Cylindrical Valve With Segmented Seals For High Pressure Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding sleeve valves are not well-suited for high-pressure environments with gas or vapor, prone to seal damage from differential pressures, and are costly due to complex designs and high-pressure seals, with limited means to indicate open or closed positions.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical valve with an inner sliding sleeve and radially extending side ports, featuring three sealing means around the circumference, allowing pressure differential division across two seals when closed, and using scraping rings and magnets for position indication, reducing material costs and enhancing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sliding sleeve valves are used in high-pressure environments, then the valve structure is simple, but the seals are damaged by differential pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into multiple sealing zones with three sealing means (first, second, and third seals) positioned at different locations. The first and second seals are positioned to handle the majority of the differential pressure when closed, while the third seal provides additional sealing. This segmentation of sealing functions allows the valve to withstand high differential pressures (up to 690 bar) without seal damage.
2Reliability
If high-pressure seals are used to withstand differential pressure, then seal reliability improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented across three sealing means positioned at different locations. The first and second seals are positioned to handle the majority of the differential pressure when closed, while the third seal provides additional sealing. This segmentation allows the use of less expensive seal materials and designs while maintaining reliability under high differential pressure, as no single seal must withstand the entire pressure differential alone.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sealing regions are designed with different qualities and functions. The first and second seals are positioned to handle the majority of the differential pressure, while the third seal provides additional sealing where needed. This local differentiation of sealing quality allows optimization of each seal's design for its specific function, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If complex valve designs are used to improve seal durability, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve employs three sealing means positioned at different locations along the sliding sleeve, with the first and second seals handling the majority of differential pressure when closed and the third seal providing additional sealing. This segmented approach distributes the sealing burden across multiple simpler components rather than requiring a single complex seal system, thereby improving durability while maintaining structural simplicity.
4Loss of information
If conventional sealing arrangements are used, then the valve structure is simple, but position indication capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding sleeve is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the three sealing means for pressure containment and simultaneously serves as the position-indicating element. The position indication is achieved by detecting the axial position of the sliding sleeve itself, which moves to indicate open or closed states. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate position indication mechanisms, reducing device complexity while improving information availability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a robust, durable and reliable cylindrical valve having closable, radially extending openings for use in cementing, injection, including hydraulic fracturing, and production in wells having high pressures and large pressure differences. The valve may comprise scraping rings in order to remove deposits and the like when it is to be closed after use. Magnets or other suitable means indicates whether the valve is in an open or closed position.