US20160265672A1 - Diverter valve - Google Patents
Diverter valve Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160265672A1 US20160265672A1 US15/161,745 US201615161745A US2016265672A1 US 20160265672 A1 US20160265672 A1 US 20160265672A1 US 201615161745 A US201615161745 A US 201615161745A US 2016265672 A1 US2016265672 A1 US 2016265672A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- fluid diverter
- fluid
- passage
- housing
- housing axis
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 88
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 claims description 11
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 abstract description 4
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 abstract 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 abstract 1
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 description 20
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 13
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 6
- 241000282887 Suidae Species 0.000 description 4
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000003345 natural gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000003209 petroleum derivative Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241000191291 Abies alba Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003208 petroleum Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000638 stimulation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002604 ultrasonography Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011179 visual inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B34/00—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells
- E21B34/06—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K11/00—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves
- F16K11/02—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit
- F16K11/06—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves, i.e. sliding closure elements
- F16K11/065—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves, i.e. sliding closure elements with linearly sliding closure members
- F16K11/07—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves, i.e. sliding closure elements with linearly sliding closure members with cylindrical slides
- F16K11/0716—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves, i.e. sliding closure elements with linearly sliding closure members with cylindrical slides with fluid passages through the valve member
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B34/00—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells
- E21B34/02—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in well heads
- E21B34/04—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in well heads in underwater well heads
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K11/00—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves
- F16K11/02—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit
- F16K11/08—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only taps or cocks
- F16K11/085—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only taps or cocks with cylindrical plug
- F16K11/0856—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only taps or cocks with cylindrical plug having all the connecting conduits situated in more than one plane perpendicular to the axis of the plug
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
- F16K31/02—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
- F16K31/12—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/8593—Systems
- Y10T137/86493—Multi-way valve unit
- Y10T137/86879—Reciprocating valve unit
Definitions
- the present invention relates to devices and methods for directing the flow of fluid between different fluid pathways of a fluidic circuit.
- the present invention provides a diverter valve that manages the activity and use of various fluid pathways within a given fluidic circuit for use in the production of hydrocarbons, such as petroleum and natural gas.
- a series of discrete wells can be connected to a single floating vessel through a series of interconnecting fluidic pathways of a larger fluidic circuit. From time to time, it may be desirable to manage the fluid pathways between the individual wells and the single platform by isolating certain fluid pathways while allowing access to other fluid pathways. This management can be effectuated via one or more diverter valves that act as gatekeepers within the circuit, thus directing the fluid flow between the wells and the floating vessel.
- pigs To insure the integrity of the fluidic circuit, inspection of the structural components of the fluidic circuit is often conducted by what is known in the industry as a “pig.” These pigs travel through the various fluid pathways, using known testing methodology (e.g., ultrasound, electromagnetic feedback, visual inspection, etc.) to transmit information regarding the structural integrity of the piping defining the fluid pathways to an operator.
- known testing methodology e.g., ultrasound, electromagnetic feedback, visual inspection, etc.
- these pigs are flexible devices and can accommodate bends or turns within the various fluid pathways.
- this flexibility is not without limit
- Traditional pigs have a flexibility that is limited to five times the diameter of the pipe they traverse. That is, pigs can accommodate a radius of curvature (bend in the flow pathway's piping) that is equal to or greater than five times the diameter of the pipe the pig is traversing. This dimensioning requirement is often referenced in the petroleum industry as the “5D” requirement.
- present diverter valves are designed larger than is necessary for managing the fluid flowing therethrough. This increased design leads to increased costs, weight, and manufacturing times, all of which may be undesirable.
- the present invention therefore, provides advantages and potential solutions to certain of these traditional concerns.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a subsea hydrocarbon-production system
- FIG. 2 is an isometric representation of a diverter valve assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the diverter valve assembly of FIG. 2 along line 3 - 3 in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the diverter valve assembly of FIG. 2 along line 4 - 4 in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 is a schematic, top view of a drum of a diverter valve assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a drum for a diverter valve assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic top view representation of a drum for diverter valve assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-section of a diverter valve assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of the diverter valve of FIG. 8 , with the drum in position to facilitate flow through a first fluid pathway;
- FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of the diverter valve of FIG. 8 , with the drum in position to facilitate flow through a second, alternate fluid pathway;
- FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of a drum of the diverter valve of FIG. 8 .
- the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements.
- the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.
