Ball Drop Circulation Valve Collet Seating Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole circulation valves face challenges in efficiently operating between two positions, particularly in deviated wellbores, due to issues with alignment, debris interference, and ball erosion, especially when using larger balls for position changes and soft ball seats.
Innovation Solution
A modular downhole tool that uses a series of collet seats and sleeves to operate with balls of the same size, where pressure on one ball positions the next seat to accept another ball of the same size, allowing for efficient movement and sealing without the need for progressively larger balls, and includes a debris barrier material to enhance sealing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If progressively larger balls are used to move the circulation valve between positions, then the valve can be operated between two positions, but the device complexity increases and larger balls are required
Solution Approach 1:
The ball seat is designed to dynamically change its internal diameter through collet finger movement. The collets can expand to accommodate a ball of a given size for pressure buildup, then contract to release the ball and allow the next ball of the same size to be seated. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need for progressively larger balls while maintaining the ability to operate the valve between positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal diameter of the ball seat is changed by adjusting the collet finger position. When the first ball is seated, the collets expand to match its diameter. After the ball is released, the collets contract, and a sleeve is shifted to close the port. This parameter change in the seat dimension allows the same-sized ball to be used for subsequent operations.
2Ease of operation
If soft ball seats are used to accept balls, then the balls can be easily seated, but the balls are prone to erosion during delivery and on the seat
Solution Approach 1:
The ball seat is prepared in advance by positioning the collet fingers in a retracted state and the sleeve in an initial position that exposes the seating surface. This preliminary preparation ensures the seat is ready to receive the ball without requiring the ball to force its way in, reducing erosion. The ball is seated smoothly and then quickly released after the required operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball is quickly seated and the operation is completed rapidly, minimizing the time the ball spends on the seat. The collet fingers then quickly contract to release the ball, reducing its exposure to well conditions and erosion. The entire sequence from seating to release is designed to happen as quickly as possible.
3Ease of operation
If collets are used to form the ball seat, then the seat can expand to receive the ball, but debris can settle on the seating surface and reduce sealing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful factor of debris accumulation is addressed by designing the collet structure with smooth, continuous surfaces that minimize crevices where debris can settle. The collet fingers are configured to provide a clean seating surface that is less susceptible to debris contamination, thereby maintaining sealing reliability while still allowing ball acceptance.
4Ease of operation
If the circulation valve is operated in deviated wellbores by picking up and setting down weight, then the valve can be shifted between positions, but it is difficult to know if the valve shifted or the tubing string stretched
Solution Approach 1:
The valve incorporates a feedback mechanism that provides immediate confirmation when the ball seat has shifted to its new position. After a ball is released and the sleeve shifts to close the port, the system provides observable feedback (such as pressure changes or mechanical indication) that confirms the valve has moved to the desired position, distinguishing it from tubing stretch in deviated wellbores.
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 reliable and efficient operation of downhole tools by maintaining consistent ball size, reducing drift and erosion issues, and allowing multiple operations with the same-sized balls, while providing a modular design for versatile deployment in various downhole applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first ball to perform a downhole operation... pressuring up on the first ball positions the next seat
Implementation Method 2
the collet fingers in a groove can spread apart allowing the ball to go on through
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool can perform a series of operations with balls of the same size where movement caused by pressuring up on the first ball positions the next seat to accept another ball just like it. In a preferred embodiment a circulation sub is run in with a port closed and a first seat comprising of collets pushed together and preferably lined with a sleeve are in position to accept a first ball to perform a downhole operation and thereafter pass the ball and open the port. The act of opening the port gives support, by reducing their dimension, to the next assembly of collets also preferably lined with a sleeve so that they are energized to accept the same size ball. Pressuring up on the second ball can shift another sleeve to close the circulation port. The tool is modular and more than one module can be deployed in a given bottom hole assembly.