Composite Wellbore Ball Valve Deformation Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing subterranean well valves face challenges in maintaining effective seals under high pressure due to unequal deformation of the valve closure, which reduces the pressure holding capability and leak resistance, especially when constrained by outer dimensions and central bore diameter limitations.

Innovation Solution

The use of composite materials, specifically a metallic core reinforced with fiber-reinforced composite layers, is implemented to increase the stiffness and strength of the valve closure and seat, allowing for anisotropic material properties that resist deformation and maintain a spherical shape under pressure, enhancing the seal's effectiveness and pressure holding capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional valve closure materials are used, then the valve can be manufactured with simpler materials and processes, but the valve closure deforms under high pressure reducing seal effectiveness and pressure holding capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure holding capabilityVSAvoiddeformation under pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The valve closure and seat are constructed using composite materials consisting of a metallic core structure reinforced with fiber-reinforced composite material layers. This composite construction provides superior strength-to-weight ratio and dimensional stability under high pressure, preventing the deformation that occurs with conventional single-material constructions while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The composite material structure is applied specifically to the valve closure and seat components where high strength and deformation resistance are critical for maintaining the seal interface. The fiber-reinforced composite layers are strategically positioned to resist the specific stress patterns experienced during valve operation under pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If the valve is designed with thicker walls to maintain pressure holding capability, then the pressure rating is improved, but the outer dimensions increase causing the valve to hang up on wellbore interior

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure ratingVSAvoidouter dimension

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The composite construction of the valve closure and seat enables achieving high pressure ratings with thinner wall sections compared to conventional materials. The fiber-reinforced composite structure provides exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, allowing the valve to maintain its pressure holding capability while reducing overall outer dimensions to prevent hanging up on the wellbore interior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If the valve closure is constrained by outer dimension and central bore diameter limitations, then the valve can be installed in existing wellbores, but the pressure holding capability is reduced due to deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation compatibilityVSAvoidpressure holding capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The composite material construction allows the valve closure and seat to maintain high strength and resistance to deformation under pressure while being constrained within standard outer dimension and central bore diameter limitations. This enables the valve to be installed in existing wellbores without sacrificing pressure holding capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 composite material reinforcement enables the valve to maintain a higher pressure rating and leak resistance compared to non-composite configurations, allowing for thinner designs while maintaining or exceeding the pressure holding capabilities of thicker, non-composite valves, thus addressing the deformation issues and improving operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The use of composite materials, specifically a metallic core reinforced with fiber-reinforced composite layers, is implemented to increase the stiffness and strength of the valve closure and seat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectComposite materials: Composite Materials

Implementation Method 2

allowing for anisotropic material properties that resist deformation and maintain a spherical shape under pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnisotropic material properties: Anisotropy

Data Source

PatentEP2895683B1Composite wellbore ball valve

Publication Date: 2017.10.04 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

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Figure 2B

AI summary

A composite wellbore ball valve has a spherical, fiber reinforced composite ball valve closure. The closure has an interior, central through-bore and an annular metallic sealing surface. A ball carrying assembly has an annular, metallic sealing seat surface adapted to contact and form a metal-to-metal seal with the metallic sealing surface of the ball valve closure when the ball valve closure is closed.