Electrical Wellhead Gate Valve With Compact Reduced-Stroke Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gate valves in wellhead assemblies require significant space for installation and operation due to their linear stroke, limiting their use in space-constrained environments, and there is a need for more efficient actuation methods.
Innovation Solution
A reduced stroke gate valve design with non-circular or non-round openings that reduce the stroke length while maintaining the same flow area, combined with an electrical actuator for selective operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional gate valve with linear stroke is used, then reliable fluid control is achieved, but the valve requires large space for installation and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional linear stroke motion to rotary motion of the gate valve. The gate valve is rotated about a lateral axis instead of moving linearly, changing the dimension of actuation. This rotary motion allows the valve to achieve the same sealing function in a compact package, reducing the space required for installation while maintaining reliable fluid control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the actuation parameter from linear stroke length to rotary angle. By using a rotary actuator that rotates the gate valve through a specific angle (e.g., 90 degrees) rather than requiring a long linear stroke, the valve achieves compact packaging. The flow control function is maintained through the rotational movement of the gate relative to the flow passage.
2Area of stationary object
If a compact gate valve design is used, then space for other components is freed up, but the actuation efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical linear stroke actuation with an electrical rotary actuator. The electrical actuator uses electromagnetic or electric motor principles to rotate the gate valve, providing efficient and precise control. This substitution of mechanical linear actuation with electrical rotary actuation maintains or improves actuation efficiency while achieving compact packaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a rotary actuation mechanism that dynamically rotates the gate valve through a controlled angle. The rotary motion allows for efficient actuation through optimized mechanical leverage and rotational dynamics, achieving rapid and reliable valve operation within a compact space. The rotational mechanism can be designed with varying stroke angles to optimize both compactness and actuation efficiency.
3Length of moving object
If the stroke length is reduced, then the valve becomes more compact, but the flow area may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction between reduced stroke length and maintained flow area by changing from linear to rotary motion. The gate valve rotates about a lateral axis, allowing the flow passage to be designed with optimized geometry that maintains full flow area capability even with a reduced rotational stroke. The circular or arcuate flow passage geometry allows the gate to sweep through the full flow area during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric or non-circular flow passage geometry to optimize the flow area relative to the reduced stroke length. The flow passage may be designed with elliptical, circular, or other non-standard shapes that allow maximum flow capacity within the constraints of the reduced rotational stroke. This asymmetric design enables the valve to maintain efficient flow characteristics while achieving compact packaging.
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 design allows for more compact packaging and efficient actuation of the gate valve, freeing up space for other components and enabling reliable fluid control in space-constrained environments.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical actuator that is configured to selectively open or close the gate valve in response to one or more electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a tubing hanger configured to be positioned in a wellhead assembly, the tubing hanger configured to support a tubing string, the tubing hanger including: a bore extending at least partially through the tubing hanger; and a valve disposed along the bore of the tubing hanger, wherein the valve is configured to control the flow of a fluid medium through the bore, and wherein the valve includes: an electrical actuator, wherein the electrical actuator is disposed at least partially within the tubing hanger, and wherein the electrical actuator is configured to selectively open or close the valve in response to one or more electrical signals.