Bistable Actuator Annulus Safety Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety valves in wellbore systems lack efficient control mechanisms to manage fluid flow between annulus portions, particularly in scenarios where pressure differentials are dynamic, and often require continuous power to maintain operational states.
Innovation Solution
A bistable actuator with a check valve system that can switch between open and closed positions based on pressure differentials, using a spring-biased valve member and shaft mechanism, allowing for fluid flow when the actuator is deployed and isolating portions when retracted, with the ability to maintain the open position without continuous power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional safety valve is used to control fluid flow in the annulus, then the valve can arrest lift gas release, but the valve requires continuous power to maintain operational states and cannot efficiently respond to dynamic pressure differentials
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve automatically responds to pressure differentials between the upper and lower annulus portions, opening when upper pressure exceeds lower pressure by a designated amount and closing when lower pressure exceeds upper pressure. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for continuous external power to maintain valve states, while the bistable actuator provides reliable controlled opening/closing when energized.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system transitions from a static, continuously-powered design to a dynamic system that automatically adapts to changing pressure conditions. The check valve dynamically responds to real-time pressure differentials, enabling the system to efficiently manage both injection and venting operations without continuous power input.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a check valve is used to automatically respond to pressure differentials, then the valve can control fluid flow without continuous power, but the valve cannot be reliably held in a specific position against strong pressure forces
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the automatic pressure-responsive check valve with the controllable bistable actuator into a single integrated valve assembly. The check valve handles automatic positioning based on pressure differentials during normal operations, while the bistable actuator provides reliable position control when energized to open or close the valve against strong pressure forces. This combination achieves both power efficiency and position control reliability.
3Reliability
If a bistable actuator is used to control the check valve, then the valve can be reliably opened or closed when needed, but the system becomes more complex with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated valve assembly design allows the same structural components to serve multiple functions. The valve body, check valve mechanism, and actuator are combined into a single assembly that can operate in multiple modes: automatic check valve operation for pressure-responsive control, actuator-controlled operation for reliable position changes, and passive operation when unpowered. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
4Reliability
If the shaft is positioned in interfering contact with the check valve when deployed, then the check valve is reliably held open, but the mechanism requires more space and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is nested within the valve assembly structure, with the actuator housing containing the shaft, which in turn interacts with the check valve mechanism. This nested arrangement allows the shaft to extend into interfering contact with the check valve to reliably hold it open while utilizing the existing structural space of the valve assembly, minimizing additional space requirements and reducing overall complexity.
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 efficient and power-efficient control of fluid flow in wellbore systems by automatically adjusting to pressure changes, ensuring reliable operation during both injection and venting processes without the need for constant power, enhancing safety and operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the check valve includes a valve member, a valve seat, and a spring biasing the valve member against the seat
Implementation Method 2
the check valve is moved into the open position when pressure in the upper portion exceeds pressure in the lower portion by a designated amount
Data Source
AI summary
An annulus safety valve assembly for controlling gas flow in a wellbore annulus that includes a passage, a check valve in the passage, and an actuator that is selectively changed between first and second states. The actuator is bi-stable, and requires no energy to remain in either state. When the actuator is put into one of the states, the check valve configuration is changed from one way flow to two way flow. Reconfiguring the check valve into the two way flow configuration vents lift gas from inside the annulus that is below the check valve.