A control valve for an intervention or workover operation of a well, and a method of pressure testing
The control valve design with a rotatable selector and stationary housing, using larger valve seats to seal openings, addresses pressure drop issues in subsea applications by maintaining pressure during transitions, facilitating reliable pressure testing and shut-in operations.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2025/054407
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-02-21
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-19
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing subsea control valves experience pressure drop during transitions due to cross-flow, making it difficult to maintain pressure during fluid shut-in operations.
A control valve design with rotatable selector and stationary housing, featuring larger valve seats than the openings, ensuring complete coverage and preventing cross-flow by aligning valve seats with openings to seal them, allowing pressure to be maintained during transitions.
The design effectively prevents pressure loss by ensuring sealed fluid paths, enabling reliable pressure testing and shut-in of pressurized fluid without leakage.
Smart Images
Figure EP2025054407_28082025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] A CONTROL VALVE FOR AN INTERVENTION OR WORKOVER OPERATION OF A WELL, AND A METHOD OF PRESSURE TESTING
[0002] Technical Field
[0003] The present disclosure relates to a control valve, and an associated method, for intervention or workover operation of a well.
[0004] Background
[0005] Valves are used in subsea applications in order to allow or prevent flow of fluids between different components of a subsea system. A normal subsea control valve used today is built with a cross-flow between the different ports in the valve as the valve move from one position of the valve to another position of the valve. This is a normal feature for such a valve in order to prevent hydraulic lock in one position of the valve. However, when using the valve also in relation to lines that have to be pressure tested, such crossflow is an issue as the pressure then will drop during the movement of the valve from open to blocked position and it is not possible to move the valve quick enough to keep the pressure at the needed level.
[0006] A disadvantage of the prior art solution is thus that it is not possible to shut in a volume of pressurized fluid without risking that some of the pressure is bled off when moving from an open position to a blocked / shut-in position of the valve.
[0007] It is an objective of the invention to provide a control valve which provides a more reliable solution to shut-in a volume of pressurized fluid.
[0008] In particular, it is an objective of the invention to maintain the pressure in a shut-in volume.
[0009] The present invention is directed to a solution that may solve or at least reduce at least one of the aforementioned problems or challenges.
[0010] Summary of the invention
[0011] The invention is defined in the attached claims.
[0012] The present invention relates to a control valve for an intervention or workover operation of a well, the control valve comprising: a housing; a selector being arranged at least partially inside the housing rotatable about a rotational axis, the selector comprising a planar selector surface extending in a first plane being orthogonal to the rotational axis, the selector comprising a selector conduit extending between a first opening and a second opening in the selector surface; the housing comprising a supply conduit extending between a supply port and a supply opening, the supply opening being arranged in a housing surface cooperating with and facing the selector surface; the housing comprising an actuation conduit extending between an actuation port and an actuation opening, the actuation opening being arranged in the housing surface cooperating with and facing the selector surface; a supply opening valve seat surrounding the supply opening, the supply opening valve seat abutting and being configured to provide a seal against the selector surface; an actuation opening valve seat surrounding the actuation opening, the actuation opening valve seat abutting and being configured to provide a seal against the selector surface; the selector being rotatable about said rotational axis to allow the selector to be positioned such that at least one of the first opening and the second opening is covered by said supply opening valve seat or said actuation opening valve seat.
[0013] This is in one embodiment achieved by providing a relative relationship between the valve seats and the respective openings in the selector such that a valve seat sealing surface is larger than the first and second openings in the selector. This results in that each of the valve seat sealing surfaces, in a position of the selector, is fully covering, i.e. blocking or closing, one of the openings in the selector. As such, the sealing surface(s) prevents cross-flow when the selector is moved away from a position where the supply opening and / or the actuation opening is aligned with the first opening or the second opening.
[0014] The control valve is particularly suitable for use in intervention and / or workover operations on a subsea well and the activity where one is pressure testing different functions in an equipment by pressurizing and holding the pressure for a period of time within a line in the equipment.
[0015] The supply opening valve seat and the actuation opening valve seat have certain properties in terms of i.a courseness and flatness which a skilled person would adapt to the specific use of the control valve and the fluid and pressure it should hold.
[0016] The actuation conduit may be seen as a so-called function line.
[0017] The control valve may comprise only one actuation port, where an actuation conduit extends between the actuation port and the actuation opening, and where one actuation opening valve seat surrounds the actuation opening.
[0018] Alternatively, the control valve may comprise two actuation ports, where a first actuation conduit extends between a first actuation port and a first actuation opening, and a second actuation conduit extends between a second actuation port and a second actuation opening, and where a first actuation opening valve seat surrounds the first actuation opening and a second actuation opening valve seat surrounds the second actuation opening. In yet a further alternative, the control valve may comprise three actuation ports, where a first actuation conduit extends between a first actuation port and a first actuation opening, a second actuation conduit extends between a second actuation port and a second actuation opening, and a third actuation conduit extends between a third actuation port and a third actuation opening, and where a first actuation opening valve seat surrounds the first actuation opening and a second actuation opening valve seat surrounds the second actuation opening and a third actuation opening valve seat surrounds the third actuation opening.
[0019] The selector is thus rotatable whereas the housing is stationary. The supply opening valve seat and the actuation opening valve seat surround their respective supply opening and actuation opening and provide a static seal between the valve seats and the housing and a dynamic seal between the valve seats and the selector. Thereby it is provided a sealed fluid path between the housing and the selector when the first opening or the second opening in the selector is aligned with the supply opening or the actuation opening in the housing.
[0020] The housing may comprise a return conduit which may extend between a return port and a return opening, where the return opening may be facing the selector.
[0021] The return conduit is typically used for emptying the control valve, and is particularly used for emptying or draining the actuation conduit and / or the selector conduit or even the supply conduit. The return conduit may be seen as an exhaust for the control valve.
[0022] The selector may be rotatable about said rotational axis between: a first state in which the first opening may be fluidly connected to the actuation opening and the second opening may be fluidly connected to the supply opening; a second state in which the first opening may be covered by the actuation opening valve seat and the second opening may be covered by the supply opening valve seat; a third state in which the first opening may be fluidly connected to the return opening and the second opening may be fluidly connected to the actuation opening.
