Flapper Valve Tool Deformable Element Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional flapper valves used to prevent pressurized wellbore fluids from entering workstring tubing tend to wear out over time, necessitating a reliable method to maintain the flapper in an open position.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool with a flapper valve assembly and a deformable element that maintains the flapper in an open position, utilizing a sleeve and dissolvable seat to control fluid flow, and fluid blocking members to shift the sleeve between positions, ensuring reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional flapper valve is used to prevent backflow, then the valve can initially block fluid flow effectively, but the flapper wears out after a period of use and cannot maintain reliable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the flapper from continuous contact with the seat by introducing a deformable element that bridges the gap between the flapper and seat. This extraction of the flapper from the wear interface eliminates wear on the flapper while maintaining the sealing function through the deformable element's contact with the seat.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable element acts as an intermediary between the flapper and the seat. Instead of the flapper directly contacting and wearing against the seat, the deformable element mediates this interaction, providing a compliant sealing surface that deforms to maintain contact while protecting the flapper from wear.
2Productivity
If the flapper is maintained in a constant open position, then fluid flow is unrestricted, but the valve cannot prevent backflow when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic sealing mechanism where the deformable element can transition between engaged and disengaged states. When fluid pressure exceeds a threshold, the deformable element deforms to engage the seat and close the valve. When pressure is normal, the deformable element remains disengaged, allowing unrestricted flow. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between constant openness and backflow prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the deformable element based on fluid pressure parameters. Under normal pressure, the deformable element maintains a relaxed configuration allowing flow. When backpressure exceeds the spring force, the deformable element deforms to a different configuration that engages the seat and prevents backflow, thus adapting to changing pressure conditions.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a deformable element is introduced to eliminate wear, then the flapper longevity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a deformable element that functions as a flexible sealing component. This flexible element can be a simple ring, membrane, or bellows structure that deforms elastically to engage and disengage from the seat. By using a flexible component rather than a complex mechanical actuation system, the patent achieves wear elimination with minimal added complexity.
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 solution effectively prevents backflow of fluids into the tubing string by maintaining the flapper in an open or closed position as needed, enhancing the longevity and reliability of the flapper valve system.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable element that maintains the at least one flapper in an open position after the deformable portion is deformed
Implementation Method 2
a dissolvable and dissolvable seat disposed uphole and adjacent to the sleeve and a dissolvable fluid blocking member to engage with the seat to shift the sleeve from first position to a second position within the downhole tool
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool having a flapper valve assembly for controlling the backflow of fluid into a tubing string that includes at least one flapper. The downhole tool also includes a deformable element that maintains the at least one flapper in an open position after the deformable portion is deformed. A downhole tool having a flapper valve assembly for controlling the backflow of fluid into a tubing string that includes at least one flapper. The downhole tool also includes a sleeve slidably disposed within at least a portion of the flapper valve assembly and the downhole tool. The downhole tool includes a deformable and dissolvable seat disposed uphole and adjacent to the sleeve and a dissolvable fluid blocking member to engage with the seat to shift the sleeve from first position to a second position within the downhole tool. Methods of using these downhole tools are provided.