CA1147239A - Velocity operated standing valve - Google Patents
Velocity operated standing valveInfo
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- CA1147239A CA1147239A CA000407498A CA407498A CA1147239A CA 1147239 A CA1147239 A CA 1147239A CA 000407498 A CA000407498 A CA 000407498A CA 407498 A CA407498 A CA 407498A CA 1147239 A CA1147239 A CA 1147239A
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- valve
- closure means
- flow
- housing
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Abstract
VELOCITY OPERATED STANDING VALVE
This application is a divisional of our copending appli-cation Serial No. 362,846, for Velocity Operated Standing Valve, filed October 21, 1980.
ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION
A standing valve for controlling fluid flow through a well flow conductor. The standing valve allows for formation fluids to enter the flow conductor downhole and to flow in one direc-tion to the well surface. The standing valve functions as a check valve to prevent fluids injected into the flow conductor at the well surface from flowing out the other end of the well flow conductor. The standing valve is operated by changes in the velocity of fluids flowing through the valve. When the pressure of fluid injected into the flow conductor from the well surface exceeds a preselected value, an alternative flow path is opened within the standing valve to allow the injected fluid to flow in the other direction through the valve.
This application is a divisional of our copending appli-cation Serial No. 362,846, for Velocity Operated Standing Valve, filed October 21, 1980.
ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION
A standing valve for controlling fluid flow through a well flow conductor. The standing valve allows for formation fluids to enter the flow conductor downhole and to flow in one direc-tion to the well surface. The standing valve functions as a check valve to prevent fluids injected into the flow conductor at the well surface from flowing out the other end of the well flow conductor. The standing valve is operated by changes in the velocity of fluids flowing through the valve. When the pressure of fluid injected into the flow conductor from the well surface exceeds a preselected value, an alternative flow path is opened within the standing valve to allow the injected fluid to flow in the other direction through the valve.
Description
ltO 7 y ~ 8 ~ 39 .. ..
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention Standing valves are frequently installed in the lower end of well flow conductors to act as one way check valves. A
typical standing valve allows formation fluidæ within a well bore to flow into the well flow conductor and through the well fiow conductor to the well surface. The standing valve pre-vents fluids injected into the well flow conductor at the well surface from flowing out the lower end thereof and into the formation surrounding the well bore.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention Standing valves are frequently installed in the lower end of well flow conductors to act as one way check valves. A
typical standing valve allows formation fluidæ within a well bore to flow into the well flow conductor and through the well fiow conductor to the well surface. The standing valve pre-vents fluids injected into the well flow conductor at the well surface from flowing out the lower end thereof and into the formation surrounding the well bore.
2. Description of the Prior Art Otis Engineering Corporation Pumpdown Completion Equipment ~ Service Catalog (OEC 5113A) shows on page 12 examples of standing valves used in pumpdown well completions. A typical standing valve is shown on page 24 of this same catalog.
3~
U.S. Patent 3,603,394 invented by George Max Raulins shows a combination standing valve and velocity operated safety valve. Patent 3,603,394 is incorporated by reference for all purposes in this patent application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention discloses a standing valve for controlling fluid flow through a well flow conductor comprising: a housing having a longitudinal flow passage extending there-through; a valve closure means assembly disposed within the longitudinal flow passage; said valve closure means assembly comprising a valve member and a valve seat; means in said assembly for moving the valve member relative to the seat between a first position and a second position; said valve closure means assembly also having a passage therethrough which is closed to block flow through the passage in the housing when the valve member is in its first position, said flow passage in the closure means assembly being opened to permit upward flow through the housing passage when the valve is in its second position; the valve seat of said valve closure means being disposed out of the line of flow of fluid which flows through the passage in the valve closure means assembly and the passage in said housing when said valve member is in its second position to thereby protect said valve seat from the errosive effect of the flowing fluid; and an operating element slidably disposed within the housing and coacting with the valve closure means assembly to shift said valve closure means to its second position to open the passage in said closure means assembiy upon upward shifting of said valve closure means assembly.
An object of this invention is to provide a standing valve in which the seal surface of the valve member and the seal surface of the valve seat are disposed out of the line of flow of fluids when the valve member is in open position to protect the valve member and valve seat from the effect of flowing fluid.
Another object is to provide a standing valve as in the preceding object wherein the standing valve may be rendered inoperative to permit flow past the closed valve member.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from reading the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings illustrating the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. lA, partially in section and partially in elevation, shows a portion of a standing valve incorporating the present invention with the valve closure means in its first position.
FIG. lB, partially in section and partially in elevation, shows a portion of the variable volume chamber from which high viscosity liquid is extruded when the valve closure means is moved to its third position.
