Flapper Valve Wire Spring Torque Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsurface safety valves with torsion springs or coiled extension springs have limited torque capacity, which can result in incomplete closure of flapper members, potentially allowing hazardous fluids to escape in subsurface wellbore systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of symmetrical pairs of wire springs on opposite lateral sides of a flapper member, secured in blind holes or channels, provides sufficient torque to ensure robust operation and complete closure, minimizing manufacturing errors and ensuring predictable torque delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If torsion springs or coiled extension springs are used as the biasing member, then the valve assembly can be compact, but the torque capacity is limited and the flapper member may not close fully
Solution Approach 1:
The single spring is divided into a first spring and a second spring positioned at opposite ends of the flapper member. This segmentation allows the torque to be distributed and amplified across two spring elements, providing sufficient closing torque without increasing the overall valve assembly size.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements are positioned at opposite ends of the flapper member rather than at a single location. This spatial arrangement in another dimension (along the length of the flapper) allows the combined torque from both springs to act effectively on the pivot point, ensuring reliable closure while maintaining compact dimensions.
2Device complexity
If a single spring is used to bias the flapper member, then the device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing errors can accumulate and torque delivery becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing system is segmented into two independent spring elements. Each spring can be manufactured and pre-loaded separately, preventing the accumulation of manufacturing errors in a single complex spring. The independent nature of each spring ensures consistent torque delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
By using two springs instead of one, the system changes the parameter of spring quantity and arrangement. This allows for better control over the torque parameters, as each spring can be optimized independently and their effects combined, reducing variability from manufacturing tolerances.
3Reliability
If springs with sufficient torque capacity are used, then complete closure is ensured, but the space required in the valve assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The total torque requirement is segmented between two smaller spring elements positioned at opposite ends of the flapper. Each spring provides partial torque, but their combined effect achieves the required closing torque. This segmentation allows the use of compact spring elements that fit within the limited valve assembly space.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements are arranged along the length of the flapper member at opposite ends, utilizing the available space in this dimension. This arrangement provides sufficient lever arm distance from the pivot point to generate adequate torque while keeping the spring elements themselves compact and space-efficient.
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 wire spring configuration ensures reliable closure of the flapper member, preventing hazardous fluid escape and maintaining fluid flow control within the limited space of subsurface wellbore systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first wire spring engaged with the flapper member and providing torque to bias the flapper member toward the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly employed in subterranean wellbore systems includes a flapper member biased to a closed position by a pair of opposed wire springs. The wire springs provide sufficient torque to ensure robust operation of the flapper member and permit sufficient fluid flow through the limited space available in the valve assembly. A pair of symmetrical pair of wire springs may be robustly manufactured and individually installed without unnecessary accumulation of manufacturing tolerances or errors, thereby providing predictable torque levels to the flapper member. The wire springs may be secured in blind holes or other features defined in a circumferential surface of the flapper member to ensure the springs remain engaged with the flapper member throughout the operation of the valve assembly.