Safety Valve Protector Mitigates Slam Closure Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Safety valves in subterranean wells are prone to damage from slam closures and interactions with objects like wireline or slickline tools, and it is difficult to simulate extreme well conditions for testing at surface facilities.
Innovation Solution
A safety valve system that includes a protector mechanism which reduces the flow rate through the safety valve and prevents object displacement, with the protector closing in response to high flow rates or object presence, and can be actuated synchronously with the safety valve to mitigate slam closures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a safety valve is installed to prevent undesired release of fluids, then well safety is improved, but the valve becomes vulnerable to damage from slam closures and objects
Solution Approach 1:
A protector valve is installed upstream of the safety valve to reduce flow velocity and provide cushioning before the fluid reaches the safety valve during closure events, preventing slam closure damage
Solution Approach 2:
The protector valve acts as an intermediary device between the high-velocity flow and the safety valve, mediating the flow conditions to protect the safety valve from harmful impacts
2Productivity
If wireline or slickline tools are passed through the closed safety valve, then well operations are maintained, but the safety valve becomes damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The protector valve serves as an intermediary that allows tools to pass through its robust structure while protecting the safety valve from direct contact with tools, maintaining operational continuity without compromising valve integrity
3Reliability
If the safety valve protector closes in response to high flow rates, then slam closure severity is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protector valve is designed to automatically close in response to high flow rates using the flow itself as the actuating mechanism, eliminating the need for external control systems and reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A safety valve system for use in a subterranean well can include a safety valve protector connected downstream of a safety valve, whereby when closed the safety valve protector reduces a flow rate through the safety valve and prevents displacement of an object through the safety valve protector to the safety valve. Another safety valve system can include a safety valve protector which, when closed, reduces a flow rate through a safety valve, and the safety valve protector closes in response to the flow rate through the safety valve being above a predetermined level. In another safety valve system, each of the safety valve protector and the safety valve comprises an actuator, the actuators being connected by a line, and a signal transmitted by the line causes the safety valve protector actuator to close the safety valve protector, and then causes the safety valve actuator to close the safety valve.