Wellbore Back Pressure Valve with Integrated Downhole Pressure Gauge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore operations face challenges in effectively isolating and monitoring wellbore pressures without risking leaks or requiring complex retrieval operations, especially when using surface-installed pressure gauges that are prone to temperature fluctuations and leak risks.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore tool assembly comprising a back pressure valve (BPV) with a pressure gauge, where the BPV fluidically isolates a portion of the wellbore production tubing while allowing fluid flow in one direction and preventing it in the opposite direction, and the pressure gauge measures and stores pressure data, minimizing surface installation risks and leakages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surface-installed pressure gauges are used to monitor wellbore pressures, then pressure monitoring capability is provided, but leak risks and temperature fluctuations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure gauge is integrated with the back pressure valve into a single sub-assembly unit. The pressure gauge is fluidically coupled to the BPV through a threaded connection, allowing the pressure measurement function to be combined with the isolation function in one device installed downhole, eliminating the need for separate surface installations and reducing leak risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The back pressure valve acts as an intermediary that fluidically couples the pressure gauge to the isolated portion of the production tubing. This intermediary connection allows the pressure gauge to measure pressures in the isolated section without requiring direct surface access to that section, thereby reducing exposure to temperature fluctuations and leak risks.
2Measurement precision
If surface-installed pressure gauges are used, then pressure monitoring is achieved, but temperature impact and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure gauge and back pressure valve are merged into a single integrated sub-assembly that is installed as one unit downhole. This combination simplifies the overall installation process compared to installing separate components and reduces the complexity of surface equipment needed for pressure monitoring.
3Productivity
If the BPV allows fluid flow from uphole to downhole, then production flow is maintained, but pressure isolation capability must be preserved
Solution Approach 1:
The back pressure valve is configured to allow fluid flow in one direction (from uphole to downhole) while preventing flow in the opposite direction. This dynamic flow control capability enables the valve to maintain production flow while simultaneously providing pressure isolation in the downhole portion, resolving the contradiction between productivity and isolation 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
The BPV-pressure gauge sub-assembly simultaneously isolates and monitors wellbore pressures, reducing leak risks and temperature impact, allowing for continuous data recording and minimizing the need for surface-installed equipment, thus enhancing wellbore operation efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The BPV can allow fluid flow from the portion of the wellbore production tubing uphole of the location to the portion of the wellbore production tubing downhole of the location, and prevent fluid flow from the portion of the wellbore production tubing downhole of the location to the portion of the wellbore production tubing uphole of the location
Implementation Method 2
The pressure gauge can measure a pressure in the portion of the wellbore downhole of the location
Implementation Method 3
The threaded connection is attached to the downhole end of the BPV by metal-to-metal threads
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore back pressure valve with pressure gauge includes a back pressure valve (BPV) that can be installed at a location in a wellbore production tubing that can be installed in a wellbore. The BPV can fluidically isolate a portion of the wellbore production tubing downhole of the location from a portion of the wellbore production tubing uphole of the location. A threaded connection is attached to a downhole end of the BPV. The threaded connection includes multiple first threads. A pressure gauge is fluidically coupled to the BPV through the threaded connection. The pressure gauge can measure a pressure in the portion of the wellbore downhole of the location.