FIG. 2A, partially in section and partially in elevation, shows a landing nipple comprising a portion of a well flow conductor with a locking mandrel secured therein.
7~39 FIG. 2B, partially in section and partially in elevation, shows the connection between the locking mandrel and th~
standing valve within the landing nipple.
FIG. 2C, partially in section and partially in elevation, shows the valve closure means in its second position allowing fluid flow therethrough.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the drawings and specifically FIGS. lA and lB, a standing valve incorporating the present invention is 10 generally designated by the reference numeral 10. Valve 10 comprises a generally cylindrical housing 12 having a plurality of subassemblies which are engaged by threads to each other.
Longitudinal flow passage 11 extends through valve 10. Stand-ing valve 10 is shown with valve closure means 20 in its first position with ball member 21 blocking fluid flow through longitudinal flow passage 11. When valve 10 is installed within a well bore (not shown), flow passage 11 is axially aligned with the bore of a tubing string or well flow conductor (not shown) to direct formation fluids from downhole to the 20 well surface.
A well flow conductor generally includes one or more landing nipples 40 which are secured by threads 41 into the tubing string (not shown). Referring to FIGS. 2A, B and C, standing valve 10 is shown attached by knuckle or swivel joint 13 at one end thereof to locking mandrel 42. Dogs or lugs 43 anchor locking mandrel 42 within the bore of landing nipple 40 by engaging locking grooves or recesses 44, formed in the inside diameter of landing nipple 40. Locking mandrel 42, landing nipple 40, and swivel joint 13 are particularly adapted 30 for pumpdown installation and retrieval of standing valve 10.
Such pumpdown equipment and techniques are fully explained in U.S. Patent 3,863,715 to John H. Yonker. Standing valve 10 7;~3~
could also be attached to a standard wireline locking mandrel or attached directly to the lower end of a well flow conductor.
Packing means 45 is carried on the exterior of locking mandrel 42 and forms a fluid tight seal with the inside di-ameter of nipple 40. Packing means 45 directs fluid flow through longitudinal bore 46 of locking mandrel 42. Longi-tudinal flow passage 11, bore 46, and the bore of the tubing string are axially aligned to communicate fluids therethrough.
Under normal operating conditions, formation fluids would enter 10 opening 95 in the other end of valve 10 and flow through longitudinal flow passage 11 in one direction and into the well flow conductor.
Referring to FIG. lA, swivel joint 13 with threads 14 on one end thereof comprises part of the means for securing housing 12 to the inside diameter of landing nipple 40.
Operating sleeve 23 is slidably disposed within longitudinal flow passage 11. Sleeve 23 forms a part of valve closure means 20 and transmits force to ball member 21 to rotate ball member 21 from its second position to its first position. Various 20 methods and structures are well known in the prior art for using a sliding sleeve to operate a downhole valve. Examples of such prior art are U.S. Patent 3,126,908 to George C.
Dickens; U.S. Patent 3,273,588 to William W. Dollison; and U.S.
Patent 3,398,762 to Jchn V. Fredd.
Spring housing subassembly 12a has threads 15 formed on its exterior near one end thereof. Swivel cap 16 has matching threads 15 on its inside diameter and secures swivel joint 13 to housing subassembly 12a. Longitudinal flow passage 11 has a first enlarged inside diameter 17 which is compatible with the 30 first outside diameter portion 29 of operating sleeve 23.
Inside diameter 17 forms shoulder 18 which defines the maximum length of travel of valve closure means 20 in the one direction within flow passage 11. A second enlarged inside diameter 19 7~2~9 is formed within housing subassembly 12a adjacent to inside diameter 17. Inside diameter 19 is larger than the first outside diameter portion 29 of operating sleeve 23. Annulus 30 is formed between outside diameter 29 and inside diameter 19.
The second outside diameter portion 31 of operating sleeve 23 is larger than first outside diameter 29 forming shoulder 32 on the exterior of operating sleeve 23. An opposing shoulder 33 is formed by inside diameter 17 and 19 within housing subassem-bly 12a. Felt wiper ring 34 surrounds first outside diameter 10 portion 29 of operating sleeve 23. Felt wiper ring 34 is contained by metal carrier 35 within annulus 30. One side of carrier 35 abuts shoulder 33. Spring 36 is disposed within annulus 30 between the other side of carrier 35 and shoulder 32. Spring 36 comprises a portion of the means for biasing operating sleeve 23 to shift valve closure means 20 from its second position to its first position. Felt wiper 34 does not form a fluid tight seal with the exterior of operating sleeve 23 but rather forms a barrier to prevent solid particles such as sand from accumulating in annulus 30.
First seal or T seal 48 is carried on second outside di-ameter portion 31 of operating sleeve 23 spaced longitudinally from shoulder 32. T seal 48 forms a fluid tight seal with the second enlarged diameter 19 of housing 12. When valve closure means 20 shifts between its first and second position, T seal 48 remains in constant contact with inside diameter 19.
