Self-Actuating Toe Flap Valve for CCUS Tubing Corrosion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high costs associated with CCS technology implementation are attributed to the need for costly corrosion-resistant alloys due to downhole corrosion issues in carbon capture utilization and storage injection well tubing, primarily caused by the interaction between CO2 and water phases, necessitating a cost-effective solution for internal corrosion prevention.
Innovation Solution
A flap valve at the bottom end of the injection well tubing that automatically closes upon injection cessation to prevent flow-back of formulation fluids, using a torsion spring mechanism to maintain a tight seal and withstand large temperature cycles without constraining the injection flow rate or inducing the Joule-Thomson effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If corrosion-resistant alloys are used for downhole tubing, then corrosion resistance is improved, but material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the water phase from the downhole environment by deploying a pump at the toe of the wellbore that actively pumps water out of the tubing. This eliminates the corrosive water-CO2 interaction that necessitated expensive corrosion-resistant alloys, allowing the use of cheaper materials while maintaining corrosion protection.
2Reliability
If a valve is installed at the bottom of injection well tubing to prevent flow-back, then corrosion prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flap valve is designed as a self-actuating device that automatically opens and closes in response to pressure differential changes during injection and cessation operations. The valve uses the process pressure itself to operate the mechanism, eliminating the need for external actuators, control systems, or power sources, thereby maintaining simplicity while providing reliable corrosion prevention.
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
Effectively prevents internal corrosion and flow-back of fluids, allowing the use of less expensive materials, thus reducing costs and maintaining operational efficiency in CCS injection well tubing.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring means being loaded in torsion as the flap valve rotates from the closed position to the open position to exert a restoring force for rotating the valve flapper to the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for internal corrosion prevention is used for carbon capture utilization and storage injection well tubing. The method is directed to control flow in an injection well tubing and preventing internal corrosion of the injection well tubing. The method comprises steps of injecting CO2 stream into a hydrocarbon bearing reservoir from an injection well; and using a flap valve at a bottom end of an injection well tubing that operates by responding to elevated injection pressures; and automatically closing upon injection cessation, effectively preventing a flow-back of formulation fluids into the injection well tubing.