Screen and Valve System with Segmented Flow Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
The construction and maintenance of screen and valve assemblies for boreholes are time-consuming and costly due to the complexity of forming threads and making multiple connections, which increases the overall cost and complexity of resource recovery operations.
Innovation Solution
A screen and valve system where a first and second screen portion are mechanically joined to form a flow path, with a valve member arranged within the flow path, allowing for a slideable valve element without mechanical connections, enabling on-site construction and easy repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve and screen assembly is constructed with multiple mechanical connections and threaded components, then the structural integrity and reliability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The screen assembly is divided into multiple screen sections (first screen section, second screen section, third screen section) that can be manufactured separately and then connected. The valve body is also segmented with separate inlet and outlet portions. This segmentation allows for simpler individual component manufacturing while maintaining overall structural integrity through the connection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body and screen sections are merged into a single integrated assembly where the valve body serves as both a flow control component and a structural connector for the screen sections. This merging reduces the number of separate mechanical connections needed while maintaining reliability.
2Strength
If traditional screen and valve assemblies are constructed with multiple connections, then the structural strength is improved, but the assembly time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The screen sections are pre-assembled with the valve body in a controlled manufacturing environment, allowing for optimized connection procedures. The valve element is pre-positioned within the valve body, and the screen sections are pre-configured with their respective apertures, reducing on-site assembly time while maintaining connection strength.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a valve member is mechanically connected to screen portions, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of assembly and repair is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is segmented into a valve body and a separate valve element. The valve body contains the inlet and outlet portions with the valve element movable within it. This segmentation allows the valve element to be independently operated for flow control while the valve body remains structurally stable as part of the overall assembly.
4Reliability
If complex threaded connections are used to join screen sections, then the structural integrity is improved, but the manufacturing cost and repair difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element is designed to be movable within the valve body, allowing it to transition between different positions (open, closed, partially open) to control fluid flow dynamically. This dynamic capability is achieved without complex threaded mechanisms, simplifying the overall assembly while maintaining joint integrity through the stable valve body structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A screen and valve system includes a first screen portion including an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a first conduit section. A second screen portion includes an inner surface portion and an outer surface portion. The inner surface portion defines a second conduit section. The second screen portion is mechanically joined with the first screen portion such that the first conduit section and the second conduit section form a flow path. A valve member is arranged in the flow path. The valve member includes a a first end segment, a second end segment and an inner surface defining a conduit. First end segment is arranged in the first conduit section without a mechanical connection and the second end segment is arranged in the second conduit section without a mechanical connection. A valve element is slideably arranged in the conduit.