Housing subassembly 12b is secured to threads on the exterior of subassembly 12a opposite inside diameter 19.
Housing subassembly 12b has an enlarged inside diameter 49 as compared to inside diameter 19. Thus, recess 50 within the 30 inside diameter of housing 12 is partially defined by inside diameter 49, end 51 of housing subassemblv 12a, and shoulder 52 within housing subassembly 12b.
~7~39 Ball member 21 is engaged by two opposed actuator pins 24 which are each attached to a separate actuator member or plate 25. One actuator member 25 and pin 24 are shown by dotted lines in FIG. lA. The construction and purpose of actuator pin 24, actuator member 25 and connector member 26 are more fully explained in U.S. Patent 3,398,762.
The exterior of ball member 21 is engaged by support sleeve 27 opposite operating sleeve 23. Connector member 26 secures operating sleeve 23 to support sleeve 27 with ball 10 member 21 trapped therebetween. Therefore, any longitudinal movement of operating sleeve 23, support sleeve 27, and/or ball member 21 within longitudinal flow passage 11 results in valve closure means 20 moving as a single unit. Support sleeve 27 carries a sealing surface 53 which forms a fluid tight seal with the exterior of ball member 21 when valve closure means 20 is in its first position. Support sleeve 27 and sealing surface 53 provide a means for forming a seal with valve closure means 20 preventing fluid flow in the other direction through longi-tudinal flow passage 11 when valve closure means 20 is in its first position.
The end of operating sleeve 23 which engages ball member 21 has a similar sealing surface 54 formed thereon. A fluid tight seal is not required between the exterior of ball member 21 and operating sleeve 23 when valve closure mean 20 is in its first position. However, sealing surface 54 ensures smooth rotation and alignment of ball member 21 as valve closure means 20 moves between its first and second position. As will be explained later, lateral ports 65 allow formation fluid ex-terior to housing 12 to communicate with recess 50 in which 30 ball member 21 is disposed. When valve closure means 20 is in its second position, a pressure drop occurs as formation fluid flows in the one direction through bore 22 of ball member 21.
Thus, fluid pressure within operating sleeve 23 is less than 3~
the fluid pressure in recess 50. Sealing surface 54 prevents fluid flow between the higher fluid pressure in recess 50 and the lower fluid pressure within operating sleeve 23 when valve closure means 20 is in its second position.
Support sleeve 27 is a generally cylindrical tube with a uniform bore therethrough and is slidable through releasing ring 60. Support sleeve 27 is sized to slide within the inside diameter of ring 60 as valve closure means 20 moves between its first and second positions. Releasing ring 60 is releasably 10 secured to housing 12 within recess 50 by shear screws 61.
When a predetermined amount of force is applied to ring 60, screws 61 will shear allowing ring 60 to move within recess 50 until ring 60 contacts shoulder 52. Flange 62 is formed on the exterior of support sleeve 27 at the same end as sealing surface 53. Flange 62 projects into recess 50 and forms shoulder 63 which engages an opposing shoulder 64 on ring 60 preventing support sleeve 27 from sliding completely through ring 60. Shear screws 61 hold releasing ring 60 fixed relative to housing 12 during movement of valve closure means 20 between 20 its first and second positions. A plurality of lateral ports 65 extend through housing 12 within recess 50. Lateral ports 65 are spaced longitudinally from end 51 and the contact between first seal 48 and inside diameter 19. Fluids surroundir.g the exterior of housing 12 can communicate with recess 50 through lateral ports 65.
Second seal or T seal 70 is carried on the reduced inside diameter 71 of housing subassembly 12b spaced longitudinally from shoulder 52. Second seal 70 prevents fluid flow between the exterior of support sleeve 27 and reduced inside diameter 30 71. Releasing ring 60 carries a third seal or T seal 72 on its inside diameter which forms a fluid tight barrier with the exterior of support sleeve 27. Fourth seal 73 is carried on the outside diameter of releasing ring 60 and forms a fluid ~ ~ ~7? 3~
tight seal with inside diameter 49 of housing subassembly 12b.
Second seal 70, third seal 72, fourth seal 73, a portion of the exterior of support sleeve 27, and a portion of inside diameter 49 partially define a variable volume chamber 80 within a portion of recess 50. Lateral ports 65 are spaced longi-tudinally from and do not communicate with variable volume chamber 80. An oblique opening 81 is provided from the ex-terior of housing 12 into variable volume chamber 80. Prefer-ably, variable volume chamber 80 is filled with a high viscos-ity liquid such as grease.
