Frequency-Filter Switching for Single-Line Downhole Safety Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsurface safety valves (SSSVs) require separate power sources for tubing retrievable safety valves (TRSV) and wireline retrievable safety valves (WLRSV), leading to increased complexity and cost in operations, especially in deepwater and environmentally sensitive wells where servicing and replacement are frequent.
Innovation Solution
A single electric control line system with a switch mechanism that toggles power between TRSV and WLRSV, utilizing electromagnetic assemblies and magnetic targets to facilitate operation of both devices, reducing the need for additional control lines and simplifying contingency operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power sources are used for TRSV and WLRSV, then each device can be independently operated, but the complexity and cost of running completions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate power source requirements into a single shared power source. The switch system allows one power source to sequentially power both the TRSV and WLRSV, merging what were previously two independent power requirements into one unified system, thereby reducing the number of control lines needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The single power source is designed to serve multiple functions by powering different devices at different times. The switch system enables this power source to universally power either the TRSV or the WLRSV depending on operational needs, making the power source multi-functional rather than dedicated to a single device.
2Device complexity
If a single control line is used for both TRSV and WLRSV, then complexity and cost are reduced, but power must be switched between devices
Solution Approach 1:
The switch system acts as an intermediary component between the single power source and the two downhole devices. It mediates the power distribution by routing electricity to either the TRSV or the WLRSV as needed, adding a control layer that manages the single power source's interaction with multiple devices without requiring separate power lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic switching capability that allows the power connection to change between devices based on operational requirements. The switch mechanism enables the system to adapt its power distribution dynamically, transitioning between powering the TRSV and the WLRSV as contingencies arise during well operations.
3Device complexity
If frequency filtering is implemented to switch power between devices, then a single control line suffices, but the system requires electromagnetic filtering components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or physical switching mechanisms with electromagnetic frequency-based switching. Instead of using mechanical switches or physical connectors to route power, the system uses electromagnetic assemblies and frequency filters to selectively power devices based on the frequency of the electrical signal, substituting electromagnetic control for mechanical switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls power distribution by changing the frequency parameter of the electrical signal. The frequency filter responds to different signal frequencies to determine which device receives power, using frequency as the control parameter rather than physical position or mechanical state. This allows the same physical connection to serve different devices by merely changing the electrical signal's frequency.
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
Reduces the complexity and cost of running completions by allowing a single control line to operate both TRSV and WLRSV, minimizing the need for additional electric control lines and enhancing operational efficiency in deepwater and environmentally sensitive wells.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic assembly configured to generate a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic field configured to couple with the magnetic target to axially fix the flow tube in the open position
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a downhole tool, a well system, and a method. The downhole tool, in one aspect, includes a first downhole device. The downhole tool, in one aspect, further includes a switch system electrically coupled with the first downhole tool, the switch system including: 1) an input coupleable to a power source; 2) an output coupled to a first electrical component of the first downhole device and coupleable to a second electrical component of a second downhole device; and 3) a frequency filter, wherein the output is coupled to the first electrical component of the first downhole device via the frequency filter or the output is coupleable to the second electrical component of the second downhole device via the frequency filter, the frequency filter configured to filter power to one of the first downhole device or the second downhole device upon switching a signal of the power source.