Time Delay Toe Valve for Cased Borehole Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure responsive devices in well completions open immediately after actuation pressure is reached, limiting the time to test casing pressure and preventing the desired communication with the well bore and geological formation, and typically allow only a single valve operation in a well.
Innovation Solution
A toe valve apparatus with a hydraulic delay mechanism using a movable piston and hydraulic metering chamber that slowly opens ports for fluid injection, allowing controlled time-delayed fluid communication between the well casing and geological formation, enabling multiple valve operations and improved connection establishment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a pressure responsive valve is used to establish communication with the formation, then fluid injection can be achieved, but the valve opens immediately after actuation pressure is reached, limiting the time to test casing pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning a time delay mechanism (such as a delay element or controlled release system) within the valve assembly before pressure actuation occurs. This mechanism is designed to remain in place during casing pressure testing, allowing the full test duration to be completed, and then automatically activates after the predetermined time interval to open the ports and establish formation communication. This resolves the contradiction by separating the pressure testing phase from the injection establishment phase in time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pressure responsive devices are used, then fluid communication can be established, but only a single valve operation is allowed in a well
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the time delay valve apparatus with multiple independently controllable valve assemblies that can be activated at different time intervals. Each valve can be configured with its own time delay mechanism, allowing the system to perform multiple sequential operations within a single well. The apparatus can function as both a pressure testing valve and an injection valve, or coordinate multiple injection points, thereby providing multi-functionality without requiring separate valve systems for each operation.
3Loss of time
If immediate opening of ports is used after pressure actuation, then quick injection establishment is achieved, but adequate time for casing pressure testing is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by structuring the valve operation in distinct temporal phases: first a pressure testing phase where ports remain closed for a predetermined time interval, followed by an injection establishment phase where ports open. The time delay mechanism creates this periodic sequence automatically, ensuring the casing pressure test completes fully before injection begins. This periodic structure resolves the contradiction by enforcing a time sequence that preserves both test duration and eventual injection speed.
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 hydraulic delay allows for adequate testing of casing pressure and duration, enabling effective communication with the well bore and geological formation, and allows for multiple valve operations without additional well intervention, improving the likelihood of successful well stimulation and connection establishment.
Implementation Method 1
The trapped volume of liquid is slowly released through a hydraulic metering chamber and flow restrictor to allow the piston to move to a position where the ports are uncovered
Implementation Method 2
Once the rupture disc ruptures, fluid at casing pressure enters a volume immediately below the piston and begins to move the piston to the open position
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 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 controller 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.