Yield Stress Fluid Valve for Debris-Resistant Wellbore Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore fluid control devices, such as valves, are hindered by debris, which obstructs proper operation and prevents effective regulation of fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A liquid valve assembly utilizing a yield stress fluid, such as Bingham plastics or magnetorheological fluids, is integrated into a housing with specific openings and actuation mechanisms to prevent or allow fluid flow, even in the presence of debris, by varying the yield stress in response to applied forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional valve is used to control fluid flow, then the valve can regulate flow under normal conditions, but the valve becomes obstructed by debris and fails to operate properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical valve components (moving parts, seals, actuators) with a yield stress fluid-based valve that uses rheological properties to control flow. The yield stress fluid acts as the valve medium itself, eliminating mechanical components that are susceptible to debris obstruction. When the fluid's yield stress exceeds the applied pressure, flow is blocked; when yield stress decreases below applied pressure, flow is permitted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the rheological parameters of the fluid, specifically the yield stress, to control valve operation. By adjusting the yield stress parameter of the fluid (through chemical composition changes, temperature control, or magnetic/electric field application), the valve can switch between open and closed states without mechanical movement, thereby preventing debris from causing obstruction.
2Reliability
If a yield stress fluid is used as the valve medium, then the valve can operate reliably in the presence of debris, but the device complexity increases due to the need for specialized fluid properties and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the fluid's own rheological properties (yield stress behavior) as the control mechanism, eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuators, springs, or moving parts. The fluid responds to pressure differentials and rheological parameter changes directly, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining reliability in debris-prone environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The yield stress fluid serves multiple functions simultaneously: it is both the valve medium and the control element. The fluid's inherent rheological properties enable it to automatically respond to pressure changes and control flow without requiring external mechanical actuators or complex control systems, thereby reducing device 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 liquid valve assembly effectively regulates fluid flow, maintaining operation despite debris, by using yield stress fluids that resist flow until sufficient force is applied, ensuring reliable control of fluid flow in wellbore systems.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid valve can include a yield stress fluid. The yield stress fluid can prevent fluid from flowing between the inner chamber and the passageway.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present invention are directed to a liquid valve assembly that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The liquid valve assembly can include a housing and a liquid valve. The housing can define an inner chamber and an opening adapted to allow fluid to flow between the inner chamber and a passageway. The liquid valve can be disposed in the inner chamber. The liquid valve can include a yield stress fluid. The yield stress fluid can prevent fluid from flowing between the inner chamber and the passageway.