Dual Wave Spring Assembly for Reliable Wellbore Ball Valve Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wellbore valve systems face challenges in efficiently shifting between open and closed positions due to limitations in the mechanical components used for fluid flow control, particularly in subterranean formations, where pressure-activated mechanisms require precise and reliable actuation to manage fluid flow effectively.
Innovation Solution
A spring assembly comprising two separate independent wave springs, rotationally coupled with anti-rotation features, is integrated with the valve assembly to assist in shifting the ball valve between positions, utilizing the wave springs' unique configuration to enhance mechanical advantage and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single wave spring is used in the valve assembly, then the structure is simple, but the reliability and mechanical advantage are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The wave spring is divided into two separate, independent wave springs instead of using a single wave spring. Each wave spring is positioned adjacent to the other with peaks pointing toward one another and valleys pointing away, creating a segmented spring assembly that improves reliability while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Two separate wave springs are combined in an adjacent arrangement to form a unified spring assembly. The anti-rotation features of both wave springs engage with the valve stem simultaneously, merging their mechanical advantages to provide more reliable valve actuation
2Ease of operation
If wave springs are rotationally coupled with anti-rotation features, then the mechanical efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Anti-rotation features are incorporated into the wave spring design to prevent rotational movement during valve actuation. This asymmetric feature ensures that the wave springs engage the valve stem in a controlled manner, improving mechanical efficiency while the features are designed to be integrated into standard manufacturing processes
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 spring assembly effectively assists in shifting the ball valve between open and closed positions, improving the mechanical efficiency and reliability of fluid flow control in wellbore operations by leveraging the modular design and rotational coupling of the wave springs.
Implementation Method 1
A spring assembly including two separate independent wave springs positioned proximate one another such that peaks of adjacent ones of the two separate independent wave springs point toward one another, and valleys of the two separate independent wave springs point away from one another
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a spring assembly, a valve assembly and a well system. The spring assembly, in one aspect, includes two separate independent wave springs positioned proximate one another such that peaks of adjacent ones of the two separate independent wave springs point toward one another, and valleys of the two separate independent wave springs point away from one another. The spring assembly, according to this aspect, further includes one or more anti-rotation features rotationally coupling the two separate independent wave springs together.