Valve with energizable sealing

Abstract

A valve including a body, with a gate disposed in the body. At least one seal is disposed on the gate, and a charge is configured for activation to energize the at least one seal on the gate. A method for operating a valve.

Description

VALVE WITH ENERGIZABLE SEALINGCross Reference to Related Applications

[0001] Not Applicable.Background

[0002] This disclosure relates to fluid flow and pressure control devices. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a conduit device using a gate design for effective fluid control and pressure containment in general applications.

[0003] Valves to control the transmission and flow of fluids have been in use for centuries. Gate valves are well known and applied in various industries. Conventional gate valves are designed with a stem and stem packing configuration, which is less than ideal for use with extremely harsh fluids that significantly reduce the operational life of the gates.

[0004] Pyrotechnic based blowout preventers (BOP) have been implemented for applications in the oil and gas industry. Such BOPs utilize a chemical propellant to generate high gas pressure to drive a gate to rapidly shut closed a wellbore. Such devices are generally aimed at cutting through objects in the wellbore and closing-off the wellbore. However, as understood by those skilled in the art, all possible leakage points need to be considered to ensure sealing integrity with BOPs and other flow and pressure control devices. Thus a need remains for improved valve designs.

[0005] blowout preventer according to one aspect of the disclosure has a main body having a through bore. A housing is mounted to the main body and defining a passage connected to and transverse to the through bore. An isolation ring cutter is initially disposed around the through bore and closes the passage to fluid flow. The isolation cutter ring is movable along the passage and has an opening coincident with the through bore. A piston and gate are disposed in the passage spaced apart from the isolation ring cutter. A propellant charge is disposed between the piston and an end.Summary

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure is a valve including a body with a gate disposed therein. At least one seal is disposed on the gate. A charge is configured for activation to energize the at least one seal on the gate.

[0007] Another aspect of this disclosure is a method for operating a valve having a body, including actuating a charge to energize at least one seal disposed on a gate disposed in the body.

[0008] Another aspect of this disclosure is a valve including a body having a transverse passage formed therein. A gate is disposed in the passage. A plurality of seals are disposed on the gate. A charge is configured for activation to propel the gate along the passage. Each seal on the gate is configured for energization.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an example embodiment of a valve according to the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the valve of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the valve of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 4 shows a partial blow-up view of an example embodiment of a valve according to the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 5 shows a partial transparency perspective view of an example embodiment of a valve according to the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6 shows a closeup perspective view of an example embodiment of a gate according to the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 7 shows a partial transparency side view of an example embodiment of a valve according to the present disclosure

[0016] FIG. 8 shows a cutaway view of an example embodiment of a gate according to the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 9 shows a cutaway view of an example embodiment of an initiator according to the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 10 shows a closeup perspective end view of an example embodiment of a gate according to the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 11 shows a transparency plan view of an example embodiment of a gate according to the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 12 shows a cutaway plan view of an example embodiment of a valve in a preactuation state according to the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 13 shows a cutaway side view of the valve of FIG. 12.

[0022] FIG. 13A shows a blowup view of a component in the valve of FIG. 13.

[0023] FIG. 14 shows a cutaway plan view of an example embodiment of a valve in a postactuation state according to the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 15 shows a cutaway side view of the valve of FIG. 14.

[0025] FIG. 15A shows a blowup view of a component in the valve of FIG. 15.

[0026] FIG. 16 shows a plan view of an example embodiment of a gate according to the present disclosure.Detailed Description

[0027] The embodiments disclosed herein are not to be limited to the precise arrangements and configurations shown in the figures, in which like reference numerals may identify like elements. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and certain features may be shown exaggerated in scale or in generalized or schematic form, in the interest of clarity and conciseness. As used herein, the terms “fluid” and “fluids” are meant to encompass substances in a traditional gaseous state, in a liquid state, and / or in a mixture of the two states.

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an example embodiment of a valve 10 of this disclosure. The valve 10 has a main body 12 having a through bore 14. A first end cap 16 is mounted onto the body 12 with bolts 18. A second end cap 20 is mounted at the oppositeend of the body 12, also with bolts 18. The body 12 is configured with a flange 22 at the lower side. The flange 22 includes a series of holes 24 for the bolts used to couple the valve 10 onto conventional fluid conveyance systems as known in the art. The upper surface of the body is configured with a series of bolts 26 extending outward around the through bore 14 for coupling the valve onto conventional fluid conveyance systems as known in the art.

[0029] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the valve 10 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the through bore 14 passes through the body 12 to provide an unobstructed path for the flow of fluids and / or articles (e.g., pipes, cables, tubing, tools, etc.) through the body. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment with a first cylindrical sleeve 28 disposed in the through bore 14. The sleeve 28 is configured with a channel 30 to receive an annular seal (e.g., O-ring) to provide sealing when the valve 10 is coupled to a tubular as known in the art. FIG. 3 shows a perspective end view of the valve 10. The end cap 16 is configured with an initiator port 32 (further described below).