- the use of “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below, “left,” “right,” and variations of these terms is made for convenience, but does not require any particular orientation of the components.
- one embodiment of the present invention provides a diverter-valve drum in which the fluid pathways are defined by curved pipes disposed at positions offset with respect to a central axis of the drum.
- this offset design facilitates a so-called 5D radius of curvature while concurrently limiting the overall dimensioning of the assembly.
- the present invention provides a diverter-valve drum that includes a bifurcated passageway that expands one inlet into two outlets or merges two inlets into one outlet, depending on the direction of fluid flow.
- a further example of a drum provided by the present invention comprises an arcuate recessed portion that defines a peripheral surface of the drum.
- employing a peripheral surface of the drum to direct fluid flow provides manufacturing efficiencies that may translate into cost savings and may provide greater structural rigidity.
- the foregoing embodiments are merely examples of the scope of the present invention, which is delineated further below. Indeed, although the following discussion focuses on subsea applications, the present invention is applicable to any number of environments where the management of fluid flow is a concern, including surface and industrial applications, for instance.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary subsea hydrocarbon production system 10 .
- this system 10 comprises a number of wells 12 disposed on the seafloor.
- Each well 12 has a “Christmas tree” 14 that controls the production of hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation.
- These trees 14 also direct the produced hydrocarbons up to a surface vessel 16 floating on the sea surface.
- Various riser and casing structures 18 i.e., piping
- FIG. 1 cooperate to provide a fluidic circuit through which hydrocarbons may be produced, testing equipment may travel, and well stimulation and terminating fluids may be provided, for instance.
- the illustrated system 10 includes diverter valves 20 that couple segments of riser and casing structures 18 to one another. These valves 20 control and manage access to the various segments of the fluidic circuit, by selectively opening and closing various fluid pathways.
- diverter valves 20 are illustrated as being disposed between the sea vessel 16 and the trees 14 , these valves 20 may be located at any point on the fluidic circuit, and may further be located directly on or integrated within the trees 14 or surface vessel 16 , for example.
- FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a diverter valve 20 isometrically.
- the exemplary valve 20 includes a body portion 22 disposed between end caps 24 and 26 .
- the valve 20 also includes a pair of male ports 28 a and 28 b that extend from the body 22 (for this discussion, the leftmost port of FIG. 2 is port 28 a and the rightmost port of FIG. 2 is 28 b ).
- the body 22 Opposite these ports 28 a and 28 b , the body 22 also includes a female port 30 (see FIG. 3 ).
- the direction of fluid flow defines which of ports 28 a , 28 b , and 30 is the inlet and which is the outlet.
- the gender of the ports 28 and 30 is interchangeable, with either or both being male or female or any combination thereof.
- the valve 20 includes an operation stem 32 extending from the upper end cap 24 .
- This operation stem 32 can be configured to mate with the stab of a remote operated vehicle (ROV), or can be configured to operate in response to electrical or hydraulic commands, for example.
- ROV remote operated vehicle
- FIG. 3 illustrates the flow control mechanism within the exemplary diverter valve 20 .
- the body 22 and end caps 24 and 26 define a cavity 40 that supports a drum 42 .
- the drum 42 is connected to an actuation mechanism 44 located within the operational stem 32 .
- the actuation mechanism 44 may include an electrical motor, a hydraulic assembly, and/or a gearing assembly to translate rotational motion into linear motion. Activation of the actuation mechanism 44 defines the position of the drum 42 , which, in turn, defines the fluid pathway through which fluid flows.
- this or other embodiments of the present invention may include one or more position sensors configured to determine the position of the drum 42 within the cavity 40 , for instance.
- FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate that the bends 46 and 48 are offset with respect to a centerline 49 of the drum 42 by a given distance (represented by “X”).
- X a given distance
- an appropriately sized pig requiring a 5D bend may pass through either bend 46 or 48 of the diverter 20 without difficulty.
- offsetting the bend-pipes allows a smaller dimensional assembled in comparison to a “5D” compliant design in which the bend-pipes are centered.
- the bend-pipes 46 and 48 may be offset at different distances or not. Moreover, in certain instances, only one of the bend-pipes may be offset.
- the drum 42 may include a bifurcated bend-pipe 50 that couples inlet port 30 to both the left outlet port 28 a and the right outlet port 28 b .
- This bifurcated bend-pipe 50 may be offset with respect to the drum 42 , as illustrated in FIG. 6 , or may be aligned with the central axis of the drum 42 , as illustrated in FIG. 7 .
