Dual Lock Flow Gate Shear Pin Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole production equipment faces challenges in passing a pump rotor through valves due to the design of existing flow management systems, which restrict the flow and require complex mechanisms to manage fluid flow effectively.
Innovation Solution
A dual lock flow gate system with a cylindrical body, flapper, and shear pin mechanism that inhibits flapper rotation initially and allows it to open by failing the shear pin, ensuring the flapper can rotate away from the body through hole, and a plunger mechanism that locks the flapper in the open position using a spring, facilitating the passage of the pump rotor and managing fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional flow gate valve is used to block fluid flow during installation, then the pump rotor cannot pass through the valve, but if the valve is opened during installation, then fluid flow cannot be controlled and may cause spills
Solution Approach 1:
The flow gate flapper transitions from a static blocked position to a dynamic open position during pump rotor passage, then returns to blocked position. The mechanism dynamically adjusts the flow gate state based on operational phase (installation vs. production), allowing the pump rotor to pass through while maintaining fluid flow control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow gate is pre-configured in a blocked position during installation to prevent fluid spills before the pump is in place. The system performs preliminary blocking action to ensure safety during installation, then transitions to allow rotor passage, and finally returns to blocking position for production phase.
2Ease of manufacture
If the flow gate is designed to remain closed during installation to prevent spills, then the pump rotor cannot be installed, but if it is opened for rotor installation, then fluid may spill
Solution Approach 1:
The flow gate flapper dynamically changes position from closed to open during pump rotor installation, then returns to closed position. This dynamic behavior allows easy pump installation while preventing fluid spills during both installation and production phases through automated position transitions.
3Device complexity
If a simple open/close valve mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot reliably prevent fluid spills during installation while allowing rotor passage
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is segmented into multiple functional components: a flow gate flapper for blocking flow, a shear pin mechanism for controlled opening, a plunger for positioning, and a spring for return action. This segmentation allows the system to reliably prevent spills while enabling rotor passage through coordinated operation of discrete parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The shear pin is pre-installed in a position that blocks the flow gate flapper during installation. The plunger is pre-positioned to guide the flapper. These preliminary configurations ensure spill prevention is automatically activated when needed, while allowing rotor passage when required.
4Productivity
If the flow gate is kept closed to manage fluid flow during production, then the pump rotor cannot pass through, but if opened for rotor passage, then fluid flow management is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flow gate flapper dynamically transitions from closed (blocking) position during production to open position during rotor installation, then returns to closed position. This dynamic behavior enables both high productivity during production with flow management and easy rotor installation when needed.
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
The dual lock flow gate effectively blocks and unblocks fluid flow during installation and production, preventing spills and ensuring the pump rotor can pass through, enhancing the operational efficiency of downhole production equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a spring in the bore and urging the plunger to enter the flapper hinge hole
Implementation Method 2
a shear pin interfering with the flapper such that flapper rotation away from a body through hole is inhibited; when the shear pin fails and releases the flapper to rotate
Data Source
AI summary
A dual lock flow gate includes a valve with a flapper which may be fixed and/or locked in various positions.