Hydraulic Delay Toe Valve for Controlled Wellbore Injection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 uses a hydraulic system with fluid pressure to control the piston movement and port opening. The hydraulic fluid is contained in a chamber and its pressure controls the timing and manner of piston displacement, providing repeatable and controlled opening action rather than uncontrolled mechanical failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the time delay by changing parameters of the hydraulic system, specifically the compressibility of the fluid (using gas-liquid mixtures or foam), the volume of the chamber, and the restrictor characteristics. These parameter changes allow precise control over the piston movement rate and port opening timing, ensuring repeatability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools are deployed, then more injection points are achieved, but pump pressure cannot reach the second tool due to the first tool being connected to formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple time delay tools with different predetermined time intervals deployed simultaneously in the wellbore. The first tool opens after a shorter delay (e.g., 5 minutes) while the second tool opens after a longer delay (e.g., 15 minutes). This preliminary setup allows both tools to be in position before operation, and they open sequentially without requiring separate deployment operations, saving time while providing multiple injection points.
3Ease of operation
If prior art time delay tools are used, then opening is achieved, but the piston slams in an uncontrolled manner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces uncontrolled mechanical piston release with a hydraulic control system. The piston is contained within a chamber filled with compressible hydraulic fluid, and its movement is controlled by pressure differential and fluid compressibility characteristics, resulting in smooth, controlled motion rather than slamming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the compressibility of the hydraulic fluid (gas-liquid mixture or foam) as a cushioning mechanism. The compressible fluid absorbs the energy of piston movement and controls the rate of displacement, preventing uncontrolled slamming while ensuring reliable and repeatable opening action.
4Reliability
If complex construction is used, then time delay function is achieved, but the tool has propensity for leaks and reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses elastomeric seals and flexible sealing elements within the piston and chamber assembly. These flexible sealing components conform to the mating surfaces and maintain seals under pressure, preventing leaks while allowing for manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion, thereby improving reliability without requiring overly complex sealing mechanisms.
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 and reducing the risk of leaks, thus enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of well operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first passage in communication with the second chamber and configured to control a rate of movement of the piston from the second chamber to the first chamber
Implementation Method 2
Upon actuation by the actuating device, the piston travels for an actuation time period
Implementation Method 3
A controlled time delay apparatus with a stacked delay restrictor and hydraulic fluid system that allows for a controlled opening of ports
Implementation Method 4
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. The apparatus comprises 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.