Downhole Deployment Valve Dual Biasing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole deployment valves (DDVs) face issues such as sealing problems, sticking open, inadequate closure force, high manufacturing costs, non-modular designs, and difficulties with control line coupling, leading to inefficient isolation and pressure management in oil and gas wellbores.
Innovation Solution
A DDV assembly featuring a housing with a valve member and dual biasing members to ensure reliable sealing, an actuation sleeve for opening and closing, and improved control line connections to maintain pressure integrity and prevent sticking, along with secondary biasing mechanisms to facilitate closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single biasing member is used to close the valve member, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of sealing and prevention of sticking open deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing force is divided into two separate biasing members (first and second biasing members) that independently act on the valve member. This segmentation ensures that if one biasing member fails, the other can still maintain the valve in the closed position, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual biasing members provide a redundant force system that cushions against the risk of valve sticking open. By having two independent biasing forces, the system prepares in advance for potential failures, ensuring the valve remains reliably closed even if one biasing member loses effectiveness.
2Reliability
If the valve member is designed to seal against a seat, then sealing performance is improved, but sealing problems and sticking open issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second biasing members continuously apply closing force to the valve member before pressure differentials can cause the valve to open or stick. This preliminary biasing action ensures the valve member maintains firm contact with the sealing seat, preventing sealing problems and sticking open by establishing proper sealing conditions in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses two separate biasing members that can be independently designed with different force characteristics. This allows optimization of the closing force parameters to ensure reliable sealing while preventing the valve from sticking in the closed position, thereby resolving sealing problems without compromising sealing performance.
3Device complexity
If the DDV uses a non-modular arrangement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of manufacture and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The DDV is divided into modular components including the housing, valve member, first biasing member, second biasing member, and control line coupling mechanisms. This modular segmentation enables independent manufacturing of each component, improving ease of manufacture and allowing for better quality control while maintaining manageable overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design incorporates universal coupling mechanisms that can interface with different control line configurations and tool strings. This universality enhances adaptability and ease of manufacture by allowing standardized components to be used across different applications, reducing the need for custom manufacturing.
4Device complexity
If the valve member is held closed by inadequate force, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of pressure isolation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second biasing members continuously apply closing force to the valve member in advance, ensuring that sufficient force is maintained to keep the valve closed against pressure differentials. This preliminary and continuous application of force through dual biasing members ensures reliable pressure isolation without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual biasing members provide redundant force application that cushions against the risk of inadequate closing force. By having two independent biasing mechanisms, the system ensures that sufficient closing force is maintained even if one biasing member becomes less effective, thereby ensuring reliable pressure isolation.
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 solution provides reliable and efficient isolation between wellbore sections, reducing the risk of pressure leaks and operational costs while enhancing the reliability and speed of tool deployment in oil and gas well operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing member coupled to the valve member to urge the valve member from the second position to the first position
Implementation Method 2
a second biasing member engaged with the valve member in the second position to urge the valve member initially away from the second position toward the first position
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2~3
Figure 5
AI summary
Methods and apparatus enable reliable and improved isolation between two portions of a bore extending through a casing string disposed in a borehole. A downhole deployment valve (DDV) may provide the isolation utilizing a valve member such as a flapper (102) that is disposed in a housing (106) of the DDV and is designed to close against a seat (110) within the housing. The DDV includes an operating mechanism for opening/closing the DDV. In use, pressure in one portion of a well that is in fluid communication with a well surface may be bled off and open at well surface while maintaining pressure in another portion of the casing string beyond the DDV.