Hydraulic Delay Toe Valve for Controlled Fluid Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current time delay tools for injecting fluid into geologic formations lack controlled and repeatable operation, often resulting in uncontrolled opening, inability to open multiple tools simultaneously, and reliability issues due to complex construction and propensity for leaks.
Innovation Solution
A controlled time delay apparatus with a stacked delay restrictor and hydraulic fluid system that allows for a controlled opening of ports in a well casing, enabling delayed injection of pressurized fluid into a geologic formation, allowing multiple tools to be opened simultaneously and reducing the risk of leaks through a single-piece mandrel design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current time delay tools are used, then fluid injection delay is achieved, but the opening is uncontrolled and not repeatable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic system with a piston, hydraulic fluid, and flow restrictor to control the opening mechanism. The hydraulic fluid passes through the restrictor to gradually move the piston, providing controlled and repeatable opening action instead of uncontrolled mechanical failure modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the opening timing by adjusting hydraulic parameters such as fluid viscosity, restrictor flow rate, and pressure differential. These parameter changes enable precise control over the piston movement rate and timing, making the operation repeatable and controllable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools are deployed, then more injection points are achieved, but they cannot be opened simultaneously due to pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables sequential activation of multiple tools by using a time delay mechanism. The first tool opens immediately when pressure is applied, then after a controlled time delay, the second tool opens. This periodic action allows multiple tools to be activated in sequence without requiring simultaneous high pressure to all tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a time delay tool as an intermediary mechanism between the pump and multiple injection tools. This intermediary controls the timing and distribution of pressure, allowing the pump to activate tools in sequence rather than requiring all tools to open simultaneously, thus preserving pump pressure.
3Reliability
If complex construction is used, then time delay function is achieved, but reliability decreases due to propensity for leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a piston with sealing surfaces and seals to create a hydraulic containment system. The flexible sealing elements prevent fluid leakage while maintaining the necessary hydraulic pressure differential to drive the time delay mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic containment system with a closed hydraulic circuit, using incompressible hydraulic fluid to transmit pressure reliably. This hydraulic system provides leak-resistant pressure transmission compared to alternative mechanical or pneumatic systems.
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 apparatus provides a reliable, repeatable, and controlled time delay for fluid injection, enabling efficient fracturing and improved connection to the formation by allowing multiple tools to be opened simultaneously, while reducing leaks and maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a rate of travel of the piston is restrained by a passage of the hydraulic fluid from the high pressure chamber into a low pressure chamber through the stacked delay restrictor
Implementation Method 2
actuating the actuating device when the maximum pressure exceeds a rated pressure of the actuating device
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for providing a time delay in injection of pressured fluid into a geologic formation. In one aspect the invention is a toe valve activated by fluid pressure that opens ports after a predetermined time interval to allow fluid to pass from a well casing to a formation. The controlled time delay enables casing integrity testing before fluid is passed through the ports. This time delay also allows multiple valves to be used in the same well casing and provide a focused jetting action to better penetrate a concrete casing lining.