Multicycle Toe Valve Pressure Balancing Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toe valve systems in well applications are limited in their ability to be actuated multiple times between closed and open positions, which is necessary for operations like sand control and troubleshooting, where sequential opening and closing is required, and they often face challenges in high-pressure and high-temperature environments.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-activated multicycle toe valve system comprising a piston sleeve and a shifting sleeve, where the piston sleeve is initially closed by a liquid in a piston chamber, and a release member such as a rupture disc allows pressure balancing and subsequent actuation to open the valve, enabling multiple shifts between open and closed positions using a shifting tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional toe valve system is used, then the valve can be actuated to open flow ports for communication between wellbore and reservoir, but the valve cannot be actuated multiple times between closed and open positions
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is segmented into distinct functional components: a piston sleeve for flow control, a shifting sleeve for position change, and a reset mechanism with spring and cam. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling multi-cycle actuation while maintaining manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system employs dynamic elements including a movable piston sleeve that slides to open/close flow ports, a shifting sleeve that transitions between positions, and a spring-based reset mechanism that dynamically returns components to initial positions. These dynamic components enable repeated actuation cycles rather than single-use operation.
2Reliability
If the valve is designed for simple actuation, then the structure remains relatively simple, but the valve cannot reliably operate in high-pressure and high-temperature environments
Solution Approach 1:
The piston chamber implements a pressure balancing mechanism where fluid pressure acts on both sides of the piston sleeve to counterbalance external wellbore pressure. This pressure counterbalancing allows the valve to operate reliably in high-pressure environments without requiring overly complex reinforcement structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces purely mechanical actuation with a hybrid approach using fluid pressure control. Pressure differentials across the piston sleeve control opening and closing actions, while a cam and follower mechanism provides mechanical resetting. This substitution enables reliable operation in harsh environments where purely mechanical systems would fail.
3Ease of operation
If a release member such as rupture disc is used to retain liquid in piston chamber, then the piston sleeve can be actuated by pressure, but the system requires precise pressure control to avoid premature activation
Solution Approach 1:
The rupture disc is designed with specific pressure threshold parameters that determine when activation occurs. By carefully selecting and controlling these pressure parameters during manufacturing, the system achieves reliable pressure-activated actuation while minimizing the risk of premature activation. The parameter control is achieved through precise disc thickness, material selection, and hole geometry.
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 system provides reliable and repeatable control of fluid flow between the wellbore and the reservoir, allowing for multiple cycles of opening and closing in various environments, including high-pressure and high-temperature conditions, enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The piston sleeve is held in this closed position via a liquid trapped in a piston chamber which is located between the piston sleeve and the outer housing to provide pressure balancing across the piston sleeve
Implementation Method 2
The liquid, e.g. oil, is retained in the piston chamber by a release member, e.g. a rupture disc, until sufficient pressure is applied within the toe valve system and against the piston sleeve so as to actuate the release member and to thus allow outflow of liquid from the piston chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates multiple actuations of a toe valve system positioned along a tubing string. According to an embodiment, the toe valve system comprises a piston sleeve slidably disposed in an outer housing which has at least one port therethrough. The toe valve system also may comprise a shifting sleeve shiftable between positions with respect to the at least one port. The piston sleeve may initially be held in a position closing off the at least one port to prevent flow between the interior and exterior of the tubing string. The piston sleeve is held in this closed position via a liquid trapped in a piston chamber which is located between the piston sleeve and the outer housing. The liquid, e.g. oil, is retained in the piston chamber by a release member, e.g. a rupture disc, until sufficient pressure is applied within the toe valve system and against the piston sleeve so as to actuate the release member and to thus allow outflow of liquid from the piston chamber.