[0030] FIG. 4 shows a partial blow-up view of a valve 10. One end of a gate 34 is shown extending outward from a transverse passage 36 (see FIGS. 14, 15) formed in the body 12. A section of an upper gate 34 seal 36A is also shown, as well as a rectangular seal 38 placed between the end cap 16 and the end of the body 12. A pair of pistons 40 A, 40B and an igniter housing 42 are also shown (further described below). At the opposite end of the body 12, an energy absorbing element 44 is disposed adjacent to the inner surface of the end cap 20. The energy absorbing element 44 can be implemented using conventional materials that can be crushed or deformed to absorb energy as known in the art (e.g., honeycomb aluminum). Another rectangular seal 46 is also placed between the other end cap 20 and the end of the body 12.

[0031] FIG. 5 shows a transparency of the valve 10. The gate 34 is configured with a planar body 35 having a first end 37 and a second end 39 (see FIG. 6). FIG. 5 shows the seal 36A disposed on a first surface 48 of the gate 34. In this embodiment, the seal 36A is formed as a closed loop. The cylindrical sleeve 28 is shown disposed in a circular opening 50 formed proximate one end of the gate 34. Some gate 34 embodiments are implemented with a wiper band 52A, 52B (e.g., O-ring) disposed in a respective groove 53A, 53B (seeFIG. 6) at each end of the gate to function as a wiper for the internal surface of the transverse passage 36 as the gate 34 moves therein.

[0032] FIG. 6 shows a perspective blow-up of a gate 34. A channel 54A is formed on the solid first surface 48 of the gate 34 to receive and hold the seal 36A. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the seal 36A is formed as an elongated closed loop, compared to the gate 34 opening 50 which is generally circular to match the through bore 14 (see FIG.2) on the body 12. A second seal 36B is shown in FIG. 6. This seal 36B is identical to the first seal 36A and resides in another channel 54B (see FIG. 8) formed on the solid second surface 49 of the gate 34 opposite the first surface 48. Conventional seals 36A, 36B may be used to implement embodiments of this disclosure, including the seals described in Inti. Pat. Apps. WO20211142004 and WO20211141999. The first 48 and second 49 surfaces of the gate 34 mirror each other. FIG. 6 also shows a charge 56 packaged in an elongated shape to fit inside a central cylindrical chamber 58 formed in the gate 34 body. The charge 56 may be in the form of a conventional heat and / or percussively initiated chemical propellant that combusts or reacts when initiated to produce high pressure gases.

[0033] FIG. 7 shows a transparency cut-away view of a valve 10. The charge 56 is shown disposed in the chamber 58. A first initiator 60 is mounted through the end cap 16. A second initiator 62 is mounted in the gate 34. A pyrotechnic linking member 64 links the two initiators 60, 62. FIG. 7 shows an embodiment with a second cylindrical sleeve 66 disposed in the through bore 14 below the first sleeve 28. The second sleeve 66 is positioned in alignment with and inside the opening 50 on the gate 34. The sleeve 66 may be formed of a material with low resistance to shearing.

[0034] FIG. 8 shows a closeup cross-section of the first 60 and second 62 initiators linked together via the pyrotechnic linking member 64. In some embodiments, the linking member 64 is implemented by a segment of conventional detonating cord. FIG. 9 shows a cutaway of a commercial bulkhead initiator 70 (Pyrotechnical & Energy Material Solutions, www. psemc.com) that may be used to implement the first 60 and second 62 initiators. A lead 72 extends out from an actuation end of the initiator 70. When actuation of the initiator 70 is desired, an electric current is applied to the lead 72 via any suitable means as known in the art. Upon actuation via a current, a detonator 74 linked to the leadignites a donor explosive charge 76. The donor charge 76 initiates and transfers a shock wave through the initiator 70 body with sufficient intensity to cause the initiation of a receptor charge 78 on the opposite side of the end cap 16 (see FIG. 7). In this manner, the initiator 70 provides a detonation or deflagration at the output end 80 of the device without breaching the cap 16 wall, which provides a pressure containment barrier post functioning.

