Wellsite Valve Position Sensing for Remote Hazard-Area Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and indicating the position of valves at wellsites are inefficient and costly, often requiring physical modification of valves and specialized equipment that limits data sharing and accessibility across different operators and systems.
Innovation Solution
A sensor-based apparatus and system that contactlessly detects the position of valve moving parts, providing an output signal indicative of the operational position, which can be communicated and displayed remotely, allowing for aggregation and sharing of valve position information across different systems and operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If visual inspection methods are used to check valve position, then operators can obtain valve position information, but operators must enter hazardous areas which creates safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical inspection method (visual checking by operators) with an electronic sensing system. Sensors detect valve position and transmit signals to remote display devices, eliminating the need for operators to physically enter hazardous areas while continuously providing valve position information.
2Loss of information
If mounting equipment on the frac tree is done, then valve position detection is achieved, but different valve types require different mounting hardware which increases complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal mounting system with standardized interfaces that can accommodate different valve types. The sensor assembly and mounting hardware are designed to be adaptable across various valve configurations, eliminating the need for custom machining for each valve type while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into modular components including standardized interfaces, adaptable mounting brackets, and configurable sensor assemblies. This segmentation allows the same basic system to be configured for different valve types without requiring complete custom hardware sets.
3Loss of information
If specialized accumulator equipment is permanently installed, then valve position detection capability is provided, but the equipment is costly and data sharing between different operators is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates valve position sensing into existing wellsite equipment and control systems rather than requiring separate specialized accumulators. The sensor outputs are combined with other wellsite data streams and made available through existing communication infrastructure, reducing equipment costs and enabling data sharing across multiple operators and systems.
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 safe and efficient wellsite operations by providing accurate and accessible valve position information, reducing the risk of accidents and facilitating data sharing across various systems and operators, while being adaptable to different valve types and existing equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is configured to be in communication with a target surface for contactless detecting of the operational position of the valve based upon the detected distance between the sensor and the target surface
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus, a system, and a method for detecting and indicating the operational position of a valve of wellsite equipment. The apparatus comprises a mount portion and a housing portion. The mount is operatively coupled to a non-moving part of the valve and the housing portion is configured to receive a sensor therewithin. The sensor is configured to detect the position of a moving part of the valve and to provide an output signal indicative of the position of the moving part of the valve. The position of the moving part of the valve is indicative of the operational position of the valve. The system comprises one or more such apparatus for detecting and indicating the operational position of one or more valves on a wellsite or well pad.