Subsurface Safety Valve Magnetic Coupling for Single-Line Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsurface safety valves (SSSVs) require separate power sources for tubing retrievable safety valves (TRSV) and wireline retrievable safety valves (WLRSV), leading to increased complexity and cost in operations, especially in deepwater and environmentally sensitive areas where servicing and replacement are frequent.
Innovation Solution
A single primary control line system with a switch mechanism that toggles power between TRSV and WLRSV, eliminating the need for additional control lines and simplifying operations by integrating a mechanical connecting apparatus with magnetic targets for axial alignment and power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power sources are used for TRSV and WLRSV, then each valve can operate independently, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate power source systems into a single shared power source that can serve both TRSV and WLRSV. The mechanical connecting apparatus with magnetic targets enables a single power source to interface with both valve types, eliminating the need for separate power sources while maintaining independent operation capability through a switching mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical connecting apparatus with magnetic targets provides a universal interface that can connect to both TRSV and WLRSV types. This multi-functional connection mechanism allows a single power source to serve multiple valve types, reducing system complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Ease of operation
If multiple control lines are used for TRSV and WLRSV, then each valve can be controlled independently, but the installation and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control lines into a single control line that can switch between controlling TRSV and WLRSV. The mechanical connecting apparatus with magnetic targets enables this single control line to interface with both valve types, reducing installation complexity while maintaining independent control capability through a switching mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical connecting apparatus provides a universal control interface that accepts a single control line and distributes it to both TRSV and WLRSV as needed. This multi-functional interface reduces the number of control lines required while maintaining the ability to independently control each valve type.
3Reliability
If redundant power sources are provided for both TRSV and WLRSV, then system reliability is improved, but cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges redundant power source requirements into a single shared power source that can serve both TRSV and WLRSV. The mechanical connecting apparatus with magnetic targets enables this single power source to provide redundancy for both valve types, reducing the total number of power sources while maintaining system reliability through the switching mechanism.
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
Reduces operational complexity and cost by allowing a single control line to manage both TRSV and WLRSV, enhancing reliability and reducing the need for redundant power sources, thus streamlining servicing and replacement processes.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more magnetic targets configured to magnetically engage with the electromagnetic assembly when the electromagnetic assembly is in an energized state to axially fix the bore flow management actuator in the first subsequent state
Implementation Method 2
a safety valve sub having an electromagnetic assembly... the one or more magnetic targets configured to magnetically engage with the electromagnetic assembly when the electromagnetic assembly is in an energized state
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a safety valve, a well system, and a method. The safety valve, in one aspect, includes a first portion. The safety valve, according to this aspect, further includes a second portion, the second portion including a bore flow management actuator configured to slide from a first initial state to a first subsequent state to move a valve closure mechanism between a first closed state and a first open state. The safety valve, according to this aspect, further includes a third portion, the third portion including a mechanical connecting apparatus having one or more magnetic targets associated therewith, the one or more magnetic targets configured to magnetically engage with the electromagnetic assembly when the electromagnetic assembly is in an energized state to axially fix the bore flow management actuator in the first subsequent state.