Trip Sub Check Valve Assembly for Thermal Well Pressure Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for retrievable bridge plugs in thermal well operations fail to efficiently isolate and manage fluid pressure from below and equalize fluid pressure from below and above, and fail to effectively manage fluid pressure from below and above, and fail to effectively manage fluid pressure from above and above.
Innovation Solution
The trip sub assembly 10 comprises a top sub and a bottom housing, which are attached together to form a cylindrical housing and which define an internal bore. The piston 4 is slidingly disposed within the ported piston housing 3, and comprises a ball seat 5, elastomeric retaining ring 6 and lateral ports 4A, and comprises a piston stem 4B. In a run-in-hole (RIH) position, the ports 4A are aligned with the piston housing ports 3A, as is shown in FIG. 2. Shear screws 7 retains the piston 4 in the RIH position within the ported piston housing 3, until activation is initiated. The piston 4 has an internal bore open through the top of the piston and which opens to the lateral ports 4A.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a trip sub assembly is used to isolate and manage fluid pressure in thermal well operations, then fluid pressure isolation and circulation management are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple check valves and flowpath ports
Solution Approach 1:
The trip sub assembly is divided into multiple functional sections with separate check valves (first and second check valves) and distinct flowpath ports (primary flowpath port, bypass flowpath port). This segmentation allows independent control of fluid flow through different paths, enabling reliable pressure isolation while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The trip sub assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a bridge plug to isolate reservoir pressure, functions as a packer to seal against the wellbore, provides circulation paths for fluid flow, and enables pressure equalization. This multi-functionality consolidates several downhole tools into one device, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
2Reliability
If dual check valves are installed in series in the bypass flowpath to prevent fluid ingress, then reliability of pressure containment is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Two check valves are combined in series within the bypass flowpath of the trip sub assembly. This merging of multiple valve functions into a single integrated component achieves enhanced pressure containment reliability while avoiding the need for separate assembled units, thereby simplifying manufacturing and installation procedures
3Extent of automation
If the piston is designed to slide downwards within the piston housing in response to pressure, then automatic flow control is improved, but device complexity increases due to sliding seals and lateral ports
Solution Approach 1:
The piston is designed to automatically slide downwards within the piston housing in response to pressure differential across the piston. This self-actuating mechanism controls flow through the lateral ports without requiring external actuators, control systems, or additional power sources, achieving automatic flow control while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The piston transitions from a static component to a dynamic one that automatically adjusts its position based on pressure conditions. This dynamic behavior enables automatic flow control by opening or closing lateral ports in response to pressure changes, improving automation without complex control mechanisms
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 trip sub assembly effectively isolates fluid flow and pressure management, allowing circulation during deployment and setting of a liner top packer, while preventing upward fluid flow and managing thermal expansion, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of thermal well operations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one check valve within the bypass flowpath, to prevent upward flow of fluid in the bypass flowpath, while permitting downward flow
Implementation Method 2
the piston is moveable in response to pressure within the piston housing to slide downwards within the piston housing
Data Source
AI summary
A trip sub device has a sliding piston which in a running position aligns a lateral port with a primary flowpath port to allow fluid flow through the device, and in an activated position closes the lateral port to allow pressure to build uphole from the device. The trip sub defines a bypass flowpath which includes at least one check valve to prevent upward flow of fluid in the bypass flowpath, while permitting downward flow.