Interchangeable Choke Trim Assembly for Variable Flow Conditions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid-handling systems, particularly in mineral extraction, face challenges in adjusting fluid flow rates efficiently, leading to component erosion, noise, and over-processing due to high flow rates, which requires multiple types of choke trims for different applications, increasing inventory and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A single choke body design that can accommodate multiple interchangeable choke trims, such as drilling, production, and clean-up trims, with similar geometries and dimensions, allowing for flexible selection based on flow conditions without replacing the entire choke assembly, using a linear positioning mechanism for securement within the choke body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different styles of choke trims are used for different applications, then the fluid handling can be optimized for specific conditions, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The choke body is designed with a universal interface and standardized opening that can accommodate multiple styles of choke trims (drilling, production, clean-up). The bonnet assembly includes a retaining member that can secure different trim types, allowing a single choke body to perform multiple functions across different applications without requiring separate choke bodies for each trim style.
Solution Approach 2:
The choke valve is divided into modular components: a standardized choke body, interchangeable choke trims, and a bonnet assembly with a retaining member. This segmentation allows the trim component to be independently changed while keeping the choke body and bonnet assembly reusable, reducing overall system complexity and inventory needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of choke trims are maintained in inventory for different applications, then specific flow conditions can be addressed, but the loss of substance and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single choke body with a standardized opening and bonnet assembly can handle multiple choke trim styles (drilling, production, clean-up), eliminating the need to maintain separate choke bodies for each application. This universality reduces inventory requirements and associated costs while maintaining the ability to address different flow conditions through trim selection.
Solution Approach 2:
When a choke trim becomes worn or needs replacement, only the trim component itself is discarded or replaced, while the expensive choke body and bonnet assembly are retained and reused. This selective replacement strategy reduces material loss and operational costs compared to replacing entire choke assemblies.
3Reliability
If the entire choke assembly is replaced when changing trim styles, then compatibility is ensured, but the loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The choke valve is segmented into a permanent choke body and interchangeable trim components secured by a bonnet assembly. This allows the trim to be independently replaced without disturbing the choke body or bonnet, enabling quick trim changes during operations and minimizing downtime while maintaining compatibility through the standardized interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The bonnet assembly is pre-configured with a retaining member designed to securely hold different trim styles. This preliminary design setup enables rapid trim changes without requiring complex assembly or disassembly procedures, reducing the time needed to switch between different choke trim configurations while ensuring proper compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward a choke valve system including a choke valve body and a plurality of choke trims. The plurality of choke trims comprises a plug and cage choke trim, an external sleeve choke trim, and a drilling choke trim, wherein the drilling choke trim is configured to enable a fluid flow rate greater than the plug and cage choke trim and the external sleeve choke trim, and wherein each of the plurality of choke trims is configured to be mutually exclusively secured within the choke valve body.