Ball Check Valve Sealing for Solids-Laden Pump Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing check valves in petroleum engineering face issues with mechanical impurities interfering with hermetic closure and increased hydraulic resistance due to spring compression during operation, leading to reduced energy efficiency and valve reliability.
Innovation Solution
A ball check valve design incorporating an annular elastic element between the seat ring and cage, which provides additional pressing force for the ball locking element and enhances sealing, while minimizing hydraulic resistance by eliminating spring-induced forces during the open position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring is used to press the ball locking element against the seat, then the valve closure reliability is improved, but the hydraulic resistance increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring component is completely removed from the valve structure. Instead of using a spring to press the ball locking element against the seat, the invention uses the weight of the ball itself and the geometry of the seat to achieve automatic closure when fluid flow stops, thereby eliminating the energy loss associated with spring compression during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball locking element utilizes its own weight and the fluid pressure differential to automatically open and close the valve without external assistance. The valve opens when upstream pressure exceeds downstream pressure and closes when the pressure differential reverses, creating a self-regulating system that eliminates the need for energy-consuming springs or actuators.
2Reliability
If mechanical impurities are present in the formation fluid, then the valve must maintain hermetic closure, but the impurities interfere with the closure of the ball against the seat
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible sealing element is introduced between the ball locking element and the seat to create a more tolerant sealing interface. This flexible component can deform to accommodate minor surface irregularities and prevent mechanical impurities from compromising the hermetic seal, ensuring reliable closure even in the presence of contaminated fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve seat is designed with a specific curved geometry that guides the ball locking element into proper alignment during closure. This curved surface helps distribute contact forces evenly and reduces the likelihood of mechanical impurities interfering with the sealing contact, ensuring consistent hermetic closure.
3Productivity
If the valve remains in the open position during pump operation, then fluid flow is maintained, but the spring compression increases hydraulic resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The spring component is completely removed from the valve structure. Instead of using a spring to press the ball locking element against the seat, the invention uses the weight of the ball itself and the geometry of the seat to achieve automatic closure when fluid flow stops, thereby eliminating the energy loss associated with spring compression during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball locking element utilizes its own weight and the fluid pressure differential to automatically open and close the valve without external assistance. The valve opens when upstream pressure exceeds downstream pressure and closes when the pressure differential reverses, creating a self-regulating system that eliminates the need for energy-consuming springs or actuators.
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 solution increases valve life and energy efficiency by ensuring reliable closure and reduced hydraulic resistance, thereby improving operational performance.
Implementation Method 1
an annular elastic element is mounted between the seat ring and the cage, wherein an inner diameter of the annular elastic element does not exceed a diameter of the ball locking element... when closing the valve provides additional pressing of the ball locking element to the seat due to the arising elastic forces
Implementation Method 2
The fluid flow compresses the spring, which increases the hydraulic resistance of the valve to the flow and reduces the energy efficiency of the pump
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to petroleum engineering, and more particularly to the design of a check valve that can be used in conjunction with downhole sucker-rod pumps or electric centrifugal pumps primarily intended for pumping fluids with a high solid particle content. A ball check valve comprises: a hollow cylindrical housing having an internal annular protrusion; a valve pair mounted inside said housing and being in the form of an annular seat and a ball locking member; and a means for limiting the movement of the closure member, which is in the form of a cage with through holes for fluid flow. Between the seat and the cage there is mounted an annular elastic member, the inner diameter of which is not greater than the diameter of the ball locking member. The annular elastic element performs a dual function: when closing the valve provides additional pressing of the ball locking element to the seat due to the arising elastic forces; and provides additional sealing. Also, in the open position, additional forces do not act on the ball locking element, which reduces the hydraulic resistance of the valve. Thus, the use of an annular elastic element in the design of the check valve increases the valve life and increases its energy efficiency during operation.