Magnetic Valve Assembly Wireless Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for providing fluid pathways within a casing string in wellbores require mechanical tools and do not allow for selective activation of fluid communication from multiple formation zones, limiting control and flexibility in oil and gas production.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic valve assembly (MVA) system that uses a disposable magnetic member to wirelessly actuate magnetic valves within the wellbore, allowing for selective control of fluid pathways without the need for mechanical interventions or maintaining casing string pressure, by transitioning magnetic valve components in response to a magnetic field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mechanical tools are used to provide fluid pathways within a casing string, then the fluid pathways can be established, but the system lacks selective activation capability and requires complex mechanical interventions and pressure maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical actuation systems with a magnetic field-based actuation system. A magnetic actuator generates a magnetic field that interacts with a magnetically responsive element in the valve assembly, causing the valve to transition between open and closed states without requiring mechanical tools or pressure maintenance. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical interventions while enabling selective activation of fluid pathways.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional methods are used to control fluid pathways, then fluid communication can be established, but individual or selective activation from multiple formation zones is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wellbore into multiple isolated zones using packers, with each zone equipped with its own magnetic valve assembly. This segmentation allows independent control of fluid pathways in each zone. The magnetic actuation system enables selective activation of individual zones by targeting specific magnetic valve assemblies with magnetic actuators, providing zonal isolation and selective production capabilities while maintaining reliability under long-term wellbore conditions.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical tools are supplied by a rig for providing fluid pathways, then the pathways can be created, but the system requires high temperature protection, long term batteries, and wired surface connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tool-based actuation with a magnetic field-based actuation system that can be deployed from the surface without requiring high temperature protection systems, long-term batteries, or wired surface connections. The magnetic actuator generates a magnetic field that penetrates the casing string to actuate the magnetic valve assembly, providing wireless actuation capability that simplifies operation while reducing the complexity of protection and support systems.
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
Enables flexible and reliable control of fluid communication between the wellbore interior and exterior, allowing for improved management of oil and gas production from multiple zones without the need for physical tools or pressure maintenance, enhancing production efficiency and operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic valve component, and a central flowbore. The central flowbore is configured to receive a disposable member configured to emit a magnetic field, and the magnetic valve component is configured to radially shift from a first position to a second position in response to interacting with the magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a plug comprising at least one magnet. The plug is configured to be received within the central flowbore, and the at least one magnet is configured to axially shift the magnetic valve seat from a first position to a second position when the plug passes within the central flowbore
Data Source
AI summary
An actuation device comprises a housing comprising one or more ports, a magnetic valve component, and a central flowbore. The central flowbore is configured to receive a disposable member configured to emit a magnetic field, and the magnetic valve component is configured to radially shift from a first position to a second position in response to interacting with the magnetic field.