As previously noted, ball member 21 is rotatably disposed between operating sleeve 23 and support sleeve 27. Two ac-tuator plates or members 25 are positioned on opposite sides of ball member 21. A pin 24 projects from each plate 25 and engages ball member 21 eccentric from the axis of valve 10.
Plates 25 are segments of a cylinder. Each plate 25 is posi-tioned between end 51 of housing subassembly 12a and releasing ring 60. As long as releasing ring 60 is secured to inside diameter 49 of housing 12, plates 25 cannot move relative to housing 12. Thus, ball member 21 can rotate about pins 24 as operating sleeve 23 and support sleeve 27 move longitudinally within flow passage 11.
Ball member 21 has an axial bore 22 machined therethrough.
Preferably, a flow regulating device such as bean choke or flow flow bean 85 is installed within bore 22. Bore 22 has a reduced inside diameter portion near one end which defines shoulder 87. The remainder of bore 22 is slightly larger than the outside diameter of choke 85 so that choke 85 can be easily fitted into bore 22. Snap ring 90 secures choke 85 within ball member 21. Preferably, the outside diameter of choke 85 is siæed to allow choke 85 to be installed through support sleeve 27 and opening 95 without having to disassemble valve 10.
Chokes 85 with various sizes of restricted orifice 86 are _g_ 7~39 available for the desired formation fluid flow rate through valve 10. For some high flow rates, it may not even be neces-sary to place a flow regulating means within bore 22.
Operating Sequence Valve 10 is secured to locking mandrel 42 at the well surface and intalled within landing nipple 40 by conventional pumpdown techniques. The first position of valve closure means 20, when subjected to only atmospheric pressure, is defined by ball member 21 being rotated so that bore 22 is perpendicular to longitudinal flow passage 11. Spring 3Ç biases ball member 21 to this position. After valve 10 is installed, packing 45 prevents fluid communication between the exterior of locking mandrel 42 and the inside diameter of landing nipple 40. By conventional techniques such as swabbing the bore of the tubing string above valve 10, a lower fluid pressure on one side of ball member 21 can be created as compared to formation fluid pressure on the other side of ball member 21. This difference in pressure creates a net force on ball member 21 and operating sleeve 23 to compress spring 36 and move valve closure means 20 in the one direction. Movement in the one direction causes ball member 21 to rotate aligning bore 22 with longitudinal flow passage 11 and allowing fluid flow therethrough. This is the second position of valve closure means 20 as shown in FIG.
2C. Choke 85 acts as a restriction to fluid flow through bore 22 in the one direction resulting in a pressure drop or differ-ence in pressure in the one position to hold valve closure means 20 in its second position against the force of spring 36.
When the flow rate through choke 85 drops below a prese-lected value, spring 36 acts on operating sleeve 23 to move operating sleeve 23 longitudinally in the other direction and return valve closure means 20 to its first position. A
7~39 decrease in flow rate in the one dire~tion could be caused by shutting in the well at the surface.
One reason to shut in the well might be a need to pump fluids into the bore of the well flow conductor above valve 10.
With valve closure means 20 in its first position, the engagement of ball member 21 with sealing surface 53 and first seal 48 with inside diameter 19 cooperate to prevent fluids injected into the one end of flow passage 11 from the well surface from flowing out opening 95 and into the surrounding 10 formation.
Valve closure means 20 will remain in its first position until the pressure of fluid, injected into longitudinal flow passage 11, on the one side of ball member 21 exceeds a pre-selected value as compared to the pressure of formation fluid on the other side of ball member 21. When this difference in pressure in the other direction exceeds a preselected value, screws 61 will shear releasing ring 60 from the inside diameter of housing 12. The difference in pressure in the other direction will then move valve closure means 20 to its third 20 position with ring 60 resting on shoulder 52. Movement to the third position occurs at a controlled rate depending upon the viscosity of the fluid in variable volume chamber 80 and the size of opening 81. Screws 61 are selected to require con-siderable force to release ring 60 from housing 12 to prevent accidentally moving valve closure means 20 to its third posi-tion. This same force would generate considerable momentum as valve closure mean 20 moves towards shoulder 52 if the high viscosity liquid in variable volume chamber 80 did not dampen the force, Ring 60 with third seal 72 and fourth seal 73 acts 30 as a dash pot within chamber 80 to dampen the forces when movement of valve closure means 20 is stopped by shoulder 52.
When valve closure means 20 is in its third position resting on shoulder 52, first seal 48 is moved longitudinally into recess 50. As previously noted, inside diameter 49 of recess 50 is larger than inside diameter 19 of housing 12.
First seal 48 does not contact the inside diameter of housing 12 when valve closure means 20 is in its third position. An alternative fluid communication path is thus established from longitudinal flow passage 11, between the exterior of operating sleeve 23 and the inside diameter of housing 12, recess 50 and lateral ports 65 to the exterior of valve 10 when valve closure means 20 is in its third position.
