Nested Flapper Spring Subsurface Valve Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsurface valves in wellbore operations rely on hydraulic pressure for actuation, which can be unreliable due to pressure fluctuations, and often require alignment rods within the coils of torsion springs, complicating their design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A subsurface valve design featuring a tubular housing with a C-shaped groove and a torsion spring that biases a flapper between open and closed positions, eliminating the need for alignment rods by using a groove to connect the spring directly to the housing and flapper, with a loading and holding section to secure the spring in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If alignment rods are used within the coils of torsion springs to secure them, then the spring can be held in place, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the alignment rod component from the torsion spring assembly. Instead of using a separate alignment rod to secure the spring, the spring itself is designed with a twisted configuration where the ends naturally align and engage with the flapper and housing, eliminating the need for additional alignment components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment function is merged into the torsion spring structure itself. The spring's twisted geometry provides both the biasing force and the alignment capability in a single integrated component, rather than requiring separate alignment rods or mechanisms. This integration simplifies the assembly and improves reliability by reducing the number of parts.
2Ease of operation
If hydraulic pressure is used for valve actuation, then the valve can be opened and closed, but the system becomes unreliable due to pressure fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The torsion spring provides a self-service biasing mechanism that automatically returns the flapper to its initial position after actuation. The spring's elastic properties enable it to store and release energy independently, providing reliable reset functionality without depending on hydraulic pressure stability, thus improving actuation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the actuation parameter from purely hydraulic pressure control to a combination of hydraulic pressure and mechanical spring biasing. By introducing the spring's mechanical force as a complementary actuation mechanism, the system becomes less sensitive to hydraulic pressure fluctuations, enhancing overall 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
This design enhances the reliability of subsurface valves by providing consistent biasing force without alignment rods, improving the operational efficiency and simplifying the design of downhole tools for fluid flow control in wellbore operations.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring having a spring diameter and disposed in the groove and in connection with the flapper to bias the flapper to one of the open and the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A device in accordance to an embodiment includes a tubular housing having an inside diameter defining an axial bore, a top surface and an outer surface, a groove formed along the outer surface below the top surface, a flapper pivotally connected with the housing and pivotal between an open position to allow flow through the bore and a closed position to block flow through the bore and a torsion spring having a spring diameter and disposed in the groove and in connection with the flapper to bias the flapper to one of the open and the closed position. The torsion spring may be nested in a C-shaped groove.