Spring-Loaded Piston Control Device for Well Inflatable Bladders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling the inflation and deflation of inflatable bladders in wells or pipes, particularly at great depths, are either unsafe when dealing with inflammable gases, inefficient due to long transfer times, or laborious and expensive due to requiring multiple connections with the surface.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a single pressurized fluid feed conduit, featuring a piston driven by a spring and non-return valves, allows for efficient inflation and deflation by regulating fluid flow through a single connection, ensuring operation even at great depths and overcoming differential pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple connections with the surface are used to control inflation and deflation, then the tool can be operated at great depths, but the operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single feed conduit is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the inflation pathway and the deflation pathway. The control device mounted on this single conduit uses a piston mechanism with selective valve positioning to direct fluid flow either into or out of the bladder, eliminating the need for separate inflation and deflation conduits while maintaining full operational capability at great depths
2Device complexity
If a single feed conduit is used for both inflation and deflation, then the operational complexity is reduced, but controlling fluid flow direction becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A control device acting as an intermediary is mounted on the single feed conduit. This device contains a piston that can be positioned in different locations within a valve body, and non-return valves are strategically placed to work with the piston position. By moving the piston to different positions, the operator selectively opens or closes pathways, directing fluid flow either into the bladder for inflation or out of the bladder for deflation, thereby simplifying operation despite the single-conduit constraint
3Stress or pressure
If high pressure is applied to inflate the bladder at great depth, then the bladder can overcome hydrostatic pressure, but safety risks increase when inflammable gases are present
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is designed to automatically regulate pressure through its piston mechanism and non-return valves. The piston responds to pressure differentials and fluid flow conditions, automatically positioning itself to maintain safe operating pressures. This self-regulating capability prevents dangerous pressure buildup that could create safety risks in the presence of inflammable gases, while still enabling the bladder to generate sufficient pressure to overcome hydrostatic pressure at great depths
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 solution enables rapid and safe inflation and deflation of inflatable bladders with a single connection to the surface, reducing operational complexity and cost, while maintaining effectiveness across varying pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a piston driven by a spring, with this enclosure communicating firstly with the exterior by means of a tube or a simple bleed orifice
Implementation Method 2
when the pressure of the fluid present in the output zone of said feed conduit exceeds a specified threshold value, the piston is moved against the force of said spring
Implementation Method 3
said pipe being fitted with at least one first non-return valve, with pre-loaded spring, which allows the passage of the pressurised fluid from the enclosure toward the tool when the pressure upstream of the valve exceeds a specified threshold value
Implementation Method 4
and that prohibits the passage of the fluid in the other direction
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to device for controlling an inflatable tool used to treat a well or pipeline. The device, which is inserted between the outlet of a fluid supply pipe and the tool, comprises: a chamber communicating with the exterior through a tube and with the tool via a pipeline; and a piston mounted in said chamber, which, under the force of a spring, normally occupies a first position in which it seals the outlet of the pipe, the aforementioned tube then communicating with the pipeline. The pipeline is provided with at least one spring-loaded check valve which allows the passage of the pressurized fluid from the chamber to the tool when the pressure upstream of the valve exceeds a predetermined threshold value, which prevents the passage of the fluid in the opposite direction.