Well Tool Internal Line Routing via Closure Member Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
In subterranean well tools, integrating lines to facilitate communication and operation while maintaining sufficient wall thickness and pressure capacity is challenging due to limited cross-sectional area, as external lines increase the tool's diameter and internal lines can interfere with tool operation and restrict flow.
Innovation Solution
The well tool design incorporates a closure member that can pivot between open and closed positions, with conduits and annular grooves allowing downhole lines to extend internally without obstructing the flow passage or reducing the tool's pressure and load capacity, using a combination of passageways and conduits to communicate signals between the seat and the outer housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lines are positioned external to the well tool, then lines can be extended along the well tool, but the well tool's effective outer diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by positioning lines inside the well tool's outer housing, effectively placing one object (lines) within another (housing). This internal positioning allows line extension capability while avoiding increase in effective outer diameter, as the lines occupy space already within the tool's boundary rather than adding external volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension by recessing lines into the exterior surface of the well tool. This creates a stepped configuration where lines are positioned in a different dimensional plane (recessed surface level) rather than protruding outward, maintaining the outer diameter while providing line attachment capability.
2Ease of operation
If lines are recessed into an exterior of the well tool, then line extension is enabled, but the wall thickness of the well tool is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the well tool structure into distinct regions: a thick-walled outer housing that maintains pressure containment integrity, and a recessed surface region that accommodates lines. This segmentation allows the main body to retain sufficient wall thickness for strength while the recessed portions provide line attachment without compromising overall structural integrity.
3Area of stationary object
If lines are positioned internal to the well tool, then the effective outer diameter is maintained, but the lines may interfere with operation of the well tool or restrict flow and access through the well tool
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure - a closure member with sealed passageways - that mediates between the lines positioned inside the tool and the external environment. This closure member allows flow and operational access through the tool while containing the lines within designated internal spaces, preventing interference between lines and tool operations.
4Ease of operation
If the wall thickness of the well tool is reduced to accommodate internal lines, then lines can be positioned internally, but the pressure and load capacity of the well tool may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the structural function from the line accommodation function. The outer housing maintains full wall thickness for pressure and load capacity, while separate recessed regions or internal cavities provide space for lines. This segmentation ensures that line positioning does not compromise the load-bearing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests lines within the existing structural volume of the well tool without requiring wall thinning. By utilizing internal cavities, annular spaces, or recessed regions that already exist within the thick-walled structure, the design accommodates lines while preserving the full pressure and load capacity of the original wall thickness.
Data Source
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AI summary
A well tool can include a closure member having open and closed positions, a seat having a flow passage blocked by the closure member in the closed position, and a line extending through the seat. A communication method can include positioning a conduit in an interior of a well tool, and conducting a signal via the conduit between annular structures surrounding a longitudinal flow passage of the well tool. A well system can include a well tool connected in a tubular string, a flow passage of the tubular string extending through the well tool, the well tool including a closure member having open and closed positions, in which the closure member respectively permits and blocks flow through the flow passage, an annular cavity surrounding the flow passage, and a line, the closure member and the line being positioned in the annular cavity in the open position.