- the bend-pipe 50 and/or drum 42 can be manufactured by any number of methodologies, including machining or casting.
- FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 11 illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- the body 22 of the diverter valve 20 provides a first fluid flow path 60 that that egresses at port 28 a and at an angle with respect to the inlet port 30 .
- the diverter valve 20 also provides a second and selectable pathway 62 in which the inlet port 30 is co-linear with the secondary outlet 28 b.
- transitioning between the first and second flow paths is accomplished through axial displacement of the drum 42 .
- this drum 42 may be actuated through an actuation mechanism 44 disposed in the upper end cap 24 , for instance.
- the drum 42 is shown in the lower position, thus directing the flow of fluid from inlet 30 to leftmost outlet 28 a (with respect to FIG. 8 ).
- the flow of fluid is directed from the inlet 30 to the rightmost passage 28 b , (again, with respect to FIG. 8 ).
- the drum 42 (see also FIG. 11 ) comprises a central pipe 66 that facilitates flow through to the linear outlet 28 b , and also comprises an arcuate peripheral surface 68 that effectuates redirection of the flow at an angle to the inlet 30 and out the leftmost outlet 28 a .
- a peripheral surface for changing the direct of flow reduces certain manufacturing costs and provides for a more robust design.
- This drum 42 may be assembled by fabrication of the individual parts or may be cast as a single unit.
Abstract
Provided is a diverter valve including a housing assembly having a plurality of ports and a drum assembly disposed in the housing. The drum assembly including a plurality of passages for selectively coupling the ports, wherein an axial position of the drum assembly with respect to the ports determines which ports are active and which parts are dormant Further provided is a method of operating a diverter valve, including disposing a drum of the diverter valve in a first position, wherein the first position is configured to provide a first passage from an inlet of the diverter valve to a first outlet of the diverter valve, the first passage comprising a first bend-pipe extending crosswise to an axis of the drum and comprising a first radius of curvature that is at least five times an internal diameter of the first bend-pipe, and moving the drum along the longitudinal axis through the diverter valve to a second position, wherein the second position is configured to provide a second passage from the inlet of the diverter valve to a second outlet of the diverter valve, the second passage comprising a second bend-pipe extending crosswise to the axis of the drum and comprising a second radius of curvature that is at least five times an internal diameter of the second bend-pipe.
Description
- This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/975,311, entitled “Diverter Valve”, filed on Aug. 24, 2013, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, and which claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/515,531, entitled “Diverter Valve”, filed on May 19, 2009, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, and which claims priority to and benefit of PCT Application No. PCT/US07/87234 entitled “Diverter Valve”, filed on Dec. 12, 2007, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, and which claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/874,429, entitled “Diverter Valve”, filed on Dec. 12, 2006, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present invention, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art
- In accordance with certain embodiments, the present invention relates to devices and methods for directing the flow of fluid between different fluid pathways of a fluidic circuit. For example, the present invention provides a diverter valve that manages the activity and use of various fluid pathways within a given fluidic circuit for use in the production of hydrocarbons, such as petroleum and natural gas.
- During hydrocarbon production, a series of discrete wells can be connected to a single floating vessel through a series of interconnecting fluidic pathways of a larger fluidic circuit. From time to time, it may be desirable to manage the fluid pathways between the individual wells and the single platform by isolating certain fluid pathways while allowing access to other fluid pathways. This management can be effectuated via one or more diverter valves that act as gatekeepers within the circuit, thus directing the fluid flow between the wells and the floating vessel.
- To insure the integrity of the fluidic circuit, inspection of the structural components of the fluidic circuit is often conducted by what is known in the industry as a “pig.” These pigs travel through the various fluid pathways, using known testing methodology (e.g., ultrasound, electromagnetic feedback, visual inspection, etc.) to transmit information regarding the structural integrity of the piping defining the fluid pathways to an operator.
- Generally, these pigs are flexible devices and can accommodate bends or turns within the various fluid pathways. However, this flexibility is not without limit Traditional pigs have a flexibility that is limited to five times the diameter of the pipe they traverse. That is, pigs can accommodate a radius of curvature (bend in the flow pathway's piping) that is equal to or greater than five times the diameter of the pipe the pig is traversing. This dimensioning requirement is often referenced in the petroleum industry as the “5D” requirement.
