Resettable Subsurface Control Valve to Prevent Hydraulic Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
During oilfield operations, the deployment of a shear device for setting a tandem bridge plug can result in a hydraulic lock between plugs when downward movement occurs, preventing the retrieval of the tool string.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool utilizing a valve plate with a pressure relief valve and bypass feature allows for the valve to be resettable to an open position, enabling multiple closures by applying a configured setting force, and includes a valve plate that shifts downhole components using a tensile path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ball valve is used to control fluid flow in the downhole tool, then fluid flow can be controlled, but downward movement with drag blocks engaged causes the ball valve to close and creates a hydraulic lock
Solution Approach 1:
A valve plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the ball valve and the drag blocks. The valve plate includes a valve seat that can be engaged by the ball to close the ball valve, and a bypass passage that allows fluid to flow around the ball valve when the valve plate is in a specific position. This intermediary mechanism prevents direct closure of the ball valve by downward movement, eliminating the hydraulic lock problem while maintaining fluid flow control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The valve plate is designed to move dynamically between different positions based on the operational state. When upward force is applied, the valve plate moves to engage the valve seat and close the ball valve. When downward force occurs, the valve plate moves to open the bypass passage, allowing fluid to flow around the ball valve and prevent hydraulic lock. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between needing to close the valve and preventing hydraulic lock
2Ease of operation
If shear pins are used to shift downhole components, then component positioning is achieved, but the device cannot be reset and requires mechanical failure to change state
Solution Approach 1:
The valve plate replaces static shear pins with a dynamic, reversible positioning mechanism. The valve plate can be moved between engaged and disengaged states multiple times by applying forces in different directions, allowing the system to be reset and reused. This eliminates the need for mechanical failure to change state, providing both component positioning and reset capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying on permanent mechanical failure (discarding) of shear pins to change system state, the valve plate mechanism allows for recovery and reuse of the positioning function. The valve plate can be reset to its initial position by applying upward force, enabling multiple operational cycles without mechanical failure or component replacement
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
Enables the tool to resist motion until a desired compressive force is applied, allowing the ball valve to move between open and closed positions multiple times, facilitating the setting and retrieval of tandem bridge plugs without hydraulic locking.
Implementation Method 1
the valve plate and the inner mandrel configured to shift axially within the outer sleeve, the valve plate further configured to pass a portion of fluid through the valve plate and pass another portion of the fluid around the valve plate, based on a threshold tensile force or a threshold compressive force exerted on the downhole tool
Implementation Method 2
allowing the valve to be resettable and configurable for multiple closures, utilizing a tensile path to resist motion changes and segregate from wellbore fluid, enabling the ball valve to move between open and closed positions based on applied forces
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of the present disclosure relate to shifting mandrels in downhole tools based on hydraulic pressure. A downhole tool includes an outer sleeve, an inner mandrel and a valve plate coupled to the inner mandrel. The valve plate and the inner mandrel are configured to shift axially within the outer sleeve. The valve plate is further configured to pass a portion of fluid through the valve plate and pass another portion of the fluid around the valve plate, based on a tensile force or a compressive force exerted on the downhole tool.