Pressure-Activated Valve for Low Pressure Well Fluid Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In low pressure petroleum wells, it is challenging to control the placement of treatment fluids due to uncontrolled fluid loss and difficulty in determining the location of fluids, especially during cementing and scale treatment operations, as the formation pressure cannot sustain the hydrostatic head of the fluid column, leading to under or over displacement of materials.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-activated valve system is placed below the liquid phase in the well bore, allowing displacement fluids to fill the upper section without loss to the formation, and by applying pressure, the valve opens to establish a controlled flow rate for treatment fluids to reach the target zone, reducing uncontrolled fluid loss and enabling precise placement of cementing or treatment materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If pumping operations increase hydrostatic pressure in low pressure wells, then treatment fluid can be delivered to target zone, but uncontrolled fluid loss to formation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A valve is installed at the bottom of the well before treatment operations begin. This valve remains closed during the initial fluid column establishment, preventing formation fluid influx while allowing the full hydrostatic head to be built up. When treatment fluid needs to be delivered, the valve is opened to allow controlled flow to the target zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve acts as an intermediary device between the hydrostatic pressure system and the formation. It mediates the conflict by selectively blocking or allowing fluid flow based on operational requirements, enabling pressure delivery when closed and controlled treatment flow when open.
2Manufacturing precision
If displacement fluid volume is increased to ensure treatment fluid reaches target zone, then treatment fluid placement is improved, but risk of over displacement and uncontrolled fluid loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve provides real-time feedback control on fluid delivery. By monitoring valve position and pressure differential, operators can precisely control when treatment fluid reaches the target zone and stop pumping at the optimal moment, preventing both under and over displacement without wasting fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the traditional mechanical calculation-based displacement method with a pressure-controlled valve system. Instead of relying on pre-calculated displacement volumes, the valve responds dynamically to pressure conditions to achieve precise fluid placement.
3Productivity
If valve opening area is increased to improve treatment fluid flow rate, then treatment efficiency is improved, but uncontrolled fluid loss to formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve opening area is made dynamic rather than fixed. The valve body moves axially in response to pressure differential, automatically adjusting the opening area to match the required flow rate. This dynamic adjustment ensures high flow rate when needed while preventing uncontrolled loss when pressure conditions change.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve changes its physical parameter (opening area) based on operating conditions. As pressure differential across the valve changes, the valve body position adjusts, thereby changing the flow area parameter to maintain optimal flow control under varying pressure conditions.
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 allows for controlled and precise placement of treatment fluids, reducing fluid loss to the formation and ensuring accurate targeting of cementing or scale treatment materials, even in low pressure wells, thereby improving the efficiency of well maintenance operations.
Implementation Method 1
by applying pressure, the valve opens to establish a controlled flow rate for treatment fluids to reach the target zone
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a valve and a packer for controlling a location of a fluid in a low pressure well. The valve includes a valve housing and a pressure activated valve body that is axially movable in the valve housing between a closed position and at least a partly open position. The valve body has a surface facing a pressurized liquid. Movement of the valve body is opposed by a resilient element, and the valve is designed to open at a specific pressure. The valve housing has at least one valve opening that is exposed for pressurized fluid when the valve body is moved to its at least partly open position. The packer is peripherally positioned at the outside of the valve housing. The system is adapted to be releasable connected to a coiled tubing or a wireline.