Downhole Isolation Valve Leak Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting leaks in downhole isolation valves are inefficient, as they rely on surface detection of flow increases, which can be delayed and may not accurately identify leaks due to gas expansion, necessitating a more direct and timely method for leak detection.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a leak detection device within the isolation valve that measures fluid flow into a chamber formed between closure members, and using pressure gauges to determine leaks by measuring downhole pressure, allowing for real-time detection of fluid leaks across the isolation valve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If leak detection is performed at surface by detecting flow increase, then leak detection is possible, but detection time is delayed and accuracy is reduced due to gas expansion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions leak detection from surface level to downhole level by positioning the detection device within the isolation valve at the bottom of the wellbore. This dimensional change enables direct measurement of fluid flow into the chamber between closure members, eliminating the time delay and accuracy issues caused by gas expansion during upward travel to the surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If downhole leak detection device is added to the isolation valve, then leak detection accuracy and speed are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak detection reliabilityVSAvoidisolation valve complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the leak detection function with the existing isolation valve structure by integrating a detection device that measures fluid flow into the chamber formed between closure members. This merging approach enables reliable leak detection while avoiding the need for separate, additional detection systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables immediate and accurate detection of leaks, reducing the time to respond to contingencies and preventing potential wellbore issues by providing a direct measurement of fluid flow and pressure changes indicative of leaks.

Implementation Method 1

a leak detection device configured to measure a fluid flow into the chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow measurement:

Implementation Method 2

a pressure gauge for measuring a pressure in the bore above the closure member when the closure member is in the closed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS10837275B2Leak detection for downhole isolation valve

Publication Date: 2020.11.17 WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

An isolation valve for use with a tubular string includes a tubular housing for connection with the tubular string; a first closure member disposed in the housing and movable between an open position and a closed position; a second closure member disposed in the housing and movable between an open position and a closed position; a chamber formed between the first closure member and the second closure member when the first and second closure members are in the closed position; and a leak detection device configured to measure a fluid flow into the chamber.