Circulating Valve Assembly for Wellbore Debris Flushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Debris and materials such as drill cuttings and sand accumulate in the annulus of a tubular string in subterranean wells, impeding movement and fluid flow, necessitating improvements in well operations to prevent accumulation and enhance fluid circulation.
Innovation Solution
A circulating valve assembly with dual valves that can be configured to direct fluid flow either through a tubular string or into the annulus, allowing for operation and cleaning by alternating between operating and bypass configurations through compressive or tensile forces and flow rate adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If fluid flow is directed through the annulus to flush debris, then debris accumulation is prevented, but tool operation is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The circulating valve assembly enables dynamic switching between two flow configurations: operating configuration where fluid flows through the tubular string to power downhole tools, and bypass configuration where fluid flows through the annulus to flush debris. This dynamic reconfigurability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its flow path based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow path parameter by alternating between operating and bypass configurations. In the operating configuration, fluid flows through the tubular string; in the bypass configuration, fluid flows through the annulus. This parameter change allows the system to switch between tool operation and debris flushing modes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual valves are used to control flow paths, then fluid circulation control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulating valve assembly merges two valve functions into a single integrated device. The assembly includes a first valve and a second valve that work together within one housing to control both the operating and bypass flow paths. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate valve assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulating valve assembly performs multiple functions: it controls fluid flow through the tubular string for tool operation, controls fluid flow through the annulus for debris flushing, and provides transition between these modes. This multi-functionality justifies the dual-valve structure by consolidating multiple control capabilities into one assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A method can include directing fluid flow longitudinally through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a longitudinally compressed circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and longitudinally elongating the circulating valve assembly while the fluid flow is ceased, and then increasing the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow after the elongating to pass outwardly through a housing of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Another method can include directing a fluid flow through a well tool connected in a tubular string downstream of a circulating valve assembly, thereby causing the well tool to operate, and decreasing then increasing a flow rate of the fluid flow, thereby causing the fluid flow to pass outwardly through a housing assembly of the circulating valve assembly to an external annulus. Circulating valve assemblies are also disclosed.