Hydraulic Barrier Valve Equalizing System for Seal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subterranean barrier valves face challenges in pressure equalization across closed closure members, leading to increased seal friction and potential erosion of seals when opening under high differential pressures, particularly in flapper-type valves and hydraulic piston systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pressure equalization system that uses discrete passages within the valve housing to equalize pressure across a closed ball or plug by connecting hydraulic open and close lines to a piston, which pushes bypass valves to connect tubing pressure across the ball, allowing the valve to open without pre-equalization, and is integrated into or separate from the valve housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure equalization is not implemented across the closed valve member, then the valve can maintain its closed position under high differential pressure, but seal friction increases significantly and seal erosion occurs when attempting to open the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pressure equalization passages that equalize pressure across the closed valve member before the valve is opened. This preliminary action reduces the differential pressure acting on the seal, thereby reducing seal friction and preventing seal erosion when the valve transitions from closed to open position, while maintaining the valve's ability to hold high differential pressure in the closed state
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate pressure equalization valve is added to the system, then pressure can be equalized across the closure member, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure equalization function with the existing hydraulic control system by integrating pressure equalization passages into the housing that communicate with the hydraulic lines. This merging eliminates the need for separate equalization valves and control lines, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to equalize pressure across the closure member
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic lines in the control system serve dual functions: they control the opening and closing of the valve member and simultaneously enable pressure equalization across the closure member through the integrated passages. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system
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 seal friction and minimizes erosion by automatically equalizing pressure before opening the valve, ensuring reliable operation under high differential pressures and extending the lifespan of seals by orienting passages to reduce flow velocity and minimize erosion.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic piston operated through a hydraulic system controlled at a surface location
Implementation Method 2
The piston ends are sealed and the exterior of the piston is tapered to push one or more bypass valves open to connect tubing pressure across the ball when ramped off its seat
Data Source
AI summary
A barrier valve has an equalizing feature for the ball or plug when in the closed position before it is opened. A hydraulic open and a close line are connected to a housing so that they can move a piston in opposed directions. The piston ends are sealed and the exterior of the piston is tapered to push one or more bypass valves open to connect tubing pressure across the ball when ramped off its seat. Pressure on the main hydraulic line to close the ball reverses the piston movement and allows a spring bias to close the bypass valve or valves. The equalizing system can be integrated into the barrier valve housing or can be separate as a retrofit.