Actuatable Subsurface Safety Valve Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The hydrocarbon recovery industry faces challenges in remotely controlling and repeatedly actuating downhole safety valves without retrieving them to the surface, particularly in managing excessive downhole pressures that can cause undesirably high flows.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool and subsurface safety valve system featuring a tubular with tooth profiles, actuatable latches, and solenoid actuators that allow for controlled movement and latching of the tubular within a housing, enabling remote operation and repeated opening and closing of the valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a downhole safety valve is installed to control excessive downhole pressures, then flow control safety is improved, but the ability to remotely control and repeatedly actuate the valve without surface retrieval is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The valve actuation system is segmented into multiple independent latches (first latch, second latch, third latch) that can be controlled separately. Each latch engages with the tubular at different positions, allowing selective activation to achieve opening, closing, or locking functions. This segmentation enables complex valve operations to be broken down into simple, remotely controllable latch engagement sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static valve that requires surface retrieval for actuation to a dynamic system where latches can be engaged and disengaged remotely in different sequences. The tubular can be moved dynamically between positioned states (open, closed, locked) by controlling which latches are engaged, enabling repeated actuation cycles without removing the valve from the well.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the valve is designed for remote control actuation, then operational flexibility is improved, but the mechanical complexity of the actuation system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latches serve as intermediary mechanical elements between the remote actuation system and the valve tubular. Instead of directly actuating the valve from the surface, the system uses latches that can be engaged/disengaged remotely to indirectly control tubular position. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the remote actuation interface while providing versatile control through different latch engagement sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
Different latches are positioned at different locations along the tubular, with each latch having a specific engagement function. The first latch engages at one position to enable movement, the second latch engages at another position to prevent movement, and the third latch provides additional positioning. This local differentiation of latch functions reduces the need for complex centralized control mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If multiple latches are used to control tubular movement, then precise position control is improved, but the number of actuators and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve operation follows a periodic cycle of latch engagement and disengagement sequences. The same three latches are repeatedly engaged and disengaged in different sequences to achieve opening, closing, and locking functions. This periodic reuse of the same components eliminates the need for separate actuators for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise position control through sequence variation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe and remote control of downhole safety valves, allowing for repeated operation without surface retrieval, effectively managing downhole pressures and flow control with efficient actuation and feedback mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
at least one actuator in operable communication with the at least one first actuatable latch such that actuation of the at least one actuator while the at least one first actuatable latch is actuated and the at least one second actuatable latch is nonactuated causes movement of the tubular
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool includes, a tubular, a tooth profile on the tubular, at least one first actuatable latch complementary to the tooth profile and at least one second actuatable latch complementary to the tooth profile. The at least one second actuatable latch prevents movement of the tubular when actuated. Additionally, at least one actuator is in operable communication with the at least one first actuatable latch such that actuation of the at least one actuator while the at least one first actuatable latch is actuated and the at least one second actuatable latch is nonactuated causes movement of the tubular.