Converter Module Pressure Balancing for Downhole Safety Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wells with limited tubing hanger penetrations, the use of balance line type downhole tools is precluded, necessitating a solution to maintain safety valve functionality while reducing the number of control lines required.
Innovation Solution
A converter module is introduced, which includes a piston fluidically connected to a downhole tool, providing a source of balance pressure and enabling the downhole tool to operate without a balance line connection to the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a balance line type downhole tool is used to maintain safety valve functionality, then the safety valve can operate at pressures below tubing pressures, but the number of tubing hanger penetrations required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the balance line function from the traditional downhole tool configuration. Instead of requiring a separate balance line connection to the surface, the balance line chamber is integrated into the safety valve assembly itself, allowing the valve to maintain pressure balance functionality without additional external connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the balance line chamber with the safety valve housing into a single integrated assembly. The balance line chamber, piston, and safety valve components are combined into one downhole tool, eliminating the need for separate balance line tubing and reducing the number of required tubing hanger penetrations.
2Reliability
If multiple control lines are used to maintain safety valve operation, then the valve can function reliably in deep set applications, but the installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional downhole tool that combines the safety valve, balance line chamber, and piston into a single universal assembly. This integrated tool performs both safety valve operation and pressure balancing functions without requiring separate control lines or additional components, simplifying both installation and manufacturing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional safety valve with balance line is used, then the valve can operate independently of tubing pressure, but the number of tubing penetrations required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressure balancing function from the traditional balance line configuration and integrates it into the downhole valve assembly. The balance line chamber is divided into specific regions (first region, second region, third region) that work together to maintain pressure independence without requiring external balance line connections.
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 converter module allows the downhole tool to maintain functionality and safety valve operation even in wells with limited tubing hanger penetrations, by providing an alternate source of pressure, thus reducing the need for multiple control lines.
Implementation Method 1
the piston is movable in response to changes in balance line fluid pressure within the balance line chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A borehole system having a string, the string including a converter module fluidically connectable to a downhole tool, the converter module including a piston in fluidic communication with the downhole tool, wherein the converter module is configured to provide a source of converter module pressure to the downhole tool. A method of connecting the downhole tool to a source of balance pressure includes fluidically connecting a balance line chamber of the converter module to a balance line of the downhole tool, the converter module having a piston, the piston fluidically engageable with the balance line chamber, wherein the piston is movable in response to changes in balance line fluid pressure within the balance line chamber.