Inner Core Barrel Check Valve With Rotationally Fixed Axial Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing check valves in core drilling systems are inefficient in reducing the descent time of the inner core barrel assembly through fluid-filled drill strings, leading to increased operational costs and reduced drilling productivity.
Innovation Solution
A check valve with a coupling mechanism featuring alternating splines and recesses, a retaining ring, and a centralizing system that maintains a fixed rotational relationship and allows axial movement, enhancing fluid flow and descent speed by incorporating a data acquisition system and power generation components for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional check valve with ball valve and bypass passages is used, then fluid can flow during descent, but the descent time is still substantial due to the depth of drill holes
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve employs a dynamic coupling mechanism that allows the valve member to move axially relative to the valve body while maintaining fixed rotational relationship. This dynamic design enables the valve to respond to pressure changes during descent, optimizing fluid flow and reducing descent time.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into engagement parts on the valve member and corresponding recesses on the valve body, allowing independent axial movement while maintaining rotational coupling. This segmentation enables the valve to function effectively during both descent and operational phases.
2Productivity
If the valve member is allowed to move axially to enable fluid flow, then descent efficiency improves, but rotational alignment with the valve body may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism provides dynamic freedom for axial movement of the valve member while maintaining fixed rotational relationship through the engagement parts and recesses design. This allows the valve to open during descent for efficient fluid flow while ensuring rotational stability when closed for operational use.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism separates the axial movement function from the rotational coupling function through distinct engagement parts and recesses. This segmentation allows the valve member to move axially for fluid flow while maintaining stable rotational alignment with the valve body.
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 check valve significantly reduces the descent time of the inner core barrel assembly, improving drilling productivity and ensuring accurate core orientation data collection due to its efficient fluid flow and fixed rotational relationship, while also providing reliable operation and power management.
Implementation Method 1
allow fluid and in particular liquid to pass through the inside of the inner core tube and then to the outside of the head assembly
Implementation Method 2
fluid pressure can be provided from the surface which now flows through the openings/bypass passages and forces the valve ball onto the valve seat
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A check valve (18) may be incorporated in an inner core barrel assembly (10). The check valve (18) has a valve body (20) defining a fluid flow path FP and provided with a valve seat (24). A valve member (22) is located in the valve body (20) and coupled to the valve body (20) by a coupling mechanism (37). The coupling mechanism (37) is arranged to allow the valve member (22) to move linearly in an axial direction relative to the valve body (20) onto and off of the valve seat (24) and maintain a fixed rotational relationship with the valve body (20). A data acquisition system (60) can be held in the valve member (22) and by virtue of the coupling mechanism be maintained rotationally fixed relative to the valve body an inner core tube (16) of an inner core barrel assembly (10).