Pressure Control Valve Tool for Wellbore Fluid Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for apparatuses and methods to selectively allow or prevent fluid communication through a work string during wellbore servicing operations, such as hydraulic fracturing, to manage pressure and fluid isolation between different sections of the work string.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore servicing system incorporating a pressure control valve tool (PCVT) with a housing, flapper valve, and sliding sleeves that can transition between configurations to allow or block fluid flow in specific directions, controlled by the application of pressure thresholds using obturating members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure control valve tool is used to selectively block fluid communication through the work string, then fluid isolation and pressure control are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple sliding sleeves and obturating members
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control valve tool is divided into multiple functional segments including a housing, a first sliding sleeve, a second sliding sleeve, and a flapper valve. Each segment performs a specific function: the first sleeve controls one aspect of fluid flow, the second sleeve controls another aspect, and the flapper valve provides additional flow control. This segmentation allows the system to achieve complex fluid isolation capabilities while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the second sliding sleeve is positioned within the first sliding sleeve, which in turn is positioned within the housing. This nested arrangement allows multiple control functions to be integrated in a compact configuration, reducing the overall device footprint while maintaining the complexity needed for selective bidirectional or unidirectional flow control.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple sliding sleeves and obturating members are used to control fluid flow directions, then fluid communication control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control valve tool is designed to be actuated by pressure differentials that automatically move the sliding sleeves and obturating members to the desired positions. When pressure is applied to the work string, the sleeves and flapper valve automatically shift to block or allow fluid communication based on the pressure distribution, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex external control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes hydraulic pressure from the wellbore environment to actuate the sliding sleeves and obturating members. Pressure applied to the work string creates force differentials that move the internal components to achieve the desired flow control state, converting the operational complexity of manually controlling multiple components into a simple pressure-based actuation system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flapper valve is made free to move between closed and open positions for bidirectional flow control, then adaptability is improved, but reliability worsens due to potential valve failure or mispositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The flapper valve is designed with a hinge connection and positioning mechanism that prevents it from becoming stuck in unintended positions. The valve includes features such as seating surfaces and retention mechanisms that ensure it reliably returns to or maintains its intended position (open or closed) based on pressure differentials, preventing mispositioning failures while maintaining the adaptability to control bidirectional or unidirectional flow.
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 system enables precise control of fluid communication, allowing bidirectional or unidirectional flow as needed, enhancing safety and efficiency in wellbore operations by isolating pressures and facilitating the connection/disconnection of work string sections without the use of wireline tools or plugs.
Implementation Method 1
a flapper valve disposed within the axial flowbore and configurable between an activated state and an inactivated state, wherein, in the activated state the flapper valve is free to move between a closed position in which the flapper valve blocks the axial flowbore and an open position in which the flapper valve does not block the axial flowbore
Implementation Method 2
engagement of a first obturating member with the first sleeve and the application of a pressure of at least a threshold pressure onto the first obturating member causes the first sleeve to transition from the first position to the second position with respect to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a control valve comprising a flapper either activated or inactivated, when activated the flapper may be closed or open and, when inactivated the flapper is open, a first sleeve transitional from a first to a second position, and a second sleeve transitional from a first to a second position, when the first and second sleeves are in the first position, the flapper is activated, when the first sleeve is in the second and the second sleeve is in the first position, the flapper is inactivated, when the first and second sleeves are in the second position, the flapper is activated, the application of pressure to the first sleeve via a first member transitions the first sleeve from the first to the second position, and the application of pressure to the second sleeve via a second member transitions the second sleeve from the first to the second position.