing one or more production zones. Furthermore, the 116 wellbore is used for both production and injection wells.

[0019] A means of transport, represented as a tube 118, includes a downhole valve position detection system 123 and is lowered into the subsurface formation 112 for a variety of reconditioning or processing procedures throughout the well's life. In the embodiment of [Fig. 1], the tube 118 is shown as a production string having a downhole valve 122. As indicated herein, a means of transport includes any type of production string that can be deployed in a wellbore. For example, the production string includes (but is not limited to) a drill string, casing, drill strings, and spiral tubing. As illustrated, the drilling rig 104 includes a drill tower 154 with a drill floor 156 through which the tube 118 extends into the wellbore 116.In some embodiments, the drilling rig 104 has a motor-driven winch and other associated equipment for extending a tube 118 in the borehole 116 to a selected depth. While the operating environment shown in [Fig. 1] refers to a fixed drilling rig 104 for transporting a tube 118 having a downhole valve position detection system 123 into an inland borehole 116, in alternative embodiments, mobile reconditioning rigs, borehole maintenance units (such as spiral tube units), and other similar equipment are used to lower the tube 118 having a downhole valve position detection system. of hole 123 in the borehole 116. In some embodiments, a borehole tube 118 having a downhole valve position detection system 123 is used in other operating environments, such as in an offshore borehole operating environment.

[0020] The downhole valve 122 has a downhole valve position detection system 123, a valve 130 designed to open and close to control the fluid flow of the downhole valve 122, and an actuating element (piston) 128 designed to engage directly or indirectly with the valve 130 to open the valve, close the valve 130, or move the valve to a desired position. The downhole valve position detection system 123 has a magnetic material 124 that engages with or is coupled to the actuating element 128, and a sensing assembly 126 that is mechanically coupled to the downhole valve 122. When the actuating element 128 moves to engage with the valve 130, one or more magnetic sensors (shown in [Fig.2]) of the detection assembly 126 wirelessly detect magnetic signals (such as magnetic field, magnetic flux or magnetic flux density) and / or changes in magnetic signals of the magnetic material 124, which is moved by the actuating element 128. .

[0021] A processor (not shown) of the downhole valve position detection system 123 obtains values ​​associated with detected magnetic signals or changes in magnetic signals, and uses the values ​​obtained to determine the corresponding location of the magnetic material 124. In addition, the processor uses the location of the magnetic material 124 relative to the actuating element 128 to determine the position of the actuating element 128 and, in turn, uses the position of the actuating element 128 to determine the position of the valve 130.For example, in response to a determination of the magnetic signal value of the magnetic material 124 at a first position, the processor determines that the actuating element 128 is in a second position, and the valve 130 is in a third position (e.g., fully open, fully closed, 25% open, remains closed unless the actuating element 128 is moved by another threshold amount or to another position). Similarly, the processor uses values ​​associated with detected changes in magnetic signals (such as a change in magnetic field, a change in magnetic flux, or a change in magnetic flux density) to determine the corresponding location of the magnetic material 124. Furthermore, the processor uses the location of the magnetic material 124, the position of the actuating element 128, and the position of the valve 130.In some embodiments, the processor is located in a housing that contains the detection assembly 126. In some embodiments of . In realization, the processor is a component of a service-based electronic device, such as a control device 184. In some realizations, the processor is a cloud processor, and configured for the operations described here to determine the position of the actuation element 128.

[0022] Although [Fig.1] illustrates the downhole valve 122 as a check valve, in some embodiments the downhole valve position sensing system 123 is a component of another type of downhole valve, including, but not limited to, a subsurface safety valve, a subsurface safety valve recoverable with casing, a fluid loss reducing valve, a ball valve, an inflow regulating valve, a J-slot valve, an L-slot valve or another type of valve designed to move in one or more directions to control fluid flow. Furthermore, although the actuating element 128 is described as a piston, in some embodiments the actuating element 128 is a sleeve, cover, arm, rod, latch, spring or other component that can be moved in one or more directions to actuate the downhole valve 122. Although the [Fig.[l] illustrates the magnetic sensor 124 and the sensing assembly 126 positioned along the same side of the valve 122; in some embodiments, the magnetic sensor 124 and the sensing assembly 126 are positioned along different sides of the valve 122. Further descriptions of similar downhole valve position sensing systems and components of such downhole valve position sensing systems are given in the paragraphs below and are illustrated at least in Figures 2 to 5.

