Temperature-Activated Actuator for High-Temperature Well Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High reservoir temperatures in steam injection processes, such as SAGD, pose challenges for control system components, leading to decreased accuracy and reliability due to non-uniform steam penetration and potential contamination, as well as equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-activated actuator utilizing magnetic permeability changes to control the flow of fluids, with a temperature-sensitive element and temperature-insensitive elements, allowing for precise control of magnetic flux and actuation at high temperatures, preventing steam production and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If control system components are positioned close to production wells for accurate temperature control, then measurement precision and control reliability improve, but component durability deteriorates due to high reservoir temperatures (e.g., 650°F)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temperature-sensitive intermediate member (ferrite material) as a mediator between the high-temperature environment and the actuator mechanism. This intermediate member undergoes magnetic permeability changes at the Curie temperature threshold, enabling remote actuation without exposing sensitive electronic components to extreme temperatures, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and component durability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or electronic temperature sensing and actuation systems with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetic actuator uses magnetic flux changes induced by temperature-sensitive material properties to trigger mechanical actuation, eliminating the need for electronic components in the high-temperature zone while maintaining control accuracy
2Productivity
If steam injection rate is increased to improve bitumen recovery efficiency, then productivity improves, but harmful factors worsen due to non-uniform steam penetration and potential steam entry into production well
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where temperature sensing continuously monitors the thermal state near the production well, and the magnetic actuator automatically adjusts the injection rate based on temperature thresholds. When the temperature approaches the steam injection temperature (Curie temperature threshold), the actuator modulates or closes the valve to prevent steam breakthrough, maintaining productivity while avoiding contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the flow control parameter (injection rate) based on temperature conditions. By monitoring temperature and adjusting the valve position accordingly, the system maintains optimal injection rates for productivity while preventing steam entry when temperature thresholds are approached, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and harmful factors
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 enables reliable and accurate control systems capable of operating at high temperatures, preventing steam entry into production wells and maintaining process efficiency by using temperature-activated valves that can be strategically placed near production tubing to manage fluid flow based on temperature thresholds.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic permeability of the intermediate member at a first temperature is less than at a second temperature
Implementation Method 2
a first potential pathway for the magnetic lines of flux traverses the actuator member and a second potential pathway for the magnetic lines of flux traverses the intermediate member
Implementation Method 3
a power source operative to provide magnetic lines of flux
Implementation Method 4
magnetic attractive force which causes the actuator member to move in a first direction is a function of temperature
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator is disclosed which operates on the principle of the variable magnetic properties of materials with respect to temperature. As temperature is raised past Curie temperature, magnetic permeability of certain materials drops significantly to a value close to free space permeability. However, depending on the material selection, magnetic permeability may be significantly higher below Curie temperature. This principle is used to cause magnetic attractive force to move an actuator at one temperature, while permitting a return spring force to move the actuator at another temperature by changing the pathway traversed by most magnetic lines of flux from a magnetic source. The actuator may be employed to provide a temperature activated electrical switch or fluid valve. The temperature activated valves are suited to use in high temperature environments, such as SAGD wells.