Chemical Injection Mandrel Shut-Off Device Debris Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Debris accumulation in wellbore flowlines, particularly due to chemicals with dissolved limestone or powdered solids, leads to clogging issues during chemical injection operations, necessitating a method to clear debris from mandrel channels efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A chemical injection shut off device with an inline valve assembly comprising a nipple, cylinder, piston shaft, and actuating assembly, which facilitates or prevents fluid flow between the chemical flowline and mandrel channel by using pressure to displace a sealing object, allowing for the removal of debris by increasing fluid pressure to exceed the actuating system's pressure, thus enabling debris clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If chemical injection is performed to stimulate production, then production stimulation is achieved, but debris clogs the flow line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent installs a debris reduction device upstream in the flow line before the chemical injection point. This device pre-treats the chemical fluid by removing debris and particulates before they enter the mandrel channel, preventing clogging while maintaining the chemical injection process that stimulates production
2Ease of operation
If debris removal is performed by flushing with additional chemicals, then debris is cleared from the mandrel channel, but chemical consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The debris reduction device operates continuously during normal chemical injection operations, automatically removing debris as chemicals pass through it. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate flushing operations with additional chemicals, reducing overall chemical consumption while maintaining ease of debris removal
3Ease of operation
If a shut off device is installed to control fluid flow, then fluid flow control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the debris reduction function and the shut-off valve function into a single integrated assembly. The valve is positioned within the flow line structure such that flow control is achieved without requiring separate external valve components, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation
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 solution effectively reduces debris accumulation, ensuring uninterrupted chemical injection by allowing easy fluid flow through the flowline, minimizing downtime in hydrocarbon recovery operations and maintaining the integrity of the mandrel channel.
Implementation Method 1
the piston shaft reciprocates in the cylinder in response to opposing applied pressures
Data Source
AI summary
A shut off system for a hydrocarbon recovery mandrel includes an inline valve assembly that contains a nipple that includes a chemical flow line. The chemical flow line is operative to transfer fluids from outside the wellbore to a mandrel channel; where the mandrel channel is disposed in the mandrel. A valve assembly includes a cylinder and a piston shaft; where the cylinder contacts the chemical flow line; where the piston shaft reciprocates in the cylinder in response to opposing applied pressures. The piston shaft contacts a sealing object that is operative to facilitate or to prevent fluid flow from the chemical flow line to the mandrel channel. The cylinder includes a port that provides fluid communication from the cylinder to the mandrel channel and an actuating assembly; where the actuating assembly is operative to displace the piston shaft in the cylinder to prevent fluid communication between the chemical flow line and the mandrel channel.