Downhole Rotational Valve Actuation via Linear Shifter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole valve actuation methods in oil and gas operations are limited by the reliance on inner diameter variations, restricting the number of valves that can be manipulated and the frequency of their operation, often requiring high pressurization from the surface which can burden equipment.
Innovation Solution
A linearly actuated rotational valve system using a linear mechanical shifter that selectively opens or closes rotational valves based on their position along the tool string, allowing any number of valves with the same inner diameter to be actuated, increasing flexibility and reducing the need for high pressurization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dropped balls are used to manipulate valves, then valve actuation is achieved, but the number of valves that can be manipulated is limited due to reliance on inner diameter variations
Solution Approach 1:
The orienting sleeve with standardized slots provides a universal engagement mechanism that can actuate multiple different valves along the tool string. Each valve can have the same inner diameter while being selectively actuated by the ball dropping into the orienting sleeve's slots, which then rotate the valve sleeves. This eliminates the need for varying inner diameters to differentiate between valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The orienting sleeve acts as an intermediary mechanism between the dropped ball and the valve sleeves. The ball drops into the orienting sleeve, which then converts the linear motion into rotational motion of the valve sleeves through its slots. This intermediary allows for more flexible valve actuation without requiring direct engagement between the ball and each valve's inner diameter variations.
2Ease of operation
If high pressurization is applied from the surface to actuate downhole tools, then tool actuation is achieved, but equipment is burdened
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the weight of the dropped ball itself to provide the actuation force. As the ball drops through the orienting sleeve, gravity converts its potential energy into kinetic energy, which then rotates the valve sleeves. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for high pressurization from the surface equipment, as the actuation energy comes from the ball's own weight and the gravitational field.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the gravitational field to convert potential energy into mechanical work. By dropping the ball from a height, the system creates a potential energy difference that is converted into rotational motion of the valves. This approach uses the natural equipotentiality of the gravitational field rather than requiring additional pressurization equipment at the surface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If inner diameter variations are used to differentiate valves, then valve selection is achieved, but flexibility in valve operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The orienting sleeve introduces asymmetry through its slot configuration to differentiate between valves. Instead of using symmetric inner diameter variations in each valve, the orienting sleeve has slots positioned at specific angles and locations that correspond to different valves. This asymmetric slot arrangement allows the dropped ball to selectively engage and rotate specific valve sleeves based on its drop position, providing flexibility without requiring inner diameter variations.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a valve housing with a port formed in a wall of the housing, a rotation sleeve disposed in the valve housing, an orienting sleeve with an orienting feature disposed in and fixed to the valve housing, and a shifter. The rotation sleeve is rotatable relative to the valve housing and includes a port formed therethrough. The shifter includes engagement features disposed a distance from each other along a length of the shifter and a rotational distance from each other about a circumference of the shifter. The engagement features are receivable into corresponding features of the orienting sleeve and the rotation sleeve to rotate the rotation sleeve relative to the valve housing as the shifter travels through the valve housing. The system may be used to selectively manipulate any number of valves in downhole equipment.