Self-Regulating Injection Valve for Uniform Wellbore Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid injection systems struggle to achieve an even distribution of fluids along wellbores penetrating subterranean formations or fractures of varying permeabilities or conductivities, leading to over-flooding and reduced efficiency in applications like enhanced oil recovery, enhanced geothermal systems, and carbon capture and underground storage.

Innovation Solution

The use of an autonomous self-regulating injection control valve (ASRICV) with a movable sleeve and actuator that adjusts fluid flow based on wellbore conditions, ensuring even distribution of fluids across formations or fractures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional injection systems are used, then fluid injection can be performed, but even distribution of fluids along wellbores is not achieved leading to over-flooding of high permeability zones

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid distribution uniformityVSAvoidinjection control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The valve uses the pressure differential across the formation as a self-powered signal to automatically regulate flow. The actuator responds to pressure changes without external control systems, making the device self-regulating and eliminating complex external control mechanisms while achieving uniform fluid distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The valve incorporates a feedback mechanism where pressure differential across the formation is continuously sensed and used to adjust the sleeve position. This automatic feedback loop ensures that high permeability zones receive reduced flow while low permeability zones receive increased flow, achieving uniform distribution without external intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If injection continues without regulation, then fluid injection efficiency is maintained, but over-pressuring and over-sweeping of formations occurs reducing recovery effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinjection efficiencyVSAvoidformation pressure control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The valve transitions from a static fixed-orifice design to a dynamic adjustable design where the sleeve position changes continuously in response to pressure differential. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to changing formation conditions, maintaining optimal injection efficiency while preventing over-pressuring through real-time flow regulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The valve changes the flow parameter (orifice opening size) based on pressure differential across the formation. By dynamically adjusting this physical parameter, the system maintains reliable pressure control while preserving injection productivity across varying formation conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed orifice size is used, then device complexity is reduced, but inability to accommodate varying permeability results in poor fluid distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepermeability variation accommodationVSAvoidvalve structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sleeve acts as an intermediary element between the pressure differential signal and the flow regulation function. This mechanical mediator translates pressure differences into proportional flow adjustments, providing adaptability to varying permeability without requiring complex electronic or mechanical control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The design replaces complex mechanical control systems with a simpler pressure-driven mechanical response. The actuator and sleeve system uses direct pressure differential action rather than complex mechanical linkages, achieving adaptability while minimizing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The ASRICV ensures optimal fluid distribution, enhancing the efficiency of fluid injection processes by accommodating variations in permeability and conductivity, thereby improving recovery, heat extraction, and CO2 storage outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

the actuator is configured to operate automatically based on conditions in the wellbore

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS12516588B2Autonomous self-regulating injection control valve (ASRICV)

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 CHEVRON USA INC

AI summary

A sub used for subterranean injections can include a housing having a housing wall forming a cavity, where the housing is configured to be placed inline with a tubing string, and where the housing wall has a first flow orifice that traverses therethrough. The sub can also include an autonomous self-regulating injection control valve (ASRICV) disposed within the cavity, where the ASRICV can include: a chamber having a second flow orifice that traverses therethrough, where the first flow orifice and the second flow orifice are aligned with each other; a sleeve movably disposed within the chamber, wherein the sleeve partially covers the first flow orifice and the second flow orifice when in a closed position; and an actuator disposed within the chamber, where the actuator is configured to move the sleeve, and where the actuator is configured to operate automatically based on conditions in the wellbore.