Downhole Valve Actuation Using Impulse Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow control valves in subterranean wells face increasing static force requirements due to deposition of solids over time, leading to operational challenges, and conventional solutions often result in oversized, expensive, and complex actuators.
Innovation Solution
The use of impulse and vibration stimuli applied concurrently with the actuation force by an impulse/vibration generator to overcome resistance caused by deposits, allowing for efficient operation without oversizing the actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the actuator is oversized to produce enough force to overcome increasing opposing force from deposits, then the valve can operate throughout its lifetime, but the valve becomes undesirably large, expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vibration stimulus to the valve assembly during actuation to reduce the static force required to move deposits and operate the valve. The vibration generator creates oscillatory motion that helps overcome the friction and adhesion forces created by scale deposits, allowing a smaller actuator to achieve the same operational effect that would otherwise require an oversized actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic impulse or vibration stimuli applied during the actuation process to intermittently reduce the resistance from deposits. This periodic action allows the actuator to overcome deposit buildup in stages rather than requiring continuous excessive force, enabling the use of a more compact actuator design.
2Reliability
If the actuator is oversized to overcome deposit resistance, then the valve can be operated, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By incorporating a vibration generator that applies oscillatory stimulus during actuation, the system reduces the force requirements on the actuator. This allows the use of a smaller, less expensive actuator while maintaining the ability to overcome deposit resistance throughout the valve's operational life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the actuation process by superimposing vibration or impulse stimuli on the actuator output. This parameter modification reduces the effective static force requirement, allowing a more cost-effective actuator size to achieve the same reliability.
3Reliability
If the actuator is oversized to overcome deposit resistance, then the valve can be operated, but the device becomes unnecessarily large
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration generator applies oscillatory motion to the valve assembly during actuation, reducing the static friction and adhesion forces from deposits. This allows a smaller, lighter actuator to achieve the same operational capability that would otherwise require a larger, heavier actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration stimulus acts as a counteracting force that offsets the harmful static friction and adhesion forces created by deposits. By introducing this opposing vibrational force, the system reduces the net force requirement on the actuator, enabling a more compact design.
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 approach enhances the operational efficiency of flow control valves by reducing the need for oversized actuators, maintaining valve functionality despite deposit buildup, and preventing unnecessary complexity and expense.
Implementation Method 1
applying at least one of an impulse stimulus and a vibration stimulus to the tool during the actuating to enhance operation of the tool
Implementation Method 2
applying at least one of an impulse stimulus and a vibration stimulus to the tool during the actuating to enhance operation of the tool
Data Source
AI summary
A method usable with a subterranean well that includes actuating a downhole tool (a valve assembly, for example). The method also includes applying at least one of an impulse stimulus and a vibration stimulus to the tool during the actuating to enhance operation of the tool.