Sensored Electronic Valve for Drilling Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole valves in subterranean wells lack the flexibility to dynamically control fluid flow and equipment access, often requiring manual intervention and suffering from limited operational duration due to battery life constraints, which can lead to inefficiencies and safety concerns during drilling and completion operations.
Innovation Solution
A sensored electronic valve system with a battery-powered closed-loop electronic system that allows for programmable opening and closing of a one-way valve using sensors and an electronic circuit, enabling controlled fluid flow and equipment access, and automatically reverting to a traditional one-way valve after a predetermined time or intervention completion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a battery-powered electronic system is used to control valve opening and closing, then operational flexibility and control capability are improved, but the operational duration is limited by battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system dynamically switches between two operational modes: an electronically controlled mode during the battery-powered phase that allows flexible opening and closing operations, and a passive one-way valve mode after battery depletion that maintains basic flow control functionality. This dynamic transition resolves the contradiction by adapting the system's control capabilities to match the available energy state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters based on battery status. During the powered phase, the valve can be actively opened and closed via electronic control signals. After battery depletion, the system transitions to a passive state where the valve functions solely as a one-way check valve, relying on pressure differential rather than active control. This parameter change allows the system to maintain utility throughout its entire service life.
2Measurement precision
If a sensored electronic valve system is implemented, then fluid flow control precision and equipment access control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly serves multiple functions across different operational phases: during the battery-powered phase, it provides active electronic control for precise flow regulation and equipment access management; after battery depletion, it automatically transitions to functioning as a passive one-way check valve. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and justifies the added complexity by providing versatile operational capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control system incorporates sensors that automatically detect conditions (such as pressure differentials or valve position) and trigger appropriate control actions without requiring external intervention. The system self-regulates based on sensed parameters, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms and simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Reliability
If manual intervention is required for valve operations, then operational safety can be maintained, but operational efficiency and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical valve operation with an electronic control system that uses sensors and electromagnetic actuators to open and close the valve. This substitution eliminates the need for personnel to physically intervene in hazardous downhole environments, improving safety while increasing operational speed and efficiency. The electronic system can respond instantly to control signals without the delays associated with manual procedures.
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
Enhances operational safety and efficiency by allowing flexible control of fluid flows and equipment access, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing fluid losses during well operations, while maintaining safety and stability in subterranean environments.
Implementation Method 1
An electronic circuit includes a battery and a command center, the battery having a battery life of a predetermined time
Implementation Method 2
Alternately, a solenoid can be used which generates electric current as a magnetized chip pass through it. The electric current will activate the command center to operate the flapper valve.
Implementation Method 3
The opening device can be an electromagnet
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for controlling a flow of fluid within a subterranean well includes a sensored electronic valve assembly having a one way valve member operable to allow a flow of fluids in a first direction through the one way valve member and to prevent the flow of fluids in a second direction through the one way valve member. An electronic circuit includes a battery having a battery life of a predetermined time and a command center. A sensor can detect a valve open signal and to deliver the valve open signal to the command center. An opening device is operable to move the one way valve member to a valve open position upon receipt of an engagement signal from the command center. The opening device is inoperable after the predetermined time. The one way valve member is operable to function as a one way valve after the predetermined time.