Autonomous Circulating Valve Actuation via Power Screw

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional circulating valves require surface intervention to close, which is time-consuming and can be detrimental to tools below the ball, making it undesirable, especially during operations like setting an inflatable packer.

Innovation Solution

An autonomous circulating valve actuated by a power screw or sensor, which can close automatically based on time, wellbore conditions, or tool depth detection, eliminating the need for surface intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a ball is dropped to close the circulating valve, then the valve can be closed, but the operation is time-consuming and detrimental to tools below the ball

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve closure reliabilityVSAvoidoperational time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The circulating valve is equipped with a motor-driven actuator that automatically actuates the valve closure without requiring external intervention. The motor rotates a drive member that converts rotational motion to linear motion of the valve stem, enabling the valve to close itself autonomously when activation is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The conventional mechanical ball-drop closure mechanism is replaced with an electric motor-driven actuation system. The motor converts electrical energy to mechanical rotation, which is then transformed into linear motion through a drive member to move the valve stem, eliminating the need for dropping a physical ball.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a ball is dropped to close the circulating valve, then the valve can be closed, but it causes potential damage to tools below the ball

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve closure reliabilityVSAvoidtool damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The circulating valve is equipped with a motor-driven actuator that automatically actuates the valve closure without requiring external intervention. The motor rotates a drive member that converts rotational motion to linear motion of the valve stem, enabling the valve to close itself autonomously when activation is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The conventional mechanical ball-drop closure mechanism is replaced with an electric motor-driven actuation system. The motor converts electrical energy to mechanical rotation, which is then transformed into linear motion through a drive member to move the valve stem, eliminating the need for dropping a physical ball that could damage tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If surface intervention is used to close the valve, then the valve can be closed, but the operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve closure reliabilityVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circulating valve is equipped with a motor-driven actuator that automatically actuates the valve closure without requiring external intervention. The motor rotates a drive member that converts rotational motion to linear motion of the valve stem, enabling the valve to close itself autonomously when activation is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The conventional mechanical ball-drop closure mechanism is replaced with an electric motor-driven actuation system. The motor converts electrical energy to mechanical rotation, which is then transformed into linear motion through a drive member to move the valve stem, eliminating the need for dropping a physical ball.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Loss of time

If an autonomous motor-driven valve is used, then operational time is reduced and surface intervention is eliminated, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational timeVSAvoidvalve structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor, drive member, and valve stem are integrated into a unified actuation assembly where the motor's rotational output is directly coupled to the drive member that moves the valve stem. This merging of components into a compact automated assembly reduces the overall operational complexity despite adding automation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conventional mechanical ball-drop closure mechanism is replaced with an electric motor-driven actuation system. The motor converts electrical energy to mechanical rotation, which is then transformed into linear motion through a drive member to move the valve stem, eliminating the need for dropping a physical ball.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 efficient and reliable automatic closure of the circulating valve, reducing operational time and potential tool damage by allowing autonomous operation without the need for surface intervention.

Implementation Method 1

The circulation valve is autonomous and will preferably be actuated from an open to a closed position by a power screw or another suitable motive force mechanism.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

the valve is associated with a sensor to detect certain wellbore conditions, such as flow, pressure or temperature or a combination of conditions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Implementation Method 3

the valve is associated with a sensor to detect certain wellbore conditions, such as flow, pressure or temperature or a combination of conditions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature detection:

Implementation Method 4

an accelerometer or position sensor is associated with the circulating valve to determine when the packer or other tool has reached its desired depth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcceleration detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS7467665B2Autonomous circulation, fill-up, and equalization valve

Publication Date: 2008.12.23 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

Systems and methods for operating a circulation valve such that the valve will automatically close without the need for a ball to be dropped or other intervention from the surface. The circulation valve is autonomous and will preferably be actuated from an open to a closed position by a motive force such as a power screw. The valve includes an actuator that causes the valve to close in response to particular conditions, such as the passing of a predetermined amount of time, or wellbore conditions, such as pressure, temperature or position.