Wellsite Valve Position Detection Using Contactless Mounted Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and indicating the position of valves at wellsites are inefficient and costly, often requiring physical modification of valves and specialized equipment that limits data sharing among service operators, and pose safety risks due to hazardous environments.
Innovation Solution
A sensor-based apparatus and system that contactlessly detects the position of valve moving parts, providing an output signal indicative of the operational position, which can be communicated and displayed remotely, allowing for aggregation and sharing of valve position information across different systems and infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If visual inspection methods are used to detect valve position, then equipment cost is reduced, but operator safety is compromised due to entry into hazardous areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/visual inspection methods with electronic sensing technology. Sensors detect valve position remotely through electrical signals, eliminating the need for operators to physically enter hazardous areas while maintaining accurate position detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices between the valve and the operator. The sensor acts as a mediator that collects position information and transmits it to operators remotely, allowing operators to obtain valve position data without direct exposure to hazardous environments.
2Measurement precision
If contact-based position detection is used, then detection accuracy is improved, but device length increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical detection with non-contact electronic sensing. The sensor detects valve position through electromagnetic fields or optical signals without physical contact, achieving accurate position measurement while maintaining a compact device form factor.
3Reliability
If specialized accumulator equipment is permanently installed, then valve position detection reliability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal sensors that can be applied to various valve types and configurations without requiring specialized accumulator equipment. The same sensor technology serves multiple detection purposes across different wellsite equipment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable position detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the position detection function from specialized permanent installations and integrates it into the valve assembly itself through mounted sensors. This eliminates the need for separate specialized accumulators while maintaining detection reliability.
4Measurement precision
If valve-specific mounting hardware is used, then detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing efficiency decreases due to customization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes universal mounting hardware and standardized sensor designs that can be applied across different valve types. This standardization enables mass production and efficient deployment without requiring custom manufacturing for each valve, while maintaining adequate detection accuracy through proper sensor positioning.
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
Enables safe and efficient wellsite operations by providing accurate and shared valve position information, reducing the need for physical presence in hazardous areas and accommodating various valve types and systems, thus enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is configured to be in communication with a target surface for contactless detecting of the operational position of the valve based upon the detected distance between the sensor and the target surface
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus, a system, and a method for detecting and indicating the operational position of a valve of wellsite equipment. The apparatus comprises a mount portion and a housing portion. The mount is operatively coupled to a non-moving part of the valve and the housing portion is configured to receive a sensor therewithin. The sensor is configured to detect the position of a moving part of the valve and to provide an output signal indicative of the position of the moving part of the valve. The position of the moving part of the valve is indicative of the operational position of the valve. The system comprises one or more such apparatus for detecting and indicating the operational position of one or more valves on a wellsite or well pad.