Flow Control Tool Valve Element Position Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow control tools in the oil and gas industry lack adequate information on their operating status, making it difficult for operators to make informed decisions about fluid flow rates and tool positioning, which can lead to suboptimal performance and potential issues during drilling and production.
Innovation Solution
A flow control tool with a valve element that moves between circulation, through-bore, and intermediate positions, generating distinct pressure indications to provide real-time information on its operating status, allowing operators to understand the tool's position and the effects of flow rate variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flow control tool is used to control fluid flow in a wellbore, then the ability to direct fluid between tubing and annular region is improved, but the lack of information on operating status and tool position makes it difficult to make informed decisions on flow rate variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by providing a visual indicator (such as a window or display) that shows the current position of the valve element within the tool. This allows operators to see the operating status and make informed decisions about flow rate adjustments. The indicator provides real-time feedback on whether the tool is in circulation mode, through-bore mode, or intermediate positions, eliminating the information gap.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual indicator system that mediates between the internal valve element position and the external operator. This indicator translates the internal mechanical state into visible information, allowing operators to understand tool status without directly observing internal components. The intermediary provides a communication bridge between the tool's internal state and external decision-making.
2Ease of operation
If the valve element moves between circulation and through-bore positions, then fluid flow control is achieved, but unintended changes in tool state can occur without operator awareness
Solution Approach 1:
The visual indicator provides continuous feedback on valve element position, allowing operators to monitor tool state changes in real-time. This prevents unintended state changes by alerting operators immediately when the tool transitions between circulation mode, through-bore mode, or intermediate positions, enabling them to take corrective action if necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cam mechanism with detents that creates preliminary resistance to unintended valve movement. The cam groove geometry and detent positions are designed to require deliberate force or pressure changes to move the valve between positions, preventing accidental transitions. The mechanical design inherently resists unintended state changes before operator awareness even occurs.
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 tool provides improved operational awareness by generating detectable pressure spikes that indicate its position, enabling operators to manage fluid flow more effectively and prevent unintended changes in the flow control tool's state, thus enhancing drilling and production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the valve element being movable within the through-bore under applied fluid pressure between: a circulation flow position... and a through-bore flow position
Implementation Method 2
generating detectable pressure spikes that indicate its position, enabling operators to manage fluid flow more effectively
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A flow control tool (14) for controlling the flow of fluid in a wellbore (10) is disclosed. The tool comprises a hollow body (26) defining a through-bore (28) and at least one flow port (30) extending through a wall (31) of the body for selective communication with the through-bore, and a valve element (32) mounted within the through-bore of the body and movable within the through-bore under applied fluid pressure. The valve element is movable between a circulation flow position (Fig. 2) in which the valve element closes the through-bore of the body and allows fluid communication with the at least one flow port, and a through-bore flow position (Fig. 4) in which the valve element closes the at least one flow port and allows fluid flow along the through-bore of the body. The valve element is also Iocatable in a first intermediate position (Fig. 3) in which the at least one flow port is closed and fluid flowing into the body is directed along the through-bore and out of the body along a first intermediate flow path (44) defining a first intermediate flow area thereby providing a first intermediate pressure indication, and a second intermediate position (Fig. 7) in which the at least one flow port is closed and fluid flowing into the body is directed along the through-bore and out of the body along a second intermediate flow path (46) defining a second intermediate flow area which is different to the first intermediate flow area, thereby providing a second intermediate pressure indication which is different to the first intermediate pressure indication.