Isolation Valve Actuation for Single-Trip Completion Pressure Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional completion methods in oil and gas wells require multiple trips to install a completion assembly, increasing time and cost, and rely on unreliable isolation valves that may fail under high pressures, incompatible with certain well configurations and regulations.
Innovation Solution
A method using a multi-cycle isolation valve that can switch between open and closed states without mechanical engagement, allowing for single-trip installation and pressure integrity testing at intermediate positions, facilitated by power sources and sensors for actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical activation methods are used for isolation valves, then the valve can be actuated, but the valve may fail or rupture unintentionally under high pressures required to shear retaining features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical activation system (ball, dart, or other activation members that rely on high pressure to shear retaining features) with an electrical or electronic actuation system. The isolation valve includes an actuator that can be controlled by electrical signals transmitted through the fluid circulation path, eliminating the need for high pressure mechanical shearing and thereby improving valve reliability under pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary actuation mechanism (electrical actuator with signal transmission capability) that mediates between the control system and the valve closure mechanism. This intermediary allows valve actuation through electrical signals rather than direct mechanical force, avoiding the high pressure requirements that cause conventional mechanical systems to fail.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple trips are used to install completion assembly, then installation can be performed, but time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (isolation valve actuation, pressure testing, and completion assembly installation) into a single operational sequence. The isolation valve is actuated and pressure testing is performed during the same trip that installs the completion assembly, eliminating the need for separate trips and thereby reducing installation time while maintaining feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions (actuating the isolation valve and conducting pressure testing) during the installation trip itself, rather than requiring separate subsequent trips. This preliminary execution of functions that were traditionally performed in separate operations reduces the total number of trips required and accelerates the overall installation process.
3Loss of time
If check valves are used in lower completion assembly, then washpipe removal is avoided, but the well cannot be converted from production to injection and valves may fail under high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic isolation valve system that can be actuated on-demand during the completion process, replacing static check valves. This dynamic system allows the valve to remain closed during washdown operations (eliminating the need for washpipe removal) while also allowing the well to be converted to injection mode later by actuating the valve open, providing both time efficiency and operational versatility.
4Ease of operation
If high pressure is applied to shear retaining features, then isolation valve can be actuated, but port valves or port plugs may fail or rupture unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the high-pressure mechanical shearing system with an electrical actuation system. The isolation valve is actuated through electrical signals that control an actuator mechanism, completely eliminating the need to apply high pressure to shear retaining features. This protects port valves and port plugs from unintentional failure while maintaining ease of valve actuation through electrical control.
Data Source
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AI summary
A completion assembly (4) defines a throughbore (50) and comprises an isolation valve (46) which is configurable between an open state in which the isolation valve permits fluid to flow through the throughbore and a closed state in which the isolation valve prevents fluid from flowing through the throughbore. A method for use in installing the completion assembly in a wellbore in a single trip into the wellbore comprises running the completion assembly into the wellbore with the isolation valve in the open state; injecting a fluid through the throughbore and the isolation valve when the isolation valve is in the open state; configuring the isolation valve into the closed state; and performing a pressure integrity test of the throughbore above the isolation valve, wherein the isolation valve is configurable between the open and closed states without any requirement for a mechanical activation member or a tool.