Segmented Ball Seat Valve Radial Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole oil and gas well equipment faces challenges in ensuring that a seat assembly shifts to the fully closed position before a sealing member is released, preventing unintended diversion of fluids like cement, and in allowing passage of larger diameter balls after shifting without requiring excessive pressure or getting stuck.
Innovation Solution
A well tool apparatus with a tubular housing and radially expansible seat assembly that moves downward in response to fluid pressure, featuring a shear member and spring mechanism to ensure proper sealing and allow passage of larger diameter balls after initial shifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a yieldable ball seat assembly is used to allow passage of the ball after shifting, then the ball can pass through the seat assembly, but the second ball may have difficulty passing through the upper seat after it has broken away, requiring greater pressure force
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly transitions from a static blocked passage to a dynamic open passage through radial expansion. The passage diameter changes from small (blocking the ball) to large (allowing ball passage) based on the operational state, eliminating the need for high pressure forces to force the ball through a fixed yieldable seat.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of passage diameter is changed by radially expanding the seat assembly segments. This parameter change occurs in response to ball landing and provides a clear path for ball passage without requiring excessive pressure, resolving the contradiction between allowing passage and minimizing pressure force.
2Ease of operation
If the sliding sleeve travel is impeded, then the ball can be forced through the yieldable seat assembly, but the ball can possibly be forced though the yieldable seat assembly without fully closing the sleeve
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly is divided into multiple radially expandable segments that can independently move to different positions. This segmentation allows the passage to be opened for ball passage while maintaining the ability to fully close the sleeve through coordinated segment movement, ensuring reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat assembly uses dynamic radial expansion and contraction of segments to transition between closed and open states. This dynamic mechanism ensures that when the ball passes through, the sleeve can still achieve full closing position, unlike static or yieldable designs that may remain partially open.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a larger diameter ball is used to pass through the upper seat after shifting, then the lower seat can be activated, but the larger ball may have difficulty passing through the upper seat
Solution Approach 1:
The upper seat assembly radially expands its passage diameter in response to ball landing, creating a dynamic opening that accommodates larger diameter balls. This dynamic expansion allows the larger ball to pass through the upper seat without difficulty, enabling subsequent activation of the lower seat.
Solution Approach 2:
The passage diameter parameter of the upper seat assembly is changed through radial expansion after the initial ball lands. This parameter change allows larger diameter balls to pass through, facilitating the activation of lower seat valves while avoiding the difficulty of forcing large balls through fixed small passages.
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
Ensures the seat assembly is fully shifted before releasing the sealing member, preventing fluid diversion and allowing larger diameter balls to pass through without additional pressure, enhancing operational reliability and efficiency in downhole operations.
Implementation Method 1
The seat assembly is radially expansible while in the enlarged diameter portion so as to enlarge a diameter of the passage sufficiently to allow the drop member to pass through the passage
Implementation Method 2
A spring is compressed between an upper portion of the housing and an upward facing shoulder on the upper mandrel, applying a bias force to the upper mandrel and the seat assembly in a downward direction
Implementation Method 3
The shear member shears, allowing the seat assembly to move downward to perform a specified function
Data Source
AI summary
The segmented ball seat valve is an annular communication valve normally installed in a string of pipe that is to be deployed to a depth within a well. The segmented ball seat valve provides communication between the inside of the pipe and the well bore or casing through open ports. The segmented ball seat valve can be closed to shut off communication by dropping/pumping a ball to the segmented ball seat valve and applying pressure to close the valve. The application of pressure causes the ball seat assembly to move downward into an enlarged portion of the bore. The segments of the seat assembly move outward in the enlarged area to permit passage of the ball.