Isolation Valve Actuation Assembly with Redundant Dual Triggers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing isolation valves lack redundancy in actuation mechanisms, leading to potential failure points in remote operation and unreliable actuation of downhole tools.

Innovation Solution

A redundant actuation assembly with two independent triggers, such as hydraulic and electronic triggers, is introduced to enhance reliability by providing dual control paths for actuating isolation valves or other downhole tools, ensuring reliable operation even if one trigger fails.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single actuation mechanism is used for the isolation valve, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of remote actuation deteriorates due to lack of redundancy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of remote actuationVSAvoidcomplexity of actuation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation system is segmented into two independent triggers (first trigger and second trigger), each capable of independently actuating the isolation valve. This segmentation provides redundancy while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of actuation paths from single to dual independent paths. By introducing a second trigger with potentially different actuation mechanisms (e.g., hydraulic vs. electronic), the system achieves reliability through parameter diversity without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple hydraulic chambers and pistons are added for redundant actuation, then the reliability of valve operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of valve operationVSAvoidcomplexity of piston assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple hydraulic chambers and pistons are merged into a single integrated piston assembly. The first and second hydraulic chambers with their respective pistons are combined in one assembly that works together to move the single mandrel, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining redundancy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The piston assembly serves multiple functions: it contains multiple hydraulic chambers for redundant actuation paths, houses multiple pistons for different triggers, and controls a single mandrel. This multi-functionality achieves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a redundant actuation assembly with dual triggers is implemented, then the operational reliability is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidease of manufacturing actuation assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation assembly is segmented into modular components (triggers, hydraulic chambers, pistons, mandrel) that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This segmentation enables specialized manufacturing of each component while simplifying quality control and assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The piston assembly is nested within the actuation housing, with hydraulic chambers nested within the piston assembly structure. This nested arrangement compactly integrates multiple components, reducing assembly complexity and facilitating manufacturing through hierarchical assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 redundant actuation assembly ensures reliable and redundant actuation of isolation valves, enhancing operational reliability and reducing the risk of failure in remote actuation scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

a first hydraulic chamber fluidly couplable to the first trigger, a second hydraulic chamber fluidly couplable to the first trigger and the second trigger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

a third hydraulic chamber fluidly couplable to the second trigger, an open collet piston positioned between the second hydraulic chamber and the third hydraulic chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS20260002425A1Actuation assembly for an isolation valve

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

An actuation assembly. The actuation assembly may include a housing, a mandrel disposed within the housing and shiftable within the housing to open and close an isolation valve, and a piston assembly disposed between the housing and the mandrel. The piston assembly may include a first hydraulic chamber fluidly couplable to a first trigger, a second hydraulic chamber fluidly couplable to the first trigger and a second trigger, a third hydraulic chamber fluidly couplable to the second trigger, a close collet piston positioned between the first hydraulic chamber and the second hydraulic chamber and close collet piston operable to shift the mandrel to close the isolation valve when the first trigger is activated, and an open collet piston positioned between the second hydraulic chamber and the third hydraulic chamber and open collet piston operable to shift the mandrel to open the isolation valve when the second trigger is activated.