Spring Assisted Active Mud Check Valve for Downhole Fluid Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing downhole tools face challenges in independent fluid flow control due to mechanical linkage of valves, limited space for solenoids, and wear issues with o-ring seals in hydraulic systems, which affect the reliability and efficiency of fluid sampling operations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a system using hydraulic pressure to control valve states with reduced solenoid requirements and the integration of spring-loaded mud check valves to minimize wear, combining two mud check valves in a single port to save space and reduce flowline dead volume, and utilizing four hydraulic lines to manage fluid flow effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mechanical linkage is used to connect multiple valves, then valve operation is simplified, but independent control of each valve is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve operationVSAvoidindependent control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the valve system into independent segments, where each valve is controlled by its own solenoid rather than being mechanically linked. This allows each valve to operate independently while maintaining ease of operation through individual electromagnetic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical linkage system with an electromagnetic control system using solenoids. Each valve is actuated by its own solenoid, eliminating the need for mechanical connections between valves while enabling independent control of each valve position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If solenoids are added to each valve for independent control, then valve independence is achieved, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent controlVSAvoidsolenoid space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple solenoid control functions into a centralized hydraulic control system. A single hydraulic power unit with manifold provides pressure control to multiple valves, reducing the overall space required compared to having separate solenoid actuators for each valve while maintaining independent control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hydraulic manifold serves multiple functions: it distributes hydraulic pressure to multiple valves, provides pressure regulation, and enables independent control of each valve through a unified control architecture, reducing the need for separate control components at each valve location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If hydraulic systems are used for valve control, then independent control is achieved, but o-ring seal wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent controlVSAvoidseal wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional hydraulic seals with magnetic coupling technology. Magnetic fields transmit force through the valve body without requiring physical contact or seals, eliminating o-ring wear while maintaining independent hydraulic control of each valve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the hydraulic control system and the valve actuation mechanism. The magnetic field transmits control forces without requiring direct mechanical contact or sealing interfaces, thereby eliminating seal wear while preserving independent valve control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution enables independent control of valve operations, reduces the number of solenoids needed, and minimizes wear on seals, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of fluid sampling in downhole tools by using hydraulic pressure and spring assistance for valve operation.

Implementation Method 1

movement of the piston between a first position and a second position in response to a change in hydraulic pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

a spring positioned about the piston and configured to return the piston to an initial position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring elasticity: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS9359892B2Spring assisted active mud check valve with spring

Publication Date: 2016.06.07 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

An apparatus, a method and a system control fluid flow through a passageway. A downhole tool pumping apparatus may have a body and an active valve block. The body has a cavity housing a reciprocating piston defining first and second chambers within the cavity. The active valve block has active valves configured to be actively actuated between an open position and the closed position. Two or more hydraulic lines may be connected to each active valve for controlling actuating between the open position and the closed position. A piston having a conduit is slidably disposed through the passageway and selectively closes the conduit of the piston by moving at least one of the piston and a plug.