Debris Management Assembly for Borehole Isolation Valves
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Isolation valves in hydrocarbon recovery boreholes often accumulate debris, hindering their actuation and requiring costly cleanout operations, which are undesirable due to the delays and expenses they incur.
Innovation Solution
A debris management assembly comprising a housing, a mandrel, a debris sump, and a debris diverter that directs debris into the sump, preventing it from reaching further downhole components like isolation valves, featuring a latch sleeve and flaps that pivot to open and close the diverter, ensuring reliable operation by keeping the mandrel clear of debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If isolation valves are used in hydrocarbon recovery boreholes, then zone isolation function is achieved, but debris accumulation hinders valve actuation and requires additional cleanout operations
Solution Approach 1:
A debris diverter is introduced as an intermediary component between the debris source and the isolation valve. The diverter captures and redirects debris into a sump, preventing direct contact with the valve mechanism while maintaining normal operational flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional zones: a debris capture zone (sump), a diversion pathway (diverter), and a protected operational zone (isolation valve). This segmentation isolates the valve from harmful debris while maintaining overall system functionality.
2Ease of operation
If additional cleanout operations are performed to remove debris, then valve functionality is restored, but operational delays and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The debris diverter performs preliminary action by capturing and removing debris before it can accumulate to problematic levels around the isolation valve. This preventive approach eliminates the need for subsequent cleanout operations and maintains continuous operational readiness.
3Device complexity
If debris is allowed to accumulate naturally, then no additional components are needed, but isolation valves require frequent maintenance and cleanout operations
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful debris is extracted from the main operational flow path and redirected into a separate sump chamber. The debris diverter creates a distinct extraction pathway that removes debris from the system before it can interfere with valve operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A debris management assembly including a housing, a mandrel disposed within the housing, a debris sump defined between the mandrel and the housing, and a debris diverter operably connected to the mandrel and positioned to direct debris that encounters the debris diverter into the debris sump.