A valve incorporating the present invention can be used to allow fluid flow in one direction and prevent fluid flow in the other direction until the valve closure means is shifted to its third position. The previous description is illustrative of only one embodiment of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily see other variations for a valve utilizing the present invention. Such changes, variations, and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims.
U.S. Patent 3,603,394 invented by George Max Raulins shows a combination standing valve and velocity operated safety valve. Patent 3,603,394 is incorporated by reference for all purposes in this patent application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention discloses a standing valve for controlling fluid flow through a well flow conductor comprising: a housing having a longitudinal flow passage extending there-through; a valve closure means assembly disposed within the longitudinal flow passage; said valve closure means assembly comprising a valve member and a valve seat; means in said assembly for moving the valve member relative to the seat between a first position and a second position; said valve closure means assembly also having a passage therethrough which is closed to block flow through the passage in the housing when the valve member is in its first position, said flow passage in the closure means assembly being opened to permit upward flow through the housing passage when the valve is in its second position; the valve seat of said valve closure means being disposed out of the line of flow of fluid which flows through the passage in the valve closure means assembly and the passage in said housing when said valve member is in its second position to thereby protect said valve seat from the errosive effect of the flowing fluid; and an operating element slidably disposed within the housing and coacting with the valve closure means assembly to shift said valve closure means to its second position to open the passage in said closure means assembiy upon upward shifting of said valve closure means assembly.
An object of this invention is to provide a standing valve in which the seal surface of the valve member and the seal surface of the valve seat are disposed out of the line of flow of fluids when the valve member is in open position to protect the valve member and valve seat from the effect of flowing fluid.
Another object is to provide a standing valve as in the preceding object wherein the standing valve may be rendered inoperative to permit flow past the closed valve member.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from reading the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings illustrating the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. lA, partially in section and partially in elevation, shows a portion of a standing valve incorporating the present invention with the valve closure means in its first position.
FIG. lB, partially in section and partially in elevation, shows a portion of the variable volume chamber from which high viscosity liquid is extruded when the valve closure means is moved to its third position.
FIG. 2A, partially in section and partially in elevation, shows a landing nipple comprising a portion of a well flow conductor with a locking mandrel secured therein.
7~39 FIG. 2B, partially in section and partially in elevation, shows the connection between the locking mandrel and th~
standing valve within the landing nipple.
FIG. 2C, partially in section and partially in elevation, shows the valve closure means in its second position allowing fluid flow therethrough.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the drawings and specifically FIGS. lA and lB, a standing valve incorporating the present invention is 10 generally designated by the reference numeral 10. Valve 10 comprises a generally cylindrical housing 12 having a plurality of subassemblies which are engaged by threads to each other.
Longitudinal flow passage 11 extends through valve 10. Stand-ing valve 10 is shown with valve closure means 20 in its first position with ball member 21 blocking fluid flow through longitudinal flow passage 11. When valve 10 is installed within a well bore (not shown), flow passage 11 is axially aligned with the bore of a tubing string or well flow conductor (not shown) to direct formation fluids from downhole to the 20 well surface.
A well flow conductor generally includes one or more landing nipples 40 which are secured by threads 41 into the tubing string (not shown). Referring to FIGS. 2A, B and C, standing valve 10 is shown attached by knuckle or swivel joint 13 at one end thereof to locking mandrel 42. Dogs or lugs 43 anchor locking mandrel 42 within the bore of landing nipple 40 by engaging locking grooves or recesses 44, formed in the inside diameter of landing nipple 40. Locking mandrel 42, landing nipple 40, and swivel joint 13 are particularly adapted 30 for pumpdown installation and retrieval of standing valve 10.
Such pumpdown equipment and techniques are fully explained in U.S. Patent 3,863,715 to John H. Yonker. Standing valve 10 7;~3~
could also be attached to a standard wireline locking mandrel or attached directly to the lower end of a well flow conductor.
Packing means 45 is carried on the exterior of locking mandrel 42 and forms a fluid tight seal with the inside di-ameter of nipple 40. Packing means 45 directs fluid flow through longitudinal bore 46 of locking mandrel 42. Longi-tudinal flow passage 11, bore 46, and the bore of the tubing string are axially aligned to communicate fluids therethrough.
Under normal operating conditions, formation fluids would enter 10 opening 95 in the other end of valve 10 and flow through longitudinal flow passage 11 in one direction and into the well flow conductor.
Referring to FIG. lA, swivel joint 13 with threads 14 on one end thereof comprises part of the means for securing housing 12 to the inside diameter of landing nipple 40.
