Adjustable Flow Restriction Valve Assembly for Wellbore Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well completion systems face challenges in accommodating various processes for producing hydrocarbon materials and injecting fluids into subterranean formations due to limitations in adjustable flow restrictions, which affect the efficiency and control of fluid flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly is integrated within a wellbore string, featuring a valve housing with injection ports and a valve sleeve having a fluid channel with a boustrophedonic groove configuration, along with a flow adjuster that adjusts the flow length to control fluid flow rates by aligning with the groove, allowing for selective positioning to create desired flow restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed flow restriction is used in well completion systems, then the device structure is simple, but the system cannot accommodate various processes for producing hydrocarbon materials and injecting fluids with different flow rate requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the flow restriction adjustable rather than fixed. The valve assembly includes a flow adjuster that can be positioned at different locations within the fluid channel, allowing the flow restriction to be dynamically changed according to different operational requirements for hydrocarbon production and fluid injection processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the valve assembly into distinct functional components: a valve housing, a valve sleeve with fluid channel, and a flow adjuster. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively providing adaptable flow control for various processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable flow restriction mechanism is added to accommodate different processes, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity and structural requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a valve assembly that can serve multiple functions: it can accommodate both hydrocarbon production and fluid injection processes with different flow rate requirements using a single integrated structure, rather than requiring separate systems for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by positioning the flow adjuster within the valve sleeve, which itself is contained within the valve housing. This nested arrangement allows the flow adjuster to move freely within the fluid channel while being protected and guided by the surrounding structures, enabling adjustable flow control without adding external complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the flow adjuster is positioned to align with different portions of the fluid channel, then the fluid flow rate restriction can be adjusted, but the positioning precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the flow adjuster with features that enable it to automatically position itself or be easily positioned by standard well intervention tools. The flow adjuster includes an outer surface with features that interact with the valve sleeve or housing to provide stable positioning at predetermined locations, reducing the need for high-precision manual positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing predetermined positioning features during manufacturing, such as engagement surfaces or alignment markers on the flow adjuster and valve sleeve. These pre-configured features guide the flow adjuster to correct positions during installation or adjustment operations, ensuring proper alignment without requiring high precision during the adjustment operation itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly for integration within a wellbore string disposed within a subterranean reservoir is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve housing having one or more injection ports for establishing fluid communication between a central passage and the reservoir. The valve assembly includes a valve sleeve operatively mounted within the valve housing and comprising a fluid channel adapted to establish fluid communication between the central passage and the injection ports, and configured to create a fluid flowrate restriction. The valve assembly has a flow adjuster connectable to the valve sleeve, and is selectively arranged to align an opening with the fluid channel and allow fluid to flow from the fluid channel through the opening to the injection port, wherein connecting the flow adjuster to the valve sleeve defines a flow length of the fluid channel to adjust the fluid restriction created by the fluid channel.