- To accommodate this 5D requirement, present diverter valves are designed larger than is necessary for managing the fluid flowing therethrough. This increased design leads to increased costs, weight, and manufacturing times, all of which may be undesirable.
- The present invention, therefore, provides advantages and potential solutions to certain of these traditional concerns.
- These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a subsea hydrocarbon-production system; -
FIG. 2 is an isometric representation of a diverter valve assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the diverter valve assembly ofFIG. 2 along line 3-3 inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the diverter valve assembly ofFIG. 2 along line 4-4 inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic, top view of a drum of a diverter valve assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a drum for a diverter valve assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is a schematic top view representation of a drum for diverter valve assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-section of a diverter valve assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of the diverter valve ofFIG. 8 , with the drum in position to facilitate flow through a first fluid pathway; -
FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of the diverter valve ofFIG. 8 , with the drum in position to facilitate flow through a second, alternate fluid pathway; and -
FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of a drum of the diverter valve ofFIG. 8 . - One or more specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.
- When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present invention, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Moreover, the use of “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below, “left,” “right,” and variations of these terms is made for convenience, but does not require any particular orientation of the components.
- As discussed in detail below, certain embodiments of the present invention provide novel diverter valves and diverter valve drum designs that are believed to be beneficial to the production of petroleum and natural gas from subsea environments, for instance. For example, one embodiment of the present invention provides a diverter-valve drum in which the fluid pathways are defined by curved pipes disposed at positions offset with respect to a central axis of the drum. Advantageously, this offset design facilitates a so-called 5D radius of curvature while concurrently limiting the overall dimensioning of the assembly. As another example, the present invention provides a diverter-valve drum that includes a bifurcated passageway that expands one inlet into two outlets or merges two inlets into one outlet, depending on the direction of fluid flow. A further example of a drum provided by the present invention comprises an arcuate recessed portion that defines a peripheral surface of the drum. Advantageously, employing a peripheral surface of the drum to direct fluid flow provides manufacturing efficiencies that may translate into cost savings and may provide greater structural rigidity. Of course, the foregoing embodiments are merely examples of the scope of the present invention, which is delineated further below. Indeed, although the following discussion focuses on subsea applications, the present invention is applicable to any number of environments where the management of fluid flow is a concern, including surface and industrial applications, for instance.
- Turning to the figures,
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary subseahydrocarbon production system 10. As illustrated, thissystem 10 comprises a number ofwells 12 disposed on the seafloor. Each well 12 has a “Christmas tree” 14 that controls the production of hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation. Thesetrees 14 also direct the produced hydrocarbons up to asurface vessel 16 floating on the sea surface. Although only onevessel 16 is illustrated, the present invention is applicable to systems in which a plurality of vessels are connected to a plurality of wells or where a plurality of vessels are connected to a single well or any combination thereof. Various riser and casing structures 18 (i.e., piping) define the fluid pathways between thesurface vessel 16 and theproduction trees 14. Indeed, the illustrated elements ofFIG. 1 cooperate to provide a fluidic circuit through which hydrocarbons may be produced, testing equipment may travel, and well stimulation and terminating fluids may be provided, for instance. - To manage operation of the various segments of this fluidic circuit, the illustrated
system 10 includesdiverter valves 20 that couple segments of riser andcasing structures 18 to one another. Thesevalves 20 control and manage access to the various segments of the fluidic circuit, by selectively opening and closing various fluid pathways. Although thediverter valves 20 are illustrated as being disposed between thesea vessel 16 and thetrees 14, thesevalves 20 may be located at any point on the fluidic circuit, and may further be located directly on or integrated within thetrees 14 orsurface vessel 16, for example. -
FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of adiverter valve 20 isometrically. Theexemplary valve 20 includes abody portion 22 disposed betweenend caps valve 20 also includes a pair ofmale ports FIG. 2 isport 28 a and the rightmost port ofFIG. 2 is 28 b). Opposite theseports body 22 also includes a female port 30 (seeFIG. 3 ). Of course, it can be seen that the direction of fluid flow defines which ofports ports - To manage transition of the
