Inverted Element Valve Buckling Sealing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valves struggle to effectively close internal flow paths within tubulars for applications like progressive fracturing, often requiring complex mechanical mechanisms that can be fouled by debris, and fail to divert fluid efficiently out of tubulars.
Innovation Solution
An inverted element valve comprising a first tubular with a bore, a second tubular positioned within it, and a third tubular, where a sealing element is positioned between the second and third tubulars, allowing the sealing element to buckle inward to close the flow path when the third tubular moves towards the second, using a structure to prevent movement and direct fluid out of a port when closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical means such as a ball or flapper valve is used to close the flow path, then the flow path can be selectively closed, but the mechanism becomes complex and susceptible to fouling by debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex mechanical valve components (balls, flappers, actuators) from the system and replaces them with a simple sealing element that closes the flow path through direct compression against a seat, eliminating the problematic mechanical means while maintaining flow path closure capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a mechanical component to actively block the flow path, the invention uses a passive sealing element that is compressed to create a seal, inverting the traditional approach from active mechanical blocking to passive sealing through compression
2Ease of operation
If a ball is used to close the flow path, then the flow can be diverted out an external port, but the ball must be milled out or floated back up to reopen the flow path
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed to be reusable and resettable through simple compression and expansion movements, allowing the flow path to be reopened quickly by expanding the sealing element back from its compressed state, eliminating the time-consuming processes of milling out or floating back a ball
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flapper valve is used to selectively open or close the flow path, then flow diversion is achieved, but complex actuation mechanisms are required that can be fouled with debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex actuation mechanisms from the valve system, replacing them with a simple compression-based sealing element that has no moving parts susceptible to fouling, while maintaining the ability to selectively control flow path closure
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is designed as a simple, durable component that can be compressed and expanded repeatedly without degradation, providing a cost-effective alternative to complex mechanical valves that would require maintenance or replacement due to debris fouling
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 valve provides a simple, reliable method to selectively close internal flow paths within tubulars without complex mechanisms, ensuring efficient fluid diversion and preventing debris-induced fouling, enhancing operational efficiency in fracturing applications.
Implementation Method 1
buckling at least a portion of a sealing element inwards to selectively close a flow path through the sealing element
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for selectively closing and opening a flow path through a sealing element. The device includes second and third tubulars positioned within a bore of a first tubular. A sealing element having a bore is positioned between the second and third tubulars within the bore of the first tubular. The sealing element may be connected to one or both of the tubulars. Bores of the second and third tubulars communicate with the bore of the sealing element to provide a flow path. Movement of the third tubular with respect to the second tubular buckles the sealing element inward to selectively close a portion of the flow path. The third tubular may be moved away from the second tubular to reopen the flow path. The sealing element may engage a structure within the bore of the sealing element to selectively close the flow path through the sealing element.