Pressure-Actuated Barrier Valve Without Control Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deeply placed barrier valves in boreholes face risks of control line damage due to long runs, especially at great depths, which can lead to failure of the valve system if the control lines are damaged during deployment.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing annulus or tubing pressure cycles to actuate a barrier valve through a known indexing device, eliminating the need for external control lines by directing pressure to one side of an actuation piston to achieve open and closed positions, using a manifold assembly with hydraulic valves and check valves to manage pressure and vent connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If control lines are extended to deep boreholes to operate barrier valves, then the valve can be actuated from surface, but the control lines are at risk of damage during deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the control lines from the system by utilizing the existing tubing or annulus pressure as the actuation medium. This eliminates the need for separate control lines extending to the barrier valve, thereby removing the source of potential damage while maintaining the ability to actuate the valve from surface through the existing wellbore infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the existing tubing or annulus serve multiple functions: both as the wellbore structure/flow path and as the actuation medium for the barrier valve. By using the same infrastructure for both purposes, the system eliminates the need for dedicated control lines and reduces complexity.
2Reliability
If control lines are run parallel to achieve pressure balance, then hydrostatic pressure is balanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the actuation function with the existing single-bore infrastructure (tubing or annulus). Instead of running parallel control lines to achieve pressure balance, the system uses the natural pressure differential in a single line, combining the pressure transmission and actuation functions into one pathway, thereby reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using parallel lines to balance pressure as in conventional systems, the invention inverts the approach by using a single line where pressure imbalance itself is the actuation mechanism. The applied pressure creates an unbalanced force on the piston, which is the desired effect for valve actuation, eliminating the need for pressure-balancing parallel lines.
3Reliability
If single control line is used with compressible gas chamber, then hydrostatic pressure is offset, but the system requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a self-service mechanism where the applied pressure in the single line automatically creates the necessary force imbalance on the piston. The compressible gas chamber and spring provide automatic hydrostatic pressure compensation without requiring external control or additional complex components. The system uses its own operating pressure to achieve both actuation and compensation functions.
4Ease of operation
If control lines are extended to 10,000 meters depth, then surface control is achieved, but the risk of control line damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the vulnerable control lines from the system by utilizing the existing tubing or annulus pressure as the actuation medium. This eliminates the need for separate control lines extending to the barrier valve, thereby removing the source of potential damage while maintaining the ability to actuate the valve from surface through the existing wellbore infrastructure.
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 operation of barrier valves without external control lines, reducing the risk of valve failure and simplifying the actuation process by using existing components like the InForce Single Line Switch, allowing for efficient movement between open and closed positions without the need for electric power or extensive control line infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
A schematically illustrated actuation linkage 22 is connected to valve member 24 that is typically a ball with a passage 26 through it that is selectively aligned with passage 28 of the schematically illustrated tubular string 30
Implementation Method 2
Cycles of applied annulus or tubing pressure will configure a known shuttle valve to direct the available annulus or tubing pressure to the top side or underside of an actuating piston
Data Source
AI summary
An operating system for a barrier valve or safety valve is responsive to increments in annulus or tubing pressure. An indexing device controls valves that selectively direct pressure applied to one side of an operating piston or the other for attaining the open and closed positions of the barrier valve. One such indexing device can be a j-slot. Other devices that operate a pair of hydraulic valves in tandem for pressure direction to one side of an actuation piston or another are contemplated. The system needs no electric power and there are no control lines needed to run below the production packer in the case of using annulus pressure to actuate the piston or at all if access to tubing pressure is provided from the vicinity of the barrier valve components.