Back Pressure Valve Test Port for Pre-Operation Seal Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Back pressure valves in hydrocarbon wells often fail due to seal failures, which disrupt fluid flow control, necessitating a method to pressure test seals before operation.
Innovation Solution
A back pressure valve design with a test port that allows for pressure testing of seals from below, enabling communication of test pressure to specific seal locations, facilitating the detection of seal failures by monitoring pressure changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If seals are installed in the back pressure valve to prevent fluid leakage, then sealing reliability is improved, but the risk of seal failure during operation increases due to inability to test before installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a test port and test passage that enable pressure testing of seals before the back pressure valve is placed into operation. The test port allows communication of test pressure to specific seal locations (body seal and/or poppet seal) while the valve is still accessible, facilitating detection of seal failures prior to installation in the wellbore.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a test passage as an intermediary channel that connects the test port to the seal locations. This test passage serves as a mediator to deliver test pressure directly to the seals without requiring disassembly or special access, enabling non-intrusive seal testing while maintaining the valve's normal structure.
2Ease of operation
If traditional back pressure valves are installed without pre-testing, then installation simplicity is maintained, but seal failures occur during operation causing fluid flow disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The test port and test passage enable seal pressure testing to be performed before the back pressure valve is installed in the wellbore. This preliminary testing action identifies potential seal failures upfront, ensuring seal integrity is verified prior to operation while maintaining straightforward installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system provides feedback on seal integrity by allowing pressure communication through the test passage to the seals. If seals are defective, the pressure test will reveal this through pressure loss or inability to maintain test pressure, providing immediate feedback on seal quality before the valve enters service.
3Device complexity
If no test port is provided for seal testing, then device structure remains simple, but detection of seal failures becomes difficult until operational failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The test port serves as an intermediary access point that enables direct communication with the seal locations through the test passage. This intermediary structure allows for easy introduction of test pressure and monitoring of seal integrity without requiring complex disassembly or specialized testing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The test port extracts the testing function from the main valve body by providing a separate, dedicated access point. This separation allows seal testing to be performed independently without affecting the normal operation or structure of the back pressure valve, making detection of seal failures straightforward through the dedicated test interface.
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
Ensures the integrity of body and poppet seals before operation, preventing fluid flow disruptions and extending the lifespan of the back pressure valve by identifying and addressing seal failures early.
Implementation Method 1
a test port which extends through the valve body from an inlet opening in an outer surface portion of the valve body, the inlet opening being configured to receive a test pressure to below the first poppet seal when the poppet is in the closed position
Implementation Method 2
at least a first body seal which is configured to seal the valve body to the bore
Implementation Method 3
at least a first poppet seal which is sealingly engaged between the poppet and the valve body when the poppet is in the closed position
Data Source
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AI summary
A testable back pressure valve for controlling fluid flow through a bore of a component installed in a well bore is disclosed. The back pressure valve includes a valve body which is configured to be secured in the bore, a flow bore which extends through the valve body, at least a first body seal which is configured to seal the valve body to the bore, and a poppet which is movably positioned in the valve body. At least a first poppet seal is sealingly engaged between the poppet and the valve body when the poppet is in the closed position, and a test port extends through the valve body to below the first poppet seal when the poppet is in the closed position. Thus, with the back pressure valve installed in the flow bore and the poppet in the closed position, the first poppet seal can be pressure tested by communicating test pressure through the test port to below the first poppet seal.