Subterranean Valve Actuation via Shape Memory Alloy Phase Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing formation isolation valves require time-consuming and costly interventions for opening and closing, and precharged nitrogen systems can fail under high well pressure conditions, necessitating a more reliable remote actuation method.

Innovation Solution

A valve assembly with a separating apparatus using a functional material, such as a shape memory alloy, that separates into pieces upon electrical heating, releasing a mandrel to transition the valve from a closed to an open state, allowing remote operation without intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If precharged nitrogen is used to provide downhole power, then the valve can be operated remotely without intervention, but the system may fail under high well pressure conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote operationVSAvoidsystem reliability under high pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the state of the functional material from a martensitic phase (low temperature) to an austenitic phase (high temperature) through heating. This phase transition alters the material's mechanical properties, causing it to separate into multiple pieces that release the mandrel and open the valve, thereby enabling reliable operation under high pressure conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The heating device triggers a phase transition in the functional material (shape memory alloy) from martensite to austenite. This phase change causes the material to expand and separate into multiple pieces, which mechanically releases the mandrel and activates the valve opening, providing a reliable actuation mechanism that functions under high well pressure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Ease of operation

If intervention is performed to open and close the valve, then the valve can be controlled, but the process consumes significant time and money

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve controlVSAvoidintervention time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical intervention system (shifting tools requiring manual operation) with an automated thermal actuation system. An electrical signal sent to the heating device triggers a chain reaction that mechanically opens the valve without requiring physical intervention downhole, thereby eliminating intervention time and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the well pressure itself as the actuating force. When the heating device melts the functional material, the resulting expansion and separation of material pieces automatically releases the mandrel, which allows the well pressure to push the valve open. The system leverages the existing environmental condition (pressure) to perform the actuation function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Extent of automation

If the functional material is heated to separate into pieces, then the mandrel is released and the valve opens, but thermal energy must be supplied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic valve openingVSAvoidthermal energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating device supplies thermal energy to trigger a phase transition in the shape memory alloy from martensite to austenite. This phase change causes the material to expand and separate into multiple pieces, which mechanically releases the mandrel and opens the valve. The energy input is concentrated and targeted, providing efficient actuation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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 efficient and reliable remote actuation of the valve, reducing the need for frequent interventions and withstanding high well pressure conditions, thereby improving operational efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

converting the electrical signal into thermal energy using the heating device member such that the at least one member separates into a plurality of pieces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

at least one member being formed from a functional material... converting the electrical signal into thermal energy using the heating device member such that the at least one member separates into a plurality of pieces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy effect: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentUS11814928B2Isolation valves

Publication Date: 2023.11.14 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A valve assembly that can be deployed in a subterranean well that includes a valve adapted to selectively isolate a region of the subterranean well, and a separating apparatus. The separating apparatus may further include at least one member being formed from a functional material and at least two sleeves connected by the at least one member.