Flow Tube Position Sensing for Real-Time Safety Valve Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing well safety valves lack accurate real-time monitoring of the flow tube's position, relying on unreliable pressure spike indicators, which can be affected by various factors, making it difficult to determine the flow tube's location accurately.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a magnetic sensor and magnetic sleeve combination, as well as a piezoelectric sensor, to monitor the displacement of the flow tube within the safety valve, providing precise location information through magnetic field measurement and strain-induced electrical signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional pressure spike monitoring is used to determine flow tube position, then the monitoring method is simple, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical pressure-based monitoring system with a magnetic sensing system. Magnetic sensors detect the position of the flow tube through magnetic field interactions, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact and pressure measurements, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the flow tube and the sensing system. The magnetic sleeve attached to the flow tube creates a magnetic field that can be detected by external magnetic sensors, allowing non-contact position measurement and improving both precision and reliability
2Reliability
If real-time monitoring of flow tube position is implemented, then the reliability of safety valve operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sensing system serves multiple functions: it provides real-time position monitoring, verifies flow tube location accuracy, and enables remote monitoring capabilities. This multi-functionality improves reliability without requiring separate monitoring systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic sleeve attached to the flow tube serves as both the actuator component and the sensing target. The movement of the flow tube automatically changes the magnetic field configuration, which is detected by the sensors, eliminating the need for separate position indication mechanisms
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 and real-time monitoring of the flow tube's position, enhancing the reliability of the safety valve's operation and preventing uncontrolled releases by providing clear indicators of the flow tube's location.
Implementation Method 1
providing precise location information through magnetic field measurement
Implementation Method 2
providing precise location information through magnetic field measurement and strain-induced electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
A well safety valve, comprising: a first sub assembly, wherein the first sub assembly comprises: an outer housing having a central bore extending axially through the outer housing, wherein the outer housing comprises an outer wall having a receptacle formed in the outer wall; a piston disposed in the receptacle; a rod, wherein the rod is disposed at an end of the piston, wherein a first magnetic sleeve is disposed around the rod; a flow tube disposed in the central bore of the outer housing, wherein the flow tube comprises a second magnetic sleeve on an exterior surface of the flow tube; and a valve member disposed in the outer housing; and one or more magnetic sensors disposed in the outer housing between the first magnetic sleeve and the second magnetic sleeve; and a second sub assembly, wherein the second sub assembly is coupled to the first sub assembly.