[0023] The first state refers to an open state of the control valve.
[0024] The second state refers to a blocked position of the control valve with no cross-flow.
[0025] The third state refers to a closed position of the control valve.
[0026] The first state could for instance be to pressurize an actuation line to be pressure tested, supplying fluid to the actuation opening. In the second state, as the selector is moving from the first state to the third state, the first opening in the selector will move along the actuation opening valve seat the actuation opening valve seat being stationary) and the second opening in the selector will move along the supply opening valve seat (the supply opening valve seat being stationary). The supply opening valve seat and the actuation opening valve seat are stationary. For a period of time during this movement, the first opening will be fully covered by the actuation opening valve seat and the second opening will be fully covered by the supply opening valve seat. Hence, the actuation opening valve seat and the supply opening valve seat will be blocking or closing the respective first and second openings in the selector and not allow any cross-flow across the valve seat as the selector is rotated. And then in the third state one is releasing the pressure within the actuation conduit by fluidly connecting the actuation opening to the return opening. This renders possible a control valve which does not leak such that pressure tests can be conducted since the respective valve seats are configured to cover, i.e. fully cover, any of the first and second openings. In addition, it is a possibility shutting in pressure from the pump side.
[0027] The selector may be rotatable to: a fourth state in which the first opening and the second opening may be fluidly connected to the return opening.
[0028] The fourth state refers to blocked I shut-in position of the control valve.
[0029] The selector may be rotatable to: a fifth state in which the first opening is fluidly connected to the supply opening and the second opening is fluidly connected to the return opening.
[0030] The selector may further be rotatable to: a sixth state in which the first opening may be covered by the supply opening valve seat and the second opening may be fluidly connected to the return opening; and a seventh state in which the first opening may be connected to the return opening and the second opening may be covered by the actuation opening valve seat.
[0031] This is another way of locking fluid inside actuation conduit to e.g. perform pressure test of the actuation port.
[0032] The control valve may comprise a motor with a rotatable motor drive shaft which may be rotatable about said rotational axis of the selector for rotating the selector between the respective states.
[0033] A supply valve seat size of the supply opening valve seat may be defined by a distance between a first supply valve seat radius and a second supply valve seat radius; and an actuation valve seat size of the actuation opening valve seat may be defined by a distance between a first actuation valve seat radius and a second actuation valve seat radius. The first valve seat radius being the radius from the centre of the opening to the wall of the inner opening of the valve seat and the second valve seat radius being to the outermost radius of the valve seat. The supply valve seat size could be said to be the width of a valve seat ring formed between the first supply valve seat radius and the second supply valve seat radius. Similarly, the actuation valve seat size could be said to be the width of a valve seat ring formed between the first actuation valve seat radius and the second actuation valve seat radius. These shapes may thus be seen as a donut around the respective supply opening and actuation opening. The respective valve seat sizes would according to the invention be wider than a cross sectional area of the first or second opening in the selector surface. In that manner, the valve seats may cover the openings.
[0034] The supply opening and the actuation opening may be arranged in the housing surface. The housing surface may extend in a second plane and the return opening may be fluidly connected to a volume formed between the first plane and the second plane.
[0035] The selector surface, i.e. the first plane, and the housing surface, i.e. the second plane, can be parallel to each other and arranged at a distance from each other, thereby forming the volume between them. The volume may also be seen as a gap. The volume, or gap, may form part of a fluid path extending from a first position between the selector surface and the housing surface and a second position outside of the volume.
[0036] The return opening may thus be oriented in any direction provided it is fluidly connected to the volume between the first plane and the second plane such that the fluid can flow to the return conduit and the return port.
[0037] The return opening may also be oriented radially towards a side of the selector. Then the fluid may escape from the volume between the first plane and the second plane to a radial outside of the selector, possible along the selector, and flow into the return opening and the return conduit.
[0038] The first opening and the second opening may have an elliptical cross section in the first plane. This is a result of that the first opening and the second opening of the selector conduit are circular bores having an angle different from 90 degrees relative the selector surface.
[0039] The supply opening valve seat and the actuation opening valve seat may be configured to move in a direction towards, and into sealing contact with, the selector surface. Each of the valve seat may be arranged in separate bores in the housing. An elastic element such as a biasing element in the form of a spring may be arranged between a surface of the valve seat and a surface of the housing thereby providing a small pretension of the valve seat towards the selector. Between the valve seat and the housing it may be provided a sealing, in one embodiment in the form of a O-ring with support rings on both sides of the O-ring. The O-ring and the support rings surrounding a part of the valve seat with reduced outer diameter. The O-ring providing a seal between the valve seat and the housing. When fluid pressure is applied within the opening of the valve seat the pressure of the fluid will also press the valve seat towards the selector surface and provide additional sealing pressure between the valve seat and the selector. The supply opening valve seat and the actuation opening valve seat may form individual valve seats.
[0040] The supply opening valve seat and the actuation opening valve seat may form one common valve seat.
[0041] The one common valve seat may thus extend between the supply opening valve seat and the actuation opening valve seat. The one common valve seat may have a semi-circular shape.
[0042] The supply opening valve seat and the actuation opening valve seat may have a width which may be larger than a diameter of the first opening and the second opening.
[0043] The supply opening valve seat and the actuation opening valve seat may have an elliptical shape.
[0044] The control valve may have a rotation direction and the supply opening valve seat and the actuation opening valve seat may have a larger extension both in the rotation direction and in a direction perpendicular to the rotation direction than the extension in the respective directions of both the first opening and the second opening. In other words, each of the supply opening valve seat and the actuation opening valve seat have a larger extension in both the rotation direction and the direction perpendicular to the rotation direction than what each of the first opening and the second opening has. In one embodiment the surface of the valve seat in contact with the selector is mainly circular in shape and has the same width all around the circumference. In this embodiment, the width is larger than a diameter of the larger of the first and second openings in the selector surface.
[0045] As such, both the supply opening valve seat and the actuation opening valve seat are larger than both the first opening and the second opening thereby preventing leakage if any of the first opening or the second opening is fully covered, i.e. blocked or closed, by the supply opening valve seat or the actuation opening valve seat.
