Time Delay Toe Injection Valve for Cased Borehole Perforation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure responsive devices in well bores lack a time delay mechanism, causing immediate opening of fluid paths and limiting the ability to achieve desired casing test pressure and duration, which restricts effective communication with the geologic formation.
Innovation Solution
A sliding sleeve mechanism with a hydraulic metering chamber that slowly releases fluid to control the opening of ports, allowing a time-delayed injection of pressurized fluid through a well casing into a geological formation, enabling a controlled and prolonged pressure test and multiple valve operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a pressure responsive valve is opened immediately after cementing, then communication with the well bore is achieved quickly, but the casing test pressure and duration cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is pre-configured with a time delay mechanism that automatically delays the opening action for a predetermined period (e.g., 5-60 minutes) after cementing completion. This preliminary delay allows the casing to be pressure-tested for the required duration before fluid communication with the formation is established, resolving the contradiction between quick communication and adequate test duration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are operated simultaneously, then multiple injection points are created, but additional intervention is required to operate each valve
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valves are merged into a single operable unit where one activation mechanism (such as a single wire line or control system) simultaneously controls all valves in the string. This integration allows multiple injection points to be created without requiring separate interventions for each valve, maintaining ease of operation while increasing adaptability.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a time delay mechanism is added to the valve, then casing test pressure duration is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The time delay mechanism is designed as a self-contained, automatic system that requires no external control or monitoring during the delay period. The valve automatically maintains the closed position for the predetermined time and then opens without additional intervention, providing the required test duration while minimizing operational complexity.
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 provides a controlled time delay for fluid injection, allowing adequate pressure testing and enabling multiple valve operations without additional intervention, improving perforation efficiency and compliance with regulatory requirements by ensuring a prolonged and controlled fluid injection.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic metering chamber that slowly releases fluid to control the opening of ports
Implementation Method 2
hydraulic metering chamber that slowly releases fluid
Implementation Method 3
providing a sliding sleeve that uncovers ports in the apparatus in a time controlled manner
Implementation Method 4
Controlled opening of the ports by a sliding sleeve also result in a jetting action that improves perforation of the formation
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for providing a time delay in injection of pressured fluid into a geologic formation. In one aspect the invention is a toe valve activated by fluid pressure that opens ports after a predetermined time interval to allow fluid to pass from a well casing to a formation. The controlled time delay enables casing integrity testing before fluid is passed through the ports. This time delay also allows multiple valves to be used in the same well casing and provide a focused jetting action to better penetrate a concrete casing lining.