Double Barrier Valve Assembly for Drilling Mud Circulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling elements lack a double barrier mechanism for the radial aperture during pipe insertion and removal steps, leading to safety concerns due to potential mud leaks at high pressures, which can be dangerous for operators.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with two movable shutters forming a double barrier along the mud path, ensuring the radial aperture is securely closed during drilling operations, even at pressures up to 51711 kPa, by maintaining a constant mud flow and preventing backflows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-barrier radial valve is used at the radial aperture, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and safety are compromised due to potential mud leaks at high pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The single radial valve is segmented into two separate radial valves (first radial valve and second radial valve) positioned at different locations along the radial aperture. This segmentation creates a double-barrier system where each valve independently seals the aperture, providing redundant protection against mud leaks while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular valve design.
Solution Approach 2:
The double-barrier radial valve system implements beforehand cushioning by providing a backup sealing mechanism. If the first radial valve fails to seal properly, the second radial valve serves as a pre-positioned backup barrier that prevents mud leakage. This redundant protection is built into the system design before any failure occurs, ensuring reliability during high-pressure drilling operations.
2Ease of operation
If the radial aperture is made accessible for operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the object-affected harmful factors increase due to operators being exposed to potential mud leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The double-barrier radial valve system provides beforehand cushioning by creating a redundant sealing arrangement where the first and second radial valves work together to prevent mud leakage. This backup protection system is in place before any potential failure occurs, allowing operators to safely access and operate the radial aperture during pipe insertion and removal without being exposed to the harmful effects of high-pressure mud leaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The two radial valves act as intermediary protective barriers between the high-pressure mud system and the operators working at the radial aperture. These valves mediate the potential harm by providing controlled sealing, allowing the aperture to remain accessible for operation while protecting operators from the harmful effects of uncontrolled mud leakage through the radial through hole.
3Productivity
If mud circulation is stopped during pipe insertion and removal, then the productivity is reduced, but the object-generated harmful factors decrease by eliminating pressure variations that cause landslides and fluid entry
Solution Approach 1:
The double-barrier radial valve system enables continuity of useful action by allowing mud circulation to continue uninterrupted during pipe insertion and removal operations. The first and second radial valves maintain sealed closure of the radial aperture, preventing mud leakage while the pump continues to circulate mud through the axial duct and drill bit. This eliminates the harmful pressure variations that occur when circulation is stopped, preventing landslides and fluid entry into the wellbore while maintaining drilling productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly is for selectively opening and closing a radial aperture provided on a drilling element for drilling mud circulation. The valve assembly includes a valve body that has an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, and a duct for putting the apertures in communication with each other, thereby defining a mud path (p). The valve assembly includes at least two shutters arranged in a cascade along the direction of the mud path (p), thus forming at least a double barrier.