Well Tool Actuator with Pressure-Balanced Valve Closures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well tools with multiple valves require complex actuation mechanisms that are prone to fouling by debris, complicating operations such as shut-in, circulating, and flow control in formation testing.
Innovation Solution
A well tool design featuring an actuator positioned below the valve section, with only valve closures exposed to the flow passage, ensuring that debris accumulation does not hinder operation and maintaining a pressure-balanced chamber configuration to prevent fouling, allowing for reliable actuation of multiple valves without exposing moving parts to debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex actuation mechanisms are used to operate multiple valves, then valve operation capability is improved, but device complexity and susceptibility to fouling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve actuation functions into a single integrated actuator mechanism. The actuator includes a single piston that can operate both the first valve and the second valve through shared mechanical components, eliminating the need for separate actuation mechanisms for each valve. This merging approach maintains the capability to perform multiple valve operations while significantly reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is designed as a universal mechanism capable of performing multiple functions - it can actuate both the first valve and the second valve through different operational modes. The single actuator mechanism can selectively operate either valve or both valves in sequence, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated actuators for each valve, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Ease of operation
If actuation mechanisms are exposed to flow passages, then valve control is achieved, but susceptibility to fouling by debris increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the well tool into distinct zones - a flow passage portion and an actuator portion - separated by valve closures. The actuator and its moving components are confined to a debris-free zone isolated from the flow passage. Only the valve closures, which are stationary sealing elements, are exposed to the flow passage, while all moving actuation components remain protected in the isolated actuator chamber, preventing fouling while maintaining valve control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the actuator mechanism from the debris-laden flow passage environment and places it in a separate, isolated chamber. The actuator is physically removed from exposure to flowing fluids and debris, with only the essential valve closure elements remaining in the flow passage. This extraction eliminates the harmful interaction between moving actuation components and debris while preserving the ability to control valve operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are operated independently, then flow control flexibility is improved, but actuation mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic actuation system where a single actuator can selectively and independently operate either the first valve or the second valve based on operational requirements. The actuator mechanism can be positioned to engage different valve operating components, providing dynamic flexibility in valve control. This dynamic capability allows independent operation of multiple valves without requiring separate fixed actuation mechanisms for each, thereby maintaining flow control flexibility while reducing overall system complexity.
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
The solution enables reliable operation of multiple valves by isolating the actuator from debris-laden areas and maintaining a pressure-balanced system, minimizing the risk of malfunction and ensuring consistent performance during well operations.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure differential between the first and second chambers is substantially zero when the closure displaces
Data Source
AI summary
A well tool with combined actuation of multiple valves. A well tool includes at least two valves and an actuator which actuates each of the valves, one valve being positioned longitudinally between the other valve and the actuator, and the other valve being operable in response to displacement of an operating device by the actuator. Another well tool includes a valve with a closure which displaces when the valve is operated, a volume of a chamber which increases and a volume of another chamber which decreases when the closure displaces, and a pressure differential between the chambers being substantially zero when the closure displaces. Another well tool includes at least two valve closures which are the only displaceable components of the well tool exposed to a first internal flow passage portion when one closure prevents fluid communication between the first and a second internal flow passage portions.