Two-Wire Downhole Valve Control Using Voltage Timing Delays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling solenoid operated valves (SOVs) in oil and gas wells require an increasing number of conductor lines and electronic components as the number of SOVs increases, making independent control complex and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using two conductor lines to selectively control multiple SOVs through an electrical system with silicon diodes for alternating current (SIDACs) and voltage delay devices, such as capacitors or inductors, to manage the actuation of each valve independently by controlling voltage timing and delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of SOVs increases to control more reservoir zones, then the flow control capability is improved, but the number of conductor lines and electronic components increases making the system more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple SOVs are connected in parallel between the same two conductor lines, merging the electrical connection path for all valves. This allows independent control of each SOV through shared conductors, eliminating the need for separate conductor lines for each valve and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Voltage delay devices are connected to each SOV to create predetermined time delays before voltage is applied. This preliminary timing arrangement enables selective activation of specific SOVs in a controlled sequence, allowing complex multi-zone control to be achieved through simple temporal differentiation rather than complex wiring
2Ease of operation
If traditional control systems are used for multiple SOVs, then each valve can be controlled independently, but the number of conductor lines increases linearly with the number of SOVs
Solution Approach 1:
All SOVs share common first and second conductor lines, merging the electrical connection infrastructure. Each SOV is connected in parallel between these two conductors, allowing independent control through voltage timing while using a fixed, minimal number of conductor lines regardless of the number of valves
Solution Approach 2:
The control approach transitions from spatial differentiation (separate conductor lines for each SOV) to temporal differentiation (voltage applied at different times to different SOVs). Voltage delay devices create time-based separation of control signals, allowing multiple valves to be controlled independently through a single shared electrical pathway
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 independent control of multiple SOVs using only two conductor lines, reducing the complexity and number of electronic components required, allowing for efficient and precise control of fluid flow in multi-zone well systems.
Implementation Method 1
A method and system using two conductor lines to selectively control multiple SOVs through an electrical system with silicon diodes for alternating current (SIDACs) and voltage delay devices, such as capacitors or inductors, to manage the actuation of each valve independently by controlling voltage timing and delay
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of SOVs is coupled to a switching thyristor. Each switching thyristor is coupled to a voltage delay device. The voltage delay device is configured to prevent a voltage from being applied to the switching thyristor for a predetermined time period
Data Source
AI summary
A method of actuating a selected electrically powered device such as a solenoid operated valve (SOV) among a plurality of electrically powered devices coupled between a first conductor and second conductor includes applying a high voltage differential between the first conductor and the second conductor, the high voltage being at least as high as the breakover voltage of a switching thyristor coupled to the selected electrically powered devices. The method also includes applying a low voltage differential between the first conductor and the second conductor after applying the high voltage, the low voltage being lower than the breakover voltage of any switching thyristor coupled to the plurality of electrically powered devices.