Flow Control Valve Mechanical Indexer for Reverse Choke Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow control valves (FCVs) in oil and gas wells often fail to cycle smoothly between choke positions, leading to adverse effects on reservoirs and potential failure during position changes, particularly when transitioning from smaller to larger choke sizes.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical indexer for FCVs that cycles from a full closed position to a full open position, alternating with gradually decreasing choke sizes, using a first indexer member with interconnected slots and a second indexer member with a detent that moves along the slots to determine choke positions, allowing for smooth transitions and preventing failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the valve transitions from smaller to larger choke sizes, then the flow capacity increases, but the valve is prone to failure and cannot cycle smoothly
Solution Approach 1:
The indexer is designed to cycle through choke positions in reverse order: from full closed position to full open position, then alternating with gradually decreasing choke sizes. This inverted sequencing approach prevents the valve failure that occurs during traditional transitions from smaller to larger choke sizes, while still allowing the valve to achieve full flow capacity when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the valve cycles through choke positions, then flow control flexibility is improved, but the valve may fail during position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical indexer with detent and slot mechanism pre-establishes a controlled cycling sequence that begins from the full closed position and progresses to the full open position before alternating with decreasing choke sizes. This preliminary structured approach ensures smooth transitions and prevents failure during position changes, while maintaining the ability to cycle through multiple choke positions for flow control flexibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If the indexer uses a mechanical detent and slot mechanism, then positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical indexer employs a self-contained detent and slot mechanism that automatically maintains precise choke positions through its inherent mechanical geometry. The detent engages with the slots at predetermined positions, providing self-locking capability and precise positioning without requiring external control systems or complex actuation mechanisms, thereby achieving positioning precision with relatively simple structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical indexer for an intelligent flow control valve comprising a plurality of choke positions is provided. The indexer can cycle from a full closed position, to a full open position, to gradually decreasing choke sizes. The indexer can cycle from a full closed position, to a full open position, to gradually decreasing choke sizes alternating with the full open position. The indexer can cycle from a full closed position, to a full open position, to a full closed position, to a full open position, to gradually decreasing choke sizes alternating with a full open position. The indexer can cycle from a full closed position, to a full open position, to a full closed position, to a full open position, to gradually decreasing choke sizes.