Testable Sliding Sleeve Valve With Indexing Pin And Rupture Disk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sliding sleeve valves in borehole operations lack the ability to perform multiple pressure tests efficiently and reliably, which is crucial for ensuring the integrity of the casing and cement before hydraulic fracturing, as they often require complex mechanisms and high pressure maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A testable sliding sleeve valve design that includes a poppet valve assembly and indexing system, allowing for multiple pressure tests by cycling an indexing pin through a J-slot, enabling the valve to be reset and allowing fluid communication between the borehole and the formation only when necessary, using a rupture disk to initiate pressure equalization and actuate the sliding sleeve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current sliding sleeve valve mechanisms are used for pressure testing, then pressure testing can be performed, but the ability to perform multiple pressure tests efficiently and reliably is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: a test valve assembly for pressure testing and a main sliding sleeve valve for production control. This segmentation allows the test valve to be independently operated for multiple pressure tests without affecting the main valve, thereby improving testing reliability while keeping each segment relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary indexing mechanism with an indexing pin and J-shaped slot is introduced to control the sequence of operations. This indexing system coordinates between the test valve assembly and main sliding sleeve valve, enabling reliable multiple pressure tests by ensuring proper sequencing without requiring complex interlocking mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex mechanisms are used to enable multiple pressure tests, then pressure testing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main sliding sleeve valve is designed with dual functionality: it serves as both the primary production control valve and as part of the pressure testing system. The test valve assembly can be integrated with or separated from the main valve, providing versatility for pressure testing while avoiding the need for entirely separate complex testing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The indexing mechanism enables periodic cycling between pressure testing mode and production mode through a simple J-shaped slot and indexing pin arrangement. This periodic action allows multiple pressure tests to be performed by repeatedly indexing the valve assembly, providing testing versatility without complex control systems.
3Measurement precision
If high pressure maintenance is required for pressure testing, then testing accuracy is improved, but operational complexity and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is pre-configured with test ports and indexing positions that allow pressure testing to be performed at predetermined stages before production begins. This preliminary arrangement enables accurate pressure testing without requiring prolonged high-pressure maintenance, as the testing can be completed efficiently at each indexing position.
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 flexible and efficient multiple pressure testing of casing and cement integrity, allowing for prolonged testing durations and reducing the need for continuous high-pressure maintenance, thereby ensuring reliable hydraulic fracturing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a rupture disk disposed in the inner surface of the actuator housing, wherein the rupture disk is configured to rupture at a predetermined pressure to provide fluid communication between a central passage of the actuator housing and the actuator chamber
Implementation Method 2
a sliding sleeve slidably disposed in the outer housing, the sliding sleeve comprising a radial sleeve slot and configured to have a first position that restricts fluid communication between the sleeve slot and the housing slot and a second position, axially spaced from the first position, that permits fluid communication between the sleeve slot and the housing slot
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding sleeve valve for use in a borehole includes an outer housing including a radial housing slot, a sliding sleeve slidably disposed in the outer housing, the sliding sleeve including a radial sleeve slot and configured to have a first position that restricts fluid communication between the sleeve slot and the housing slot and a second position, spaced from the first position, that permits fluid communication between the sleeve slot and the housing slot, an actuator housing coupled to the outer housing, wherein the actuator housing includes an actuator chamber defined by an inner surface, and wherein the actuator chamber is disposed between an inner surface and an outer surface of the actuator housing, and an actuator assembly disposed in the actuator chamber, wherein the actuator assembly is configured to control movement of the sliding sleeve between the first and second positions.