Telescopic Downhole Valve With Pre-tensioned Spring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole valves struggle in horizontal wells due to complexity and safety issues with separate hydraulic circuits and valves operated by rotating drill strings, which can lead to pressure integrity problems.
Innovation Solution
A downhole valve with a telescopic mechanism and pre-tensioned spring system, where a first valve portion is connected to the pipe string and a second valve portion is telescopic, allowing for fluid flow control through an opening and closing mechanism, ensuring the valve is normally open and can be closed by tensile force to increase fluid pressure upstream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate hydraulic circuit with hydraulic lines is used to operate the valve, then the valve can be controlled remotely, but the device complexity increases and conflicts with other tool components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve operation function with the existing drill string rotation mechanism. The valve is integrated into the drill string structure, and its operation is combined with the rotational movement already necessary for drilling operations, eliminating the need for separate hydraulic control lines and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The drill string rotation serves multiple functions: it performs the primary drilling operation and simultaneously operates the valve through the integrated mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated valve control systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation
2Device complexity
If the valve is operated by rotating the drill string, then the valve can be controlled without separate hydraulic lines, but there is a safety risk of loosening threaded connections in the pipe string
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components with dedicated load paths. The threaded connections are separated into structural support functions and valve operation functions, with the valve operation using a separate mechanical advantage system that does not compromise the structural integrity of the pipe string connections
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates pre-loaded springs and mechanical stops that prevent excessive forces from being transmitted to threaded connections during valve operation. These elements cushion and limit the forces applied, ensuring that normal operational forces never reach levels that could loosen connections, thereby maintaining pressure integrity
3Reliability
If a ball valve with valve seat is used to block fluid flow, then the fluid flow can be blocked effectively, but the valve does not work well in horizontal wells
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism uses dynamic elements including springs and movable components that automatically adapt to different well orientations. The spring-loaded design ensures reliable sealing through elastic force that maintains contact between sealing surfaces regardless of whether the well is vertical or horizontal, eliminating the orientation dependency of gravity-dependent ball valve designs
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 solution provides reliable fluid control and increased hydraulic power for downhole operations, effectively managing fluid flow and pressure in both vertical and horizontal wells without compromising safety or pressure integrity.
Implementation Method 1
pre-tensioning the first valve portion and the second valve portion in the direction of contraction to an initial position
Implementation Method 2
displacing the first valve portion relative to the second valve portion in the direction of extension to close the opening and closing mechanism
Implementation Method 3
drive a hydraulic actuator by means of a liquid, typically a drilling fluid, which is pumped through a pipe string in which the tool is included
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A downhole tool (1) method and device, in which the downhole tool (1) is designed to form part of a pipe string (4), and in which a valve (24) is provided with a passage (120) for fluid, the passage (120) including an opening and closing mechanism (78), and the method including : connecting a first valve portion (26) to the pipe string (4); connecting a second valve portion (28) telescopic relative to the first valve portion (26) to a downhole object (20); pre-tensioning the first valve portion (26) and the second valve portion (28) in the direction of contraction to an initial position, in which the opening and closing mechanism (78) is open; and moving the first valve portion (26) relative to the second valve portion (28) in the direction of extension to close the opening and closing mechanism (78).