Fluid Flow Manager Valve with Shuttle Bypass

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Solution Overview

Problem

Downhole production strings with pumps and valves used in hydrocarbon extraction face maintenance challenges due to fluid conditions and velocities outside intended ranges, leading to equipment fouling, plugging, and downtime, resulting in costly production losses and increased expenses.

Innovation Solution

A fluid flow manager system with a bypass valve and shuttle mechanism that isolates backflows and adjusts to flow conditions by blocking or unblocking spill ports, using a charge spring to move the shuttle and maintain or restore flow, thereby protecting the equipment from damage and maintaining operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If pumps and valves are used to lift fluid through the valve, then fluid production is achieved, but the equipment can lose capacity and be rendered inoperative when fluid conditions and velocities are outside the intended operating range

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid productionVSAvoidequipment operability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The valve incorporates a movable shuttle that dynamically adjusts its position based on flow conditions. When fluid velocity is sufficient, the shuttle moves to allow flow through the valve. When velocity drops below the intended operating range, the shuttle moves to block the flow path and open the spill port, preventing the equipment from operating in an inoperative state

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shuttle acts as an intermediary element between the fluid flow and the valve body. It mediates the flow conditions by either directing fluid through the valve or diverting it through the spill port, protecting the main valve and pump from operating outside their intended range

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the valve blocks backflow through the shuttle, then reverse flow is prevented, but the spill port must be unblocked which allows bypass of reverse flows

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackflow preventionVSAvoidreverse flow bypass

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spill port, which could potentially allow harmful reverse flow bypass, is actually designed to benefit the system. When the shuttle blocks the main flow path, the spill port provides a controlled bypass that prevents pressure buildup and potential damage, converting what could be a harmful leakage into a protective pressure relief mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 system effectively manages fluid flow, prevents equipment fouling, reduces downtime, and extends the life of pumps and valves by isolating solids and allowing bypass of reverse flows, thus reducing maintenance costs and increasing production efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

using a charge spring to move the shuttle and maintain or restore flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2825727B1Fluid flow manager

Publication Date: 2020.03.25 OSBORNE LAWRENCE

Figure 1~2B
Figure 3A
Figure 3B

AI summary

A valve with a shuttle for use in a flow management system includes a spill port and bypasses a backflow.