[0035] Returning to FIG. 8, once the receptor charge 78 in the first initiator 60 is ignited, the detonation at the output end 80 ignites the pyrotechnic linking member 64. The linking member 64, in turn, ignites the donor charge 76 in the second initiator 62, which ignites the receptor charge 78 therein. As shown in FIG. 8, the output end 80 of the second initiator 62 is adjacent to the charge 56 disposed in the gate 34 chamber 58. Thus, when the second initiator 62 is actuated, the detonation or deflagration at the output end 80 actuates the charge 56 in the gate 34. This configuration of linked initiators 60, 62 produces a time delay for sequencing production of high pressure gases for the valve 10 to operate as disclosed herein. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the initiators 60, 62 can be linked together for ignition via other means as known in the art. For example, the donor charge 76 in the first initiator 60 can be directly linked (via detonating cord) to the receptor charge 78 in the second initiator 62. It will also be appreciated that embodiments may be implemented with redundant features (e.g., dual initiator leads 72, dual linking members 64) to provide redundancy for increased reliability.

[0036] FIG. 10 shows a closeup perspective of a gate 34 from the first end 37. As shown in FIG. 10, the gate 34 is implemented with three cylindrical chambers formed therein. The central chamber 58 that houses the charge 56 (see FIG. 8) and a pair of seal actuation chambers 82A, 82B with one on each side of the central chamber. Each chamber 58, 82A, 82B is configured with a port Pl, P2, P3. The port Pl in the central chamber 58 links with the respective ports P2, P3 in the seal chambers 82B, 82A.

[0037] FIG. 11 shows a plan view transparency looking at the first surface 48 of the gate 34. The seal 36A channel 54A on the first surface 48 includes a port 84A at the bottom surface of the channel that runs through the gate 34 body to link into seal chamber 82A.The seal channel 54B on the second surface 49 is also configured with a port 84B at the bottom of the channel that runs through the gate 34 body to link into seal chamber 82B.

[0038] FIG. 12 shows a cutaway plan view of a valve 10 prior to actuation, with the through bore 14 providing an unobstructed path for fluids and / or articles to pass through the valve body 12. The gate 34 is implemented with a first plunger 86A coupled to the piston 40A in chamber 82A. A second plunger 86B is coupled to the piston 40B in chamber 82B. As shown in FIG. 12, the chambers 82A, 82B are each configured with a reduced diameter as the chamber proceeds into the gate 34 body 12. The plungers 86A, 86B are each accordingly configured with piston ends 88A, 88B that reside in the reduced diameter chamber 82A, 82B ends, hr this manner, the chambers 82A, 82B are each divided to provide a first volume VI at an internal pressure of substantially one atmosphere on the left side (as looking at FIG. 12) and a second volume V2 on the right side of the pistons 88A, 88B. In some embodiments, the second volumes V2 may contain a semi-solid compound (e.g., suitable grease or other semi-solid compound as known in the art). FIG.12 also shows another charge 57 disposed in a pocket 59 formed in the first end cap 16. The charge 57 may be in the form of a conventional heat and / or percussively initiated chemical propellant that combusts or reacts when initiated to produce high pressure gases.

[0039] FIG. 13 shows a cutaway side view of the valve 10 of FIG. 12. In this state, the gate 34 opening 50 is positioned coincident with the through bore 14 and houses sleeve 66. FIG. 13A shows a closeup view of the seal 36A in the seal channel 54A on the first surface of the gate 34. As shown in FIG. 13 A, the seal 36A is in a neutral state in the channel 54A. Seal 36B is also in a neutral state.

[0040] FIG. 14 shows a cutaway plan view of the valve 10 of FIG. 12 after actuation. When the charge 57 in the cap 16 pocket 59 is actuated via the initiator 60 as disclosed herein, the force of the expanding gases in the pocket 57 propel the gate 34 across the transverse passage 36 (left to right in FIG. 14). The force is great enough for the wall of the gate 34 opening 50 to cut through and shear the sleeve 66 (see FIG. 13). The gate 34 is propelled across the through bore 14 until the second end 39 of the gate 34 abuts against the energy absorbing element 44, which absorbs the excess kinetic energy and stops the gate 34 motion. At this stage, the through bore 14 is completely closed off by the solid surfaceareas 48, 49 of the gate 34 and the elongated closed loop seals 36A, 36B provide sealing integrity to prevent undesired egress of contaminants from the through bore 14.

[0041] As disclosed herein, actuation of the first initiator 60 produces a time delayed actuation of the second initiator 62 in the gate 34 via the linking member 64, which in turn actuates the charge 56 in the central gate 34 chamber 58. Returning to FIG. 10, when the charge 56 in the central chamber 58 is actuated via the initiator 62, high pressure gases rapidly expand to fill the chamber 58. The expanding gases pass through the port(s) Pl in the central chamber 58 into the side seal chambers 82A, 82B via ports P2 and P3. These ports P2, P3 feed into the first volumes VI in the seal chambers 82A, 82B. The force of the expanding gases in the first volumes VI propel the pistons 40A, 40B toward the second end 39 of the gate 34. The coupled plungers 86A, 86B are accordingly propelled toward the second end 39 of the gate 34. As the plungers 86A, 86B move toward the second end 39, they compress the semi-solid compounds contained in the second volumes V2. The semi-solid compounds are respectively forced under pressure through the ports 84A, 84B leading to the bottom surfaces of the seal 36A, 36B channels 54A, 54B (see FIG. 11).

