Composite Fracturing Tree Master Valve Force Reduction

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fracturing trees require significant force to actuate valves during high pressure differentials, making it difficult to close valves during emergency situations, and often result in larger, heavier, and more expensive designs.

Innovation Solution

The composite fracturing tree incorporates master valves with a lower closing force compared to opening force, featuring designs such as balanced stem, direct acting, and reverse acting gate valves, which can be actuated with reduced force due to pressure equalization, allowing for smaller and less expensive actuators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If valves are designed to withstand high actuation forces during high pressure differentials, then valve reliability is improved, but valve size, weight, and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve reliabilityVSAvoidvalve weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the force parameters by designing the valve mechanism to require significantly less closing force (500-2000 lbs) compared to conventional designs (10,000+ lbs). This is achieved through a balanced stem mechanism that equalizes pressure across the valve stem, fundamentally altering the force requirements while maintaining reliability under high pressure differentials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The balanced stem acts as an intermediary mechanism between the actuator and the valve gate. It mediates the force transmission by equalizing pressure differential effects, allowing smaller actuators to effectively control the valve while maintaining the ability to withstand high pressure differentials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If valves are designed to withstand high actuation forces during high pressure differentials, then valve reliability is improved, but valve cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve reliabilityVSAvoidvalve cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the force parameters by designing the valve mechanism to require significantly less closing force (500-2000 lbs) compared to conventional designs (10,000+ lbs). This is achieved through a balanced stem mechanism that equalizes pressure across the valve stem, fundamentally altering the force requirements while maintaining reliability under high pressure differentials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If conventional valve designs are used, then valve strength is sufficient, but ease of operation during emergencies is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve strengthVSAvoidease of valve actuation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the force parameters by designing the valve mechanism to require significantly less closing force (500-2000 lbs) compared to conventional designs (10,000+ lbs). This is achieved through a balanced stem mechanism that equalizes pressure across the valve stem, fundamentally altering the force requirements while maintaining reliability under high pressure differentials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of high pressure differentials into a beneficial balancing force. The pressure differential that would normally create excessive closing force is instead used to balance the stem, reducing the net force required for actuation and making emergency valve closure easier while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 design enables easier and safer valve actuation during emergencies, reducing the force required to close valves and enabling the use of smaller, lighter, and less costly components while maintaining reliability and performance.

Implementation Method 1

balanced stem gate valves that can be actuated with reduced force due to pressure equalization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure equalization: Pascal's Law

Implementation Method 2

The gate portion is moveable between a flow position and an occluding position. In the flow position, the gate portion permits flow between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. In the occluding position, the gate portion prevents flow from the inlet portion to the outlet portion.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid blockage: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS12065914B2Composite fracturing tree

Publication Date: 2024.08.20 VAULT PRESSURE CONTROL LLC

AI summary

A composite fracturing tree includes an operating valve and a master valve in fluid communication with the operating valve. The master valve includes an inlet portion in fluid communication with the operating valve, an outlet portion, and a gate portion. The gate portion is disposed between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. The gate portion is moveable between a flow position and an occluding position. In the flow position, the gate portion permits flow between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. In the occluding position, the gate portion prevents flow from the inlet portion to the outlet portion. The gate portion is actuated from the flow position to the occluding position with a closing force and from the occluding position to the flow position with an opening force. The master valve allows for the closing force to reduced compared to conventional fracturing valves.