Flow Control Valve Dampener for Hydraulic Shock Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow control devices in fluid pathways face issues with transient conditions such as pressure waves and hydraulic shock during fluid flow interruptions, which can damage the devices and hinder proper closure, especially in applications like dual gradient drilling.
Innovation Solution
A flow control device with a closure member, biasing member, and dampener that adjusts force to control fluid flow, featuring a sealing member and actuator to manage pressure differentials and dampening forces, minimizing dynamic pressure loss and preventing rapid closure that could cause hydraulic shock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flow stop valve is used to block fluid flow upon interruption, then fluid flow control is achieved, but transient conditions such as pressure waves and hydraulic shock occur which can damage the valve or hinder its closing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dampener system with damping elements positioned to absorb and dissipate transient pressure waves before they can damage the valve components. The dampener is pre-configured in the fluid pathway to provide cushioning protection during flow interruptions, preventing hydraulic shock from reaching the valve body and sealing surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The dampener acts as an intermediary element between the flowing fluid and the flow stop valve. It mediates the transmission of pressure waves by absorbing excess energy and smoothing out transient conditions, thereby protecting the valve from direct exposure to damaging hydraulic shocks while maintaining normal flow control functionality.
2Productivity
If the closure member closes rapidly to stop fluid flow, then flow interruption is achieved, but hydraulic shock and chattering occur which can damage the device
Solution Approach 1:
The dampener system introduces a controlled damping action that modulates the closure process. Rather than allowing instantaneous closure, the damping elements provide a progressive resistance that spreads the closure action over a longer time period, reducing the intensity of pressure waves generated during valve closing and preventing chattering vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping elements are positioned to provide cushioning during the closure process itself, absorbing the kinetic energy of the rapidly moving closure member and the accompanying fluid pressure waves. This prevents the generation of harmful hydraulic shock and chattering while maintaining rapid response capability.
3Ease of operation
If the valve remains open during normal operation to allow fluid flow, then fluid pathway continuity is maintained, but the valve is vulnerable to damage from transient conditions during flow interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The dampener serves as a protective intermediary that allows the valve to remain open during normal operation without compromising its vulnerability to transient conditions. During flow interruptions, the dampener absorbs the shock waves before they can damage the valve, enabling the valve to switch between open and closed states reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The dampener is pre-positioned in the fluid pathway to provide cushioning protection before transient conditions can reach the valve. This allows the valve to operate in its normal open state during fluid flow while being protected from damage during unexpected flow interruptions.
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 device effectively minimizes the impact of transient conditions by adjusting forces to control fluid flow, ensuring smooth operation and reducing the risk of damage from hydraulic shock, while maintaining a high crack open pressure and preventing chattering during closure.
Implementation Method 1
A dampener may be operatively connected to the closure member and may resist a force applied to the closure member
Implementation Method 2
transient conditions, e.g., pressure waves, which may damage the flow stop valve or may hinder the closing of the flow stop valve
Implementation Method 3
a biasing member applying a biasing force to the closure member
Implementation Method 4
A fluid seal may be formed when the biasing member presses the closure member against the sealing member
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow control apparatus includes a biasing member applying a biasing force to a closure member, and a sealing member receiving the closure member. A dampener operatively connected to the closure member resists a force applied to the closure member. A fluid seal is formed when the biasing member presses the closure member against the sealing member. The closure member and sealing member may cooperate to control fluid flow along a fluid conduit formed in a wellbore tubular. The apparatus may include an actuator that controls the force applied to the closure member. The actuator may adjust the biasing force, and/or the dampening force. Also, a controller control the actuator may be responsive to a signal generated at a surface location, a downhole location, and/or a signal generated by a sensor.