[0023] Figure [2] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a downhole valve position detection system 223 similar to the downhole valve position detection system 123 of Figure [1], and which can be deployed in the environment illustrated in Figure [1]. The downhole valve position detection system 223 includes a magnetic material 224 that emits a magnetic field, a processor 240, and a sensing assembly 226 that is coupled to or positioned near an outer surface of a downhole valve 222, and configured to detect the magnetic field and changes in the magnetic field of the magnetic material 224. In the embodiment of Figure [2], the magnetic material 224 is indirectly coupled to an actuating element (spring) 228. More specifically, the displacement of the actuating element 228 also displaces the magnetic material 224 from the position illustrated in Figure [1].2] to another position (not shown). Furthermore, in the embodiment of [Fig. 2], the magnetic material 224 is positioned in a chamber that is outside a flow bore 232 of the downhole valve 222. In some embodiments of . In this embodiment, the magnetic material 224 is positioned outside the downhole valve 222 or along an outer surface of the downhole valve 222. The poles of the magnetic material 224 are arranged axially as shown in [Fig. 2]. In some embodiments, the poles of the magnetic material 224 are arranged radially. Furthermore, although two magnets are shown in [Fig. 2], in some embodiments only one magnet is used, as well as an array of two magnets.

[0024] The sensing assembly 226 includes an array of magnetic sensors 202A to 202L, each configured to detect the magnetic field and changes in the magnetic field of the magnetic material 224. The magnetic sensors 202A to 202L in the sensing assembly 226 are directional magnetic sensors and will detect the magnetic field in the axial direction. For example, in the embodiment of [Fig. 2], a value of 0 is detected by the magnetic sensor 202C when the magnetic material 224 is positioned in the position shown in [Fig. 2]. In addition, the values ​​V4, V3, V1, and V2 are detected by the magnetic sensors 202A, 202B, 202D, and 202E, respectively, where each value corresponds to the value of the magnetic field of the magnetic material 224 as determined by the corresponding magnetic sensor.The processor 240 of the downhole valve position detection system 223 obtains the values ​​0 and VI to V4, and uses these values ​​to determine the corresponding location of the magnetic material 224. Furthermore, the processor 240 uses the location of the magnetic material 224 relative to the actuating element 228 to determine the position of the actuating element 228, and in turn uses the position of the actuating element 228 to determine the position of the downhole valve 222. In some embodiments, the processor 240 is configured to perform the preceding operations to determine the position of the downhole valve 222 with a single value from a single magnetic sensor. In some embodiments, the processor 240 establishes a cross-correlation between several values ​​obtained from several magnetic sensors to locate the position of the magnetic material 224.

[0025] In the embodiment of [Fig. 2], a magnetic material 224 is used to determine the position of the downhole valve 222. In some embodiments, several magnetic materials are used to determine the position of the downhole valve 222. Furthermore, in the embodiment of [Fig. 2], the magnetic sensors 202A to 202L are positioned non-uniformly on the downhole valve 222. In one or more of these embodiments, additional magnetic sensors are positioned near locations that correspond to locations that align with a location of the magnetic material 224 when the downhole valve 222 is open or closed. In some embodiments, the magnetic sensors 202A to 202L are uniformly positioned on the downhole valve 222. Furthermore, although the magnetic sensors 202A to 202L of [Fig. 2] are aligned in an axial direction, in some embodiments the sensing assembly 226 includes additional magnetic sensors that are positioned in a radial, circumferential, or other direction to detect the movement of the magnetic material 224 in non-axial directions. Moreover, although the processor 240 and the sensing assembly 226 of [Fig. 2] are housed in the same casing, in some embodiments the processor 240 is a component of another downhole device, or a surface-mounted device. In the embodiment of [Fig.[2] The magnetic sensors 202A to 202L are non-contact sensors such that there is no mechanical or physical connection with the downhole valve 222. In some embodiments, a pressure barrier separates the magnetic sensors 202A to 202L and the downhole valve 222. In some embodiments, some of the magnetic sensors are contact sensors, where there is a connection with the downhole valve 222.

