Downhole Valve Assembly with Dynamic Control Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current valve assemblies for oil, gas, or water wells lack efficient mechanisms to control fluid flow dynamically in response to changing pressure conditions, leading to suboptimal circulation and cleaning operations.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a control sleeve that cycles between configurations under fluid pressure differentials, allowing partial or full fluid communication between a bore and an outlet port, and featuring resilient seat members that deform to retain a valve closure member, enabling sequential and repeated switching between open and closed states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a valve assembly uses a static control mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the fluid flow control efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a movable control sleeve that can shift between different positions (first, second, and intermediate configurations) to dynamically control fluid flow pathways. The control sleeve responds to pressure differentials across the valve closure member, enabling automatic adjustment of fluid communication between the bore and outlet port based on real-time pressure conditions, thereby improving control efficiency without requiring complex external control systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the valve assembly uses multiple valve closure members, then the flow control capability is enhanced, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a single valve closure member that serves multiple functions: it acts as both a sealing element against the valve seat and a movable plug that displaces to control the outlet port opening. The control sleeve works in conjunction with this single closure member to provide varied flow control states (fully closed, partially open, fully open) through different positional configurations, eliminating the need for multiple separate closure members while maintaining enhanced flow control capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the valve assembly operates in deviated wellbores, then the application versatility is improved, but maintaining seal integrity becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by using a resilient valve closure member that can deform and adapt to the valve seat geometry, maintaining sealing contact under varying gravitational and pressure conditions in deviated wellbores. The control sleeve also dynamically adjusts its position in response to pressure differentials, ensuring reliable operation regardless of wellbore orientation, thereby maintaining seal integrity while improving application versatility.
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 efficient fluid flow control, improving circulation and cleaning operations by allowing dynamic adjustment of fluid pathways in response to pressure changes, maintaining seal integrity even in deviated wellbores, and reducing the need for multiple valve closure members.
Implementation Method 1
resilient seat members that deform to retain a valve closure member
Implementation Method 2
changes in fluid pressure acting on the seated valve closure member
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly for use in a wellbore of an oil, gas or water well, having a valve seat to seat a valve closure member such as a ball, and a control member that is adapted to cycle the valve assembly between first and second configurations of the valve assembly when the ball is seated on the seat. The valve assembly may be adapted to return the valve assembly to the first configuration when the valve closure member is seated on the seat, and may repeatedly, continuously and/or sequentially cycle from first to second configurations and back to first configuration to open and close an outlet port while the same valve member is seated on the seat. The valve seat may comprise first and second seat members and retain the ball in a cleft between the first and second seat members.