Multi-zone Screen Isolation Coupling with Single Valve Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-zone screen assemblies, the existing configuration with sliding sleeve valves in each screen section leads to issues with flow distribution, requiring multiple valve operations and constricting the flow area, which limits tool size and increases production costs and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A modular screen system where couplings connect the annular spaces between screen material and base pipes, with a single valve located in the coupling to control flow across multiple screens, reducing the need for multiple valves and allowing for instrumentation within the passages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sliding sleeve valves are installed in each screen section, then each zone can be individually controlled, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring multiple valve operations

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIndividual zone control capabilityVSAvoidNumber of valves

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sliding sleeve valves that were previously distributed across individual screen sections are merged into a single valve assembly located in the coupling. This single valve controls flow for the entire zone, reducing the number of valve operations from multiple to one while maintaining the ability to individually isolate zones through the coupling's valve structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If sliding sleeves are positioned inside the base pipe flow bore under the screen assembly, then valve control is achieved, but the flow area is diminished and tool size is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveValve control functionalityVSAvoidFlow area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The valve assembly is relocated from the horizontal/axial dimension inside the base pipe flow bore to the radial dimension within the coupling structure. This dimensional relocation allows the valve to control flow without occupying the central flow path, thereby maintaining full flow area and drift dimension while preserving valve control functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Length of stationary object

If multiple screen sections are used in a zone, then the zone can be made longer and cover more area, but the number of valves and equipment cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveZone coverage lengthVSAvoidNumber of screen sections and valves

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a connector between screen sections and as a housing for the valve assembly. This universal design allows a single valve in the coupling to control multiple screen sections, reducing the total number of valves needed while maintaining the ability to cover extended zone lengths through multiple screen sections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8225863B2Multi-zone screen isolation system with selective control

Publication Date: 2012.07.24 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A modular screen system allows connection of screens using couplings that connect the annular space in each module between the screen material and the base pipe. A series of connected screens and couplings feed into a single valve to control the flow through many screens. The valve is preferably located in a coupling and the passages through the coupling or the screen can also accommodate instrumentation to detect, store or transmit well data or flows through the various screen modules.