[0046] The supply opening valve seat and the actuation opening valve seat may be made of metal.
[0047] The supply opening valve seat and the actuation opening valve seat may form a metal to metal contact surface between the respective valve seats and the selector.
[0048] At least a part of the supply conduit and the actuation conduit may be parallel to each other.
[0049] The supply opening valve seat may be configured such that when the supply conduit is pressurized, the supply opening valve seat is forced against the selector, and the actuation opening valve seat may be configured such that when the actuation conduit is pressurized, the actuation opening valve seat is forced against the selector. At higher pressures, i.e. when there is pressurized fluid within the supply conduit, the fluid pressure forces the supply opening valve seat towards the selector and seals against the selector. Similarly, when there is pressurized fluid within the actuation conduit, the fluid pressure forces the actuation opening valve seat towards the selector and seals against the selector.
[0050] The control valve may comprise a first bore and a second bore, and the supply opening valve seat may be positioned within the first bore and the actuation opening valve seat may be positioned within the second bore.
[0051] The housing may be moulded in one piece of raw material. The first and second bores, being part of the supply conduit and the actuation conduit, can then be drilled in the one piece of material and the supply opening valve seat and the actuation opening valve seat be positioned in the respective bores.
[0052] The control valve may comprise a first biasing element and a second biasing element, and the first biasing element may be positioned within the first bore and the second biasing element may be positioned within the second bore, and wherein the first biasing element and the second biasing element may be configured to push the respective supply opening valve seat and the actuation opening valve seat toward the selector.
[0053] The biasing elements can be springs or other force means biasing the valve seats toward the selector when the valve seats are not pressurized.
[0054] The supply opening valve seat and the actuation opening valve seat may preferably be in contact with the selector at all times, i.e. either when biased by the first and second biasing elements or by being biased by pressurized fluid.
[0055] The method may comprise the steps of: rotating the selector such that the first opening may be fluidly connected to the supply opening and the second opening may be fluidly connected to the actuation opening; pressurizing the supply port such that pressurized fluid flows from the supply port to the actuation port via the supply conduit, the selector conduit and the actuation conduit; rotating the selector to a position where the actuation opening valve seat covers the second opening such that the pressurized fluid may be shut-in inside the actuation conduit.
[0056] The size of the actuation opening valve seat, which covers the second opening, prevents leakage from the actuation conduit during rotation of the selector such that the pressurized fluid can be locked or trapped in the actuation conduit.
[0057] By performing said steps, the actuation conduit can now be pressure tested. A similar test can be performed to pressure test the supply conduit and supply port.
[0058] The first step involves rotating the selector to the first state.
[0059] The third step involves rotating the selector to the second state or to the seventh state of the selector.
[0060] In an aspect of the method, the housing may comprise a return conduit may extend between a return port and a return opening, wherein the return opening may be facing the selector, and the method may comprise the steps of: rotating the selector such that the first opening is fluidly connected to the return opening and the second opening is fluidly connected to the actuation opening.
[0061] By performing this step, pressurized fluid which was trapped in the actuation conduit is drained or emptied through the return opening and the return conduit. This step involves rotating the selector to the third state.
[0062] It is further described a control valve for an intervention or workover operation of a well, the control valve comprising: a housing; a selector being arranged at least partially inside the housing rotatable about a rotational axis, the selector comprising a planar selector surface extending in a first plane being orthogonal to the rotational axis, the selector comprising a selector conduit extending between a first opening and a second opening in the selector surface; the housing comprising a return conduit extending between a return port and a return opening, wherein the return opening is facing the selector; the housing comprising a supply conduit extending between a supply port and a supply opening, the supply opening being arranged in a housing surface cooperating with and facing the selector surface, wherein the housing surface extends in a second plane and wherein the return opening is fluidly connected to a volume formed between the first plane and the second plane; the housing comprising an actuation conduit extending between an actuation port and an actuation opening, the actuation opening being arranged in the housing surface cooperating with and facing the selector surface; a supply opening valve seat surrounding the supply opening, the supply opening valve seat abutting and being configured to provide a seal against the selector surface; an actuation opening valve seat surrounding the actuation opening, the actuation opening valve seat abutting and being configured to provide a seal against the selector surface; the selector being rotatable about said rotational axis to allow the selector to be positioned such that at least one of the first opening and the second opening is covered by said supply opening valve seat or said actuation opening valve seat.
[0063] The supply opening valve seat and the actuation opening valve seat may be configured to move in a direction towards, and into sealing contact with, the selector surface.
[0064] This control valve may be use for intervention and workover operation in a well, the well may be positioned subsea. The valve may also be applicable for other uses where there is a need for locking in a specific given hydraulic pressure.
[0065] Above-discussed preferred and / or optional features of each aspect of the invention / disclosure may be used, alone or in appropriate combination, in the other aspects of the invention / disclosure.
[0066] The claimed invention is specified in the independent claims of this application. Advantageous adaptations and versions of the claimed invention are specified in the independent claims.
