Downhole Tool Pressure-Actuated Valve Selector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current perforating systems lack the ability to selectively divert fluid flow within the perforating string to surface or circulate fluid within the annular space above a packer, limiting control over fluid communication between formation and annulus spaces.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool with a housing, packer, annulus valve, formation valve, and pressure-actuated selector assembly that allows selective communication between the formation and annulus spaces by moving a piston to different positions, enabling exclusive opening of either the annulus valve or formation valve through a shifter assembly with angularly spaced slots and pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single valve system is used to control fluid flow, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to selectively divert fluid flow between formation and annulus spaces is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is segmented into two independent valves: a formation valve for controlling formation fluid flow and an annulus valve for controlling annulus space flow. Each valve can be independently actuated through separate mandrels and selectors, enabling selective diversion of fluid flow while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve body structure serves multiple functions by accommodating both the formation valve and annulus valve within the same housing. The universal valve body design allows both valves to share common structural elements while providing independent control pathways, thus achieving versatile fluid flow control without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are added to enable selective fluid diversion, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation mechanisms of both valves are merged into a single integrated selector assembly. The selector member with angularly spaced slots and pins provides unified control for both the formation valve mandrel and annulus valve mandrel, allowing multiple valve functions to be controlled through one mechanical interface rather than requiring separate actuation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The selector assembly is nested within the valve body structure, with the selector member positioned to simultaneously control both mandrels through its rotational movement. The pin engages with axial slots on the selector member that correspond to angular positions, creating a nested arrangement where one control mechanism encompasses multiple valve control functions
3Reliability
If a packer is deployed to define annulus space, then the isolation capability improves, but the ability to circulate fluid through the annulus space is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The annulus valve provides dynamic control of the annulus space flow path. When the annulus valve is in the closed position, the packer maintains isolation reliability. When the annulus valve opens, it creates a controlled circulation pathway through the annulus space above the packer, enabling fluid circulation while maintaining the packer's isolation function
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 precise control over fluid flow between the formation and annulus spaces, allowing for direct flow from the formation to the surface or recirculation through the annulus space, while isolating communication between the two spaces, enhancing operational flexibility and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A piston is axially moveable to different positions in the housing in response to a pressure ambient to an outer surface of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool for use in a wellbore and that is attached to a perforating string that creates perforations in a portion of the wellbore. Where the downhole tool can selectively flow fluid from the perforating string to surface, or circulate flow from surface to an annular space between the tool and a wellbore wall. The tool includes pressure actuated valves that provide the flow diverting functionality. The valves are in cooperation with one another to prevent fluid from the portion of the wellbore having the perforations from flowing into the annular space. A pressure actuated selector assembly, which is made up of a piston and specially configured mandrels that are coaxially stacked, selectively moves separate mandrels in an axial direction for opening and closing the valves.