[0026] Fig. 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a downhole valve position detection system 323 similar to the downhole valve position detection system 223 of Fig. 2 when a magnetic material 324 is positioned at a first position along a downhole valve 322. Furthermore, Fig. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the downhole valve position detection system 323 of Fig. 3A after the magnetic material 324 has been moved to a second position along the downhole valve 322.In the embodiment of Figures 3A and 3B, the downhole valve position detection system 323 includes a magnetic material 324 that emits a magnetic field, a processor 340 and a detection assembly 326 that is coupled to or positioned near an external surface of the downhole valve 322, and configured to detect the magnetic field and the change in the magnetic field of the magnetic material 324.

[0027] Furthermore, in the embodiment of Figures 3A and 3B, the magnetic material 324 is coupled to an actuating element 328 (spring) which is designed to move from a first position illustrated in [Fig. 3A] to a second position illustrated in [Fig. 3B]. In the embodiment of [Fig. 3A], when the magnetic material 324 is in the position illustrated in [Fig. 3A], the magnetic field emitted by the magnetic material 324 is detected by the magnetic sensor 302C of the sensing assembly 326. Furthermore, in the embodiment of [Fig. 3B], when the magnetic material 324 is in the position illustrated in [Fig. 3B], the magnetic field emitted by the magnetic material 324 is detected by the magnetic sensors 302L and 302M of the detection assembly 326. The processor 340 of the downhole valve position detection system 323 obtains the values ​​obtained by the magnetic sensors 302C, 302L, and 302M, and uses the values ​​to determine the corresponding location of the magnetic material 324. In addition, the processor 340 uses the location of the magnetic material 324 relative to the actuating element 328 to determine the position of the actuating element 328 and, in turn, uses the position of the actuating element 328 to determine the position of the downhole valve 322. In some embodiments, the processor 340 is configured to perform the preceding operations to determine the position of the downhole valve 322 with a single value from a single magnetic sensor.In some embodiments, the processor 340 establishes a cross-correlation between several values ​​obtained from several magnetic sensors to locate the position of the magnetic material 324.

[0028] In the embodiment of Figures 3A and 3B, a magnetic material 324 is used to determine the position of the downhole valve 322. In some embodiments, a different number of magnetic materials are used to determine the position of the downhole valve 322. Furthermore, in the embodiment of Figures 3A and 3B, the magnetic sensors are uniformly positioned on the downhole valve 322. In some embodiments, the magnetic sensors are non-uniformly positioned on the downhole valve 322.Furthermore, although the magnetic sensors in Figures 3A and 3B are aligned in an axial direction, in some embodiments the sensing assembly 326 includes additional magnetic sensors positioned in a radial, circumferential, or other direction to detect the movement of the magnetic material 324 in non-axial directions. Also, although the processor 340 and the sensing assembly 326 in Figures 3A and 3B are housed in the same enclosure, in some embodiments the processor 340 is a component of another down-the-hole device, or a surface-mounted device.

[0029] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a downhole valve position detection system 423 similar to the downhole valve position detection system 223 of Figure 2, and having two magnetic materials 424 and 425 positioned at different locations along a downhole valve (not shown). In the embodiment of Figure 4, the downhole valve position detection system 423 includes two magnetic materials 424 and 425 positioned at two different locations, each emitting a magnetic field. The downhole valve position detection system 423 also includes a processor 440 and a detection assembly 426 that is coupled to or positioned near an outer surface of the downhole valve and configured to detect magnetic fields and changes in magnetic fields of magnetic materials 424 and 425.