[0042] FIG. 15 shows a cutaway side view of the valve 10 of FIG. 14. FIG. 15A shows a closeup view of the seal 36A in the seal channel 54A on the first surface of the gate 34. As shown in FIG. 15 A, the seal 36A has been energized up in the channel 54A by the pressurized semi-solid compound that fills the channel 54A via port 84A to urge the seal outward from the channel to press the upper surface 92 of the seal against the surface of the transverse passage 36. Seal 36B is also energized in a similar manner via the pressurized semi-solid compound that fills the channel 54B via port 84B in the gate 34 (see FIG. 11).

[0043] FIG. 16 shows a plan view of another gate 34 embodiment with a cutting surface 100. In this embodiment, the opening 50 may be formed with a cutting surface 100 extending from the side of the opening closest to the first end 37 of the gate 34. The opening 50 may be formed with cutting surface 100 recessed toward the first end 37 of the gate 34 to maintain a clear path in the through bore 14 when the gate is disposed in the valve 10. The cutting surface 100 will aid in shearing through solid, hard objects thatmay be in the through bore 14 when the valve 10 is actuated to close off the bore as disclosed herein.

[0044] The disclosed sequential valve 10 charge actuation provides for rapid flow and pressure control in fluid conveyance systems. The timed seal energization also provides greater sealing integrity when the gate is actuated to the closed position. By preventing the ingress of debris into the valve 10 body with effective sealing, the operational life of the valve is extended.

[0045] It will be appreciated that embodiments of the disclosed valves 10 may be implemented for use in numerous applications and operations, in the oil and gas industry and in other fields of endeavor. For example, the disclosed valve 10 embodiments may be deployed for use at surface, above surface, subsurface, and under water. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented with conventional hardware components (e.g., conventional fasteners, seals, etc.) and parts formed of suitable materials depending on the application. It will also be appreciated that embodiments may be implemented with control units locally or remotely linked to the valves 10 as known in the art. Electrical power for initiator actuation may also be provided locally (e.g., with batteries) or remotely via cabling as known in the art. Although only a few examples have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the examples. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A valve, comprising:a body;a gate disposed in the body;at least one seal disposed on the gate; anda charge configured for activation to energize the at least one seal on the gate.

2. The valve of claim 1, wherein the gate comprises a plurality of seals disposed thereon, each seal configured for energization upon activation of the charge.

3. The valve of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a through bore and a passage transverse to the through bore.

4. The valve of claim 3, wherein the gate is configured for motion along the passage.

5. The valve of claim 4, further comprising an energy absorbing element configured to absorb kinetic energy associated with motion of the gate.

6. The valve of claim 4, wherein the charge is disposed on the gate.

7. The valve of claim 6, further comprising a second charge configured for activation to propel the gate along the passage into the through bore.

8. The valve of claim 7, wherein the charge to energize the at least one seal is configured for delayed activation after activation of the second charge.

9. The valve of claim 7, further comprising a first initiator to activate the second charge.

10. The valve of claim 9, further comprising a second initiator to activate the charge configured for activation to energize the at least one seal.

11. The valve of claim 10, wherein the second initiator is configured for delayed actuation after actuation of the first initiator.

12. The valve of claim 1 , wherein the at least one seal is formed as a closed loop.

13. The valve of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a through bore and the gate is configured for positioning with an opening on the gate coincident with the through bore.

14. The valve of claim 13. further comprising a sleeve disposed in the opening on the gate concentric with the through bore.

15. The valve of claim 13, wherein the gate opening is configured with a cutting surface.

16. The valve of claim 1, wherein the gate comprises a first seal disposed on a first surface of the gate and a second seal disposed on a second surface of the gate opposite the first surface, with the first and second seals each configured for energization upon activation of the charge.

17. The valve of claim 1, wherein the gate comprises internal porting to convey gas pressure to energize the at least one seal.

18. The valve of claim 1 , wherein the gate comprises an internal chamber configured to contain a fluid to energize the at least one seal.

19. The valve of claim 1, wherein the gate comprises a channel formed thereon to hold the at least one seal.

20. A method for operating a valve having a body, comprising:actuating a charge to energize at least one seal disposed on a gate disposed in the body.

21. A valve, comprising:a body having a transverse passage formed therein;a gate disposed in the passage;a plurality of seals disposed on the gate;a charge configured for activation to propel the gate along the passage; andwherein each seal on the gate is configured for energization.

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