[0067] Description of the drawings
[0068] Following drawings are appended to facilitate the understanding of the claimed invention:
[0069] Fig. 1 A is a side view of a control valve for an intervention or workover operation of a well, the control valve featuring a housing, a rotatable selector with a selector conduit extending between a first opening and a second opening in a selector surface, the housing comprising a supply conduit extending between a supply port and a supply opening and an actuation conduit extending between an actuation port and an actuation opening, and a return conduit extending between a return port and a return opening, where the return conduit is arranged in the housing and faces the selector surface;
[0070] Fig. IB shows an alternative arrangement of the return conduit compared to Fig. 1 A, where the return conduit is in a bore in the selector and extends to a radial outside of the selector;
[0071] Fig. 2A is a view from above of a selector surface of a selector in an open position of the control valve, where positions of a first and second opening of the selector conduit relative a supply opening valve seat surrounding a supply opening and an actuation opening valve seat surrounding an actuation opening are indicated, where in Fig. 2A the selector is in a first state in which the first opening is fluidly connected to the actuation opening and the second opening is fluidly connected to the supply opening, and where the return conduit is arranged in the housing radially outside the selector;
[0072] Fig. 2B is a side view of the relative positions of the components of the control valve when the selector is in the state shown Fig. 2A;
[0073] Fig. 2C is a similar view from above as in Fig. 2A, however in Fig. 2C the selector is in a second state where the first opening is covered by the actuation opening valve seat and the second opening is covered by the supply opening valve seat, securing no cross-flow;
[0074] Fig. 2D is a side view of the relative positions of the components of the control valve when the selector is in the state shown in Fig. 2C;
[0075] Fig. 2E is a similar view from above as in Figs. 2A and 2C, however in Fig. 2E the selector is in a third state where the first opening is fluidly connected to a return opening and the second opening is fluidly connected to the actuation opening, i.e. a closed position;
[0076] Fig. 2F is a side view of the relative positions of the components of the control valve when the selector is in the state shown in Fig. 2E;
[0077] Fig. 2G is a similar view from above as in Figs. 2A, 2C and 2E, however in Fig. 2G the selector is in a fourth state where the first opening and the second opening are fluidly connected to the return opening and the supply opening and the actuation opening are both blocked securing a shut-in or blocked actuation port;
[0078] Fig. 2H is a side view of the relative positions of the components of the control valve when the selector is in the state shown in Fig. 2G;
[0079] Fig. 3A shows details of a selector surface and a selector conduit extending between a first and second opening of the selector surface;
[0080] Fig. 3B shows the same as Fig. 3A, however the selector has been rotated 120 degrees in a clockwise direction compared to Fig. 3 A;
[0081] Fig. 4A shows a first example of a supply opening valve seat surrounding a supply opening and an actuation opening valve seat surrounding an actuation opening, where the valve seats have a circular cross-section;
[0082] Fig. 4B shows a second example of a supply opening valve seat surrounding a supply opening and an actuation opening valve seat surrounding an actuation opening, where the valve seats have an elliptical cross-section;
[0083] Fig. 4C shows a third example of a supply opening valve seat surrounding a supply opening and an actuation opening valve seat surrounding an actuation opening, where the valve seats are formed of one common semi-circular valve seat surrounding both the supply opening and the actuation opening;
[0084] Fig. 4D shows a preferred embodiment of the third example in Fig. 4C where both the first opening and the second opening will be covered in the second state of the selector;
[0085] Figs. 5A - 5D show different states of a selector where positions of a first and second opening of the selector conduit relative a supply opening valve seat surrounding a supply opening and an actuation opening valve seat surrounding an actuation opening are indicated, where:
[0086] Fig. 5A shows an open position of the control valve where the selector is in a first state in which the first opening is fluidly connected to the actuation opening and the second opening is fluidly connected to the supply opening;
[0087] Fig. 5B shows a blocked position of the control valve with no cross-flow where the selector is in a second state in which the first opening is covered by the actuation opening valve seat and the second opening is covered by the supply opening valve seat;
[0088] Fig. 5C shows a closed position of the control valve where the selector is in a third state in which the first opening is fluidly connected to the return opening and the second opening is fluidly connected to the actuation opening;
[0089] Fig. 5D shows a blocked / shut-in position of the control valve where the selector is in a fourth state in which the first opening and the second opening are fluidly connected to the return opening;
[0090] Figs. 6A and 6B show an angular extent of the first and second openings relative to an angular extent of the supply opening valve seat and the actuation opening valve seat;
[0091] Fig. 7A shows a selector and an exploded view of components arranged in a first and second bore of the control valve, including the supply opening valve seat and the actuation opening valve seat;
[0092] Fig. 7B is a side perspective view from above of an exemplary valve seat used as the supply opening valve seat and the actuation opening valve seat;
[0093] Fig. 7C is a side perspective view from below of the exemplary valve seat in Fig. 7B;
[0094] It should be understood, however, that the drawings are not intended to limit the claimed invention to the subject-matter depicted in the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used to indicate common parts, elements or features unless otherwise explicitly stated or implicitly understood by the context.
[0095] Detailed description
[0096] In the following, one or more specific embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. However, it is specifically intended that the invention is not limited to the embodiments and illustrations contained herein but includes modified forms of the embodiments including portions of the embodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments as come within the scope of the following claims. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementationspecific decisions must be made to achieve the developer’s specific goals, such as compliance with system and / or business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation of the invention to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication and manufacture for the skilled person having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0097] Fig. 1 A is a side view of a control valve 10 for an intervention or workover operation of a well. The control valve 10 featuring a housing 100, a rotatable selector 200 with a selector conduit 202 extending between a first opening 210 and a second opening 220 in a selector surface. The housing 100 comprising a supply conduit 120 extending between a supply port S and a supply opening 122 and an actuation conduit 140 extending between an actuation port A and an actuation opening 142, and a return conduit 160 extending between a return port R and a return opening 162, where the return conduit 160 is arranged in the housing 100 and faces the selector surface. The return conduit 160 is typically used for emptying the control valve 10, and in particular for emptying or draining the supply conduit 120, the actuation conduit 140 and / or the selector conduit 202. The return conduit 160 may be seen as an exhaust for the control valve 10.
[0098] The selector 200 is arranged at least partially inside the housing 100 and is rotatable about a rotational axis SRA. The selector 200 has a planar selector surface 203 (not shown in Fig. 1 A, see e.g. Figs. 2A, 2C, 4A,4B) extending in a first plane 201 being orthogonal to the rotational axis SRA. As indicated above, the selector 200 comprising a selector conduit 202 extending between a first opening 210 and a second opening 220 in the selector surface 203.
[0099] The supply opening 122 and the actuation opening 142 in the housing 100 are arranged in a housing surface 102 (not shown in Fig. 1 A, see e.g. Figs. 4A-4C) cooperating with, and facing, the selector surface 203. The housing surface extends in a second plane 101 and the return opening 162 is fluidly connected to a volume formed between the first plane 201 and the second plane 101. The return opening 162 can be oriented in any direction provided it is fluidly connected to the volume between the first plane 201 and the second plane 101 such that the fluid can flow to the return conduit 160 and the return port R. In Fig. 1 A the return conduit 160 is formed in the housing 100 below the first and second planes 201,101 and the return opening 162 is in the housing surface 102 oriented upwards towards the selector surface 203. The first plane 201 and the second plane 101 being arranged at a distance from each other.
