Electromechanical Clutch Magnetized Input Shaft SSSV Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsurface safety valves (SSSVs) face challenges in reliably opening and closing to manage fluid flow due to issues with actuation mechanisms, leading to potential inefficiencies and safety concerns in wellbore systems.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a clutch assembly with an electromagnetic component that couples and decouples the drive assembly from the mechanical linkage, allowing the SSSV to be actuated from a closed to an open position and back using an electromagnet, ensuring reliable fluid flow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnetized input shaft is used in the clutch assembly, then the reliability of coupling and decoupling is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the addition of electromagnetic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces a purely mechanical coupling mechanism with an electromechanical system. The input shaft is magnetized to create magnetic fields that enable electromagnetic coupling with the drive assembly, eliminating the need for complex mechanical interlocking components and providing more reliable engagement through magnetic attraction forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic properties of the input shaft by magnetizing it. This parameter change allows the shaft to generate and respond to magnetic fields, enabling electromagnetic coupling and decoupling mechanisms that improve reliability while reducing mechanical complexity.
2Ease of operation
If an electromagnetic clutch mechanism is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved through remote actuation, but the use of energy increases due to electromagnetic component operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual or mechanical actuation with electromagnetic actuation. The magnetized input shaft responds to electromagnetic fields generated by the drive assembly, allowing remote control of the clutch engagement and disengagement through electrical signals rather than mechanical force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic clutch operates through periodic energization and de-energization of the magnetic field. By applying electrical power intermittently to generate magnetic fields only when coupling or decoupling is needed, the system achieves ease of operation while minimizing continuous energy consumption.
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
This solution enhances the reliability and efficiency of SSSV operation by ensuring consistent actuation and de-actuation, improving safety and operational control in wellbore systems by maintaining the valve in the open position during normal conditions and automatically closing upon signal interruption.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet coupled to the input shaft, the electromagnet configured to magnetize the input shaft when the electromagnet is energized
Implementation Method 2
the magnetized input shaft to magnetically attract the one or more ferromagnetic engagement members into the one or more grooves
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a clutch assembly, a SSSV, and a method for operating an SSSV. The clutch assembly, in one aspect, includes an output coupler housing, an input shaft, and an electromagnet coupled to the input shaft. In at least one aspect, the electromagnet is configured to magnetize the input shaft when the electromagnet is energized. The clutch assembly, in one aspect, further includes one or more grooves located in the input shaft and one or more engagement members located in the inner surface of the central opening of the output coupler housing.