[0030] The detection assembly 426 includes an array of magnetic sensors, including magnetic sensors 402A to 402H, each configured to detect the magnetic fields and changes in the magnetic fields of the magnetic materials 424 and 425. For example, in the embodiment of [Fig. 4], a value of 0 is detected by the magnetic sensor 402G when the magnetic material 425 is positioned in the position shown in [Fig. 4]. In addition, the values ​​V1 and V2 are detected by the magnetic sensors 402F and 402H, respectively, where each value corresponds to the value of the magnetic field of the magnetic material 425 as determined by the corresponding magnetic sensor. Similarly, the values ​​of V3, V4, V5, V6 and V7 are detected by the magnetic sensors 402A, 402B, 402C, 402D and 402E, respectively, where each value corresponds to the value of the magnetic field of the magnetic material 424 determined by the corresponding magnetic sensor.The processor 440 of the downhole valve position detection system 423 obtains the values ​​0 and VI through V7 and uses these values ​​to determine the corresponding locations of the magnetic materials 424 and 425. Furthermore, the processor 440 uses the locations of the magnetic materials 424 and 425 relative to an actuating element (not shown) to determine the position of the actuating element and, in turn, uses the position of the actuating element to determine the position of the downhole valve. In some embodiments, the processor 440 is configured to perform the preceding operations to determine the position of the downhole valve using a single value from a single magnetic sensor.In some embodiments, the processor 440 establishes a cross-correlation between several values ​​obtained from several magnetic sensors to locate the positions of the magnetic materials 424 and 425.

[0031] In the embodiment of [Fig. 4], two magnetic materials 424 and 425 are used to determine the position of the downhole valve. In some embodiments, a different number of magnetic materials (not shown) are used to determine the position of the downhole valve. Furthermore, in the embodiment of [Fig. 4], the magnetic sensors 402A to 402H are positioned non-uniformly on the downhole valve. In some embodiments, the magnetic sensors 402A to 402H are positioned uniformly on the downhole valve. Moreover, although the magnetic sensors 402A to 402H of [Fig. 4] are aligned in an axial direction, in some embodiments, the sensing assembly 426 includes sensors additional magnetics which are positioned in a radial direction, a circumferential direction or other direction to detect the movement of magnetic materials 424 and 425 in non-axial directions.

[0032] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a downhole valve position detection system 523 similar to the downhole valve position detection system 223 of Figure 2, and having a magnet (magnetic material) 504 and a sensing assembly 526 stored in the same housing. In the embodiment of Figure 5, the downhole valve position detection system 523 has another magnetic material (for example, a ferromagnetic material) that is indirectly coupled to an actuating element 528 of a downhole valve 522.The downhole valve position detection system 523 also includes a processor 540 and a detection assembly 526 which is coupled to or positioned near an external surface of the downhole valve 522, and configured to detect a distortion of a magnetic field emitted by the magnet 504 when the magnetic material 524 is moved from the position illustrated in [Fig.5] to another position (not shown).

[0033] The detection assembly 526 includes an array of magnetic sensors 502A to 502C, each configured to detect the magnetic field and a distortion of the magnetic field of the magnet 504. The processor 540 of the downhole valve position detection system 523 obtains the values ​​associated with the magnetic field or the distortions of the magnetic field, and uses the values ​​to determine the corresponding location of the magnetic material 524. In addition, the processor 540 uses the location of the magnetic material 524 relative to the actuating element 528 to determine the position of the actuating element 528 and, in turn, uses the position of the actuating element 528 to determine the position of the downhole valve 522.In some embodiments, the processor 540 is configured to perform the preceding operations to determine the position of the downhole valve 522 with a single value from a single magnetic sensor.

[0034] In the embodiment of [Fig. 5], a magnetic material 524 is used to determine the position of the downhole valve 522. In some embodiments, several magnetic materials are used (similar to those of the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 4]) to determine the position of the downhole valve 522. In addition, although the magnetic sensors 502A to 502C of [Fig. 5] are aligned in an axial direction, in some embodiments, the sensing assembly 526 includes additional magnetic sensors that are positioned in a radial direction, a circumferential direction, or some other direction to detect the movement of the magnetic material 524 in non-axial directions.

[0035] Figure 6 illustrates a process 600 for determining the position of a downhole valve. Although the operations of process 600 are shown in a particular sequence, some operations may be performed in different sequences or simultaneously, where possible.

[0036] In block S602, a magnetic signal generated by a magnetic material at one of a plurality of positions along a downhole valve is detected. In this regard, [Fig. 2], for example, illustrates magnetic signals emitted by the magnetic material 224 detected by the magnetic sensor 202C. In some embodiments, a distortion of a magnetic field generated by a magnetic material is detected. For example, in the embodiment of [Fig. 5], the magnetic sensors 502A to 502C detect distortions in the magnetic field emitted by the magnetic material (magnet) 504 due to the displacement of the magnetic material 524. In some embodiments, magnetic signals from several magnetic materials are detected. In this regard, [Fig. 4], for example, illustrates the magnetic signals emitted by the magnetic materials 424 and 425 detected by the magnetic sensors 402A to 402H.

