Well Isolation Unit Integrating Bleed-Off Manifold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Well isolation in wellbore operations is time-consuming and space-intensive due to the need for manual configuration of well isolation valves and separate holding vessels for pressure bleeding, which increases the complexity and safety risks of connecting and testing equipment.
Innovation Solution
A well isolation unit with a single primary inlet and outlet, featuring multiple intermediate flow pathways with check and plug valves for automated isolation and bleeding, connected via a bleed-off manifold to facilitate efficient fluid management and reduce equipment complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration of well isolation valves and separate holding vessels is used, then isolation and pressure bleeding functions are achieved, but setup time and equipment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple well isolation valves and holding vessels into a single integrated well isolation unit. The unit includes a common body with multiple valve assemblies (first well isolation valve, second well isolation valve) and holding vessels (first holding vessel, second holding vessel) integrated within the same structure, allowing both isolation and pressure bleeding functions to be performed from a single location rather than requiring separate manual configuration of multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The well isolation unit provides multiple functions within a single device: it can isolate well-side equipment from pump-side equipment, bleed pressure from either side, and contain discharged fluid. The unit includes flow pathways that allow selective connection to holding vessels for pressure bleeding, and valves that enable independent control of well-side and pump-side isolation, making it a multi-functional replacement for multiple separate components.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate holding vessels are used for pressure bleeding, then pressure bleeding from both sides is possible, but equipment space and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple holding vessels (first holding vessel, second holding vessel) within a single common body structure. The holding vessels are positioned within the well isolation unit and connected through internal flow pathways, eliminating the need for separate external holding vessels and reducing overall equipment complexity while maintaining the capability to bleed pressure from both well-side and pump-side.
Solution Approach 2:
The common body acts as an intermediary structure that houses and connects multiple holding vessels and valve assemblies. The flow pathways within the common body provide controlled connection between the well isolation valves, holding vessels, and discharge points, simplifying the configuration by providing a centralized intermediary structure rather than requiring direct connections between multiple separate components.
3Reliability
If traditional well isolation valves are used, then isolation function is provided, but the equipment takes up significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where multiple valve assemblies and holding vessels are housed within a single common body. The first well isolation valve assembly and second well isolation valve assembly are both contained within the common body, along with the holding vessels and flow pathways. This nesting arrangement consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate large components into a single compact unit, significantly reducing the space required while maintaining full isolation functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A well isolation unit has an inlet, an outlet, at least one flow pathway connected between the inlet and the outlet, and at least one bleed-off manifold connected between the inlet and the outlet. A method includes isolating well-side equipment of a wellbore operation system from pump-side equipment of the wellbore operation system, wherein the pump-side equipment is connected to a well isolation unit via a single primary inlet to the well isolation unit and the well-side equipment is connected to the well isolation unit via a single primary outlet of the well isolation unit.