Operating sleeve 23 is slidably disposed within longitudinal flow passage 11. Sleeve 23 forms a part of valve closure means 20 and transmits force to ball member 21 to rotate ball member 21 from its second position to its first position. Various 20 methods and structures are well known in the prior art for using a sliding sleeve to operate a downhole valve. Examples of such prior art are U.S. Patent 3,126,908 to George C.
Dickens; U.S. Patent 3,273,588 to William W. Dollison; and U.S.
Patent 3,398,762 to Jchn V. Fredd.
Spring housing subassembly 12a has threads 15 formed on its exterior near one end thereof. Swivel cap 16 has matching threads 15 on its inside diameter and secures swivel joint 13 to housing subassembly 12a. Longitudinal flow passage 11 has a first enlarged inside diameter 17 which is compatible with the 30 first outside diameter portion 29 of operating sleeve 23.
Inside diameter 17 forms shoulder 18 which defines the maximum length of travel of valve closure means 20 in the one direction within flow passage 11. A second enlarged inside diameter 19 7~2~9 is formed within housing subassembly 12a adjacent to inside diameter 17. Inside diameter 19 is larger than the first outside diameter portion 29 of operating sleeve 23. Annulus 30 is formed between outside diameter 29 and inside diameter 19.
The second outside diameter portion 31 of operating sleeve 23 is larger than first outside diameter 29 forming shoulder 32 on the exterior of operating sleeve 23. An opposing shoulder 33 is formed by inside diameter 17 and 19 within housing subassem-bly 12a. Felt wiper ring 34 surrounds first outside diameter 10 portion 29 of operating sleeve 23. Felt wiper ring 34 is contained by metal carrier 35 within annulus 30. One side of carrier 35 abuts shoulder 33. Spring 36 is disposed within annulus 30 between the other side of carrier 35 and shoulder 32. Spring 36 comprises a portion of the means for biasing operating sleeve 23 to shift valve closure means 20 from its second position to its first position. Felt wiper 34 does not form a fluid tight seal with the exterior of operating sleeve 23 but rather forms a barrier to prevent solid particles such as sand from accumulating in annulus 30.
First seal or T seal 48 is carried on second outside di-ameter portion 31 of operating sleeve 23 spaced longitudinally from shoulder 32. T seal 48 forms a fluid tight seal with the second enlarged diameter 19 of housing 12. When valve closure means 20 shifts between its first and second position, T seal 48 remains in constant contact with inside diameter 19.
Housing subassembly 12b is secured to threads on the exterior of subassembly 12a opposite inside diameter 19.
Housing subassembly 12b has an enlarged inside diameter 49 as compared to inside diameter 19. Thus, recess 50 within the 30 inside diameter of housing 12 is partially defined by inside diameter 49, end 51 of housing subassemblv 12a, and shoulder 52 within housing subassembly 12b.
~7~39 Ball member 21 is engaged by two opposed actuator pins 24 which are each attached to a separate actuator member or plate 25. One actuator member 25 and pin 24 are shown by dotted lines in FIG. lA. The construction and purpose of actuator pin 24, actuator member 25 and connector member 26 are more fully explained in U.S. Patent 3,398,762.
The exterior of ball member 21 is engaged by support sleeve 27 opposite operating sleeve 23. Connector member 26 secures operating sleeve 23 to support sleeve 27 with ball 10 member 21 trapped therebetween. Therefore, any longitudinal movement of operating sleeve 23, support sleeve 27, and/or ball member 21 within longitudinal flow passage 11 results in valve closure means 20 moving as a single unit. Support sleeve 27 carries a sealing surface 53 which forms a fluid tight seal with the exterior of ball member 21 when valve closure means 20 is in its first position. Support sleeve 27 and sealing surface 53 provide a means for forming a seal with valve closure means 20 preventing fluid flow in the other direction through longi-tudinal flow passage 11 when valve closure means 20 is in its first position.
The end of operating sleeve 23 which engages ball member 21 has a similar sealing surface 54 formed thereon. A fluid tight seal is not required between the exterior of ball member 21 and operating sleeve 23 when valve closure mean 20 is in its first position. However, sealing surface 54 ensures smooth rotation and alignment of ball member 21 as valve closure means 20 moves between its first and second position. As will be explained later, lateral ports 65 allow formation fluid ex-terior to housing 12 to communicate with recess 50 in which 30 ball member 21 is disposed. When valve closure means 20 is in its second position, a pressure drop occurs as formation fluid flows in the one direction through bore 22 of ball member 21.
Thus, fluid pressure within operating sleeve 23 is less than 3~
the fluid pressure in recess 50. Sealing surface 54 prevents fluid flow between the higher fluid pressure in recess 50 and the lower fluid pressure within operating sleeve 23 when valve closure means 20 is in its second position.
