MPD Manifold Valve Synchronization to Limit Pressure Spikes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MPD manifolds require manual operation of valves to bypass fluid flow, leading to potential errors and slow response times during failure events, which can cause pressure spikes and equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
An MPD manifold with synchronized actuators that automatically adjust valve positions to smoothly transition fluid flow paths, reducing the likelihood of errors and response time, using mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual valve operation is used in conventional MPD manifolds, then device complexity is reduced, but response time increases and error probability increases during failure events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve operations into a single integrated manifold assembly where opening one valve automatically triggers the closing of another valve through mechanical linkage. This merging of operations reduces the number of independent control actions required while maintaining system functionality, thereby improving automation extent without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold system performs self-service through automatic valve sequencing where the opening of a bypass valve automatically causes the closing of a primary valve through mechanical coupling. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for external control systems or human intervention during failure events, improving automation while keeping the control system relatively simple.
2Productivity
If manual valve operation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to slow response time during failure events
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is pre-configured with mechanical linkages that automatically execute the valve switching sequence when a failure event occurs. The bypass valve opening action is preliminarily linked to the primary valve closing action, ensuring immediate response without waiting for human reaction or complex control system processing, thereby improving productivity while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
3Reliability
If synchronized actuators are used to automatically adjust valve positions, then response time decreases and error probability decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical or electronic synchronized actuator systems with a simpler mechanical linkage system. The mechanical coupling between valves provides inherent synchronization through physical connection, eliminating the need for complex control electronics, sensors, and programmable logic while maintaining high reliability and fast response times.
4Manufacturing precision
If valves fully block fluid flow during transition, then valve positioning precision is improved, but harmful factors increase due to pressure spikes
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold design incorporates gradual flow path transitions and intermediate positioning features that cushion the fluid flow during valve switching. The mechanical linkage allows for controlled sequential closing of valves, preventing sudden complete blockage and the associated pressure spikes, thereby reducing harmful factors while maintaining adequate valve positioning precision for effective flow control.
Data Source
AI summary
A managed pressure drilling (MPD) manifold has one or more valves that are operable by one or more actuators configured to synchronize the opening of one or more passageways in the valves with the closing of one or more of the other passageways in the valves, in order to minimize the likelihood of error and reduce response time. The valves are configured to transition smoothly between positions without fully blocking fluid flow in the manifold while changing the flow direction. The synchronization may be achieved mechanically, electrically, hydraulic, and/or pneumatically. The actuators may be remotely controlled by a control unit having a processor and control logic software, based on data collected by one or more sensors in the MPD manifold. The positions of the valves of the MPD manifold may be automatically adjusted by the control unit via the actuators.