Combined Control Balance Line for SCSSV Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost associated with running multiple separate lines (control, balance, and chemical lines) hundreds of feet downhole for surface-controlled subsurface safety valves (SCSSVs) in the oil and gas industry is a significant operational expense.
Innovation Solution
A combined control/balance/chemical line configuration that uses a single line to perform the functions of both control and balance lines, with a chemical line fluidically coupled to the control/balance line, and includes a one-way pressure relief valve to manage fluid flow and pressure, reducing the need for multiple lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate lines (control line, balance line, and chemical line) are run downhole to the SCSSV, then the SCSSV can perform control, balance, and chemical injection functions, but the operational cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control line and balance line into a single combined control/balance line that performs both functions. The chemical line is fluidically coupled to this combined line, allowing one physical line to serve multiple purposes: control actuation, balance pressure regulation, and chemical injection, thereby reducing the number of lines running downhole while maintaining all necessary functions
Solution Approach 2:
The combined control/balance line is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously or sequentially. It can convey control pressure to actuate the SCSSV, provide balance pressure to counterbalance control pressure, and serve as the delivery pathway for chemical inhibitors, making a single line universal for multiple operational requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate lines are run hundreds of feet downhole, then all control and chemical injection functions can be provided, but the cost of running these lines increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the control line and balance line into one combined line, the patent reduces the total length of piping that must be installed, run, and maintained downhole. This directly reduces the material costs, installation costs, and operational expenses associated with running multiple separate lines through the wellbore and surface equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The combined control/balance line serves as a multi-functional pathway that eliminates the need for separate control and balance line infrastructure. This universal line reduces the overall system cost by consolidating multiple functions into a single physical infrastructure element
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 configuration reduces the number of lines required, lowering operational costs while maintaining effective control and chemical injection functionality, enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of SCSSVs.
Implementation Method 1
a one-way pressure relief valve to manage fluid flow and pressure
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic line configured to displace the flow tube of a subsurface safety valve downward upon pressurization
Implementation Method 3
a hydraulic line configured to displace the flow tube of a subsurface safety valve upward upon pressurization
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a safety valve. The safety valve, in one example, includes a piston located within a piston chamber, the piston separating the piston chamber into a first portion and a second portion and configured to slide to move a valve closure mechanism between a closed state and an open state. The safety valve, according to this example, includes a first control/balance line fluidically coupled to the first portion of the piston chamber, a second control/balance line fluidically coupled to the second portion of the piston chamber, and a chemical line fluidically coupled to the second control/balance line.