Annular Circulation Valve Pressure Relief Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

In oil and gas wellbores, pressure increases due to temperature changes in isolated zones can cause damage to wellbore components and formations, as existing technologies lack effective solutions for pressure relief and fluid circulation within annuli.

Innovation Solution

A valve design comprising an outer and inner mandrel with a sleeve that aligns ports to allow fluid circulation and pressure relief, utilizing a piston and spring mechanism to manage pressure changes, enabling fluid transfer between the wellbore annulus and the inner mandrel bore for both completion and production operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wellbore barriers (packers, bridge plugs) are used to isolate zones for production or intervention operations, then zone isolation and production capability are improved, but pressure buildup in isolated annuli can cause damage to wellbore components and formations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezone isolation reliabilityVSAvoidpressure damage to wellbore components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The valve assembly acts as an intermediary pressure management device between the isolated annulus and the wellbore system. It provides a controlled pathway for pressure relief while maintaining the isolation integrity of the packers or bridge plugs, thus mediating between the need for zone isolation and the need to prevent pressure damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve extracts or removes excess pressure from the isolated annulus by providing a relief pathway. This allows the isolated zone to maintain its sealing function while preventing dangerous pressure accumulation that would otherwise damage wellbore components and formations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If existing valve designs are used for pressure relief, then some pressure management is achieved, but they lack effective fluid circulation capability within annuli

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure relief capabilityVSAvoidfluid circulation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The valve assembly is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a pressure relief device and a fluid circulation mechanism. The movable mandrel with aligned ports enables the valve to perform multiple functions including pressure equalization, fluid circulation within the annulus, and coordination with completion fluid pumping operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve incorporates dynamic elements including a movable mandrel that responds to pressure differentials, and a sleeve that slides to align or misalign ports. This dynamic structure allows the valve to adapt its flow pathways based on operating conditions, enabling both pressure relief and fluid circulation functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a complex valve mechanism is designed to provide both circulation and pressure relief, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual function capabilityVSAvoidvalve structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: an outer mandrel, an inner movable mandrel, a sliding sleeve, and associated ports. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions independently while working together as a integrated system, managing complexity through modular functional division

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The valve effectively circulates fluids and relieves pressure within isolated wellbore annuli, reducing the risk of damage to wellbore components and formations by allowing pressure equalization and fluid exchange, thus protecting equipment and enhancing operational safety.

Implementation Method 1

The sleeve moves within the annulus due to an increase in pressure within an isolated outside environment until the sleeve port is at least partially aligned with the port of the inner mandrel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS8752631B2Annular circulation valve and methods of using same

Publication Date: 2014.06.17 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

Valves comprise a chamber having a piston disposed therein. One side of the piston defines a hydrostatic chamber in fluid communication with an outside environment, such as wellbore annulus, through a port. Operatively associated with the piston on the other side is a sleeve in sliding engagement with an inner mandrel. The inner mandrel comprises a port that is initially blocked by the sleeve. Upon an increase in pressure within the annulus, the piston is moved causing the port in the sleeve to align with the port in the inner mandrel thereby allowing fluid to flow from the annulus into the bore of the inner mandrel. As a result, fluid can be circulated through the valve, or pressure within the annulus can be reduced. A return member is operatively associated with the piston to urge the piston toward the closed position after pressure within the wellbore annulus is reduced.