Dual-Spring Valve Actuator for Debris-Clearing Closure Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ball valves used in subterranean production often face issues with debris and objects obstructing closure, requiring a valve actuator that can effectively handle such obstructions to ensure reliable operation.
Innovation Solution
A valve actuator design featuring an outer and inner mandrel with notches, an expandable ring, and two springs with different load characteristics, allowing sequential extension to provide increased force for clearing debris during closure, and utilizing hydraulic lines for actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional single-spring actuator is used, then the device complexity is low, but the valve cannot generate sufficient force to clear debris during closure
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is divided into two separate spring chambers, each containing a different spring (first spring and second spring). This segmentation allows each spring to be optimized for specific functions: one spring provides initial closing force while the other provides additional force to clear debris, thereby increasing total closure force without requiring a single overly complex spring mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The two spring chambers are arranged concentrically within the actuator body, with one spring chamber nested inside or adjacent to the other. This nested configuration allows both springs to be housed within a compact actuator structure, increasing closure force capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity and maintaining a relatively simple integrated design
2Reliability
If the valve closes quickly to improve productivity, then the closure speed increases, but debris cannot be properly cleared and the seal is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator uses two springs with different load characteristics that activate at different stages of the closure motion. The first spring provides force during the initial closing phase, while the second spring engages to provide additional force during the final sealing phase. This dynamic, staged force application ensures debris is cleared and a positive seal is achieved without requiring the valve to remain open indefinitely, thus maintaining reliability while accepting a controlled increase in closure time
Solution Approach 2:
The closure process is divided into distinct phases or periods: an initial closing phase powered by the first spring, followed by a debris-clearing phase powered by the second spring. This periodic action pattern ensures that each phase of closure receives the appropriate force level needed for its specific function, achieving reliable sealing while minimizing total closure time through optimized staged operation
3Force
If a heavier spring is used to clear debris, then the force increases, but the spring cannot extend far enough to complete the full stroke
Solution Approach 1:
The total closure stroke is segmented into two portions: an initial stroke portion covered by the first spring and a final stroke portion covered by the second spring. Each spring is designed with an appropriate stroke length for its specific phase, allowing lighter springs to be used that can each extend their full stroke, while together they achieve the complete valve closure motion with sufficient debris-clearing force
Solution Approach 2:
The two spring chambers are positioned such that their combined strokes equal the total required valve closure stroke. The nested or adjacent arrangement allows the springs to operate in sequence, with the first spring covering the initial portion of the stroke and the second spring covering the remaining portion, thereby achieving full stroke capability without requiring any single spring to be both extremely heavy and extremely long
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 valve actuator ensures reliable closure by providing the necessary force to clear debris and obstructions, ensuring a positive seal and maintaining valve functionality even in the presence of obstacles.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring positioned in the first portion and a second spring positioned in the second portion, the first and second springs configured to sequentially extend to move a control arm to close a valve
Implementation Method 2
A valve actuator may include a piston located within a divided pressure chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of an equalizing device for use with a safety valve and a safety valve are provided herein. In one embodiment, the equalizing device includes at least a tubular having a central bore extending axially there through, the tubular having a ball seat. The equalizing device may further include a ball positioned proximate the ball seat, the ball configured to move from a first position engaged with the ball seat to a second position disengaged from the ball seat to equalize pressure across the safety valve, and an arced ring positioned radially outside the ball, the arced ring configured to keep the ball engaged with the ball seat when in the first position and maintain the ball radially outside the ball seat when in the second position.