Subsurface Safety Valve Magnet Assembly for Low-Force Recoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsurface safety valves with alternating polarity magnet assemblies face challenges in recoupling, requiring high forces that can lead to costly and potentially destructive well interventions, especially for larger valves, and limit the methods available for recoupling.
Innovation Solution
A magnet assembly with a non-alternating polarity pattern for both outer and inner magnets, allowing for a lower recoupling force relative to the decoupling force, enabling easier recoupling through wireline intervention and a wider range of methods, including electrical motors, by arranging magnets in varying sizes and orientations to reduce the magnetic coupling forces needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If alternating polarity magnet assemblies are used in subsurface safety valves, then the magnetic coupling strength is improved, but the recoupling force required becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using a non-alternating polarity pattern where outer magnets and inner magnets have different polarity arrangements. Specifically, the outer magnets have a first polarity pattern while the inner magnets have a second polarity pattern that is not simply alternating. This asymmetric configuration creates stronger initial coupling while allowing easier recoupling, resolving the contradiction between coupling strength and recoupling force requirements.
2Area of stationary object
If larger valve sizes are used, then the safety valve coverage and effectiveness are improved, but the recoupling force required increases leading to costly interventions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameters by implementing a non-alternating polarity pattern with varying magnet strengths and arrangements. This parameter change allows larger valve sizes to maintain effective magnetic coupling while reducing the recoupling force to manageable levels, making interventions more cost-effective and less complex regardless of valve size.
3Strength
If alternating polarity magnet assemblies are used, then the magnetic coupling is strengthened, but the available methods for recoupling are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by creating a magnetic coupling system that is strong during operation but can be easily disrupted and reformed. The non-alternating polarity pattern allows the magnetic coupling to be dynamically adjusted, enabling recoupling through multiple methods including wireline intervention and electrical motors, thereby increasing versatility while maintaining coupling strength during normal operation.
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 non-alternating polarity pattern reduces the force required for recoupling, allowing for efficient operation across all valve sizes and enabling recoupling using wireline or electrical motors, thereby reducing intervention costs and complexities.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic coupling between the outer magnets and the inner magnets may cause the outer magnets to pull the inner magnets
Implementation Method 2
The piston may be extended by a hydraulic control line. Extending the piston may, by the linkage of the mandrel, translate the outer magnets against a spring within an inner chamber of the safety valve
Data Source
AI summary
A safety valve for a wellbore can include a piston, a flapper valve, a flow tube, a series of outer magnets, and a series of inner magnets. The piston can displace the flow tube, which can operate the flapper valve. The series outer magnets can be attached to an outer wall of the piston. The series of inner magnets can be attached to a flow tube of the safety valve. The series of outer magnets and the series of inner magnets can be arranged in a non-alternating polarity pattern. The non-alternating polarity pattern can be ordered in such a way that a first force to decouple the series of inner magnets from the series of outer magnets is larger than a second force to recouple the series of inner magnets to the series of outer magnets.