Multi-cycle Ball Activated Circulation Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore tools lack efficient mechanisms to manage fluid flow and redirect circulation, particularly in selectively opening and closing lateral fluid flow ports while maintaining axial flow, and fail to effectively retain lost circulation materials during operations.
Innovation Solution
A circulation valve with a ball catcher sub and actuation mechanism using suitably sized actuation balls to move between operating positions, allowing for the selective blocking or permitting of axial and lateral fluid flows, and incorporating a radially expandable upper ball seat and a lower ball seat to capture and release balls, ensuring fluid pressure controls the valve's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ball or plug is dropped into the tool to operate the circulation valve, then the valve can be actuated to open or close lateral fluid flow ports, but the mechanism lacks efficiency in managing fluid flow and redirecting circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation valve is divided into multiple functional segments: a ball catcher sub for capturing actuation balls, a circulation sub for fluid circulation control, and a retention chamber for storing lost circulation materials. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, improving overall fluid flow management while maintaining ease of operation through the ball actuation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball catcher sub acts as an intermediary mechanism between the actuation ball and the circulation control mechanism. It captures the ball and transfers it to the appropriate position to activate the circulation valve, improving the efficiency of fluid flow management while maintaining the simplicity of ball-based actuation.
2Reliability
If the circulation valve blocks axial flow to permit lateral flow, then lost circulation materials can be retained, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The ball catcher sub serves multiple functions: it captures actuation balls, controls axial flow blocking, and works with the retention chamber to store lost circulation materials. This multi-functionality improves material retention reliability while avoiding the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thus not significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention chamber is radially surrounded by the flowbore and nested within the overall valve structure. The ball catcher sub is integrated into the circulation sub assembly. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functions to be combined in a compact configuration, improving material retention capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If different-sized actuation balls are used to move between operating positions, then precise control over fluid flow is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the ball seat have different sizes to accommodate different-sized actuation balls. The upper ball seat has a first size portion and the lower ball seat has a second size portion, allowing precise control over fluid flow by selecting appropriate ball sizes. This local differentiation achieves flow control precision while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
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 precise control over fluid flow in wellbore tools, allowing for the retention of lost circulation materials and efficient operation by using different-sized actuation balls to shift between operating positions, thereby enhancing the management of fluid flow and improving the efficiency of wellbore operations.
Implementation Method 1
Landing of an actuation ball onto the upper ball seat permits fluid pressure within the circulation sub to move the piston sleeve from one position to another
Implementation Method 2
The lower ball seat is connected to a movable sleeve that is axially biased by a compression spring toward a closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A valve and method of use wherein the valve includes a housing having an axial flowbore defined along its length. A lateral fluid flow port is disposed through the housing. A piston sleeve is disposed within the flowbore and is selectively moveable to block flow through the lateral flow port. The valve can be moved between operating positions wherein flow through the lateral flow port is blocked or allowed and axial flow through the flowbore is blocked or permitted.