Reflexive Valve Preservation System for Hydraulic Fracturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Valve components in hydraulic fracturing operations are prone to damage due to repeated cycling with fracturing fluids containing particulate matter, leading to reduced valve life and increased maintenance frequency.
Innovation Solution
A reflexive valve preservation and actuation system (RVPAS) that injects a protective material, such as grease or oil, into valve components before cycling, using a piston-cylinder arrangement driven by a working fluid to displace contaminants and extend valve component life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If valves are cycled repeatedly during hydraulic fracturing operations, then valve operation reliability is maintained, but valve component life is reduced due to damage from particulate matter in fracturing fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by injecting a protective substance into the valve components before the fracturing fluid with particulate matter enters the valve. This preventive injection creates a protective barrier that shields internal valve components from contaminants, allowing the valve to be cycled repeatedly without the particulates causing damage, thus extending valve component life while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The protective substance injected into the valve acts as an intermediary between the harmful particulate matter in the fracturing fluid and the vulnerable valve components. This intermediary substance traps or repels contaminants, preventing direct contact with seals and moving parts, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining valve operation and preserving component life
2Duration of action of stationary object
If valve components are protected from contaminants, then valve component life is extended, but device complexity increases due to additional preservation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The preservation system is merged with the existing valve assembly, integrating the protective substance injection mechanism into the valve's structural framework. By combining the preservation function with the valve body and utilizing the existing fracturing fluid flow path to deliver the protective substance, the system extends valve component life without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality by using the same fracturing fluid flow path for both its original purpose (transporting fracturing fluid) and the preservation function (delivering protective substance). This universal use of existing flow paths allows the preservation system to extend valve life without requiring separate dedicated injection systems, thereby minimizing added 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 RVPAS effectively protects valve components from contaminants, reducing wear and extending the time between maintenance cycles by preemptively flushing particulates and ensuring the valve operates efficiently without immediate contamination.
Implementation Method 1
the working fluid is configured to move the piston toward the second end such that the piston drives the injectable material out of the injectable housing via the second outlet
Implementation Method 2
the piston blocking the first outlet until the working fluid applies a force to move the piston at least a predetermined distance along an axis
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a valve assembly including a supply housing with a first bore and an injectable housing coupled to the supply housing with a second bore. The valve assembly further includes a piston extending through at least a portion of the first and second bores, the piston being reciprocable axially along a longitudinal axis. The valve assembly also includes a first inlet at a first end of the supply housing for directing a working fluid toward a first end of the piston. The valve assembly includes a second inlet extending through the injectable housing toward a cavity that receives an injectable material. The valve assembly also includes a second outlet at a second end of the injectable housing that directs the injectable material out of the injectable housing as the piston moves axially along the longitudinal axis.