Redundant Trigger System for Reliable Isolation Valve Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing isolation valves, such as formation isolation valves, suffer from reliability issues in their remote opening mechanisms, which can lead to catastrophic failures if the trigger section fails.
Innovation Solution
A redundant trigger system is introduced, featuring multiple independent triggers, such as hydraulic and electronic triggers, to actuate the isolation valve, ensuring reliable operation even if one trigger fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single trigger mechanism is used in the isolation valve, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential catastrophic failures
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger section is divided into multiple independent trigger mechanisms (first trigger and second trigger) that can operate separately. Each trigger has its own actuating piston and control chamber, allowing independent operation to open the valve, thereby improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a backup trigger mechanism that stands ready to activate the valve if the primary trigger fails. This redundant configuration provides beforehand protection against catastrophic failure, ensuring that the valve can still be opened even if one trigger system malfunctions
2Reliability
If multiple independent triggers are implemented, then the reliability is improved through backup mechanisms, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple trigger mechanisms are combined within a single integrated valve body structure. The first and second triggers share common components such as the ball valve element, seat, and housing, allowing redundancy to be achieved without proportionally increasing overall device complexity. The triggers converge on a single actuation point to rotate the ball valve element
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body and internal components are designed to serve multiple functions: they contain both trigger mechanisms, provide fluid passages for both hydraulic and electronic triggering, and accommodate the ball valve element that responds to either trigger. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each trigger system
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 redundant trigger system enhances the reliability of the isolation valve by providing backup mechanisms, ensuring consistent actuation of the ball valve element between closed and open positions, thereby preventing catastrophic failures.
Implementation Method 1
a first tubing pressure chamber configured to receive a controlled signal to activate at least one trigger of the plurality of triggers, wherein activation of at least one trigger pushes the pilot piston from an initial position to a final position
Data Source
AI summary
A redundant trigger section that actuates a device between operational positions in response to a controlled signal includes a housing including an internal through passage and a plurality of chambers formed in a wall of the housing, a pilot piston disposed within the internal through passage, an actuating piston connected to the pilot piston, and a plurality of triggers connected to the actuating piston. Upon receipt of the controlled signal by a first tubing pressure chamber of the plurality of chambers, at least one trigger of the plurality of triggers activates the actuating piston, which pushes the pilot piston within the internal through passage from an initial position to a final position.