[0037] In block S604, the location of the magnetic material is determined based on the magnetic signal. In this regard, the processor 240 of [Fig. 2] is configured to obtain values ​​associated with the magnetic signals detected by the magnetic sensors 202A to 202L, and to determine, based on these values, the location of the magnetic material. In some embodiments, where several magnetic materials are deployed along the valve, the location of each magnetic material is determined based on a corresponding signal from the respective magnetic material. For example, the processor 440 of [Fig. 4] is configured to determine the locations of the magnetic materials 424 and 425 based on the magnetic signals emitted by the magnetic materials 424 and 425 and detected by the magnetic sensors 402A to 402H.In some embodiments, the processor 240 correlates the values ​​obtained from several magnetic sensors to locate the position of the magnetic material.

[0038] In block S606, the position of a downhole valve is determined based on the location of the magnetic material. For example, in the embodiment of [Fig. 2], the processor 240 uses the location of the magnetic material 224 relative to the actuating element 228 to determine the position of the actuating element 228. The processor 240 then uses the position of the actuating element 228 to determine the position of the downhole valve 222. In some embodiments, determining the position of the downhole valve includes determining the state of the downhole valve, including whether the downhole valve is fully open or partially open (e.g., open). (10% open, 20% open, 50% open, etc.), or completely closed. In some embodiments, determining the downhole valve position includes determining the distance to travel or the amount of movement an actuating element must make in one or more directions to open or close the downhole valve. In some embodiments where several magnetic materials are deployed along the downhole valve, the downhole valve position is determined based on the locations of the magnetic materials. In one or more of these embodiments, the locations of the magnetic materials are correlated to each other to locate the downhole valve position.

[0039] The embodiments disclosed above have been presented for illustrative purposes and to enable those skilled in the art to put the disclosure into practice, but the disclosure is neither exhaustive nor limited to the forms described. Many non-substantial modifications and variations will be obvious to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. For example, although the flowcharts describe a serial process, some of the steps / processes may be performed in parallel or out of sequence, or combined into a single step / process. The scope of the claims is intended to generally cover the disclosed embodiments and any such modifications.

[0040] Clause 1, a downhole valve position detection system, comprising: a magnetic material that can be moved by an actuation element of a downhole valve to a plurality of positions along a downhole valve from a first position of the plurality of positions along the downhole valve; and a sensing assembly that is mechanically coupled to the downhole valve and comprising a magnetic sensor that is configured to detect a magnetic signal generated by the magnetic material at a series of positions of the plurality of positions along the downhole valve.

[0041] Clause 2, the downhole valve position detection system according to clause 1, wherein the detection assembly comprises a magnetic sensor array, wherein each magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor array is configured to detect a corresponding magnetic signal generated by the magnetic material at the position series level, and wherein the magnetic sensor is a magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor array.

[0042] Clause 3, the downhole valve position detection system according to clause 2, wherein a first set of sensors in the sensor network is configured to detect the magnetic signal generated by the magnetic material when the magnetic material moves in an axial direction, a second set of sensors in the sensor network is configured to detect the magnetic signal generated by the magnetic material when the magnetic material moves in a radial direction, and a third set of sensors in the sensor network is configured to detect the magnetic signal generated by the magnetic material when the magnetic material moves in a circumferential direction.

[0043] Clause 4, the downhole valve position detection system according to clauses 2 or 3, in which one or more sensors of the sensor network are distributed uniformly along the detection assembly.

[0044] Clause 5, the downhole valve position detection system according to clauses 2 or 3, in which one or more sensors of the sensor network are not uniformly distributed along the detection assembly.

[0045] Clause 6, the downhole valve position detection system according to any one of clauses 2 to 5, wherein the magnetic signal is a magnetic field, a magnetic flux or a magnetic flux density.

[0046] Clause 7, the downhole valve position detection system according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, further comprising a second magnetic material which can be moved along a second plurality of positions along the downhole valve, wherein the magnetic sensor is configured to detect a second magnetic signal generated by the second magnetic material at a second series of positions of the second plurality of positions.

