Electrically Actuated Downhole Valve for On-Demand Vibration Tool Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole tools for oil and gas drilling lack the ability to activate and deactivate systems independently of fluid flowrate and mechanical springs, leading to inefficiencies and component damage during directional drilling, particularly in horizontal sections where friction issues complicate weight transfer and vibration tool activation.
Innovation Solution
An electrically activated downhole valve system that uses sensors and processors to control the movement of a valve poppet or positioner within the valve body, allowing for on-demand activation and deactivation of vibration tools by altering fluid flow paths based on measured conditions, such as inclination or pressure, using a linear or rotary mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical activation methods (ball seat, spring) are used to activate downhole tools, then the tool can be activated, but the system is limited to single 'on' position only and requires tripping out of hole to reset
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical activation systems (ball seat, spring mechanisms) with an electrically controlled valve system. The valve poppet is actuated by an electric motor that can be controlled to move the poppet between closed and open positions, enabling both activation and deactivation of the downhole tool without requiring mechanical intervention from surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically controlled valve system allows the downhole tool to be activated and deactivated remotely through electrical signals transmitted down the drill string. This enables the tool to serve itself by being turned off after use without requiring the drill string to be tripped out of the hole, as the valve can be repositioned electrically to stop fluid flow to the tool.
2Productivity
If vibration tool is activated continuously to break wellbore friction, then weight transfer is improved, but tool longevity decreases and casing may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the vibration tool through an electrically actuated valve system. The valve poppet can be positioned to control fluid flow to the vibration tool, allowing the tool to be activated only when needed (during horizontal drilling sections) and deactivated when not needed (vertical sections or when friction is not an issue). This on-demand activation extends tool life and prevents unnecessary casing damage while maintaining productivity when required.
3Ease of operation
If projectile activation method is used, then tool activation is simple, but the drilling string must be tripped out of hole to remove projectile and reset tool
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical projectile activation system with an electrically controlled valve system. Instead of dropping a projectile that requires physical removal and tool resetting, the electric motor can be controlled remotely to reposition the valve poppet, stopping fluid flow to the tool and deactivating it. This eliminates the need to trip the drill string out of the hole, saving significant time and operational complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical spring activation is used, then flow path blocking can be achieved, but available flow parameters are limited in on or off positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically controllable valve system where the electric motor can position the valve poppet at different locations within the valve body. This allows for intermediate positions between fully open and fully closed, enabling control of various flow parameters (flow rate, pressure) to the downhole tool. The system provides adaptable flow control while maintaining relatively simple structure through the use of electric actuation rather than complex mechanical linkages.
Data Source
AI summary
There is a downhole valve for use in a standpipe. A valve body defines a flow path through the valve body. A valve poppet within the valve body is axially movable in a direction parallel with the standpipe when in use. An electrically activated linear activation system is connected to the valve poppet to move the valve poppet axially. The flow through the flow path varies as the valve poppet is moved axially. There is a method of activating a downhole valve for use in a standpipe. A condition downhole is detected using a sensor. The downhole valve is electrically activated based on the detected condition downhole. The valve and method may be used to turn on and off a vibration tool when a drill string is in the horizontal section of a well.