Electrically Actuated Insert Safety Valve with Exposed Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insert safety valves in subterranean wells lack efficient and cost-effective solutions for operation and maintenance, particularly in scenarios where the outer safety valve has malfunctioned, requiring costly retrieval or replacement.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electrically actuated insert safety valve that establishes electrical contact with external connectors upon installation, utilizing electrical current to operate the valve and potentially include an electrical actuator, allowing for remote operation and retrieval through electrical power supply via lines or conveyance systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an insert safety valve is installed in an outer safety valve to replace a malfunctioned valve, then the expense of retrieving or replacing the safety valve is saved, but the insert safety valve lacks reliable electrical connection for operation and control
Solution Approach 1:
The insert safety valve is nested within the outer safety valve body, with the electrical connector integrated into the insert valve assembly. The electrical connector features an exposed portion that protrudes from the outer valve body, enabling reliable electrical connection while maintaining the compact nested structure. This resolves the contradiction by providing both cost-effectiveness through insertion and reliable electrical connectivity through the exposed connector design.
2Ease of operation
If the insert safety valve is designed with an exposed electrical connector for easy connection, then electrical operation is enabled, but the connector may be damaged by external factors during installation and operation
Solution Approach 1:
A frangible shield is provided to protect the exposed portion of the electrical connector during installation and operation. The shield is positioned to cover the connector and prevent damage from external factors such as impact or environmental exposure. The shield is designed to be frangible, allowing it to break or detach under controlled conditions, thereby cushioning the connector from harmful factors while maintaining ease of electrical connection.
3Reliability
If the electrical connector is fully exposed for easy access, then electrical current can be supplied reliably, but the connector is vulnerable to damage from debris, impact, and environmental factors in the well environment
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible shield is positioned to protect the exposed portion of the electrical connector from environmental damage such as debris, impact, and corrosion. The shield maintains electrical power supply reliability by allowing connection while cushioning the connector from harmful well environment factors through its protective positioning.
4Reliability
If the insert safety valve includes protection for the electrical connector, then durability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible shield provides connector durability protection through a simple protective structure that is integrated into the insert safety valve assembly. The shield's frangible design allows it to break or detach under controlled conditions, providing protection without significantly increasing the overall device complexity. The shield is positioned to cover the electrical connector while maintaining a relatively simple valve structure.
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
Enables convenient and efficient operation of the insert safety valve by selectively permitting or preventing flow, facilitating remote control and potential retrieval, thereby reducing maintenance costs and improving operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
EP1898045 discloses a well system including a well tool positioned in a wellbore. The well tool includes an actuator and an operating member displaceable to operate the well tool. The actuator includes at least one a series of longitudinally distributed electromagnets, which are operable to displace the well tool.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of operating an insert safety valve (16) in a subterranean well can include installing the insert safety valve (16) in a flow passage (1 8) which extends longitudinally through an outer safety valve (20), making electrical contact between the insert safety valve and an electrical connector, and operating the insert safety valve, thereby selectively permitting and preventing flow through the flow passage (18). An insert safety valve can include a closure assembly which selectively permits and prevents flow through a longitudinal flow passage, and at least one electrical connector which electrically connects to another electrical connector external to the insert safety valve.