Translating Cavity Valve Sealing Against Particulate Ingress
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Solution Overview
Problem
In oil and gas production, valves used in hydraulic fracturing operations face challenges with particulates entering the valve cavity, causing damage to seals and leading to leaks and operational issues due to changing cavity volume and exposure of sealing surfaces to particulates.
Innovation Solution
A translating cavity valve design with a constant cavity volume, featuring upper and lower seals that travel with the valve member, reducing ingress of particulates and maintaining sealing integrity throughout the stroke, and a bypass for pressure equalization, eliminating the need for stem packing or using it as a backup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the valve cavity volume changes during operation, then the valve can regulate fluid flow, but particulates infiltrate and fill the cavity making future operation challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the cavity volume constant through a translating cavity design where the cavity translates axially with the valve member during operation, rather than changing volume. This dynamic translation maintains constant volume while enabling valve operation, preventing particulate infiltration issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary mechanism (the translating cavity structure with seals) that mediates between the need for valve operation and the need to prevent particulate infiltration. The cavity acts as an intermediary space that translates rather than expands, blocking particulates while maintaining operational capability.
2Reliability
If sealing surfaces are exposed to particulates, then the valve can seal against the valve body, but the seals are damaged leading to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary cavity structure that separates the sealing surfaces from direct exposure to particulates. The translating cavity with its seals creates a protective barrier that maintains sealing integrity while preventing harmful particulate contact with the seals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful particulates from the sealing environment by creating a separate translating cavity space that does not change volume. This extraction prevents particulates from reaching and damaging the sealing surfaces while maintaining the necessary sealing function.
3Reliability
If stem packing is used to prevent particulate ingress, then sealing is improved, but consumables are required increasing cost and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by designing a translating cavity system that is self-sealing through its constant volume design and integrated seals. The cavity automatically maintains its sealing function through translation during valve operation, eliminating the need for external stem packing consumables and reducing maintenance requirements.
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 reduces material ingress, minimizes damage to seals, ensures consistent valve operation, and decreases the need for consumables, leading to cost savings and improved longevity of the valve.
Implementation Method 1
both the upper seal and the lower seal travel with the valve member as the valve member moves between the open position and a closed position, the upper seal and a lower seal defining a cavity that maintains a substantially constant value throughout movement of the valve member
Implementation Method 2
The valve assembly includes an upper seal positioned within a top seal orifice formed in the valve member, the upper seal positioned to seal against at least a first portion of the valve body. The valve assembly includes a lower seal positioned within a bottom seal orifice formed in the valve member, the lower seal positioned to seal against at least a second portion of the valve body
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly includes a valve body and an opening extending through the valve body along a longitudinal axis. The valve assembly also includes a valve member arranged within the opening, the valve member being movable, along the longitudinal axis, between an open position and a closed position. The valve assembly includes an upper seal positioned to seal against at least a first portion of the valve body. The valve assembly includes a lower seal positioned to seal against at least a second portion of the valve body, wherein both the upper seal and the lower seal travel with the valve member as the valve member moves between the open position and a closed position.