Flow Control Sleeve With Positively Restrained Positions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flow control configurations in the resource recovery and fluid sequestration industries face issues with seal integrity and operational complexity due to the need for bidirectional movement within boreholes, which increases the risk of seal damage and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A flow control configuration with a housing and a port sleeve that has three positively restrained positions, utilizing releasers and a collet sleeve mechanism to allow single-direction movement and fluid flow control, reducing the risk of seal damage and simplifying operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bidirectional movement is used in flow control configurations, then flow control functionality can be achieved, but seal integrity deteriorates and operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal integrityVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional bidirectional movement approach by implementing unidirectional movement only. The port sleeve moves in a single direction from a closed position to an open position, eliminating the need for oppositely moving components and reducing seal damage risk. This inversion of the movement direction principle directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining seal integrity while achieving flow control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the flow control function into distinct positional states (closed position, open position, and intermediate positions) rather than requiring continuous bidirectional movement. The port sleeve is divided into multiple positively restrained positions, allowing the system to achieve flow control through discrete positional changes rather than complex bidirectional operations, thereby reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If bidirectional movement is used in flow control configurations, then flow control functionality can be achieved, but the risk of seal damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal integrityVSAvoidrisk of seal damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the inversion principle by reversing the conventional bidirectional movement approach to unidirectional movement only. The port sleeve moves in a single direction from closed to open position, eliminating the mechanical stress and wear associated with bidirectional operation. This directly reduces the risk of seal damage while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates beforehand cushioning by providing positive restraint mechanisms at each positional state to prevent unintended movement or binding. The releasers and positively restrained positions act as protective measures that prevent excessive force from damaging seals before damage can occur, thereby reducing the risk of seal damage during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple oppositely moving components are used, then flow control functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow control functionalityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the flow control functionality into a single port sleeve component that can assume multiple positions, rather than requiring multiple oppositely moving components. The port sleeve integrates both the flow passage and the movement control mechanism, reducing the total number of components while maintaining full flow control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The port sleeve serves multiple functions: it acts as both the flow control element and the movable component that transitions between positions. By making the port sleeve universal (multi-functional), the patent eliminates the need for separate oppositely moving components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability and flow control versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12084945B2Flow control sleeve, method and system

Publication Date: 2024.09.10 BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A flow control configuration including a housing, and a port sleeve disposed therein having a first positively restrained position, a second positively restrained position, and a third positively restrained position within the housing. The configuration includes a first releaser associated with the first position, and a second releaser associated with the second position. A method for controlling flow including landing a first object on a seat in the port sleeve, shifting the port sleeve to the second position thereby aligning a port and an opening. The method further includes landing a second object on a second object seat within the housing and shifting the port sleeve to the third position. A borehole system includes the flow control configuration disposed within or as a part of a string in a borehole.