Safety Valve Cable Sealing via Annular Flow Path Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing safety valve systems in wellbores face challenges in maintaining fluid isolation when electrical components, such as cables, are deployed, as the cables can interfere with the sealing mechanism, preventing the formation of a seal and isolating the flow of fluids.

Innovation Solution

A safety valve system that includes a sealable flow path, an annulus safety valve, a landing nipple with ports for fluid communication between central and annular flow paths, and a cable with a sealing and latch mechanism to engage the landing nipple, allowing for fluid communication and isolation while accommodating the deployment of electrical components like electric submersible pumps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a cable is deployed through the safety valve flow path to power electric submersible pumps, then electrical components can be supplied downhole, but the cable interferes with the sealing mechanism and prevents formation of a seal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to deploy electrical componentsVSAvoidfluid isolation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flow path is segmented into a central flow path and an annular flow path. The cable passes through the central flow path while the sealing mechanism operates in the annular flow path, dividing the space to allow both cable deployment and reliable sealing to coexist without interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing mechanism transitions from a two-dimensional planar seal to a three-dimensional annular seal around the cable. By utilizing the radial dimension around the cable rather than attempting to seal across it, the system maintains fluid isolation while accommodating the cable in the center

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional components are disposed within the flow path to enable cable deployment, then electrical components can be powered, but the additional components interfere with the sealing mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to power downhole equipmentVSAvoidnumber of components in flow path

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The safety valve body is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the sealing mechanism for fluid isolation, contains the central flow path for cable passage, and creates the annular flow path for optional fluid communication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the cable conduit function with the valve body structure itself. Rather than adding a separate cable conduit component, the valve body is designed with an integrated central flow path that serves as both the valve housing and the cable passage, reducing overall component count

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 maintenance of safety valve function even with cable deployment, ensuring fluid isolation and efficient fluid production by providing a sealing mechanism that engages the landing nipple responsive to various inputs, such as weight, impact, or hydraulic forces, thus allowing for uninterrupted operation.

Implementation Method 1

the cable comprises a sealing mechanism and latch mechanism configured to engage the landing nipple

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical sealing:

Implementation Method 2

an annulus safety valve engaging the locking profile; and an annulus safety valve latch mechanism coupled to the annulus safety valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical locking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

The annulus safety valve latch mechanism may be configured to engage the locking profile responsive to a weight, an impact, a hydraulic force, a longitudinal motion, a rotational motion, or any combination thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic force: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 4

the annulus safety valve latch mechanism may be configured to engage the locking profile responsive to a weight, an impact, a hydraulic force, a longitudinal motion, a rotational motion, or any combination thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational force: Gravitation

Implementation Method 5

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS9587462B2Safety valve system for cable deployed electric submersible pump

Publication Date: 2017.03.07 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A safety valve system for downhole use in a wellbore comprises a safety valve comprising a sealable flow path; an annulus safety valve configured to provide fluid communication between a central flow path and an annular flow path; a landing nipple, wherein the landing nipple comprises ports configured to provide fluid communication between the annular flow path and the central flow path; and a cable passing through the sealable flow path, wherein the cable comprises a sealing mechanism and latch mechanism configured to engage the landing nipple.