Multicycle Valve Closure Using Disappear-on-Demand Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve systems for fluid sequestration and resource recovery require different sized seats and objects for multiple actuations, leading to inefficiencies and the need for separately actuated closing valves.
Innovation Solution
A multicycle valve system with a movable closure, biaser, and disappear-on-demand material, activated by an igniter, allows for multiple actuations using a single object, enabling efficient opening and closing of fluid pathways through a port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If different sized seats and objects are used for multiple actuations, then the valve system can perform multiple opening/closing cycles, but the device complexity increases and requires separately actuated closing valves
Solution Approach 1:
The object is designed with disappear-on-demand material that allows it to perform multiple functions: initially acting as a blocking element to open the fluid pathway, then transforming/disappearing to allow closure, and enabling repeated actuation cycles with the same object. This eliminates the need for different sized objects for different cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The object's physical properties are changed through the disappear-on-demand material that responds to thermal or chemical stimuli. The material transitions from a solid blocking state to a disappeared or transformed state, allowing the same object to enable multiple actuation cycles without requiring physical replacement or size changes.
2Reliability
If separately actuated closing valves are used to reclose the open fluid pathway, then the fluid pathway can be reliably closed, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closing function is extracted from a separate closing valve and integrated into the biaser mechanism that naturally returns the closure to its sealed position. The biaser continuously exerts force to close the port, eliminating the need for a separate actuated closing valve while maintaining reliable closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The biaser provides self-service closure by automatically returning the closure to the sealed position after the object disappears. The system uses the inherent elastic potential energy stored in the biaser to perform the closing action without requiring external actuation or additional valves.
3Device complexity
If a single object is used for multiple actuations with disappear-on-demand material, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of maintaining object integrity throughout cycles is challenged
Solution Approach 1:
The disappear-on-demand material undergoes controlled parameter changes in response to specific thermal or chemical stimuli. The material remains stable and maintains integrity under normal operating conditions but transforms predictably when exposed to the activation stimulus, ensuring reliable and repeatable actuation cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The object is designed as a consumable element with a defined lifecycle. After a certain number of actuation cycles or upon exposure to specific conditions, the object is replaced. This approach simplifies the overall system design while accepting that the object itself has a limited service life, balancing simplicity with operational reliability.
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 facilitates efficient, multicycle operation of fluid pathways by using a single object to open and close ports, reducing the need for multiple actuated closing valves and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a biaser disposed between the housing and the movable closure
Implementation Method 2
an igniter in operable contact with the disappear on demand material
Data Source
AI summary
A multicycle valve system, including a housing, a port extending radially through the housing, a movable closure to change a condition of the port, a seat connected to the movable closure, a biaser between the housing and the closure, and a DoD object, an igniter in contact with the disappear on demand material, and a signal receiver in communication with the igniter. A method for operating a multicyclic valve system including landing an object on a seat, moving a closure by loading the object, deforming a biaser upon moving the closure, changing a condition of a port with the the closure, rendering the object incapable of remaining on the seat, and returning the closure to a position prior to moving with the biaser. A borehole system including a borehole, a string in the borehole, and a multicycle valve system as claimed disposed within or as a part of the string.