Rotating Sleeve Valve for Single-Line Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole valve systems for oil and gas wells require multiple control lines and valves to manage flow rates across multiple hydrocarbon zones, leading to inefficiencies and downtime due to the need for precise pressure balancing and lack of adjustable flow control without replacing equipment.
Innovation Solution
A well tubing valve with rotating sleeve members that can be actuated from a single control line, allowing incremental adjustment of flow rates through radial apertures and ports, eliminating the need for double-acting actuators and reducing the length and complexity of the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hydraulically actuated sliding sleeve valve is used to enable incremental flow control, then selective throttling of flow is achieved, but the valve becomes long and requires two control lines
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the valve member longitudinally (sliding sleeve), the invention inverts the approach by rotating the valve member about its axis. This rotational movement achieves the same flow control function while eliminating the need for long stroke distances and reducing control line requirements to a single control line.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating valve member design allows a single control line to actuate the valve for multiple zones. The rotational mechanism provides universal flow control capability across different zones without requiring separate control lines for each zone, reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple valves are used to control flow from each zone, then flow rate control is achieved, but the system requires multiple control lines and complex positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple valve functions into a single valve assembly with multiple valve members that can be actuated by one control line. This consolidation reduces the number of control lines required and simplifies the overall system while maintaining the ability to control flow from multiple zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is segmented into multiple valve members, each controlling flow for a different zone. Each valve member can be independently positioned through rotation, allowing individual zone control while using a single actuation system driven by one control line.
3Manufacturing precision
If valves are positioned downhole with fixed orifices, then initial flow rate setting is achieved, but no adjustment can be made without removing the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the static, fixed-orifice valve design into a dynamic system where the valve member can rotate to different positions. This allows the effective flow area to be dynamically adjusted by rotating the valve member, enabling flow rate changes without removing the valve from the well.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member is pre-configured with aperture patterns that correspond to different flow rates. By rotating the valve member to predetermined angular positions, the desired flow rate is achieved without requiring valve removal or complex real-time adjustments.
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 efficient and adjustable control of production flow rates from multiple zones using a single control line, reducing downtime and equipment complexity while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
The valve member is actuable to rotate relative to the body in a single direction
Data Source
AI summary
A well tubing valve including a substantially tubular body connected in a tubular string and a rotational valve member having at least one aperture. The valve member is a sleeve having a part spherical surface, is rotationally moveable relative to the body to align and misalign the at least one aperture in the valve member with a port in the body. The valve member is actuable to rotate relative to the body in a single direction, and moves from the open position to a closed position and back by rotation in the same sense. The valve also includes a sealing arrangement adapted to provide a metal seal that is biased to seal against the part spherical surface.