Flow Control Apparatus Confirmation Profile for Downhole Valve Status
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging to determine with certainty whether wellbore operations, such as opening and closing downhole valves, have been successfully completed due to the difficulty in confirming the completion of these operations downhole, and the ingress of solid debris can interfere with the manipulation of these valves.
Innovation Solution
A flow control apparatus with a confirmation profile is established to releasably retain an indicator tool within the wellbore via a workstring, allowing for confirmation of operation completion by detecting resistance when the tool is aligned with the profile, and the apparatus includes a flow control member that can be displaced to control flow communication between the wellbore and the subterranean formation, preventing ingress of material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If downhole operations are conducted to open and close valves, then flow control is achieved, but it becomes difficult to determine with certainty whether the operation has been successfully completed
Solution Approach 1:
An indicator tool is introduced as an intermediary between the workstring and the flow control apparatus. This indicator tool engages with a confirmation profile on the flow control apparatus to provide tactile feedback confirming operational status, solving the detection difficulty without requiring complex downhole sensing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides mechanical feedback through the indicator tool engaging with the confirmation profile. When the flow control member reaches its target position, the confirmation profile establishes engagement with the indicator tool, creating detectable resistance that confirms operation completion to the operator at the surface.
2Reliability
If downhole valves are manipulated, then flow communication is controlled, but ingress of solid debris can interfere with the manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
A seal is provided between the flow control member and the housing passage that prevents ingress of solid debris into the housing space before the debris can interfere with the manipulation of the flow control member. This preliminary protective action ensures clean operating conditions throughout the valve manipulation process.
3Ease of operation
If a flow control member is used to control flow communication, then flow regulation is achieved, but the mechanism requires precise manipulation that can be interfered with by debris ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The seal prevents solid debris from entering the housing space before it can interfere with the flow control member manipulation, ensuring the manipulation path remains clear throughout the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator tool serves as an intermediary mechanism that provides operational feedback without requiring direct manipulation of the flow control member itself, simplifying the operator's interaction with the system while maintaining precise flow control.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, there is provided a flow control apparatus comprising a confirmation profile that is establishable, in response to completion of a wellbore operation that has changed a condition of the flow control apparatus, for releasably retaining an indicator tool that is being displaced within the wellbore via a workstring.