Flow Control Bypass with Shearable Member and Dampening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accidental or inadvertent operation of in-line barrier valves in well systems can lead to well system failures, and adverse formation issues may require pumping of heavier fluids, necessitating a reliable flow control mechanism to manage fluid flow effectively.
Innovation Solution
A flow control assembly with a bypass mechanism that can be actuated interventionlessly by pressure, featuring a shearable member that responds to a set pressure signal to allow flow through the bypass, and a dampening device to prevent premature activation from unintended pressure increases or forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flow control assembly with bypass mechanism is implemented to enable interventionless pressure actuation, then flow control reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components like shearable members and dampening devices
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control assembly utilizes the pressure of the fluid itself to actuate the bypass mechanism. When pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, the shearable member automatically shears, opening the bypass without requiring external intervention or additional control systems, thereby improving reliability while avoiding excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state or parameter of the shearable member based on pressure threshold. The member transitions from an intact state to a sheared state when pressure exceeds the predetermined threshold, enabling automatic bypass activation. This parameter-based control simplifies the actuation mechanism compared to complex control systems.
2Ease of operation
If a shearable member is used for interventionless bypass actuation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of premature activation from unintended pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dampening device is installed beforehand to cushion or absorb unintended pressure increases before they can reach the shearable member. This protective measure prevents premature activation while allowing the shearable member to respond only to legitimate pressure thresholds, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dampening device acts as an intermediary between the pressure source and the shearable member. It filters or moderates pressure fluctuations, allowing only pressure increases that exceed the predetermined threshold to reach the shearable member, thus preventing false activation while maintaining the simple pressure-actuated operation.
3Reliability
If a dampening device is added to prevent premature activation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dampening device is designed as a simple, relatively inexpensive component that can be easily integrated into the flow control assembly. Its straightforward function of absorbing pressure fluctuations justifies its addition, as it significantly improves reliability by preventing premature activation without requiring complex mechanisms or extensive maintenance.
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
Enables controlled and reliable flow management, allowing fluid to bypass closed valves during critical operations like pumping kill fluids, reducing the risk of well system failures and enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Flow along the bypass is controlled via a flow bypass mechanism which may be operated interventionless by, for example, pressure, e.g. a pressure differential
Implementation Method 2
A dampening device may be provided to limit the shear member exposure to forces from pressure signals or increases that are not intended for the actuation of the flow bypass mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques and equipment to facilitate controlling flow of a fluid along a flow passage. A flow control assembly is placed along a flow passage, and a bypass is routed past the flow control assembly. Flow along the bypass is controlled by a flow bypass mechanism which may be operated via pressure increase within the flow control assembly. A shear device restricts the opening of the bypass, and a dampening device acts to limit the shear device to exposure of forces from the pressure increase.