Metering Piston Hydraulic Control for Multi-Position Well Tool Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow control valves downhole in wells face limitations in controlling sequencing and positioning due to functional limitations of J-slot mechanisms and fluid metering systems.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic control module with a metering piston is used to control a multi-position well tool, allowing incremental actuation positions through a first control line and returning to the initial position with a single pressurization via a second control line, utilizing a dual control line system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a J-slot mechanism or fluid metering system is used to control incremental positions, then the flow control valve can be actuated through multiple positions, but the sequencing and positioning control has functional limitations
Solution Approach 1:
A metering piston is introduced as an intermediary component between the hydraulic control line and the flow control valve. The metering piston receives pressurized hydraulic fluid through a single control line and uses internal metering passages to control the incremental sequencing of fluid delivery, thereby achieving reliable multi-position actuation without requiring complex external metering systems or J-slot mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the metering function from the traditional external fluid metering system and incorporates it directly into the actuator assembly through the metering piston. This integration eliminates the functional limitations of separate metering systems and simplifies the overall control architecture while maintaining reliable positioning control
2Measurement precision
If multiple control lines are used to control each incremental position, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the system complexity and number of control lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metering piston performs multiple functions within a single component: it meters fluid delivery for incremental positioning, sequences the actuation through multiple positions, and provides mechanical amplification. This multi-functionality allows precise positioning to be achieved while maintaining a simple single-control-line architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The metering passages are nested within the metering piston body, with multiple internal passages arranged concentrically or in sequence. This nested arrangement allows complex metering and sequencing functions to be contained within a compact single-component structure, eliminating the need for multiple external control lines while maintaining positioning precision
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 precise control of multi-position well tools, such as flow control valves, with efficient incremental positioning and return to initial position using only two pressurized hydraulic control lines, improving sequencing and positioning accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
A metering piston is uniquely arranged within the hydraulic control module to control actuation of the multi-position well tool from an initial actuation position through a plurality of incremental actuation positions
Implementation Method 2
a single pressurization of actuation fluid delivered through a second control line of the pair of control lines may be used to return the multi-position well tool back to the initial actuation position
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates control over a multi-position well tool. A hydraulic control module may be engaged with a multi-position well tool for controlling actuation of the multi-position well tool through a plurality of actuation positions. The multi-position well tool is moved through the plurality of actuation positions by applying pressurized fluid through a first control line. A metering piston is uniquely arranged within the hydraulic control module to control actuation of the multi-position well tool from an initial actuation position through a plurality of incremental actuation positions. Additionally, a single pressurization of actuation fluid delivered through a second control line may be used to return the multi-position well tool back to the initial actuation position from any incremental position.