Fluid Valve Sealing Structure for Abrasive Particle Exclusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid valves in well systems experience premature and frequent maintenance due to the flow of solid particles, which limits production time and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fluid valve design featuring a valve body with a gate cavity, seat pocket, bi-directional seal, one-way seal, and wiper ring configuration that blocks solid particle flow while allowing pressure equalization, reducing wear and maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solid particles flow through the fluid valve, then the valve can control fracturing fluid flow, but the solid particles cause premature and frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The valve interior is segmented into a gate cavity and a valve bore through the gate structure. The gate acts as a separator that divides the flow path, allowing the valve body to be functionally segmented into regions that protect sensitive components from solid particle exposure while maintaining fluid control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate serves as an intermediary element between the upstream and downstream sides of the valve. It mediates the flow of fracturing fluid while protecting the valve seat and sealing surfaces from direct contact with solid particles, thereby reducing wear and maintenance frequency.
2Reliability
If the valve blocks solid particle flow, then maintenance frequency is reduced, but the valve structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The gate performs multiple functions simultaneously: it controls fluid flow through the valve, protects the valve seat from solid particle contact, and serves as a structural support element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional protective components, thereby limiting structural complexity while achieving reduced maintenance frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective function against solid particles is merged into the existing gate structure rather than being implemented as a separate component. The gate combines flow control and protection functions in a single element, avoiding increased device complexity while achieving the goal of reduced maintenance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the gate cavity is open to the valve bore, then pressure equalization is achieved, but solid particles can ingress into the valve mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The valve structure implements local quality differentiation by creating a restricted interface zone between the gate cavity and valve bore. This localized region allows pressure equalization while filtering out solid particles, permitting pressure equilibrium without allowing harmful particle ingress into the valve mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate structure acts as an intermediary between the gate cavity and valve bore, mediating the interaction between pressure and solid particles. It allows pressure transmission while blocking solid particle ingress, achieving pressure equalization without contaminating the valve mechanism.
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 design effectively prevents solid particle ingress into the valve mechanism, maintaining operational efficiency and reducing maintenance frequency, thereby enhancing well system productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a bi-directional seal compressed between the seat pocket ring and the valve body
Implementation Method 2
a one-way seal disposed between the seat pocket ring and the seat to block fluid flow from the gate cavity to the valve bore through an interface between the seat pocket ring and the seat
Implementation Method 3
a wiper ring disposed circumferentially around an axial inner end of the seat such that the wiper ring directly abuts the gate
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides techniques for improving operational efficiency of a well system that includes a fluid valve, which facilitates controlling supply of fracturing fluid. The fluid valve includes a valve body, which defines a valve bore, a gate cavity, and a seat pocket; a gate disposed within the gate cavity; a seat disposed within the seat pocket such that the seat abuts the gate; a seat pocket ring disposed within the seat pocket between the valve body and the seat; a bi-directional seal compressed between the seat pocket ring and the valve body; a one-way seal disposed between the seat pocket ring and the seat to block fluid flow from the gate cavity to the valve bore through an interface between the seat pocket ring and the seat; and a wiper ring disposed circumferentially around an inner end of the seat such that the wiper ring abuts the gate.