Opening Sleeve Tool Forces Subsurface Safety Valve Gate Open
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for opening a subsurface safety valve (SSSV) in well intervention operations are inefficient, leading to increased non-productive time, equipment damage, and hazardous conditions when the SSSV fails to release downhole tools, requiring cutting of wireline or coiled tubing.
Innovation Solution
Deployment of an opening sleeve tool that lands on the SSSV and applies a downward force to open the gate valve, allowing trapped tools to be retrieved safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods are used to retrieve downhole tools, then the SSSV gate may close against the wireline/slickline/coiled tubing, but this requires cutting the wireline/slickline/coiled tubing downhole and increases non-productive time
Solution Approach 1:
The opening sleeve tool serves as an intermediary device that engages with the SSSV gate mechanism to force it open. The tool includes a sleeve portion that fits over the gate valve and a forcing mechanism that applies downward force to release the gate, thereby mediating between the retrieval operation and the safety valve without requiring cutting of the wireline or coiled tubing
Solution Approach 2:
The opening sleeve tool is deployed and positioned on the SSSV before the wireline or coiled tubing is pulled out. The gate is forced open in advance while the tool is still in place, allowing the retrieval operation to proceed without encountering a closed gate that would require cutting the cable
2Ease of operation
If the SSSV gate is forced open using conventional methods, then equipment damage may occur, but the gate may take a long period of time to release
Solution Approach 1:
The opening sleeve tool replaces conventional mechanical release methods with a direct forcing mechanism. The sleeve portion, when activated, applies concentrated downward force directly to the gate valve mechanism, substituting complex mechanical release sequences with a simple, direct forcing action that is both faster and more reliable
Solution Approach 2:
The opening sleeve tool concentrates the forcing action at a specific local point on the gate valve mechanism. The sleeve portion is designed to engage with a specific feature on the gate, applying force precisely where needed rather than requiring broad mechanical engagement, thereby reducing overall equipment stress while achieving rapid release
3Productivity
If the wireline or coiled tubing is cut to retrieve tools, then the tools can be retrieved, but this creates hazardous work environment and may result in total well loss
Solution Approach 1:
The opening sleeve tool acts as a mediator that allows the wireline or coiled tubing to pass through the closed SSSV gate without being cut. The tool engages with the gate mechanism to force it open, creating a safe passage for the cable while eliminating the need for cutting operations that would create hazardous conditions and potential well loss
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
Minimizes non-productive time, prevents equipment damage, and enhances operational safety by forcibly opening the SSSV, enabling the retrieval of downhole tools without cutting cables.
Implementation Method 1
forcing a gate valve of the subsurface safety valve with a tubular portion of the opening sleeve tool from a closed position to an open position
Data Source
AI summary
A method for a well intervention operation may be conducted on a wellbore having a subsurface safety valve in a tubular string therein with a wireline extending into the wellbore from a wellhead. The method may include deploying an opening sleeve tool into the wellbore; landing a top portion of the opening sleeve tool on the subsurface safety valve; forcing a gate valve of the subsurface safety valve with a tubular portion of the opening sleeve tool from a closed position to an open position; and conducting the well intervention operation.