Fluid Metering Device for Well Tool Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid metering devices for subterranean well tools are expensive and difficult to produce due to the need for precision machined specialty components, and there is a need for cost reduction and enhanced production efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fluid metering device utilizing readily available components, such as relief valves, pilot-operated valves, and check valves, configured to provide accurate and reliable operation of downhole well tools, with the ability to bypass the metering device in case of malfunction and to maintain tool operability using a contingency procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If precision machined specialty components are used in fluid metering devices, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive precision-machined specialty components with readily available, lower-cost components such as standard check valves, relief valves, and accumulators. These conventional components are configured in a novel hydraulic circuit arrangement that achieves the required metering function without requiring custom precision parts, thereby significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid metering function is divided into discrete operational phases using separate hydraulic circuits: a first hydraulic circuit for charging the accumulator with fluid under pressure, and a second hydraulic circuit for discharging the fluid to operate the well tool actuator. This segmentation allows each circuit to use simple, readily available components rather than requiring a single complex precision-machined metering device
2Measurement precision
If precision machined specialty components are used in fluid metering devices, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive precision-machined specialty components with readily available, lower-cost components such as standard check valves, relief valves, and accumulators. These conventional components are configured in a novel hydraulic circuit arrangement that achieves the required metering function without requiring custom precision parts, thereby significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid metering function is divided into discrete operational phases using separate hydraulic circuits: a first hydraulic circuit for charging the accumulator with fluid under pressure, and a second hydraulic circuit for discharging the fluid to operate the well tool actuator. This segmentation allows each circuit to use simple, readily available components rather than requiring a single complex precision-machined metering device
3Device complexity
If a single hydraulic circuit is used for fluid metering, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases due to inability to bypass malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid metering function is divided into discrete operational phases using separate hydraulic circuits: a first hydraulic circuit for charging the accumulator with fluid under pressure, and a second hydraulic circuit for discharging the fluid to operate the well tool actuator. This segmentation allows each circuit to use simple, readily available components rather than requiring a single complex precision-machined metering device
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a bypass mechanism that allows fluid to be discharged directly to the actuator in the event of a metering device malfunction or if it becomes desirable to bypass the metering device. This redundancy ensures continuous operational capability, providing beforehand protection against single-point failures and enhancing overall system reliability
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 solution allows for accurate and reliable operation of well tools using cost-effective, readily available components, enabling repeated discharges of known fluid volumes and maintaining tool functionality even if the metering device malfunctions, thus reducing production costs and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
In operation, the relief valve responds to pressure applied via a control line to discharge a known volume of fluid through the actuator
Implementation Method 2
The check valve allows fluid to flow in a reverse direction relatively unimpeded
Implementation Method 3
The pilot-operated valve closes in response to pressure applied via the control line
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A method of actuating a well tool includes the steps of: increasing pressure in a fluid line of a fluid metering device (38); closing a pilot-operated valve in response to the pressure increasing step; and discharging a predetermined volume of fluid (42) from the metering device in response to the pressure increasing and valve closing steps. A fluid metering device for a well tool includes a piston (32) separating chambers (34,36); and a pilot-operated valve which selectively prevents fluid communication between the chambers in response to at least a predetermined pressure being applied to a fluid line of the metering device, and which permits fluid communication through the valve between the chambers in response to pressure in the fluid line being less than the predetermined pressure. A greater pressure may be applied to the fluid line to thereby bypass the metering device and allow fluid to discharge from the line.