Integrated Screen Assembly for Electric Flow Control Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oil and gas well downhole flow control valves lack efficient integration with screens, particularly in configurations requiring minimal mechanical intervention and utilizing electric actuation, leading to challenges in fluid flow management and assembly complexity.
Innovation Solution
A 3-way sub is used to integrate an electric flow control valve with a screen, featuring connections for coupling to the valve, screen, and inner string, with flow-through ports and a shroud to direct fluid flow, and includes quick connect couplings to simplify assembly and manage tension loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If existing integration methods are used for electric flow control valves with screens, then mechanical intervention is required, but the complexity of mechanical intervention increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electric flow control valve and screen into a single integrated assembly where the valve is positioned within the screen structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanical intervention systems and allows automated control of fluid flow through the screen, resolving the contradiction between automation extent and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: the screen provides filtration while the electric valve provides automated flow control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanical intervention devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high automation levels.
2Productivity
If existing integration methods are used, then fluid flow management is less efficient, but the solution requires simpler structures
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the flow control valve and screen into one integrated unit, the system achieves efficient fluid flow management through coordinated filtration and automated control, while the integration itself simplifies the overall structure by eliminating separate components and their interconnections.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly acts as an intermediary device that combines filtration and flow control functions, improving fluid flow management efficiency while maintaining a unified structure that does not significantly increase device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If existing integration methods are used, then flow control precision is reduced, but mechanical intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical intervention systems with an electrically actuated flow control valve that provides precise control through electrical signals. This substitution eliminates the need for manual mechanical operations while achieving high flow control precision through automated actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric flow control valve provides both automated operation and precise flow control in a single device, eliminating the need for separate mechanical intervention systems while maintaining ease of operation through electrical control interfaces.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If existing integration methods are used, then erosion issues increase, but the system requires simpler flow paths
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the flow control valve within the screen structure, the system creates a unified flow path that reduces turbulence and erosion-prone areas. The combined structure allows for optimized fluid flow management that protects against erosion without requiring complex separate flow path components.
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
Facilitates efficient fluid flow management and reduces assembly complexity by allowing for seamless integration of electric flow control valves with screens, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the risk of joint loosening during assembly.
Implementation Method 1
A shroud can direct the flow from the electric flow control valve to the flow through ports
Implementation Method 2
one or more flow through ports configured to direct flow from the electric flow control valve to an annulus of the screen
Implementation Method 3
a screen
Data Source
AI summary
A screen is integrated with or connected to an electric flow control valve via a flow-through 3-way sub, wherein the 3-way sub comprises: a first connection configured to couple to the electric flow control valve; a second connection configured to couple to the screen; a third connection configured to couple to an inner string disposed at least partially within the screen; and one or more flow through ports configured to direct flow from the electric flow control valve to an annulus of the screen.