Electrostatic SSSV Actuation for Low-Current Fail-Safe Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sub-surface safety valves (SSSVs) in oil and gas production rely on hydraulic lines for control, which can be cumbersome and inaccurate, especially in underwater wellbores, and traditional electric motors require high current for operation, necessitating electric clutches for fail-safe operation.
Innovation Solution
The use of electrostatic motors to control SSSVs, which operate based on electric charge attraction and repulsion, eliminating the need for electric clutches and reducing power consumption by allowing the motor to spin freely when unpowered, thus requiring less current to maintain the SSSV in an open or closed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional electric motors are used to control SSSV, then the motor can provide sufficient torque for valve operation, but high current is required necessitating electric clutches for fail-safe operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electromagnetic motors with electrostatic motors that use electrostatic fields instead of electromagnetic fields. This substitution eliminates the need for high current operation and electric clutches, as the electrostatic motor can freely spin when unpowered and requires minimal current to maintain position, providing fail-safe operation without mechanical clutches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the motor system by using electrostatic fields at high voltage but low current instead of electromagnetic fields at low voltage but high current. This parameter change allows the motor to achieve sufficient torque while consuming minimal current, eliminating the need for electric clutches and enabling fail-safe operation through natural free-spinning when unpowered.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic lines are used for SSSV control, then the system can operate in underwater wellbores, but the control becomes cumbersome and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic control systems with direct electrical control using electrostatic motors. This substitution eliminates the need for hydraulic lines and fluid pressure transmission, allowing for more accurate and responsive control of the SSSV while maintaining the ability to operate in underwater wellbores through electrical signal transmission instead of hydraulic fluid.
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
This solution provides easier, more accurate control of SSSVs with reduced power consumption, enabling efficient and reliable operation in wellbores, including fail-safe functionality to prevent fluid flow in case of equipment failure.
Implementation Method 1
electrostatic motors, which operate based on electric charge attraction and repulsion
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a sub-surface safety valve (SSSV) to be positioned in a wellbore. The SSSV is configurable to move between a closed position and an open position. While in the closed position, the SSSV prevents downhole fluid in the wellbore to flow to a surface of the wellbore. While in the open position, the SSSV allows the downhole fluid in the wellbore to flow to the surface of the wellbore. The apparatus further includes an electrostatic motor to be positioned in the wellbore and to be coupled to the SSSV. The electrostatic motor is to be selectively powered to move the SSSV between the closed position and the open position.