Support sleeve 27 is a generally cylindrical tube with a uniform bore therethrough and is slidable through releasing ring 60. Support sleeve 27 is sized to slide within the inside diameter of ring 60 as valve closure means 20 moves between its first and second positions. Releasing ring 60 is releasably 10 secured to housing 12 within recess 50 by shear screws 61.
When a predetermined amount of force is applied to ring 60, screws 61 will shear allowing ring 60 to move within recess 50 until ring 60 contacts shoulder 52. Flange 62 is formed on the exterior of support sleeve 27 at the same end as sealing surface 53. Flange 62 projects into recess 50 and forms shoulder 63 which engages an opposing shoulder 64 on ring 60 preventing support sleeve 27 from sliding completely through ring 60. Shear screws 61 hold releasing ring 60 fixed relative to housing 12 during movement of valve closure means 20 between 20 its first and second positions. A plurality of lateral ports 65 extend through housing 12 within recess 50. Lateral ports 65 are spaced longitudinally from end 51 and the contact between first seal 48 and inside diameter 19. Fluids surroundir.g the exterior of housing 12 can communicate with recess 50 through lateral ports 65.
Second seal or T seal 70 is carried on the reduced inside diameter 71 of housing subassembly 12b spaced longitudinally from shoulder 52. Second seal 70 prevents fluid flow between the exterior of support sleeve 27 and reduced inside diameter 30 71. Releasing ring 60 carries a third seal or T seal 72 on its inside diameter which forms a fluid tight barrier with the exterior of support sleeve 27. Fourth seal 73 is carried on the outside diameter of releasing ring 60 and forms a fluid ~ ~ ~7? 3~
tight seal with inside diameter 49 of housing subassembly 12b.
Second seal 70, third seal 72, fourth seal 73, a portion of the exterior of support sleeve 27, and a portion of inside diameter 49 partially define a variable volume chamber 80 within a portion of recess 50. Lateral ports 65 are spaced longi-tudinally from and do not communicate with variable volume chamber 80. An oblique opening 81 is provided from the ex-terior of housing 12 into variable volume chamber 80. Prefer-ably, variable volume chamber 80 is filled with a high viscos-ity liquid such as grease.
As previously noted, ball member 21 is rotatably disposed between operating sleeve 23 and support sleeve 27. Two ac-tuator plates or members 25 are positioned on opposite sides of ball member 21. A pin 24 projects from each plate 25 and engages ball member 21 eccentric from the axis of valve 10.
Plates 25 are segments of a cylinder. Each plate 25 is posi-tioned between end 51 of housing subassembly 12a and releasing ring 60. As long as releasing ring 60 is secured to inside diameter 49 of housing 12, plates 25 cannot move relative to housing 12. Thus, ball member 21 can rotate about pins 24 as operating sleeve 23 and support sleeve 27 move longitudinally within flow passage 11.
Ball member 21 has an axial bore 22 machined therethrough.
Preferably, a flow regulating device such as bean choke or flow flow bean 85 is installed within bore 22. Bore 22 has a reduced inside diameter portion near one end which defines shoulder 87. The remainder of bore 22 is slightly larger than the outside diameter of choke 85 so that choke 85 can be easily fitted into bore 22. Snap ring 90 secures choke 85 within ball member 21. Preferably, the outside diameter of choke 85 is siæed to allow choke 85 to be installed through support sleeve 27 and opening 95 without having to disassemble valve 10.
Chokes 85 with various sizes of restricted orifice 86 are _g_ 7~39 available for the desired formation fluid flow rate through valve 10. For some high flow rates, it may not even be neces-sary to place a flow regulating means within bore 22.
Operating Sequence Valve 10 is secured to locking mandrel 42 at the well surface and intalled within landing nipple 40 by conventional pumpdown techniques. The first position of valve closure means 20, when subjected to only atmospheric pressure, is defined by ball member 21 being rotated so that bore 22 is perpendicular to longitudinal flow passage 11. Spring 3Ç biases ball member 21 to this position. After valve 10 is installed, packing 45 prevents fluid communication between the exterior of locking mandrel 42 and the inside diameter of landing nipple 40. By conventional techniques such as swabbing the bore of the tubing string above valve 10, a lower fluid pressure on one side of ball member 21 can be created as compared to formation fluid pressure on the other side of ball member 21. This difference in pressure creates a net force on ball member 21 and operating sleeve 23 to compress spring 36 and move valve closure means 20 in the one direction. Movement in the one direction causes ball member 21 to rotate aligning bore 22 with longitudinal flow passage 11 and allowing fluid flow therethrough. This is the second position of valve closure means 20 as shown in FIG.
2C. Choke 85 acts as a restriction to fluid flow through bore 22 in the one direction resulting in a pressure drop or differ-ence in pressure in the one position to hold valve closure means 20 in its second position against the force of spring 36.
