Reconfigurable SCSSV Actuator Modules for Depth Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The drilling and completion industry faces challenges in accommodating various setting depths of surface controlled subsurface safety valves (SCSSV) due to the need for a large inventory of different valve configurations, leading to increased carrying costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool with a valve portion and an actuator portion, where the actuator portion is detachably connected to establish a selected actuation force through a second spring to compress a first spring, allowing the actuation tubular to shift within the valve housing, enabling the SCSSV to be reconfigurable for multiple depth settings with a standard valve component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple SCSSV configurations are maintained to accommodate various setting depths, then the valve can be set at different depths, but the inventory carrying costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The SCSSV is divided into two separable components: a valve portion and an actuator portion. The actuator portion can be detached and replaced with different configurations to accommodate various depth settings, while the valve portion remains standardized. This segmentation allows the system to achieve depth versatility without maintaining multiple complete valve configurations in inventory.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized valve portion is designed to be universal and can work with any actuator portion configuration. The actuator portion serves multiple functions by providing different actuation forces suitable for various depth settings. This multi-functionality approach allows a single valve portion to serve multiple depth requirements through interchangeable actuator portions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple SCSSV configurations are maintained to accommodate various setting depths, then the valve can be set at different depths, but the carrying costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the SCSSV into a standardized valve portion and interchangeable actuator portions, the system reduces the total number of complete valve configurations needed in inventory. Instead of storing multiple complete valves for different depths, only standardized valve portions and separate actuator portions are required, significantly reducing inventory quantity and carrying costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator portion can be detached and replaced without discarding the valve portion. The standardized valve portion is recovered and reused with a different actuator portion configuration. This approach eliminates the need to discard and replace entire valve assemblies, reducing material waste and inventory requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple SCSSV configurations are maintained to accommodate various setting depths, then the valve can be set at different depths, but the maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design allows the actuator portion to be easily detached and replaced without affecting the valve portion. This segmentation simplifies maintenance by isolating the wear-prone actuator components from the valve body, enabling technicians to replace only the actuator portion rather than the entire valve assembly, thereby reducing maintenance complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized valve portion can be recovered and reused after the actuator portion is replaced. This approach simplifies maintenance by preserving the well-tested valve body and only replacing the worn actuator components, reducing the complexity of maintenance procedures compared to replacing entire valve assemblies.
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
This solution allows for the SCSSV to be readily adaptable to various depth settings without the need for multiple valve configurations, reducing inventory costs and simplifying maintenance by using interchangeable actuator modules tailored to specific depth settings.
Implementation Method 1
a second spring operatively connected to the actuator member. The actuator member includes a first end portion operatively connected to the first spring and a second end portion. The actuator portion is selected and connected to the downhole tool to establish a selected actuation force through the second spring to compress the first spring causing the actuation tubular to shift within the inner chamber.
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool including a valve portion having a valve housing including an inner chamber and an actuation tubular. The actuation tubular includes an outer surface, an inner surface defining a flow path, an upper end, and a lower end. A first spring extends about the outer surface of the actuation tubular between the upper end and the lower end. An actuator portion is detachably connected to the actuation tubular. The actuator portion includes an actuator housing, an actuator member arranged in the actuator housing, and a second spring operatively connected to the actuator member. The actuator member includes a first end portion operatively connected to the first spring and a second end portion. The actuator portion is selected and connected to the downhole tool to establish a selected actuation force through the second spring to compress the first spring causing the actuation tubular to shift within the inner chamber.