Frangible Disc Barrier Valve High Pressure Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole isolation tools face challenges in effectively isolating subterranean well sections under high pressure and temperature conditions, particularly in preventing the passage of high-pressure fluids over extended durations.
Innovation Solution
A barrier valve configuration utilizing one or more frangible ceramic discs, sealed by elastomeric members and backup rings, which maintains fluid isolation at pressures up to 15,000 psi and temperatures of 400 degrees F for at least 15 minutes, by controlling the spacing between the discs, cartridges, and housing to achieve tight tolerances and effective sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If frangible ceramic discs are used to isolate high pressure fluids, then pressure isolation capability is improved, but sealing reliability deteriorates due to manufacturing tolerances and surface imperfections
Solution Approach 1:
An elastomeric member is introduced as an intermediary sealing element between the frangible ceramic disc and the housing. This elastomeric member deforms to accommodate surface imperfections and manufacturing tolerances of the ceramic disc, maintaining reliable sealing under high pressure conditions where rigid seals would fail
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier valve employs a composite sealing system combining rigid frangible ceramic discs for pressure containment with flexible elastomeric members for sealing. This composite approach leverages the strength of ceramic materials while compensating for their brittleness and surface imperfections through elastomeric sealing elements
2Reliability
If tight spacing is used between disc, cartridge, and housing to achieve sealing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric member provides dynamic sealing capability, deforming under pressure to maintain contact with the housing and ceramic disc surfaces. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to accommodate variations in spacing caused by manufacturing tolerances while maintaining effective sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material properties (viscoelasticity, compressibility) are utilized to transform rigid spacing requirements into flexible sealing conditions. The material parameters allow the seal to adapt to dimensional variations within specified tolerance ranges
3Reliability
If frangible discs are used for isolation, then fluid passage prevention is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric member is nested within the annular groove of the housing, with the frangible ceramic disc positioned within the barrier valve body. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple sealing and isolation functions into a compact configuration, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective fluid passage prevention
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 effectively prevents fluid passage for specified durations, achieving a V0 rating under ISO 14310 standards, ensuring reliable pressure maintenance and fluid communication control in downhole applications.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric member on one side to seal to the frangible disc and an elastomeric member on another side to seal to the housing
Implementation Method 2
the elastomeric member may be coated with a lubricant (e.g., a high viscosity oil or grease). This may assist in sealing imperfections in the surface of the frangible disc
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole temporary pressure isolation tool configured to withstand very high gas pressures at high temperatures may be achieved by a variety of configurations, processes, and techniques. In particular implementations, a barrier valve having one or more frangible discs configured to resist fluid flow in a particular specified duration. In some implementations, the barrier valve may achieve a V0 rating. In one embodiment, for example, a barrier valve may prevent the passage of fluid (i.e., gas and/or liquid) at 15,000 psi and a temperature of 400 degrees F. for at least 15 minutes. If the barrier valve has two frangible ceramic discs, it may prevent the passage of fluid from two directions for at least 15 minutes.