Subsurface Safety Valve Integrated Opening Subsystem
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for opening subsurface safety valves in well systems require high power or additional components, increasing the number of components in the wellbore and complicating the process.
Innovation Solution
An integrated opening subsystem within the subsurface safety valve that uses a sleeve and control line to communicate pressure from a pressure source, such as an electric submersible pump, to displace a piston and open the closure mechanism, reducing the need for external control lines and power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electrically powered motor is used to open the closure mechanism, then the closure mechanism can be opened, but the power requirements are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic pressure communicated through a control line to actuate a piston, which in turn opens the closure mechanism. This hydraulic actuation system replaces the electric motor, significantly reducing power requirements while maintaining the ability to reliably open the valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control line as an intermediary to transmit hydraulic pressure from the surface to the piston in the wellbore. This intermediary mechanism enables remote actuation of the closure mechanism without requiring high power at the valve location itself.
2Ease of operation
If a separate control line is deployed from the surface to open the closure mechanism, then the closure mechanism can be opened, but the number of components in the wellbore increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control line serves multiple functions: it communicates hydraulic pressure to open the closure mechanism and also provides a pathway for monitoring or additional control signals. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the opening subsystem components (piston, sleeve, seal) into a compact assembly that works in conjunction with the control line. By merging these functions into a coordinated system rather than separate independent components, the overall complexity is reduced.
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
This solution reduces power requirements and the number of components in the wellbore, simplifying the operation of the closure mechanism while maintaining efficient fluid flow control.
Implementation Method 1
The control line can communicate pressure from a pressure source within an inner diameter of the tubing string to a piston. The pressure communicated to the piston can cause the piston to apply a force to the sleeve.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed to a subsurface safety valve that can be disposed in a wellbore that is through a fluid-producing formation. The subsurface safety valve can include a closure mechanism, a sleeve, and a control line. The closure mechanism can be positioned in a passageway defined by a tubing string. The closure mechanism can be configured to prevent a flow of fluid to a portion of the passageway that is closer to a surface of the wellbore than the closure mechanism. The sleeve can be positioned in the passageway adjacent to the closure mechanism. The control line can communicate pressure to a piston from a pressure source within an inner diameter of the tubing string, causing the piston to apply a force to the sleeve. The sleeve can open the closure mechanism in response to the force being applied to the sleeve.