[0100] A supply opening valve seat 123 surrounds the supply opening 122 and an actuation opening valve seat 143 surrounds the actuation opening 142. The supply opening valve seat 123 abutting and being configured to provide a seal against the selector surface 203 and the actuation opening valve seat 143 abutting and being configured to provide a seal against the selector surface 203.
[0101] The selector 200 is rotatable, e.g. by a motor 204 with a rotatable motor drive shaft 205, about a rotational axis SRA to allow the selector 200 to be positioned such that at least one of the first opening 210 and the second opening 220 is covered by said supply opening valve seat 123 or said actuation opening valve seat 143. The selector 200 is thus rotatable and the housing 100 is stationary.
[0102] Fig. IB shows an alternative arrangement of the return conduit compared to Fig. 1 A, where the return conduit 160 is in a bore in the selector 200 and extends to a radial outside of the selector 200. The remaining features of the control valve 10 are similar to Fig. 1 A and will not be repeated herein.
[0103] Fig. 2A is a view from above of a selector surface 203 of the selector 200 in an open position of the control valve, where positions of the first opening 210 and the second opening 220 of the selector conduit 202 relative to a supply opening valve seat 123 surrounding a supply opening 122 and an actuation opening valve seat 143 surrounding an actuation opening 142 are indicated. In Fig. 2A the selector 200 is in a first state in which the first opening 210 is fluidly connected to the actuation opening 142 and the second opening 220 is fluidly connected to the supply opening 122. The return conduit 160 is arranged in the housing 100 radially outside the selector 200.
[0104] Fig. 2B is a side view of the relative positions of the components of the control valve 10 when the selector 200 is in the state shown Fig. 2A. This state of the selector 200 is referred to as the first state.
[0105] Fig. 2C is a similar view from above as in Fig. 2A, however in Fig. 2C the selector 200 is in a second state where the first opening 210 is covered by the actuation opening valve seat 143 and the second opening 220 is covered by the supply opening valve seat 123, securing no cross-flow. Fig. 2D is a side view of the relative positions of the components of the control valve 10 when the selector 200 is in the state shown in Fig. 2C. This state of the selector 200 is referred to as the second state.
[0106] Fig. 2E is a similar view from above as in Figs. 2A and 2C, however in Fig. 2E the selector 200 is in a third state where the first opening 210 is fluidly connected to a return opening 162 and the second opening 220 is fluidly connected to the actuation opening 142, i.e. a closed position.
[0107] Fig. 2F is a side view of the relative positions of the components of the control valve 10 when the selector 200 is in the state shown in Fig. 2E. This state of the selector 200 is referred to as the third state. The return opening 162 is oriented radially towards a side of the selector 200. Then the fluid (indicated by the arrows) escapes from the volume between the first plane 201 and the second plane 101 to a radial outside of the selector 200, along a side wall of the selector, and flow into the return opening 162 and the return conduit 160 to the return port R.
[0108] Fig. 2G is a similar view as from below as in Figs. 2A, 2C and 2E, however in Fig. 2G the selector is in a fourth state where the first opening 210 and the second opening 220 are fluidly connected to the return opening 162 and the supply opening 122 and the actuation opening 142 are both blocked securing a shut-in or blocked actuation port A.
[0109] Fig. 2H is a side view of the relative positions of the components of the control valve 10 when the selector 200 is in the state shown in Fig. 2G. This state of the selector 200 is referred to as the fourth state.
[0110] More details of the different states of the selector 200 are given with respect to the discussion of Figs. 5A-5D below.
[0111] Fig. 3 A shows details of the selector surface 203 and the selector conduit 202 extending between the first opening 210 and the second opening 220 of the selector surface 203. The view in Fig. 3A is from below and the selector conduit 202 thus extends into the plane. The selector conduit 202 is shown as inclined continuous bores which is typically drilled in the goods of the selector 200.
[0112] Fig. 3B shows the same as Fig. 3A, however the selector has been rotated 120 degrees in a clockwise direction, as indicated by arrow Al, compared to Fig. 3 A.
[0113] Fig. 4A shows a first example of a supply opening valve seat 123 surrounding the supply opening 122 and an actuation opening valve seat 143 surrounding an actuation opening 142, where the valve seats 123,143 have a circular cross-section. A supply valve seat size RS of the supply opening valve seat 123 is defined by a distance between a first supply valve seat radius R1S and a second supply valve seat radius R2S. Similarly, an actuation valve seat size RA of the actuation opening valve seat 143 is defined by a distance between a first actuation valve seat radius RIA and a second actuation valve seat radius R2A.
[0114] The distance between the first supply valve seat radius R1S and the second supply valve seat radius R2S, as well as between the first actuation valve seat radius RIA and the second actuation valve seat radius R2A is at least equal to or larger than an extension of the first and second openings 210,220 along a circular path 230 (not shown in Fig. 4A, but see e.g. Figs. 6A and 6B) formed by the first and second openings 210,220 when rotating the selector 200. Consequently, regardless the extension of the first and second openings 210,220 in a circumferential direction of the circular path 230, the distance between said respective radii’s is larger said extension and the valve seats 123,143 cover the first and or second opening 210,220.
[0115] Fig. 4B shows a second example of a supply opening valve seat 123 surrounding the supply opening 122 and an actuation opening valve seat 143 surrounding the actuation opening 142, where the valve seats 123,143 have an elliptical cross-section.
[0116] The supply opening valve seat 123 and the actuation opening valve seat 143 in Figs. 4A and 4B are individual valve seats arranged at a distance from each other. In other words, each of the valve seats 123,143 surrounds only one of the first opening 210 or the second 220.
[0117] Fig. 4C shows a third example of a supply opening valve seat 123 surrounding the supply opening 122 and an actuation opening valve seat 143 surrounding the actuation opening 142, where the valve seats 123,143 are formed of one common semi-circular valve seat surrounding both the supply opening 122 and the actuation opening 142.
