Shearing Gate Valve Single-Cut Tubular Obstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gate valves used in hydrocarbon extraction systems often face obstruction issues due to wirelines or tubing, requiring significant force to cut through and resulting in multiple cuts, which can lead to slug formation and inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A shearing gate valve system that cuts the tubular obstruction only once, reducing the necessary force and preventing slug formation by using a single cutting mechanism with a blade and open seat design, allowing the system to handle thicker and stronger tubulars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional gate valve is used to cut wireline or tubing, then the valve can close the wellbore, but significant force is required and multiple cuts are formed creating slugs
Solution Approach 1:
The gate is segmented into multiple sections with cutting edges positioned at different locations. The first cutting edge cuts the tubular at a first location, and the second cutting edge cuts at a second location, allowing the tubular to be severed in a controlled manner that prevents slug formation while maintaining wellbore sealing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The gate is designed to move dynamically through different positions during closure: initially positioned to cut the tubular, then continuing to move to seal against the seat. This dynamic movement allows the gate to perform both cutting and sealing functions in sequence, reducing the peak force required compared to simultaneous cutting and sealing
2Reliability
If a conventional gate valve cuts tubular in two places, then the valve can ensure complete separation, but it forms a slug and requires significant force
Solution Approach 1:
The gate incorporates multiple cutting edges that are spatially segmented along the tubular path. The first cutting edge creates an initial cut, and the second cutting edge completes the separation. This segmented cutting approach ensures complete tubular separation while controlling the cutting process to prevent slug formation by cutting at controlled locations rather than creating uncontrolled breaks
Solution Approach 2:
The gate is pre-positioned with cutting edges aligned to cut the tubular at specific locations before full closure. The first cutting edge makes the initial cut while the tubular is still accessible, and the second cutting edge completes the separation. This preliminary positioning ensures complete separation is achieved in a controlled sequence that prevents slug formation
3Strength
If more force is applied to cut thicker and stronger tubulars, then the valve can handle more robust obstructions, but the risk of slug formation and operational inefficiency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gate is divided into sections with multiple cutting edges that can handle thicker and stronger tubulars through distributed cutting action. Each cutting edge contributes to the overall cutting force, allowing the valve to cut robust obstructions more efficiently than a single cutting edge would, while maintaining operational efficiency by preventing slug formation
Solution Approach 2:
The gate design changes the cutting parameters by distributing the cutting action across multiple edges and positions. This allows the valve to handle thicker and stronger tubulars by applying cutting force across multiple points rather than concentrating it at a single location, improving operational efficiency by reducing the risk of slug formation and incomplete cuts
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 shearing gate valve system effectively seals the wellbore with reduced force, preventing uncontrolled fluid release and maintaining operational efficiency by cutting the tubular once, thus reducing the force required and eliminating slug formation.
Implementation Method 1
a blade positioned to cut the tubular as the flow control element moves to the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a shearing gate valve system including a shearing gate valve including a flow control element configured to move axially and block a flow of fluid through the shearing gate valve, a cutting blade coupled to the flow control element and configured to shear a tubular, a first seat configured to form a seal with the flow control element to block the flow of fluid, and a second seat with an open end configured to block the shearing gate valve from shearing the tubular member at two locations.