When the flow rate through choke 85 drops below a prese-lected value, spring 36 acts on operating sleeve 23 to move operating sleeve 23 longitudinally in the other direction and return valve closure means 20 to its first position. A
7~39 decrease in flow rate in the one dire~tion could be caused by shutting in the well at the surface.
One reason to shut in the well might be a need to pump fluids into the bore of the well flow conductor above valve 10.
With valve closure means 20 in its first position, the engagement of ball member 21 with sealing surface 53 and first seal 48 with inside diameter 19 cooperate to prevent fluids injected into the one end of flow passage 11 from the well surface from flowing out opening 95 and into the surrounding 10 formation.
Valve closure means 20 will remain in its first position until the pressure of fluid, injected into longitudinal flow passage 11, on the one side of ball member 21 exceeds a pre-selected value as compared to the pressure of formation fluid on the other side of ball member 21. When this difference in pressure in the other direction exceeds a preselected value, screws 61 will shear releasing ring 60 from the inside diameter of housing 12. The difference in pressure in the other direction will then move valve closure means 20 to its third 20 position with ring 60 resting on shoulder 52. Movement to the third position occurs at a controlled rate depending upon the viscosity of the fluid in variable volume chamber 80 and the size of opening 81. Screws 61 are selected to require con-siderable force to release ring 60 from housing 12 to prevent accidentally moving valve closure means 20 to its third posi-tion. This same force would generate considerable momentum as valve closure mean 20 moves towards shoulder 52 if the high viscosity liquid in variable volume chamber 80 did not dampen the force, Ring 60 with third seal 72 and fourth seal 73 acts 30 as a dash pot within chamber 80 to dampen the forces when movement of valve closure means 20 is stopped by shoulder 52.
When valve closure means 20 is in its third position resting on shoulder 52, first seal 48 is moved longitudinally into recess 50. As previously noted, inside diameter 49 of recess 50 is larger than inside diameter 19 of housing 12.
First seal 48 does not contact the inside diameter of housing 12 when valve closure means 20 is in its third position. An alternative fluid communication path is thus established from longitudinal flow passage 11, between the exterior of operating sleeve 23 and the inside diameter of housing 12, recess 50 and lateral ports 65 to the exterior of valve 10 when valve closure means 20 is in its third position.
A valve incorporating the present invention can be used to allow fluid flow in one direction and prevent fluid flow in the other direction until the valve closure means is shifted to its third position. The previous description is illustrative of only one embodiment of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily see other variations for a valve utilizing the present invention. Such changes, variations, and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims.
Claims (2)
1. A standing valve for controlling fluid flow through a well flow conductor comprising: a housing having a longitudinal flow passage extending therethrough; a valve closure means assembly disposed within the longitudinal flow passage; said valve closure means assembly comprising a valve member and a valve seat; means in said assembly for moving the valve member relative to the seat between a first position and a second position; said valve closure means assembly also having a passage therethrough which is closed to block flow through the passage in the housing when the valve member is in its first position, said flow passage in the closure means assembly being opened to permit upward flow through the housing passage when the valve is in its second position; the valve seat of said valve closure means being disposed out of the line of flow of fluid which flows through the passage in the valve closure means assembly and the passage in said housing when said valve member is in its second position to thereby protect said valve seat from the errosive effect of the flowing fluid; and an operating element slidably disposed within the housing and coacting with the valve closure means assembly to shift said valve closure means to its second position to open the passage in said closure means assembly upon upward shifting of said valve closure means assembly.
2. A valve as set forth in claim 1, together with releasable means for mounting the valve closure means assembly and its operating element within the housing; release of said last named means permitting said valve closure means assembly and its operating element to move downwardly within the housing to move both the valve member and the seat of said assembly to a third position which allows a downward flow of fluid through at least a portion of said housing passage and past the valve closure means.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000407498A CA1147239A (en) | 1980-02-05 | 1982-07-16 | Velocity operated standing valve |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/118,722 US4352366A (en) | 1980-02-05 | 1980-02-05 | Velocity operated standing valve |
| US06/118/722 | 1980-02-05 | ||
| CA000362846A CA1146440A (en) | 1980-02-05 | 1980-10-21 | Velocity operated standing valve |
| CA000407498A CA1147239A (en) | 1980-02-05 | 1982-07-16 | Velocity operated standing valve |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1147239A true CA1147239A (en) | 1983-05-31 |
Family
ID=27166862
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000407498A Expired CA1147239A (en) | 1980-02-05 | 1982-07-16 | Velocity operated standing valve |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1147239A (en) |
-
1982
- 1982-07-16 CA CA000407498A patent/CA1147239A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |