Flapper Valve Indexing Mechanism for Deep Subterranean Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subterranean valve designs require control lines and hydraulic systems to operate flapper valves, which are costly and operationally complex, especially in deep applications where high hydrostatic pressure is present, necessitating large return springs or dual control lines.
Innovation Solution
A flapper valve design that uses a pressure cycle to operate a sleeve, which moves a flapper to open or close positions without control lines, utilizing a j-slot mechanism and springs to manage the valve's position, with objects being dissolved or removed from the seat to allow continuous fluid flow, eliminating the need for hydraulic control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control lines and hydraulic systems are used to operate flapper valves, then the valve can be actuated reliably, but the system becomes operationally complex and costly, especially in deep applications
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the control lines and hydraulic systems from the valve actuation mechanism. Instead of using external control systems, the patent employs a self-contained indexing mechanism with a plug, seat, and j-slot that automatically cycles the flapper valve through pressure differentials created by the plug's position, removing the need for complex external control infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system performs self-actuation through its own internal components. The plug, when landed on the seat, creates pressure differentials that automatically drive the indexing mechanism and cycle the flapper valve without requiring external control lines or hydraulic systems, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating operational complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual control lines are used to offset hydrostatic pressure in deep applications, then the valve can operate at depth, but the expense and operational issues increase due to doubling up control lines
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the need for dual control lines entirely by using an internal indexing mechanism that operates based on pressure differentials created by the plug's position. The j-slot mechanism and return spring work together to provide automatic cycling without requiring external control infrastructure, enabling deep application capability while eliminating the complexity of dual control line configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical hydraulic control system with a pressure-differential-based indexing mechanism. The plug's position creates natural pressure differentials that drive the flapper valve cycling, substituting complex mechanical control lines with a simpler pressure-based automatic indexing system using a j-slot and return spring
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 design allows for efficient operation of flapper valves in deep subterranean locations without control lines, reducing operational complexity and cost, enabling single or dual pressure cycles to change the flapper's position between open and closed states, and maintaining continuous injection flow by dissolving objects to clear the flow path.
Implementation Method 1
a flowpath constriction to create differential pressure on a flow tube to open a flapper
Implementation Method 2
a flow tube with a flapper that can pivot to an open position and a closed position against a seat with a return spring that biases the flow tube
Implementation Method 3
a torsion spring on the flapper pivot can move the flapper to the closed position against its seat
Implementation Method 4
The ball, plug or other object is removed from its blocking position on a seat preferably by dissolving it so that flow can commence
Data Source
AI summary
A flapper valve preferably used in injection application in deep subterranean locations has an actuating sleeve with a seat to accept an object. A j-slot connects the actuation sleeve movement to the housing so that with an object on the seat and an applied pressure cycle the sleeve moves the flapper to the open position. The plug is dissolved and the injection begins. The plug can have an opening so as to allow continuous injection flow as the flapper is operated. Closing the flapper involves a second object on the same seat and a pressure cycle so that a spring can push the sleeve away from the flapper to allow a torsion spring on the flapper to close it.