Side Pocket Mandrel Valve for Annular Pressure Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas lift systems require the installation and removal of dummy valves during annular pressure tests, which is time-consuming and costly, and existing gas lift valves can compromise annular pressure tests if the pressure exceeds their opening pressure.
Innovation Solution
A side pocket mandrel with a single actuation valve that remains closed until the annulus pressure exceeds a high threshold and then falls below a low threshold, preventing fluid passage until the well is ready for production, allowing annular pressure tests without dummy valves and ensuring the valve remains open irreversibly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional gas lift valve is installed in the side pocket mandrel, then gas lift functionality is enabled, but the valve may open during annular pressure tests if pressure exceeds the opening pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The side pocket mandrel is divided into two functional sections: a first port with a conventional gas lift valve for normal operation, and a second port with a dummy valve for pressure testing. This segmentation allows simultaneous capability for both annular pressure testing and gas lift functionality without interference between the two functions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a dummy valve is installed to prevent gas passage during pressure testing, then annular pressure testing is enabled, but the dummy valve must be removed and replaced with an operating gas lift valve
Solution Approach 1:
The dummy valve is pre-installed in the second port during the initial deployment of the side pocket mandrel, ready to protect against premature gas flow. This preliminary action eliminates the need for later valve removal and replacement, as the dummy valve remains in place permanently to serve its protective function while the first port handles gas lift operations.
3Ease of operation
If wireline placement of gas lift valve elements is used, then minimal downhole operations are required, but the well cannot undergo annular pressure testing without compromising the test
Solution Approach 1:
The side pocket mandrel incorporates a second port specifically dedicated to pressure testing operations, equipped with a dummy valve that remains closed during annular pressure tests. This segmentation allows the well to undergo pressure testing through the second port without affecting the gas lift functionality in the first port, enabling both operations sequentially without compromising either.
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
Enables efficient annular pressure testing without dummy valves, reducing operational costs and time, and ensuring the gas lift system operates only when needed, enhancing production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The gas lift valve is configured to open in response to a sufficient pressure gradient between the annulus and the interior of the side pocket mandrel
Implementation Method 2
a biasing element that urges the plunger outward to dislocate the plunger from the inner channel
Data Source
AI summary
A side pocket mandrel for use in a gas lift system is configured to improve the recovery of petroleum fluids from a well, where the gas lift system is surrounded by an annular space within the well. The side pocket mandrel includes a central bore extending through the side pocket mandrel, a side pocket tube laterally offset from the central bore, a port that extends from the side pocket tube to the annular space, and a single actuation valve installed on the port. The single actuation valve prevents the passage of the petroleum fluids from the annular space into the side pocket tube until a high threshold pressure in the annular space is reached and then the pressure in the annular space is reduced so to a low threshold pressure.