Downhole Backpressure Valve Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The drilling and completion industry faces high costs and time consumption due to the labor-intensive process of removing plugs and transitioning from drill strings to production strings in boreholes.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool equipped with a backpressure valve featuring a flapper valve and locking system, allowing for selective control of fluid flow, enables efficient plug removal and transition to production by pivoting the flapper valve between open and closed configurations, with a locking mechanism to secure the open position for production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional plug removal process is used, then the borehole can be accessed for production, but the process is time-consuming and costly due to removing and re-installing strings
Solution Approach 1:
The flapper valve is pre-positioned in the closed state during drilling operations to maintain backpressure and isolate the borehole. Before production, the valve is manually opened and locked in the open state, preparing the system for efficient transition without requiring complete string removal. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming string removal and re-installation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the flapper valve and the borehole isolation requirement. It provides a reliable mechanical lock that secures the valve in the open position during production, enabling seamless transition from drilling to production operations without requiring external intervention or complex string manipulation.
2Ease of operation
If a flapper valve with locking system is implemented, then fluid flow can be selectively controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flapper valve is designed to automatically respond to pressure differentials, opening when backpressure is applied and closing when flow pressure exceeds backpressure. The locking system automatically engages when the valve reaches the open position, eliminating the need for external actuators or complex control mechanisms. This self-service design simplifies operation while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, simple mechanical mechanism that engages independently from the main valve body. This allows the locking system to be added to provide reliability without significantly complicating the overall valve structure, as it operates as a distinct functional module that activates at a specific moment in the valve's operation.
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 reduces the time and cost associated with plug removal and resource production by facilitating seamless transitions and efficient fluid management within the borehole, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a flapper valve including a hinge end, a cantilevered end, a first side and an opposing second side pivotally mounted to the inner surface at the hinge end to selectively extend across the flowbore
Implementation Method 2
a locking system mounted to the inner surface adjacent to the hinge end of the flapper valve in the flowbore. The flapper valve is pivotable between a first position, wherein the flapper valve is free to pivot relative to the inner surface between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and a second position, wherein the hinge end of the flapper valve activates the locking system to lock the flapper valve in the open configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool includes a tubular having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a flowbore having a longitudinal axis and a backpressure valve arranged in the flowbore. The backpressure valve includes a flapper valve including a hinge end, a cantilevered end, a first side and an opposing second side pivotally mounted to the inner surface at the hinge end to selectively extend across the flowbore, and a locking system mounted to the inner surface adjacent to the hinge end of the flapper valve in the flowbore. The flapper valve is pivotable between a first position, wherein the flapper valve is free to pivot relative to the inner surface between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and a second position, wherein the hinge end of the flapper valve activates the locking system to lock the flapper valve in the open configuration.