Valve Sleeve Pressure Differential Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valving devices in tubular systems face challenges in controlling fluid flow due to pressure influences from both inside and outside the tubular, making it difficult to predictably switch between open and closed positions without additional mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A valving device with a sleeve slidably engaged in a tubular, sealed by multiple seals, where pressure inside the tubular does not urge the sleeve to move, but radial outward pressure and an optional biasing member allow controlled movement between occluding and opening positions, using the difference in seal areas to generate forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pressure inside the tubular is used to actuate the valve, then the valve responds to internal pressure changes, but the sleeve movement becomes unpredictable due to competing pressure influences from both inside and outside the tubular

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure responsivenessVSAvoidpredictability of sleeve position

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing system is segmented into multiple seals (first seal upstream, second seal downstream, third seal at end) that create distinct pressure zones. The first and second seals straddle the port to occlude flow, while the third seal creates a sealed chamber for applying radial outward pressure. This segmentation allows independent control of internal pressure effects versus external actuation pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the tubular-sleeve system are given different sealing properties. The first and second seals are positioned to straddle the port opening, creating a localized occlusion zone. The third seal is positioned at the end of the sleeve to create a localized pressure application zone. This local differentiation allows the valve to respond differently to pressures in different regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If additional mechanisms are added to control sleeve movement, then predictable positioning is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepredictable sleeve positioningVSAvoidnumber of seals and pressure zones

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve utilizes the existing pressure environment in the tubular system to actuate itself. By creating a sealed chamber with the third seal, the system uses radial outward pressure from the surrounding environment (wellbore pressure, annular pressure) to automatically urge the sleeve toward the opening position when pressure differential exists, without requiring external actuators or complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the typically problematic influence of external pressure on valve operation into a useful actuation mechanism. Instead of external pressure being a disturbing factor that makes valve behavior unpredictable, the patent designs the sealing system so that radial outward pressure becomes the driving force for valve opening, transforming a harmful influence into a beneficial actuation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If the sleeve is designed to respond to internal pressure, then the valve automatically reacts to flow conditions, but control over opening pressure becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic response to flow conditionsVSAvoidcontrol of opening pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing system is pre-configured during manufacturing with specific seal positions and areas. The first and second seals are positioned to straddle the port, and the third seal is positioned at the sleeve end. This preliminary arrangement establishes predetermined pressure zones that will automatically respond to flow conditions while maintaining control over the opening pressure through the designed geometry and seal locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 precise control over the sleeve's position by predicting pressure requirements to open or close the valve, overcoming internal pressure influences and ensuring reliable operation with predictable pressure applications.

Implementation Method 1

The valve is configured to increase urging of the sleeve toward the second position in response to increases in pressure radially outwardly of the sleeve and the tubular

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The first seal and the second seal straddle the port thereby occluding flow through the at least one port when the sleeve is in the first position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOcclusion:

Data Source

PatentUS8646532B2Valve, valving device and method

Publication Date: 2014.02.11 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A valving device includes a tubular with a port and a sleeve slidably sealingly engaged with the tubular between a first position and a second position. The sleeve is configured to occlude the port when in the first position and uncover the port when in the second position. The valving device is configured such that pressure inside the tubular does not urge the sleeve toward the second position while pressure applied radially outwardly of the tubular and the sleeve urge the sleeve toward the second position.