Continuous Circulation Valve With Magnetic Shut-Off Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for ensuring continuous mud circulation during drill string insertion or removal in hydrocarbon well drilling face issues such as undefined shut-off member position, wear due to vibrations and turbulent flow, and high wear on spring-based mechanisms, leading to operational hazards and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A device with a tubular body featuring a shut-off member that uses magnetic means to stabilize its position, eliminating the need for springs and ensuring pressure-tight engagement, and a polarized insertion key for precise positioning, combined with a flapper valve mechanism to manage mud flow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a movable shut-off member is used to close the lateral conduit, then continuous circulation of drilling mud can be ensured, but the position of the shut-off member becomes undefined and it may hammer against the seat due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical spring-based positioning system with a magnetic field-based positioning system. The magnet assembly generates a magnetic field that acts on the ferromagnetic shut-off member to hold it in a defined position, eliminating the need for mechanical springs and reducing wear from hammering against the seat.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the magnet assembly and the shut-off member. This magnetic field serves as the mediating force that positions and holds the shut-off member without direct mechanical contact, reducing wear and defining position precisely.
2Reliability
If spring-based mechanisms are used to position the shut-off member, then the shut-off member can be held in position, but high wear occurs on the springs due to acidic drilling mud and turbulent flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring system with a magnetic field-based system. The magnet assembly creates a magnetic field that holds the ferromagnetic shut-off member in position without mechanical contact, eliminating wear on springs from exposure to acidic drilling mud and turbulent flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field serves as an intermediary that transmits the positioning force without requiring physical contact between the positioning mechanism and the shut-off member, thereby eliminating wear and extending service life.
3Reliability
If valve means are inserted in the axial conduit to control mud flow, then circulation can be maintained, but the device complexity increases with multiple shut-off members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single shut-off member multi-functional by enabling it to perform both closing operations (against the seat) and positioning operations (held by magnetic field). This eliminates the need for separate spring mechanisms and reduces the overall number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the positioning function and the flow control function into a single integrated system where the magnet assembly and shut-off member work together as one unit, eliminating the need for separate spring-based positioning mechanisms.
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 device ensures continuous and stable mud circulation by precisely positioning and locking the shut-off member, preventing wear and operational hazards, while maintaining efficiency under high pressures and temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet assembly, which generates a magnetic field capable of acting on the ferromagnetic shut-off member in such a way as to be able to hold the shut-off member in a defined longitudinal position
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (1) for ensuring continuous circulation in well drilling comprises a tubular body (2), having an axial channel (2) therein, with a lateral opening (3) closed by a removable plug (5). A flapper valve is placed in the tubular conduit, whose shut-off member is movable between a transverse position, in which it closes said axial channel, and a longitudinal position, in which it closes in a pressure-tight manner said lateral opening (3). Advantageously, said device (1) comprises magnetic means (22) to operate on said shut-off member (6) in said longitudinal position and retain it in said longitudinal position with a preset load, and as the latter is exceeded said shut-off member (6) may be moved to said transverse position.