Annulus Relief Check Valve Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The recurring pattern of pressure buildup and relief in the tubing casing annulus of a wellbore is difficult to manage, requiring costly and resource-intensive manual bleed-off operations.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a wellhead, a production line, an annulus relief line with a check valve, and a well control system that measures pressure differences between the annulus and the production line, automatically opening and closing the check valve for pressure relief.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual bleed-off operations are used to relieve pressure in the tubing casing annulus, then pressure relief is achieved, but personnel and resource costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure relief effectivenessVSAvoidmanual operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic pressure relief by allowing the annulus pressure itself to trigger the relief mechanism through the pressure-sensitive device, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The check valve automatically opens when annulus pressure exceeds production line pressure, and the system self-regulates the relief process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated control system that uses pressure differential sensing and automatic valve actuation. The well control system monitors pressure differences and automatically operates the check valve, substituting human-operated mechanical systems with automated control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual bleed-off operations are performed frequently to manage recurrent pressure buildup, then pressure control is maintained, but time and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure controlVSAvoidtime for pressure relief operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides continuous pressure monitoring and automatic relief operation, eliminating the interruptions and delays associated with manual operations. The pressure-sensitive device continuously monitors annulus pressure and immediately triggers relief when needed, maintaining continuous pressure control without human intervention delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The well control system continuously monitors pressure differential between the annulus and production line, using this feedback to automatically control the check valve. When annulus pressure exceeds production line pressure by a predetermined amount, the system receives feedback and automatically opens the valve for relief, then closes it when pressure equalizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If an automated pressure relief system is implemented, then manual intervention is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation levelVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a pressure-sensitive device as an intermediary between the annulus pressure system and the check valve control mechanism. This intermediary automatically senses pressure differential and triggers valve operation, simplifying the control architecture by using a dedicated sensing component rather than complex control logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The annulus relief line serves multiple functions: it provides a pressure relief pathway, connects the annulus to the production line, and serves as the medium for pressure differential sensing. The check valve both controls flow direction and acts as the actuation mechanism, combining multiple functions in single components to reduce overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system effectively manages pressure relief in the wellbore annulus by automating the process, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing costs associated with personnel and resources.

Implementation Method 1

the check valve is opened and closed in response to a determined difference between fluid pressure measured by the first pressure gauge and fluid pressure measured by the second pressure gauge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS12264555B2Autonomous tubing casing annulus relief system

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A system for relieving pressure in a wellbore annulus of a hydrocarbon recovery well includes a wellhead, a production line extending from the wellhead, and an annulus relief line extending between the wellhead and the production line. A first pressure gauge measures fluid pressure in the wellbore annulus, a second pressure gauge measures fluid pressure in the production line. A well control system is in communication with the first pressure gauge, second pressure gauge and a check valve disposed in the annulus relief line. The well control system opens and closes the check valve in response to a determined difference between fluid pressure measured by the first pressure gauge and fluid pressure measured by the second pressure gauge. A related method includes measuring the fluid pressure in the wellbore annulus and in the production line, and opening and closing the check valve in response to the determined pressure difference.