Annular Flow Valve Mechanical Closure Hydraulic Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wellbore completion systems face challenges in efficiently and selectively flowing formation fluids from multiple zones, as existing annular valves require mechanical or hydraulic opening/closing methods that are either cumbersome or lack flexibility in pressure testing and operation.
Innovation Solution
A flow control device with a mechanical closing mechanism and hydraulic opening mechanism for the annular flow path, allowing for selective control of fluid flow paths in wellbores, enabling mechanical closure and hydraulic opening of the annular path using pressure-supplied fluid, facilitating pressure testing and fluid production from multiple zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical closing mechanism is used for the annular flow path, then the valve can be reliably closed and pressure tested, but the opening operation becomes cumbersome and less flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical opening mechanism with a hydraulic actuation system. A hydraulic piston responds to pressure differentials between the central and annular flow paths to automatically open the annular valve, eliminating the need for complex mechanical opening operations while maintaining reliable mechanical closure through dogs and lugs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs hydraulic pressure differentials to actuate the opening of the annular flow path. When pressure in the central flow path exceeds pressure in the annular path by a sufficient differential, a hydraulic piston moves to open the valve, providing flexible and easy opening operation without cumbersome mechanical procedures.
2Ease of operation
If the annular flow path is opened hydraulically by applying pressure in the central flow path, then the valve opening is simplified, but the system requires additional pressure control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic opening mechanism is self-actuating based on pressure differentials. When the pressure in the central flow path naturally exceeds the annular path pressure by the required differential during normal operation, the hydraulic piston automatically opens the valve without requiring external control systems or additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in pressure parameters between the central and annular flow paths to trigger valve opening. The hydraulic piston is designed to respond to specific pressure differential thresholds, automatically converting pressure parameter changes into mechanical opening action without additional control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If pressure testing is performed on the valve, then the sealing reliability is verified, but the operational time required for testing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is conveyed and installed in the wellbore with the annular flow path already in the closed position, ready for immediate pressure testing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site closing operations and allows pressure testing to be performed immediately upon installation, significantly reducing testing time while ensuring sealing reliability.
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
This solution provides flexible and efficient control over fluid flow in wellbores, allowing for precise management of fluid production from multiple zones, enhancing operational flexibility and reliability in wellbore completion systems.
Implementation Method 1
an opening device that opens the second flow path when a fluid under pressure is supplied to the annulus when the valve is closed
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use in a wellbore contains a flow control device for use in a wellbore that includes a bore that provides a first flow path and a second flow path via an annulus around the first flow path. The apparatus further includes a closing device that closes the second flow path when the closing device is mechanically moved in a first direction and an opening device that opens the second flow path when a fluid under pressure is supplied to the annulus when a valve is closed.