Dual Function Downhole Tool Piston Valve Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing downhole tools require frequent rigging and transport to the surface for multiple operations, leading to time-consuming and costly processes, as they are not capable of performing multiple functions without re-rigging.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional downhole wireline tool with a pump and fluid chamber, divided by pistons and springs, allowing for fluid sampling and jetting without the need for surface re-rigging, utilizing a system where the pistons are activated by pressure differences to manage fluid flow between chamber sections for sampling and jetting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a single downhole tool is used for multiple operations, then operational time and cost are reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational timeVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The downhole tool is designed with a multi-functional valve system that can perform both fluid sampling and jetting operations using the same tool string. The valve mechanism includes multiple ports and movable members that can be configured to enable different functions, eliminating the need to bring the tool to the surface for re-rigging between operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve system employs movable members including a first movable member with first and second positions, and a second movable member with first, second, and third positions. These dynamic components allow the valve to transition between different configurations, enabling the tool to switch between sampling and jetting modes without external intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the tool string is brought to the surface for re-rigging between operations, then the tool can be reconfigured for different operations, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidtime for re-rigging and transport
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tool string is designed with an integrated multi-functional valve system that can perform both fluid sampling and jetting operations. The valve includes multiple ports (first port, second port, third port) and movable members that can be positioned to enable different functions, allowing the same tool string to adapt between operations without being brought to the surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve system is designed to be self-configuring through the action of movable members that respond to pressure differentials and mechanical actuation. The first movable member and second movable member can be positioned automatically or through simple control mechanisms, eliminating the need for complex re-rigging operations at the surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If a complex multi-functional valve system is implemented, then multiple operations can be performed without surface re-rigging, but the valve mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidvalve mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a first movable member with two positions for controlling the first port, and a second movable member with three positions for controlling the second and third ports. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific flow paths, making the overall system more manageable despite the multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The valve system uses intermediate flow paths and chamber configurations to manage fluid flow between different ports. The movable members act as intermediaries that can open or close specific passages, and the chamber geometry provides intermediate storage and routing areas that simplify the connection between multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 simultaneous fluid sampling and jetting operations in a single run, reducing operational time and costs by maintaining fluid containment and control without the need for frequent surface trips, while ensuring effective sealing and fluid separation.

Implementation Method 1

when the pump provides a pressure difference over the pistons, the pistons are forced in one direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

hence activating a spring force of the first springs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

the pump may provide a suction pressure in the first chamber section, and the piston may be forced in the one direction towards the pump, allowing the fluid to flow from the second chamber section to the first chamber section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 4

the pump may provide a compressive pressure in the first chamber section, and the piston may be forced in an opposite direction away from the pump, allowing the fluid to flow from the first chamber section to the second chamber section and from the second chamber section to the third chamber section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompressive pressure: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3155209B1Dual function downhole tool
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 WELLTEC AS
  • EP3155209B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3155209B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3155209B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a multifunctional downhole wireline tool for fluid sampling and fluid jetting in a well downhole, comprising a pump having a pump opening, and a fluid chamber for collecting a sample of fluid or storage of fluid to be jetted, the fluid chamber having a first chamber end connected with the pump opening and a second chamber end having a chamber opening, wherein the fluid chamber has a chamber wall and comprises a first piston and a second piston dividing the fluid chamber into a first chamber section, a second chamber section and a third chamber section, the first piston being connected with a first end of a first piston rod, the second piston being connected with a first end of a second piston rod, a first support configured to support the first piston rod, a second support configured to support the second piston rod, and a first spring provided between the first piston and the first support and another first spring provided between the second piston and the second support, so that when the pump provides a pressure difference over the pistons, the pistons are forced in one direction, hence activating a spring force of the first springs and allowing the fluid to flow from one chamber section to another chamber section. The present invention further relates to a downhole system for fluid sampling and fluid jetting in a well downhole and to a sampling method and a jetting method using a multifunctional downhole wireline tool according to the present invention.