Pressure-Actuated Valve Damping for Reliable Downhole Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Down Hole Safety Valves (DHSV) and Surface Controlled Subsurface Safety Valves (SCSSV) in oil and gas operations often fail prematurely due to harsh conditions, leading to leaks of hazardous gases and fluids, which necessitate costly flaring and pose environmental risks.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained, automatic, and adjustable valve apparatus with a piston member, spring members, and damping means that allows for rapid opening and delayed closing based on in-line pressure, preventing the backflow of fluids and gases without external control circuitry or vent lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional DHSV/SCSSV are used in harsh downhole conditions, then valve closure function is maintained, but valve reliability deteriorates due to premature failure from product gas and fluid leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The valve apparatus is designed to be self-actuating, using the in-line pressure differential across the valve body to automatically open or close the valve without requiring external control circuitry, hydraulic power units, or external control signals. The spring members and damping means work together to provide automatic operation based solely on pressure conditions, making the valve self-sufficient and eliminating vulnerable external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve apparatus separates the valve member from the piston member, with the valve member directly actuated by in-line pressure and the piston member controlling the damping mechanism. This segmentation allows independent optimization of valve sealing and damping functions, improving overall reliability.
2Productivity
If valve opening speed is increased for rapid response, then productivity is improved, but control precision deteriorates due to loss of control over closing characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The damping means acts as an intermediary between the spring member and the piston member, controlling the rate at which the piston moves and thereby controlling the valve closing speed. This intermediary mechanism allows rapid opening (driven by spring force) while maintaining precise control over closing characteristics (modulated by damping), resolving the contradiction between speed and control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve apparatus uses a dynamic damping mechanism where the damping force adjusts based on piston movement velocity and pressure differential. This dynamic control allows the valve to open rapidly when needed while providing controlled closing characteristics, achieving both high productivity and precise control.
3Ease of operation
If external control circuitry and vent lines are added to improve valve control, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve apparatus is designed to be self-actuating, using the in-line pressure differential across the valve body to automatically open or close the valve without requiring external control circuitry, hydraulic power units, or external control signals. The spring members and damping means work together to provide automatic operation based solely on pressure conditions, making the valve self-sufficient and eliminating vulnerable external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve apparatus performs multiple functions using a single integrated design: the in-line pressure differential both actuates the valve opening and provides the force for the damping mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control systems, hydraulic lines, and vent lines, reducing complexity while maintaining operational capability.
4Loss of substance
If flaring is used to dispose of leaking gases, then loss of substance is reduced, but environmental harm increases and productivity decreases due to costly downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The valve apparatus prevents product gas and fluid leaks before they can cause environmental harm or require flaring. The reliable sealing and automatic operation eliminate the need for emergency flaring operations, preventing both substance loss and environmental damage simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve apparatus converts the potentially harmful in-line pressure differential into a beneficial self-actuating mechanism. The same pressure that could cause leaks is used to automatically open the valve and drive the damping mechanism, transforming a harmful factor into a useful operating force.
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 valve apparatus effectively prevents the release of hazardous fluids and gases into the environment, reducing downtime and environmental damage by ensuring controlled valve operation and eliminating the need for flaring, while being compact and compatible with existing infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring member biasing the piston member in a first direction within the bore
Implementation Method 2
a second spring member provided between the end and a spring seat
Implementation Method 3
wherein damping means is provided to damp the movement of the chamber within the bore
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to valve apparatus for regulating flow. The apparatus comprises a valve housing having a bore. A piston member (7) is movable within the bore, a first spring member biasing the piston member in a first direction within the bore. A first rod (12) extends through the piston member, the first rod having an end (13) for engaging a second spring member (14) provided between the end (13) and a spring seat (8). The piston member (7) and spring seat define a chamber (9) which houses the second spring member (14) and into which the first rod is slidably received. Further, a second rod extends from the spring seat and is coupled to valve member seat. A damping means is provided to damp the movement of the chamber (9) within the bore.