Mechanical Exercise Tool for Stuck Subsurface Safety Valve Flow Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical exercise tools for subsurface safety valves (SSSVs) are limited in their ability to create axial movement of the flow tube, especially when it is stuck in a closed position, and require removal and re-deployment from the well to exercise the valve, which can lead to malfunction and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising an inner mandrel with a coupling and an end cap, a sleeve with radially biased keys that engage with the flow tube, allowing for axial movement by jarring and re-use without the need for hydraulic lines or seals, enabling the tool to be reused downhole and re-engage with the flow tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical exercise tool is used to move the flow tube upward, then the flow tube can be exercised when the valve is open, but the tool cannot be used when the flow tube is stuck in a closed position
Solution Approach 1:
The exercise tool uses a downward-facing lip that engages with the bottom of the flow tube to push it downward, rather than pushing upward from above. This inverted approach allows the tool to exercise the flow tube in both open and closed positions by applying force in the direction needed to overcome scale buildup friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool uses the weight of the work string and controlled release mechanisms to automatically apply downward force on the flow tube, eliminating the need for external hydraulic fluid pressure systems. The tool self-regulates the exercise process through mechanical engagement and release.
2Reliability
If the exercise tool is detached from the flow tube to confirm valve operation, then safety can be verified, but the tool must be pulled out of hole and redressed before re-entering
Solution Approach 1:
The exercise tool is designed to remain in the well after initial exercise completion. It can re-engage with the flow tube multiple times to perform additional exercises if the flow tube becomes stuck again, eliminating the need to pull the tool out of hole and redeploy it. The tool serves multiple exercise cycles from a single deployment.
3Ease of operation
If hydraulic fluid pressure is used to move the flow tube, then the flow tube can be moved downward, but the system requires hydraulic lines and seals that can fail
Solution Approach 1:
The tool replaces the hydraulic fluid pressure system with a purely mechanical approach. A downward-facing lip on the inner mandrel directly engages with the flow tube bottom to push it downward mechanically, eliminating hydraulic lines, seals, and fluid pressure requirements. The mechanical force is transmitted through direct contact between tool components and the flow tube.
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 apparatus effectively creates axial movement of the flow tube in both directions, allowing for efficient exercise and potential re-use without the need for surface retrieval, thereby addressing the limitations of existing tools and ensuring proper valve operation.
Implementation Method 1
the SSSV will immediately close, by axial movement of the flow tube to release the spring-biased flapper valve
Implementation Method 2
which is maintained in position by hydraulic fluid pressure from a control line
Implementation Method 3
Over time this scale and solids accumulation can increase the friction of the SSSV flow tube
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for creating axial movement of an inner sliding sleeve member on a tool in a downhole environment. The apparatus has keys which mate in a profile on the inner sliding sleeve member, the keys being held in a carrier on a sleeve around an inner mandrel. The inner mandrel includes stops and a lip which can be slid over the keys to retract them for release from the inner sliding sleeve member. By picking up and shifting down the mandrel relative to the sleeve, the apparatus is cycled to jar up, jar down and release. An exercise tool to release a stuck flow tube of a subsurface safety valve is described.