[0047] Clause 8, the downhole valve position detection system according to clause 7, wherein the plurality of positions and the second plurality of positions are positions along different axial, circumferential or radial directions.

[0048] Clause 9, the downhole valve position detection system of clauses 7 or 8, further comprising a processor configured to: determine, on the basis of the magnetic signal, a location of the magnetic material; determine, on the basis of the second magnetic signal, a second location of the second magnetic material; and determine, on the basis of the location of the magnetic material and the second location of the second magnetic material, a position of the downhole valve.

[0049] Clause 10, the downhole valve position detection system of any of clauses 1 to 9, further comprising a magnet which is positioned in a housing of the detection assembly, in which the magnetic sensor is further configured to detect distortion of a magnetic signal generated by the magnet at the position series.

[0050] Clause 11, the downhole valve position detection system according to any one of clauses 1 to 10, further comprising a processor configured to: determine, on the basis of the magnetic signal, a location of the material magnetic; and determine, based on the location of the magnetic material, a position for the bottom hole valve.

[0051] Clause 12, the downhole valve position detection system according to any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the magnetic material is a magnet.

[0052] Clause 13, the downhole valve position detection system according to any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the magnetic material is a magnetic metal.

[0053] Clause 14, a downhole valve comprising: an actuating element designed to move from a first actuating element position to a second actuating element position; a magnetic material that can be moved by the actuating element to a plurality of positions along a downhole valve when the actuating element moves from the first actuating element position to the second actuating element position; and a sensing assembly that is mechanically coupled to the downhole valve and comprising a magnetic sensor that is configured to detect a magnetic signal generated by the magnetic material at a series of positions in the plurality of positions along the downhole valve.

[0054] Clause 15, the downhole valve according to claim 14, wherein the sensing assembly comprises a magnetic sensor array, wherein each magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor array is configured to detect a corresponding magnetic signal generated by the magnetic material at the position series, and wherein the magnetic sensor is a magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor array.

[0055] Clause 16, the downhole valve of clauses 14 or 15, in which the actuating element is a sleeve, a piston, a spring or a cover of the downhole valve.

[0056] Clause 17, the downhole valve according to any one of clauses 14 to 16, wherein the downhole valve is one of a subsurface safety valve, a subsurface safety valve recoverable with casing and a fluid loss reducing valve.

[0057] Clause 18, a method for determining a position of a downhole valve comprising: detecting a magnetic signal that is generated by a magnetic material at a position of a plurality of positions along a downhole valve, the magnetic material being able to be moved by an actuation element of the downhole valve to the plurality of positions along the downhole valve; determining, on the basis of the magnetic signal, a location of the magnetic material; and determining, on the basis of the location of the magnetic material, a position of the downhole valve.

[0058] Clause 19, the method of clause 18, further comprising: the detection of a second magnetic signal which is generated by a second magnetic material at a second position of the plurality of positions along a downhole valve; the determination, on the basis of the second magnetic signal, of a second location of the second magnetic material; and the determination, on the basis of the location of the magnetic material and the second location of the second magnetic material, of the position of the downhole valve.

[0059] Clause 20, the method according to clauses 18 or 19, wherein the determination of the position of the downhole valve includes determining, on the basis of the location of the magnetic material, whether the downhole valve is in an open position or in a closed position.

[0060] The embodiments disclosed above have been presented for illustrative purposes and to enable those skilled in the art to put the disclosure into practice, but the disclosure is neither exhaustive nor limited to the forms described. Many non-substantial modifications and variations will be obvious to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The scope of the claims is intended to generally cover the disclosed embodiments and any such modifications. In addition, the following clauses represent further embodiments of the disclosure and should be considered within the scope of the disclosure:

[0061] It will be further understood that the terms "includes / comprise" and / or "comprising," when used in this description and / or in the claims, specify the presence of the features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components shown, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Furthermore, the steps and components described in the embodiments and figures above are merely illustrative and do not imply that any particular step or component is a requirement of any claimed embodiment.