[0118] In all of the examples in Figs. 4A-4C both the supply opening valve seat 123 and the actuation opening valve seat 143 are larger than both the first opening 210 and the second opening 220 thereby preventing leakage if any of the first opening 210 or the second opening 220 is fully covered, i. blocked or closed, by the supply opening valve seat 123 or the actuation opening valve seat 143. As such, any bridge flow via the first or second openings 210,220 is prevented.
[0119] Fig. 4D shows a preferred embodiment of the third example in Fig. 4D where both the first opening and the second opening will be covered in the second state of the selector. I.e. the common valve seat blocks the first and second opening 210,220 when the selector 200 is in the second state.
[0120] Further referring to Figs. 4A-4D, the supply opening valve seat 123 and the actuation opening valve seat 143 combined only cover a limited part of the housing surface 102. As described in further detail below with reference to Figs. 6A and 6B, when the contact area between the valve seats 123,143 and the selector surface 203 increases, larger frictional forces need to be overcome in order to rotate the selector 200. Figs. 5A 5D show different states of the selector 200 where positions of a first opening 210 and second opening 220 of the selector conduit 202 relative a supply opening valve seat 123 surrounding a supply opening 122 and an actuation opening valve seat 143 surrounding an actuation opening 142 are indicated. When referring to the different states of the selector 200 in Figs. 5A-5D, the selector is rotated 120 degrees, i.e. between the position in Fig. 5A where the indication arrow IA is at 0 degrees, and Fig. 5C where the indication arrow is at 120 degrees. The control valve 10 may comprise first and second stoppers (not shown) ensuring that the selector 200 operates within said 120 degrees.
[0121] Fig. 5 A shows an open position of the control valve 10 where the selector 200 is in a first state in which the first opening 210 is fluidly connected to the actuation opening 142 and the second opening 220 is fluidly connected to the supply opening 122. When the selector 200 is in this state, fluid can flow (see details in Fig. 2B) from the supply port P to the actuation port A via the supply conduit 120, the selector conduit 202 and the actuation conduit 140.
[0122] Further referring to Fig. 5 A, a cross-sectional area of the supply opening 122 and the actuation opening 142 is preferably larger than a cross-sectional area of the first opening 210 and the second opening 220. This results in that it is more likely that the valve seats 123,144 will block against the selector surface 203 rather than risking to partly block against the first or second openings 210,220. Consequently, an improved seal between the valve seats 123,143 and the selector surface 203 is obtained.
[0123] Fig. 5B shows a blocked position of the control valve 10 with no cross-flow where the selector 200 is in a second state in which the first opening 210 is covered by the actuation opening valve seat 143 and the second opening 220 is covered by the supply opening valve seat 123. The selector 200 has been rotated approximately 20 degrees in the counter-clockwise direction from the first state in Fig. 5A (the indication arrow IA has moved from 0 degrees to 20 degrees on the ruler). In the second state in Fig. 5B both the first opening 210 and the second opening 220 are fully covered by the respective supply opening valve seat 123 and actuation opening valve seat 143, thereby preventing crossflow via any of the first or second openings 210,220. Fluid is shut-in in both the supply conduit 120 and the actuation conduit 140. The actuation conduit 140 and / or the supply conduit 120 can be pressure tested, i.e. tested for any possible leakage.
[0124] Fig. 5C shows a closed position of the control valve 10 where the selector 200 is in a third state in which the first opening 210 is fluidly connected to the return opening 162 (the return opening not shown as such in Fig. 5C, but it is fluidly connected to the volume between first plane 201 and the second plane 101 as shown in Fig. IA) and the second opening 220 is fluidly connected to the actuation opening 142. The selector 200 has been rotated approximately 100 degrees in the counter-clockwise direction from the second state in Fig. 5B (the indication arrow IA has moved from 20 degrees to 120 degrees on the ruler). The supply opening 122 is blocked. In this third state, pressurized fluid which was trapped in the actuation conduit 140 is drained or emptied through the return opening 162 and the return conduit 160.
[0125] Fig. 5D shows a blocked / shut-in position of the control valve where the selector 200 is in a fourth state in which the first opening 210 and the second opening 220 are fluidly connected to the return opening 162. The selector 200 has been rotated approximately 60 degrees in the clockwise direction from the third state in Fig. 5C (the indication arrow IA has moved from 120 degrees to 60 degrees on the ruler).
[0126] Consequently, referring to Figs. 6A and 6B, rotating the selector 200 about axis SRA will allow the first and second openings 210, 220 to travel, in the first plane 201, along a circular path 230. In a circumferential direction of the path 230, each opening 210, 220 displays an angular extent a defined by the shape and size of the opening 210,220. The valve seats 123 and 143 have a corresponding angular extent p. The angular extent of the valve seats 123, 143 is sufficient to prevent the openings 210, 220 from bridging (i.e. cross-flowing) the valve seats 123, 143 when the control valve 10 is brought between the different positions. This is most clearly illustrated in Fig. 6B, from which figure it is evident that the valve seat 123 has an angular extent P which is larger than the angular extent a of the opening 210. Generally, to prevent the openings 210, 220 from bridging the valve seats 123, 143, the angular extent p should preferably be at least 1.1 -a, more preferably at least 1.2-a, and even more preferably at least 1.5-a.
[0127] However, the friction between the selector 200 and the valve seats 123, 143 biasing against the rotational movement of the selector 200 will increase substantially linearly with the contact area between the selector surface 203 and the area of the valve seats. Consequently, the area of the valve seats 123, 143 should not be unnecessarily large. Generally, to avoid unnecessarily large frictional forces, the angular extent P of a valve seat 123, 143 should preferably be no larger than 3 -a, more preferably no larger than 2 -a, and even more preferably no larger than 1 ,8-a.
