Compact Equalizing Device for Small Diameter Safety Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional equalizing devices are too large to fit in safety valve configurations with smaller outer diameters, posing a challenge in offshore hydrocarbon production wells where space limitations are restrictive.
Innovation Solution
An equalizing device with a tubular having a central bore and a ball seat, where a ball moves from a seated to a disengaged position to equalize pressure across the valve closure mechanism, assisted by an arced ring that maintains the ball's position, allowing for pressure equalization in smaller wellbore applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional equalizing devices are used, then pressure equalization function is achieved, but device size is too large to fit in smaller diameter safety valve configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The equalizing device is nested within the safety valve assembly, with the ball and tubular components fitting inside the valve body. The ball moves within the tubular's central bore, and the entire mechanism is contained within the safety valve's internal space, allowing the equalizing function to be integrated into smaller valve configurations without requiring external space.
Solution Approach 2:
The equalizing device is divided into separate functional components: a ball for pressure equalization, a tubular with central bore for ball movement, a ball seat for positioning, and an arced ring for retention. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for minimal space while collectively providing the full pressure equalization function within constrained dimensions.
2Reliability
If safety valve is set deep in production well, then safety is improved, but access for maintenance and operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The equalizing device operates automatically through pressure differential forces. The ball moves between seated and disengaged positions based on pressure conditions across the valve closure mechanism, requiring no external actuation or manual intervention. This self-service operation maintains safety functions even at great depths where human access is impractical.
3Volume of moving object
If smaller outer diameter safety valves are used, then space utilization in wellbore is improved, but traditional equalizing devices cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The equalizing device design with a ball, tubular, ball seat, and arced ring provides a universal solution that can be adapted to various safety valve configurations. The compact components can be scaled and configured to fit different valve outer diameters while maintaining the pressure equalization function, making the system versatile across multiple application scenarios.
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.