Claims

Demands

1. Downhole valve position detection system (123), comprising: a magnetic material (124) that can be moved by an actuating element (128) of a downhole valve (122) to a plurality of positions along a downhole valve from a first position of the plurality of positions along the downhole valve; and a detection assembly (126) that is mechanically coupled to the downhole valve (122) and comprising a magnetic sensor that is configured to detect a magnetic signal generated by the magnetic material at a series of positions of the plurality of positions along the downhole valve, the detection assembly and the magnetic material being positioned along different sides of the downhole valve, wherein the detection assembly (126) comprises an array of magnetic sensors,in which each magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor array is configured to detect a corresponding magnetic signal generated by the magnetic material at the level of the series of positions, and in which the magnetic sensor is a magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor array, in which a first series of sensors of the sensor array is configured to detect the magnetic signal generated by the magnetic material when the magnetic material moves in an axial direction, a second series of sensors of the sensor array is configured to detect the magnetic signal generated by the magnetic material when the magnetic material moves in a radial direction, and a third series of sensors of the sensor array is configured to detect the magnetic signal generated by the magnetic material when the magnetic material moves in a circumferential direction.

2. Downhole valve position detection system (123) according to claim 1, wherein one or more sensors of the sensor array are distributed evenly along the detection assembly.

3. Downhole valve position detection system (123) according to claim 1, wherein one or more sensors of the The sensor network is not evenly distributed along the detection area.

4. Downhole valve position detection system (123) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic signal is a magnetic field, a magnetic flux, or a magnetic flux density.

5. Downhole valve position detection system (123) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a second magnetic material that can be moved along a second plurality of positions along the downhole valve, wherein the magnetic sensor is configured to detect a second magnetic signal generated by the second magnetic material at a second series of positions of the second plurality of positions, and optionally, wherein the plurality of positions and the second plurality of positions are positions along different axial, circumferential, or radial directions.

6. Downhole valve position detection system (123) according to claim 5, further comprising a processor configured to: determine, on the basis of the magnetic signal, a location of the magnetic material; determine, on the basis of the second magnetic signal, a second location of the second magnetic material; and determine, on the basis of the location of the magnetic material and the second location of the second magnetic material, a position of the downhole valve.

7. Downhole valve position detection system (123) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a magnet (504) which is positioned in a housing of the detection assembly (526), ​​in which the magnetic sensor is further configured to detect distortion of a magnetic signal generated by the magnet at the position series.

8. Downhole valve position detection system (123) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a processor configured to: determine, on the basis of the magnetic signal, a location of the magnetic material; and

9.

10.

11. determine, based on the location of the magnetic material, a position for the bottom hole valve. Downhole valve position detection system (123) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the magnetic material is a magnet (504). Downhole valve position detection system (123) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the magnetic material is a magnetic metal. A method for determining the position of a downhole valve comprising: the detection of a magnetic signal which is generated by a magnetic material (124) at a position of a plurality of positions along a downhole valve (122), the magnetic material being able to be moved by an actuation element (128) of the downhole valve (122) to the plurality of positions along the downhole valve; the determination, based on the magnetic signal, of the location of the magnetic material; and the determination, based on the location of the magnetic material, of a position of the bottom hole valve; the magnetic signal being detected by a magnetic sensor of a detection assembly (126), and the detection assembly and the magnetic material being positioned along different sides of the downhole valve, the detection assembly (126) comprising an array of magnetic sensors, in which each magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor array is configured to detect a corresponding magnetic signal generated by the magnetic material at the series of positions, and in which the magnetic sensor is a magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor array, in which a first series of sensors of the sensor array is configured to detect the magnetic signal generated by the magnetic material when the magnetic material moves in an axial direction,A second set of sensors in the sensor network is configured to detect the magnetic signal generated by the magnetic material when the magnetic material moves in a radial direction, and a third set of sensors in the sensor network is configured to detect the signal, magnetic field generated by the magnetic material when the magnetic material moves in a circumferential direction.

12. A method according to claim 11, further comprising: the detection of a second magnetic signal which is generated by a second magnetic material at a second position of the plurality of positions along a downhole valve; the determination, on the basis of the second magnetic signal, of a second location of the second magnetic material; and the determination, on the basis of the location of the magnetic material and the second location of the second magnetic material, of the position of the downhole valve.

13. A method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the determination of the position of the downhole valve includes determining, based on the location of the magnetic material, whether the downhole valve is in an open position or in a closed position.

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