Door-Interlock Shutoff Valve for Hydraulic Supply Disengagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic systems for power tongs lack an efficient mechanism to prevent oilfield tubulars from exiting the throat during operation, as current shut-off mechanisms, such as cable or hydraulic mechanisms, are not reliable in ensuring complete disengagement of hydraulic supply when the door is opened.
Innovation Solution
A cable-operated door jammer valve system that uses a valve housing with a movable spool to control fluid flow between different ports, allowing or blocking fluid flow based on the door's position, ensuring hydraulic supply disengagement when the door is opened, thereby preventing oilfield tubulars from exiting the throat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cable mechanism is used to shut off hydraulic supply when the door is opened, then the door can be operated manually, but the shut-off mechanism is not reliable in ensuring complete disengagement of hydraulic supply
Solution Approach 1:
A valve spool acts as an intermediary between the cable mechanism and the hydraulic supply. The spool translates the mechanical motion from the cable into a reliable hydraulic shut-off action by physically blocking fluid passages, ensuring complete disengagement even when the cable mechanism itself has limitations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical cable shut-off mechanism with a hybrid system that incorporates a valve spool and hydraulic control. The valve spool provides a more reliable mechanical interface that directly controls hydraulic flow paths, substituting the inadequate direct cable connection with an intermediate valving system
2Ease of operation
If a two piece valve shut off is used, then the valve can be actuated by cable, but the mechanism lacks efficiency in preventing tubular ejection
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into functional segments: a valve housing containing fluid passages, a movable valve spool for flow control, and a cable actuation mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall operational efficiency while maintaining cable actuation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The valve spool is designed to move dynamically between positioned states (open/closed) in response to cable actuation. This dynamic positioning enables rapid response to door position changes, improving the efficiency of preventing tubular ejection by quickly shutting off hydraulic supply when needed
3Reliability
If the valve spool blocks fluid flow between ports, then hydraulic supply is disengaged, but the complexity of the valve housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve spool serves multiple functions simultaneously: it blocks fluid flow between supply and motor ports, directs fluid to alternative passages, and provides a mechanical interface for cable actuation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall valve housing complexity while maintaining reliable shut-off
Solution Approach 2:
The valve spool is nested within the valve housing, with fluid passages arranged concentrically around the spool. This nested arrangement compactly organizes multiple flow paths and control functions within a single housing structure, reducing complexity compared to a distributed arrangement of separate valves or passages
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 effectively prevents hydraulic fluid flow to the motor when the door is opened, ensuring the oilfield tubular remains in place, reducing the risk of accidental ejection and enhancing safety and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the valve spool being configured to allow fluid flow between the first flow passage and the second flow passage when the valve spool is in the first position, and the valve spool being configured to block fluid flow between the first flow passage and the second flow passage when the valve spool is in the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A safety interlock valve with two flow passages, which in one position allows flow through the flow passages and blocks flow between them, and in another position blocks flow through the flow passages and allows flow between them. The safety interlock valve can be used in hydraulic systems such as power tongs.