Pressure Equalization Apparatus for Subterranean Well Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure equalization devices for subterranean wells fail to effectively isolate well tools from the surrounding environment without creating a pressure differential, necessitating both fluid isolation and pressure equalization.
Innovation Solution
A pressure equalization apparatus with a flowpath extending alternately upward and downward between opposite ends, connected to a chamber containing a dielectric fluid and a source of another fluid, which prevents corrosive or conductive fluid from entering the chamber while allowing pressure equalization through multiple spiral wraps or bores, ensuring minimal pressure differentials and protecting sensitive equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a chamber is isolated from the well environment to protect sensitive equipment, then reliability is improved, but a pressure differential is created between the chamber and well environment
Solution Approach 1:
The flowpath is divided into multiple segments or sections that alternate direction between upward and downward orientations. This segmented approach allows pressure to be equalized through the chamber while the chamber remains isolated from direct fluid contact, thus protecting equipment while avoiding pressure differentials
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric fluid acts as an intermediary substance within the chamber, allowing pressure transmission from the well environment to the chamber interior without direct contact between the well fluid and chamber contents. This enables pressure equalization while maintaining fluid isolation and equipment protection
2Stress or pressure
If a flowpath extends alternately upward and downward to equalize pressure, then pressure differential is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alternating upward and downward flowpath configuration serves multiple functions simultaneously: it equalizes pressure across the chamber, prevents direct fluid contact with sensitive equipment, and can be integrated into existing well tool architectures. This multi-functionality justifies the increased structural complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single design feature
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 apparatus efficiently equalizes pressure between the chamber and the well environment, preventing fluid migration into the chamber and protecting sensitive assemblies within, while maintaining a stable pressure across the chamber walls, thus ensuring the successful operation of well tools.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure equalization apparatus for use with a well tool in a subterranean well includes a flowpath having first and second opposite ends, the flowpath extending in alternating opposite directions between the first and second opposite ends
Implementation Method 2
a chamber containing an assembly in a dielectric fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A pressure equalization apparatus can include separate longitudinal bores which form a continuous flowpath, the flowpath alternating direction between the bores, and the bores being interconnected at opposite ends thereof. A well system can include a well tool with a chamber therein containing an assembly in a dielectric fluid, and a pressure equalization apparatus including a flowpath having one end connected to the chamber, and the other end connected to a source of a another fluid, the flowpath extending in opposite directions between the flowpath ends through multiple separate bores. A method of installing a well tool can include attaching a mandrel to the well tool, then lowering the well tool at least partially into the well suspended from the mandrel, and then securing a pressure equalization apparatus to the mandrel, a flowpath of the apparatus being connected to a chamber of the well tool containing an assembly.