Choke Gate Valve Throttling for Pump-Running Fracturing Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid handling systems, particularly in the oil and gas industry, face challenges in efficiently controlling high-pressure fluid flows and transitioning between fracturing operations without shutting down pumps, leading to downtime and wear on equipment.
Innovation Solution
The choke gate valve system, which includes a housing with a fluid bore and a gate with a throttling orifice, allows for fluid flow control by moving the gate between a throttle position to restrict flow and an open position to enable full flow, thereby providing a fixed and repeatable level of control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional gate valve is used to control high-pressure fluid flow, then the valve can be fully opened or closed, but it cannot maintain sufficient back pressure during transitions between operations
Solution Approach 1:
The gate is modified to include a throttling orifice that can be positioned at different locations relative to the fluid bore. By dynamically repositioning the gate between a first position (orifice in fluid bore for back pressure) and a second position (orifice away from fluid bore for full flow), the valve maintains operational continuity while adapting back pressure requirements
2Reliability
If the pump is shut off during transitions between fracturing operations, then equipment wear is reduced, but downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump continues running during transitions between fracturing operations by maintaining sufficient back pressure through the throttling orifice position. This eliminates the need to shut off the pump, thereby reducing downtime while the continuous operation increases wear on the pump and valve components
3Productivity
If the gate is positioned to enable full flow, then productivity is improved, but back pressure becomes insufficient for pump operation
Solution Approach 1:
The gate's throttling orifice is positioned in the second position (away from the fluid bore) to enable full fluid flow for high productivity. When pump operation stability is required, the orifice is repositioned to the first position (in the fluid bore) to maintain sufficient back pressure, allowing the system to dynamically adapt between these two states
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 enables efficient transition between fracturing operations for different wells without shutting off the pump, reducing downtime, wear on equipment, and maintenance costs, while maintaining sufficient back pressure to keep pressure pumps running.
Implementation Method 1
the gate is configured to move within the housing between a throttle position in which the gate extends across the fluid bore to position the throttling orifice in the fluid bore to throttle a fluid flow through the fluid bore
Implementation Method 2
an open position in which the gate does not block the fluid bore to enable a full level of the fluid flow through the fluid bore
Data Source
AI summary
A choke gate valve includes a housing that defines a fluid bore and a gate that includes a throttling orifice. The gate is configured to move within the housing between a throttle position in which the gate extends across the fluid bore to position the throttling orifice in the fluid bore to throttle a fluid flow through the fluid bore and an open position in which the gate does not block the fluid bore to enable a full level of the fluid flow through the fluid bore. The choke gate valve may be used as part of a choke gate valve system to transition between first fracturing operations for a first well and second fracturing operations for a second well without shut off of a pump.