Ball Valve Debris Anti-Compaction System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ball valves in subterranean well systems face issues with sand-laden debris compaction, which can prevent the valve from opening due to dehydrated and compacted debris blocking the movement of the actuator sleeve and valve fork, hindering fluid flow and mechanical operation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an annular sealing seat and a differently shaped through hole in the upper assembly that initially opens to the central bore as the valve transitions from closed to open, allowing debris to displace and become wetted, increasing its fluidity and facilitating the opening of the valve, while the lower assembly maintains sealing until the valve is fully open.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the valve closure rotates from closed to open position, then the central bore should be opened for fluid flow, but compacted sand-laden debris blocks the movement of actuator components preventing valve opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a preliminary action by providing a debris displacement volume that is opened before the main central bore during the valve transition from closed to open position. This preliminary opening allows compacted debris to be displaced and wetted by incoming fluid, increasing its fluidity before the valve needs to fully open, thereby preventing debris from blocking the actuator components and enabling reliable valve operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the opening sequence into two distinct phases: first, the debris displacement volume opens to handle compacted debris; second, the main central bore opens for full fluid flow. This segmentation allows the system to address the debris problem separately from the primary flow function, ensuring that debris is cleared before it can interfere with valve operation
2Reliability
If the through hole in upper assembly is sealed from central bore when valve is between open and closed, then sealing is maintained, but debris compaction prevents proper sealing and valve operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by opening the debris displacement volume before the main sealing interface engages during valve transition. This preliminary fluid introduction wets and displaces compacted debris, preventing it from interfering with the subsequent sealing action between the ball closure and seat, thereby ensuring both sealing reliability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluid as an intermediary substance that flows through the debris displacement volume first, wetting and displacing compacted debris. This intermediary fluid action prepares the environment for proper sealing by eliminating debris interference, allowing the valve to transition smoothly from closed to open position with reliable sealing
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 configuration prevents compaction of debris, ensures smooth operation by allowing debris to displace and become wetted, thereby preventing blockages and ensuring reliable fluid isolation and mechanical operation of the ball valve.
Implementation Method 1
allowing debris to displace and become wetted, increasing its fluidity and facilitating the opening of the valve
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore ball valve includes a ball-type valve closure having an interior, central bore. A lower ball carrying assembly defines a first annular, sealing seat surface in contact with and adapted to seal with the exterior of the valve closure. The first seat surface defines a first through hole. An upper assembly defines a second annular seat surface in contact with the exterior of the valve closure. The second seat surface defines a second through hole. The second through hole is shaped differently from the first through hole in that it at least partially overlaps with the central bore while the first through hole is sealed from the central bore.