Remote Wellbore Flow Valve Control Without Drop Ball Restrictions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid flow control devices in tubular strings and wellbore annuli are limited by the need to maintain specific flow rates and pressures, restricting drilling efficiency and increasing operating costs due to limitations in changing fluid flow profiles and the use of mechanical actuators like drop balls.
Innovation Solution
A remotely controlled apparatus with a movable valve element that adjusts fluid flow based on environmental changes, using sensors to detect pressure, flow rate, and other properties, and an actuator powered by hydraulic or electrical energy to switch between flow states without disrupting other operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If drop ball operated apparatus is used to control fluid flow, then flow control is achieved, but restrictions within the inner flow passage are introduced and limitations on running services are imposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical drop ball actuation system with an electro-hydraulic actuation system. The valve is controlled by hydraulic pressure applied to a piston, which is in turn controlled by fluid pressure differential detected by a sensor. This substitution eliminates the need for physical ball insertion and retrieval operations, removing restrictions in the inner flow passage while maintaining flow control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor as an intermediary device that detects fluid pressure differential and converts it into a control signal for the hydraulic actuation system. This intermediary enables remote control of the valve without direct mechanical intervention in the flow passage, thereby eliminating operational limitations while preserving flow control functionality.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fluid flow properties are kept within certain levels to maintain apparatus state, then apparatus stability is maintained, but drilling operation efficiency suffers due to limitations on flow rate and pressure variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system where the valve automatically adjusts its state based on real-time detection of fluid pressure differential. The sensor continuously monitors flow conditions and the hydraulic actuation system dynamically responds by adjusting valve position. This dynamic adaptation allows the apparatus to maintain stability through controlled state changes rather than fixed constraints, enabling efficient drilling operations with variable flow rates and pressures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the sensor detects fluid pressure differential and provides continuous information to the control system. This feedback loop enables the apparatus to automatically adjust valve position in response to changing flow conditions, maintaining desired operational states without imposing artificial limitations on flow rate or pressure variations, thereby preserving drilling operation efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical actuators are used for flow control, then flow profile changes are achieved, but operating costs increase due to mechanical interference and limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service control system where the sensor automatically detects fluid pressure differential and triggers the hydraulic actuation system without requiring external mechanical intervention. The system uses the existing fluid pressure energy in the wellbore to actuate the valve through the hydraulic piston, eliminating the need for additional mechanical actuators and reducing operating costs while maintaining flow profile adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic actuation using fluid pressure differential to control the valve position. The hydraulic piston converts pressure differential into mechanical motion to adjust the valve, utilizing the existing hydraulic energy in the drilling fluid system. This approach eliminates the need for separate mechanical actuators and their associated operating costs while achieving effective flow profile changes.
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 flexible fluid flow control in tubular strings and wellbore annuli, reducing risks and costs by allowing dynamic adjustments to fluid profiles without mechanical interference, thus enhancing drilling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor capable of detecting an intended change in a physical property of an environment
Implementation Method 2
an actuator capable of transforming a suitably available energy source into a mechanical movement
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
An apparatus is disclosed for remotely controlling fluid flow in tubular string (110) and wellbore annulus (156), wherein the apparatus includes a body (200) defining the boundaries between an inner flow passage (152) through the apparatus and an annular flow passage (154) within the wellbore annulus (156), and wherein the body (200) comprises a controllable valve (220) disposed in the inner flow passage (152), the controllable valve (220) comprising at least one moveable element, and where the element is movable to a plurality of predetermined positions, positioned and arranged to alter fluid flow between the first end, the second end, and the at least one lateral hole (210), and where a predetermined position of movable element determines a desired altered fluid flow state of controllable valve (220).