Multi-Circulation Valve for Whipstock Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drilling deviated or horizontal wells requires effective circulation and positioning of downhole tools, particularly whipstock assemblies, to determine orientation and set anchors within wellbores, which existing technologies struggle to achieve efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A valve apparatus attached to a work string, comprising a housing with a guide pin and mandrel, includes a piston, mandrel cap, circulation ports, and a spring lock that allows fluid pressure to be transmitted to the whipstock assembly, enabling continuous fluid flow and precise positioning and orientation of the whipstock assembly through controlled fluid circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a down hole tool is placed in a well to mill a window from an inclined surface on the whipstock, then the orientation of the whipstock can be determined, but the circulation of drilling fluid is interrupted preventing MWD tool operation
Solution Approach 1:
The valve apparatus is divided into distinct functional segments: a housing containing circulation ports for continuous fluid flow, a mandrel with a piston that can move to block or allow fluid passage, and a jet member that pivots to control fluid direction. This segmentation allows independent control of circulation and positioning functions
Solution Approach 2:
The mandrel and piston assembly is designed to be movable rather than fixed. The piston can shift position within the mandrel in response to fluid pressure changes, dynamically transitioning between blocking and allowing fluid circulation. This dynamic mechanism enables the system to adapt fluid flow conditions based on operational requirements
2Force
If the anchor means is hydraulically set within the wellbore, then the whipstock assembly is positioned, but fluid circulation must be stopped losing MWD communication
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic cycling of the piston position to alternate between hydraulic setting mode and circulation mode. The piston is moved to block circulation ports during hydraulic setting operations, then returned to allow circulation for MWD communication. This periodic action enables repeated cycles of positioning and measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The valve apparatus maintains continuous fluid circulation capability through alternative flow paths. When the piston blocks the primary circulation ports, fluid can still flow through the housing and dedicated circulation channels, ensuring uninterrupted MWD communication even during hydraulic operations
3Use of energy by stationary object
If a valve apparatus is designed to control fluid flow, then circulation can be maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston is designed to move automatically in response to fluid pressure differentials without requiring external actuation mechanisms. When circulation ports are blocked, pressure buildup automatically drives the piston to shift position, opening alternative flow paths. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external control systems
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated apparatus: the housing provides structural support and contains circulation ports, the mandrel houses the piston and controls flow blocking, and the jet member handles fluid direction. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining full functionality
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 ensures efficient fluid circulation and pressure transmission to the whipstock assembly, allowing for accurate determination and adjustment of its position and orientation, facilitating the hydraulic setting of anchors and improving drilling operations in deviated or horizontal wells.
Implementation Method 1
the jet member operatively configured to receive the fluid and create a pressure force during fluid flow through the housing
Implementation Method 2
The spring lock moves into the expanded bore once the releasing leg is reached on the guide path so that the spring lock expands thereby allowing the jet member to pivot
Implementation Method 3
the housing may have an internal projection and the internal projection will engage the pivoting jet thereby forming the continuous flow path to the whipstock assembly and the fluid pressure created by the pumps is transmitted to the whipstock assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A valve apparatus for in a wellbore. The apparatus may include: a housing fluidly connected to a work string, with the housing having an internal portion having a guide pin; a mandrel concentrically disposed within the internal portion of the housing, the mandrel having a piston attached at a first end of the mandrel and a mandrel cap attached at a second end of the mandrel, and wherein the mandrel contains a circulation port and a jet positioned within the piston, the jet operatively configured to receive the fluid and create a pressure drop during fluid flow through the jet; a guide bushing disposed about the mandrel, the guide bushing having a predetermined guide path contained on the guide bushing and wherein the predetermined guide path is operatively associated with the guide pin; and, a spring operatively disposed within the mandrel. A method for setting a down hole tool in a wellbore is also disclosed.