Choke Trim Geometry for Turbulence Containment and Erosion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Choke valves in oil and gas wellhead applications face erosion and damage due to high-velocity particulates, where hard materials like tungsten carbide provide erosion resistance but are susceptible to fracture, and existing flow paths contribute to turbulence that exacerbates wear and erosion.
Innovation Solution
A choke valve design featuring a flow trim with diametrically opposing windows and a slot within the valve body, which directs fluid flow to reduce turbulence and minimize wear by centralizing high fluid velocity away from interior surfaces, thereby reducing erosion and extending the wear life of valve components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hard materials like tungsten carbide are used for valve trim, then erosion resistance is improved, but susceptibility to fracture from impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow parameters (velocity distribution, turbulence intensity) through geometric modifications to the flow path. The rounded leading edge and specific flow path geometry transform the flow field to reduce impact forces on the valve trim, thereby protecting the hard material from fracture while maintaining erosion resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful high-velocity direct impact into a beneficial controlled flow pattern. By using rounded edges and optimized flow paths, the chaotic turbulent flow is transformed into a more controlled flow that maintains the protective function of hard materials while eliminating the fracture risk from direct impact
2Productivity
If high velocity fluid flow is maintained through the valve, then flow control capability is improved, but turbulence and erosion on valve components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies flow parameters by changing the velocity distribution through geometric design. The rounded leading edge and flow path geometry create a more uniform velocity distribution that maintains high flow capability while reducing peak velocities that cause turbulence and erosion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses curved surfaces (rounded leading edge) instead of sharp edges to guide fluid flow. This curvature smoothly directs the fluid through the valve, reducing turbulence and erosive effects while maintaining effective flow control capability
3Device complexity
If conventional flow paths are used in choke valve, then device simplicity is maintained, but turbulence increases causing accelerated wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces curvature (rounded leading edge) into the flow path geometry to reduce turbulence and wear. This simple geometric modification to the flow path shape effectively decreases turbulent flow and accelerated wear without significantly complicating the device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a specific geometric feature (rounded leading edge with specific radius) at the critical location where fluid first contacts the valve trim. This localized quality improvement targets the area most susceptible to turbulence and wear, providing effective protection without requiring complex modifications throughout the entire device
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
The design effectively reduces turbulence and erosion on the valve trim by directing fluid flow to impinge within the valve body, lowering fluid velocity against internal surfaces and minimizing wear, thus enhancing the durability and longevity of the valve components.
Implementation Method 1
a slot extending through the side wall, the slot being disposed substantially equidistantly between the pair of diametrically opposing windows orthogonal to the centrally disposed axis defined by the inlet and on a side of the flow trim opposite the inlet, the slot permitting containment of turbulence created by interaction of fluid flow through the windows
Data Source
AI summary
A choke valve including a valve body defining an inlet defining a centrally disposed axis extending through the inlet, an outlet, and a chamber in fluidic communication with the inlet and the outlet, and a flow trim disposed within the chamber and having a side wall that defines a generally cylindrical shape, the flow trim defining a passage through the flow trim, a pair of diametrically opposing windows extending through the side wall, each window permitting fluid communication between the chamber and the passage in a direction orthogonal to the centrally disposed axis defined by the inlet, and a slot extending through the side wall, the slot being disposed substantially equidistantly between the pair of diametrically opposing windows orthogonal to the centrally disposed axis defined by the inlet and on a side of the flow trim opposite the inlet, the slot permitting containment of turbulence created by interaction of fluid flow through the windows.