Sequential Pressure-Relief Valve Opening Under High Differential Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wellbore valves face challenges with large differential pressures, requiring high actuation forces and risking damage to seals due to friction and pressure relief, which complicates operation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A valve apparatus with a pressure relief arrangement that equalizes pressure across the valve before opening, and an actuator assembly that sequentially operates the pressure relief and valve, minimizing friction and potential damage by reducing pressure differential.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a large pressure differential is present across the valve, then the valve can provide effective flow control, but significant friction is generated between the valve member and seat requiring very large actuation forces
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation process is segmented into two distinct phases: first operating the pressure relief arrangement to equalize pressure, then operating the valve member. This segmentation allows the high pressure differential to be managed in stages rather than all at once, reducing the peak actuation force required.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief arrangement is operated preliminarily before opening the valve member. This preliminary action equalizes the pressure across the valve, reducing the friction force that would otherwise be present during valve opening, thereby reducing the required actuation force.
2Productivity
If a large pressure differential is vented upon opening the valve, then flow control is achieved, but damage may occur to seals or sealing surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief arrangement is activated in advance to gradually equalize pressure before the valve member opens. This preliminary pressure equalization prevents sudden pressure differential release that could damage seals, while still enabling subsequent flow control when the valve opens.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief function is separated from the valve opening function into distinct operational stages. The pressure relief arrangement handles the pressure equalization task separately, protecting the seals from damage while the valve member subsequently handles flow control.
3Device complexity
If the actuator assembly operates the valve member directly without preliminary pressure relief, then the operation is simpler, but excessive friction and potential seal damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief arrangement acts as an intermediary component between the actuator assembly and the valve member. It mediates the pressure differential by equalizing pressure first, thereby reducing the harmful friction and seal damage effects that would otherwise occur during direct valve operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief arrangement performs a preliminary action to equalize pressure before the valve member operates. This preliminary step eliminates excessive friction and prevents seal damage, making the overall system worth the additional complexity.
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 reduces the resistance forces needed to open the valve and minimizes the risk of damage by equalizing pressure, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure relief arrangement operable between closed and open configurations to selectively permit pressure communication on opposing sides of the valve member when said valve member is in its closed configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A valve apparatus, such as a downhole valve apparatus, includes a housing having a flow path therein and a valve member mounted within the housing and being operable between closed and open configurations to control flow along the flow path. An actuator assembly is moveable from a first position to a second position to sequentially perform first and second actuation functions, the first actuation function being associated with the operation of an auxiliary system, and the second actuation function opening the valve member from its closed configuration.