Electric Safety Valve With Inductive Coupler for Fast Well Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulically operated downhole safety valves face limitations such as depth restrictions due to high hydrostatic pressure, slow operating times, and lack of surface monitoring capabilities, which hinder efficient well control and intervention.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of electric safety valves using inductive couplers for power and telemetry transmission, enabling remote actuation and intervention without the need for hydraulic lines, allowing for rapid closure and real-time monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydraulic lines are used to operate downhole safety valves, then the valves can be operated remotely, but the operating time becomes slow and depth restrictions occur due to high hydrostatic pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanical system with an electrical system. Electric actuators powered by inductive couplers directly drive the valve mechanism, eliminating the need for hydraulic fluid transmission and mechanical linkages through the tubing. This substitution enables rapid actuation response and removes depth limitations associated with hydraulic pressure transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces inductive couplers as an intermediary energy transmission device. These couplers transfer electrical energy through the tubing wall via electromagnetic induction, serving as a mediator between the surface power source and the downhole electric actuators. This intermediary enables remote operation without requiring physical hydraulic connections or penetrating the tubing.
2Ease of operation
If hydraulic lines are used to operate downhole safety valves, then the valves can be operated remotely, but depth restrictions occur due to high hydrostatic pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanical system with an electrical system. Electric actuators powered by inductive couplers directly drive the valve mechanism, eliminating the need for hydraulic fluid transmission and mechanical linkages through the tubing. This substitution enables rapid actuation response and removes depth limitations associated with hydraulic pressure transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces inductive couplers as an intermediary energy transmission device. These couplers transfer electrical energy through the tubing wall via electromagnetic induction, serving as a mediator between the surface power source and the downhole electric actuators. This intermediary enables remote operation without requiring physical hydraulic connections or penetrating the tubing.
3Device complexity
If hydraulic lines are used for downhole safety valves, then the system is simple, but surface monitoring capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates telemetry systems that provide real-time feedback from the downhole environment to the surface. Sensors monitor valve position, pressure, temperature, and operational status, transmitting this data through the inductive coupler system. This feedback mechanism enables continuous surface monitoring without adding significant complexity to the downhole hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive coupler system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical power to the downhole actuators and serves as a communication channel for telemetry data transmission. This multi-functionality consolidates power and information transmission into a single system, maintaining simplicity while enabling comprehensive surface monitoring.
4Speed
If electric safety valves with inductive couplers are used, then rapid closure and real-time monitoring are enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanical system with an electrical system. Electric actuators powered by inductive couplers directly drive the valve mechanism, eliminating the need for hydraulic fluid transmission and mechanical linkages through the tubing. This substitution enables rapid actuation response and removes depth limitations associated with hydraulic pressure transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive coupler system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical power to the downhole actuators and serves as a communication channel for telemetry data transmission. This multi-functionality consolidates power and information transmission into a single system, maintaining simplicity while enabling comprehensive surface monitoring.
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
Electric safety valves with inductive couplers provide efficient, reliable well control, reduce capital and operating costs, and enable proactive decision-making with real-time monitoring and reduced intervention trips.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus includes an electrical connector comprising a first coil on the outer side and a second coil on the inner side of a non-magnetic portion of a pressure containing wall of the well, whereby the supply of varying current from the source to the first coil forms an inductive coupling between it and the second coil of the connector
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A well completion including an electric safety valve and a female inductive coupler is provided. A corresponding male inductive coupler is aligned with the female inductive coupler to provide for the transfer of power and/or telemetry during deployment. The male inductive coupler can be removed for normal operation. In the event of safety valve failure during operation, a service male inductive coupler and contingency safety valve can be deployed such that the service male inductive coupler is aligned with the female inductive coupler.