[0128] To provide a good compromise between bridging saleability and low frictional resistance, it may be advantageous if l.l a<P<3 a, more advantageous if 1.12 a<P<2 a, and even more advantageous if 1.5 a< <1.8 a. Fig. 7A shows a selector 200 and exploded view of components arranged in a first and second bore of the control valve 10, including the supply opening valve seat 123 and the actuation opening valve seat 143. The first and second bores are in the housing 100 (not shown). Starting from the top of Fig. 7A, the selector 200 is shown. Then the supply opening valve seat 123 and the actuation opening valve seat 143 are shown. The supply opening valve seat 123 and the actuation opening valve seat 143 are identical. The actuation opening valve seat 123 surrounds the supply opening 122. The supply opening 122 is in fluid communication with the supply port S via the supply conduit 120 (supply port S and supply conduit 120 not shown in Fig.7A, see e.g. Fig. 2B). Similarly, the actuation opening 142 is in fluid communication with the actuation port S via the actuation conduit 140 (actuation port A and actuation conduit 140 not shown in Fig.7A, see e.g. Fig. 1A).
[0129] Each of the valve seats 123,143 has an intermediate part with reduced outer diameter 123R,143R along its axial length. First and second O-rings 125,145 are arranged around, i.e. surrounding, said parts with reduced outer diameter 123R,143R. A first upper O-ring support 126 and a first lower O-ring support 127 are configured to support the first O- ring 125 in place around the part with reduced outer diameter 123R of the supply opening valve seat 123. Similarly, a second upper O-ring support 146 and a second lower O-ring support 147 are configured to support the second O-ring 145 in place around the part with reduced outer diameter 143R of the actuation opening valve seat 143.
[0130] The first biasing element 124 and the second biasing element 144 are configured to push the respective supply opening valve seat 123 and the actuation opening valve seat 143 toward the selector 200. The first and second biasing elements 124,144 are arranged below the valve seats 123,143.
[0131] Fig. 7B is a side perspective view from above of an exemplary valve seat used as the supply opening valve seat 123 and the actuation opening valve seat 143. The valve seat 123,143 in Fig. 7B is an enlarged view of the valve seats 123,143 in Fig. 7A.
[0132] Fig. 7C is a side perspective view from below of the exemplary valve seat 123,143 in Fig. 7B. The valve seat 123,143 in Fig. 7C has been included in order to illustrate that a pressurized fluid will provide a larger force in a direction towards the selector 200 than in a direction facing away from the selector 200. As mentioned above, the valve seats 123,143 are arranged in respective first and second bores of the control valve (not shown). When pressurizing e.g. the supply port S, and thus the supply conduit 120 and the supply opening valve seat 123, the pressurized fluid will enter the bore and both the supply conduit 120 inside the supply opening valve seat 123 as well as the part with reduced outer diameter 123R on the radial outside the supply opening valve seat 123. The pressurized fluid will push against the upper cross-sectional area 123A (see. Fig. 7B) in a direction facing away from the selector 200. However, since the pressurized fluid will also push against the lower cross-sectional area 123U,143U (see. Fig. 7C, shown to be on an underside of the valve seat 123,143), the resultant force will be in a direction towards the selector 200 since the lower cross-sectional area 123U,143U is larger than the upper cross-sectional area 123 A.
[0133] Further referring to Figs. 5A-5D, a method of pressure testing the control valve 10 according to the invention will be described. The method of pressure testing comprises the steps of:
[0134] - rotating the selector 200 such that the first opening 210 is fluidly connected to the supply opening 122 and the second opening 220 is fluidly connected to the actuation opening 142, i.e. to the first state of the selector 200 as shown in Fig. 5A;
[0135] - pressurizing the supply port S such that pressurized fluid flows from the supply port S to the actuation port A via the supply conduit 120, the selector conduit 202 and the actuation conduit 140; and
[0136] - rotating the selector 200 to a position where the actuation opening valve seat 143 covers the second opening 220 such that the pressurized fluid is shut-in inside the actuation conduit 140, i.e. to the second state of the selector 200 as shown in Fig. 5B.
[0137] By performing these steps, the actuation conduit 140 can now be pressure tested.
[0138] A similar test can be performed to pressure test the supply conduit 120.
[0139] The method may further comprise steps for emptying or draining the actuation conduit 140, including:
[0140] - rotating the selector 200 such that the first opening 210 is fluidly connected to the return opening 162 and the second opening 220 is fluidly connected to the actuation opening 142, i.e. to the third state of the selector 200 as shown in Fig. 5C.
[0141] By performing this step, pressurized fluid which was trapped in the actuation conduit 140 is drained or emptied through the return opening 162.
[0142] In the preceding description, various aspects of the apparatus according to the invention have been described with reference to the illustrative embodiment. For example, the selector 200 may operate within a smaller or a larger number of degrees than the illustrated 120 degrees. This will be dependent on e.g.:
[0143] - the number of actuation openings as it is possible to have more than one actuation port (and thus more than one actuation opening), the distance between the supply opening and the actuation opening(s), etc.
[0144] For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, systems and configurations were set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the apparatus and its workings. However, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and variations of the illustrative embodiment, as well as other embodiments of the apparatus, which are apparent to person skilled in the art to which the disclosed subjectmatter pertains, are deemed to lie within the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.
