Downhole Valve Seal Integrity via Segmented Interference Effectors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole valves in wellbore operations face challenges in maintaining sealing functionality due to exposure to wellbore conditions, including flowing solids and jetting operations, which can compromise the sealing performance of sealing members.
Innovation Solution
A flow control apparatus with an uphole-disposed and downhole-disposed flow interference effector, including multiple members that can be independently engaged with a flow control member to control the opening and closing of a flow communicator, ensuring reliable sealing and communication between the wellbore and subterranean formation, even in harsh conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sealing members are exposed to wellbore conditions to enable flow communication, then flow control functionality is achieved, but sealing integrity deteriorates due to exposure to flowing solids and jetting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The flow interference effector is divided into multiple segments including a body portion and a movable occluding member that can independently control flow paths. This segmentation allows the sealing surfaces to remain protected while still enabling flow control through the movable occluding member's positioning
Solution Approach 2:
A movable occluding member is introduced as an intermediary element between the sealing members and the flowing treatment material. This occluding member can be positioned to block the flow path, preventing treatment material from contacting the sealing members while still allowing the valve to control flow between zones
2Productivity
If valve elements are spaced apart from sealing members to enable flow, then flow communication is achieved, but sealing functionality deteriorates due to exposure to harsh wellbore conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The movable occluding member is positioned in advance to prevent treatment material from reaching the sealing members before contact occurs. By proactively blocking the flow path with the occluding member, the sealing members are protected from harmful exposure to flowing solids and jetting operations
Solution Approach 2:
The movable occluding member serves as a protective intermediary that absorbs the exposure to harsh wellbore conditions instead of the sealing members. It can be positioned to intercept treatment material, preventing direct contact with the sealing surfaces
3Device complexity
If a single flow interference effector is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to lack of redundant sealing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The flow interference effector is segmented into a body portion and a movable occluding member that work together within a single effector unit. This internal segmentation provides functional redundancy without requiring multiple separate effectors, maintaining reliability while controlling complexity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~5A
Figure 2B~5B
AI summary
An apparatus and a method of controlling flow communication with an apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes a flow communicator, a flow control member, an uphole-disposed flow interference effector uphole of the flow communicator, and a downhole-disposed flow interference effector downhole of the flow communicator. While each of the uphole-disposed flow interference effector and the downhole-disposed flow interference-effector, independently, is contacting the flow control member, the flow communicator is closed. Displacement of the flow control member, relative to the flow communicator, in the downhole direction, opens the flow communicator. While there is an absence of occlusion of the second uphole-disposed flow interference-effecting member of the uphole-disposed flow interference effector, the flow control member is disposable, relative to the flow communicator, such that each one of the second-uphole disposed flow interference-effecting member and the downhole-disposed flow interference-effector, independently, is contacting the flow control member, such that the flow communicator is closed.