Flow Metering Valve With Segmented Gate For Wireline Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the hydrocarbon industry, integrating a flow metering device with well trees and piping systems is challenging due to the restricted cross-section created by metering profiles, which prevents the passage of wireline tools and complicates mechanical operations.
Innovation Solution
A valve with a housing, stem, and gate featuring both a metering flow profile with restricted and unrestricted passages, allowing selective alignment with the flow passage, and equipped with pressure ports and sensors to measure pressure differences for accurate flow rate measurement, while maintaining an unrestricted diameter for tool passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flow metering device with a metering profile is integrated into the piping system, then volumetric flow rate measurement is achieved, but the inside diameter of the piping is reduced preventing passage of wireline tools and pigs
Solution Approach 1:
The gate is segmented into multiple sections with different flow profiles (unrestricted section and metering section) that can be selectively positioned. This allows the system to switch between two functional states: one for flow measurement and another for tool passage, resolving the contradiction by dividing the gate's functionality into separate segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate is made dynamically reconfigurable through the selective positioning mechanism, allowing it to change its flow profile configuration based on operational requirements. The gate can dynamically switch between an unrestricted configuration (for tool passage) and a metering configuration (for flow measurement), eliminating the static limitation of traditional metering devices.
2Measurement precision
If a traditional flow metering device is installed, then flow measurement capability is provided, but mechanical operations such as pigging and wireline tool insertion are prohibited
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly achieves multi-functionality by integrating both flow measurement and full-bore tool passage capabilities into a single device. The selective positioning mechanism enables the gate to provide either metering functionality or unrestricted flow functionality, making the system universal enough to handle both measurement tasks and mechanical operations without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic reconfiguration of the gate allows the system to adapt its functionality based on operational needs. When flow measurement is required, the gate positions the metering profile in the flow path; when tool passage is needed, the gate repositions to provide an unrestricted path, thereby achieving versatility across different operational modes.
3Measurement precision
If a metering profile restricts the flow path diameter, then pressure drop measurement for flow rate calculation is enabled, but wireline tools cannot be run through the production flow path
Solution Approach 1:
The gate structure is divided into distinct segments including an unrestricted section and a metering section with pressure ports. This segmentation allows the system to provide either a full-bore passage (when the unrestricted section is positioned) or a restricted metering passage (when the metering section is positioned), resolving the conflict between measurement requirements and tool passage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The selective positioning mechanism acts as an intermediary that controls which flow profile configuration is active in the production flow path. By mediating between the unrestricted and metering configurations, it enables the system to switch between states that favor either tool passage or flow measurement, eliminating the permanent restriction imposed by traditional metering devices.
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
Enables accurate volumetric flow rate measurement and allows unhindered passage of wireline tools by providing an unrestricted path, reducing operational constraints and improving measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor communicating with the unrestricted portion and with the restricted portion for detecting the pressure difference across the metering flow profile
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~5
AI summary
A valve includes a housing, a stern supported by the housing, and a valve member coupled to the stem. The valve member has a first passage defined therein with a metering flow profile, An apparatus includes a well tree having a production bore and a flow metering valve coupled to the well tree and communicating with the production bore. The flow metering valve Includes a valve member having a first passage defined therein with a metering flow profile and a second passage defined therein with an unrestricted flow profile. The second passage having a diameter substantially equal to a diameter of the production bore.