[0145] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
[0146] 10 control valve
[0147] 100 housing
[0148] 101 second plane
[0149] 102 housing surface
[0150] 120 supply conduit
[0151] 122 supply opening
[0152] 123 supply opening valve seat
[0153] 123 A upper cross-sectional area
[0154] 123R part of supply opening valve seat with reduced outer diameter
[0155] 123U lower cross-sectional area
[0156] 124 first biasing element
[0157] 125 first O-ring
[0158] 126 first upper O-ring support
[0159] 127 first lower O-ring support
[0160] 140 actuation conduit
[0161] 142 actuation opening
[0162] 143 actuation opening valve seat
[0163] 143R part of actuation opening valve seat with reduced outer diameter
[0164] 144 second biasing element
[0165] 145 second O-ring
[0166] 146 second upper O-ring support
[0167] 147 second lower O-ring support
[0168] 160 return conduit
[0169] 162 return opening
[0170] 200 selector
[0171] 201 first plane
[0172] 202 selector conduit
[0173] 203 selector surface
[0174] 204 motor
[0175] 205 motor drive shaft
[0176] 210 first opening
[0177] 220 second opening
[0178] 230 path of openings 210, 220
[0179] A actuation port
[0180] Al arrow
[0181] IA Indication arrow
[0182] RIA first actuation valve seat radius
[0183] R2A second actuation valve seat radius
[0184] RA actuation valve seat size
[0185] R1S first supply valve seat radius R2S second supply valve seat radius
[0186] RS supply valve seat size
[0187] R return port
[0188] S supply port
[0189] SRA rotational axis
Claims
Claims1. A control valve (10) for an intervention or workover operation of a well, the control valve (10) comprising: a housing (100); a selector (200) being arranged at least partially inside the housing (100) rotatable about a rotational axis (SRA), the selector (200) comprising a planar selector surface (203) extending in a first plane (201) being orthogonal to the rotational axis (SRA), the selector (200) comprising a selector conduit (202) extending between a first opening (210) and a second opening (220) in the selector surface (203); the housing (100) comprising a supply conduit (120) extending between a supply port (S) and a supply opening (122), the supply opening (122) being arranged in a housing surface (102) cooperating with and facing the selector surface (203); the housing (100) comprising an actuation conduit (140) extending between an actuation port (A) and an actuation opening (142), the actuation opening (142) being arranged in the housing surface (102) cooperating with and facing the selector surface (203); a supply opening valve seat (123) surrounding the supply opening (122), the supply opening valve seat (123) abutting and being configured to provide a seal against the selector surface (203); an actuation opening valve seat (143) surrounding the actuation opening (142), the actuation opening valve seat (143) abutting and being configured to provide a seal against the selector surface (203); the selector (200) being rotatable about said rotational axis (SRA) to allow the selector (200) to be positioned such that at least one of the first opening (210) and the second opening (220) is covered by said supply opening valve seat (123) or said actuation opening valve seat (143).
2. The control valve (10) according to claim 1, wherein the housing (100) comprises a return conduit (160) extending between a return port (R) and a return opening (162), wherein the return opening (162) is facing the selector (200).
3. The control valve (10) according to claim 2, wherein the selector (200) is rotatable about said rotational axis (SRA) between: o a first state in which the first opening (210) is fluidly connected to the actuation opening (142) and the second opening (220) is fluidly connected to the supply opening (122);o a second state in which the first opening (210) is covered by the actuation opening valve seat (143) and the second opening (220) is covered by the supply opening valve seat (123); o a third state in which the first opening (210) is fluidly connected to the return opening (162) and the second opening (220) is fluidly connected to the actuation opening (142).
4. The control valve (10) according to claim 3, wherein the selector (200) is rotatable to: o a fourth state in which the first opening (210) and the second opening (220) are fluidly connected to the return opening (162).
5. The control valve (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control valve (10) comprises a motor (204) with a rotatable motor drive shaft (205) which is rotatable about said rotational axis (SRA) of the selector (200) for rotating the selector (200) between the respective states.
6. The control valve (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing surface (102) extends in a second plane (101) and wherein the return opening (162) is fluidly connected to a volume formed between the first plane (201) and the second plane (101).
7. The control valve (10) according to any of the preceding claims 1-5 wherein the return opening (162) is oriented radially towards a side of the selector (200).
8. The control valve (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first opening (210) and the second opening (220) have an elliptical cross section in the first plane (201).
9. The control valve (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the supply opening valve seat (123) and the actuation opening valve seat (143) form one common valve seat.
10. The control valve (10) according to any of the preceding claims 1-8, wherein the supply opening valve seat (123) and the actuation opening valve seat (143) have a width which is larger than a diameter of the first opening (210) and the second opening (220).
11. The control valve (10) according to any of the preceding claims 1-8, wherein the supply opening valve seat (123) and the actuation opening valve seat (143) have an elliptical shape.
12. The control valve (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control valve (10) has a rotation direction and wherein the supply opening valve seat (123)and the actuation opening valve seat (143) have a larger extension both in the rotation direction and in a direction perpendicular to the rotation direction than the extension in the respective directions of both the first opening (210) and the second opening (220).
13. The control valve (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control valve (10) comprises an electric motor (204) for rotating the selector (200).
14. The control valve (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the supply opening valve seat (123) and the actuation opening valve seat (143) are made of metal.
15. The control valve (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the supply conduit (120) and the actuation conduit (140) are parallel to each other.
16. The control valve (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the supply opening valve seat (123) is configured such that when the supply conduit (120) is pressurized, the supply opening valve seat (123) is forced against the selector (200), and wherein the actuation opening valve seat (143) is configured such that when the actuation conduit (140) is pressurized, the actuation opening valve seat (143) is forced against the selector (200).
17. The control valve (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control valve (10) comprises a first bore and a second bore, and wherein the supply opening valve seat (123) is positioned within the first bore and the actuation opening valve seat (143) is positioned within the second bore.
18. The control valve (10) according to claim 17, wherein the control valve (10) comprises a first biasing element and a second biasing element, wherein the first biasing element is positioned within the first bore and the second biasing element is positioned within the second bore, and wherein the first biasing element and the second biasing element are configured to push the respective supply opening valve seat (123) and the actuation opening valve seat (143) toward the selector (200).
19. A method of pressure testing a control valve (10) according to any of the preceding claims 1-18, wherein the method comprises the steps of:- rotating the selector (200) such that the first opening (210) is fluidly connected to the supply opening (122) and the second opening (220) is fluidly connected to the actuation opening (142);- pressurizing the supply port (S) such that pressurized fluid flows from the supply port (S) to the actuation port (A) via the supply conduit (120), the selector conduit (202) and the actuation conduit (140);- rotating the selector (200) to a position where the actuation opening valve seat(143) covers the second opening (220) such that the pressurized fluid is shut-in inside the actuation conduit (140).
20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the housing (100) comprises a return conduit (160) extending between a return port (R) and a return opening (162), wherein the return opening (162) is facing the selector (200), and wherein the method comprises the steps of:- rotating the selector (200) such that the first opening (210) is fluidly connected to the return opening (162) and the second opening (220) is fluidly connected to the actuation opening (142).
21. The control valve (10) according to any of the preceding claims 1-18, wherein the supply opening valve seat (123) and the actuation opening valve seat (143) are configured to move in a direction towards, and into sealing contact with, the selector surface (203).
Citation Information
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