Barrier Valve Closure Using Tubing Pressure and Disintegrating Balls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barrier valve technologies for deep wells in multi-zone stimulation applications require control lines or mechanical intervention, which are costly and pose safety risks, especially in ultra-deep well locations, and often result in premature operation or fluid loss issues during stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A barrier valve design that uses tubing pressure to operate the valve between open and closed positions without control lines, employing sleeves and balls that disintegrate or disappear, allowing for single-pressure actuation and subsequent reopening without tracking pressure cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If control lines are used to operate the barrier valve, then the valve can be controlled from the surface, but the cost and risk of damage increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes control lines from the system entirely and replaces them with a self-actuating mechanism that uses tubing pressure and disintegrating balls to operate the barrier valve automatically, eliminating the source of control line damage risk
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier valve is designed to actuate automatically using tubing pressure and disintegrating balls as the actuating mechanism, eliminating the need for external control lines and making the system self-sufficient
2Ease of operation
If pressure cycles are used to operate the barrier valve, then the valve can be actuated, but the valve may operate prematurely before needed
Solution Approach 1:
The disintegrating balls are placed in position before stimulation, and the barrier valve remains held open by the first ball until the precise moment when the ball disintegrates, ensuring the valve operates exactly when needed without premature actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the ball from solid to disintegrated form, using this parameter change as the trigger mechanism to actuate the barrier valve at the precise moment when the ball disintegrates during stimulation
3Ease of operation
If mechanical shifting tools are used to operate the barrier valve, then the valve can be actuated, but the tools restrict the maximum tripping ball size or require additional trips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes mechanical shifting tools from the system and replaces them with a hydraulic actuation mechanism using tubing pressure and disintegrating balls, eliminating the restrictions on ball size and additional trip requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical shifting tool system with a hydraulic actuation system that uses tubing pressure and disintegrating balls to operate the barrier valve, eliminating mechanical interference and simplifying the overall 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
Enables safe and cost-effective operation of the barrier valve without control lines, preventing fluid loss and ensuring well control during stimulation and production phases, while simplifying the process by eliminating the need for intervention.
Implementation Method 1
A barrier valve closes using pressure on a ball landed on a seat associated with a sleeve whose movement opens a port
Implementation Method 2
pressure on a ball landed on a seat associated with a sleeve whose movement opens a port to allow tubing pressure to move the ball to a closed position
Implementation Method 3
The balls disintegrate or disappear by virtue of exposure to well fluids and/or temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
A barrier valve is operable to close using pressure on a ball landed on a seat associated with a sleeve whose movement opens a port to allow tubing pressure to move the ball to a closed position. Another sleeve is located on the opposite side of the closure ball in the barrier valve. Actuation of the second sleeve opens another passage to allow tubing pressure above ball to rotate the valve member back to an open position with the production tubing in the production packer so that production can begin. The balls disintegrate or disappear by virtue of exposure to well fluids and/or temperatures.