diverter valve 20 between operational states that control the direction of flow therethrough (as discussed in further detail below), thevalve 20 includes anoperation stem 32 extending from theupper end cap 24. This operation stem 32 can be configured to mate with the stab of a remote operated vehicle (ROV), or can be configured to operate in response to electrical or hydraulic commands, for example. -
FIG. 3 illustrates the flow control mechanism within theexemplary diverter valve 20. As illustrated, thebody 22 andend caps cavity 40 that supports adrum 42. Thedrum 42 is connected to anactuation mechanism 44 located within theoperational stem 32. Theactuation mechanism 44 may include an electrical motor, a hydraulic assembly, and/or a gearing assembly to translate rotational motion into linear motion. Activation of theactuation mechanism 44 defines the position of thedrum 42, which, in turn, defines the fluid pathway through which fluid flows. Moreover, this or other embodiments of the present invention may include one or more position sensors configured to determine the position of thedrum 42 within thecavity 40, for instance. - For example, if
port 30 were an inlet or upstream portion of thediverter valve 20, then, in the illustrated position of thedrum 42, fluid flow would be directed from theinlet port 30, through a first bend-pipe 46, and, ultimately, into the leftmost (with respect toFIG. 2 )outlet port 28 a. Upon actuation of theactuation mechanism 44, thedrum 42 could be raised axially (arrow A) to a second position, such thatinlet port 30 aligns with second bend-pipe 48. In this position, fluid flow would be from theinlet port 30, into second bend-pipe 48, and, ultimately, out the rightmost (with respect toFIG. 2 )outlet port 28 b. Thedrum 42 and bend-pips - To facilitate the change between outlets while maintaining a sufficient radius of curvature for the bend,
FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate that thebends centerline 49 of thedrum 42 by a given distance (represented by “X”). Thus, by way of example, an appropriately sized pig requiring a 5D bend may pass through either bend 46 or 48 of thediverter 20 without difficulty. Moreover, offsetting the bend-pipes allows a smaller dimensional assembled in comparison to a “5D” compliant design in which the bend-pipes are centered. The bend-pipes - In certain situations, an operator may desire to have selective functionality between a first flow pathway of the circuit or a second fluid pathway of the circuit, and functionality with both fluid pathways of the circuit. To facilitate this multi-functionality, the
drum 42 may include a bifurcated bend-pipe 50 that couplesinlet port 30 to both theleft outlet port 28 a and theright outlet port 28 b. This bifurcated bend-pipe 50 may be offset with respect to thedrum 42, as illustrated inFIG. 6 , or may be aligned with the central axis of thedrum 42, as illustrated inFIG. 7 . Again, the bend-pipe 50 and/or drum 42 can be manufactured by any number of methodologies, including machining or casting. -
FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 11 illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, thebody 22 of thediverter valve 20 provides a firstfluid flow path 60 that that egresses atport 28 a and at an angle with respect to theinlet port 30. (Again, it is worth noting that the terms inlet and outlet are simply used for purposes of discussion, and that the direction of fluid flow determines which passage or port is the inlet or outlet.) Thediverter valve 20 also provides a second andselectable pathway 62 in which theinlet port 30 is co-linear with thesecondary outlet 28 b. - Similar to the above-described embodiments, transitioning between the first and second flow paths is accomplished through axial displacement of the
drum 42. Again, thisdrum 42 may be actuated through anactuation mechanism 44 disposed in theupper end cap 24, for instance. In the schematic illustration ofFIG. 9 , thedrum 42 is shown in the lower position, thus directing the flow of fluid frominlet 30 toleftmost outlet 28 a (with respect toFIG. 8 ). However, when thedrum 42 is axially displaced to the position illustrated inFIG. 10 , the flow of fluid is directed from theinlet 30 to therightmost passage 28 b, (again, with respect toFIG. 8 ). - To accomplish this transition, the drum 42 (see also
FIG. 11 ) comprises acentral pipe 66 that facilitates flow through to thelinear outlet 28 b, and also comprises an arcuateperipheral surface 68 that effectuates redirection of the flow at an angle to theinlet 30 and out theleftmost outlet 28 a. Advantageously, the employment of a peripheral surface for changing the direct of flow reduces certain manufacturing costs and provides for a more robust design. Thisdrum 42 may be assembled by fabrication of the individual parts or may be cast as a single unit. - Again, the above description is illustrative of exemplary embodiments, and many modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention whose scope is to be determined from the literal and equivalent scope of the claims below.
Claims (25)
1. A system, comprising:
a fluid flow valve configured to control a fluid flow of a fluid between first and second components of a hydrocarbon system, wherein the fluid flow valve comprises:
a housing comprising a housing axis, a first port, a second port, and a third port;
a first fluid diverter passage disposed in the housing, wherein a first flow path through the first fluid diverter passage extends along a first plane crosswise to the housing axis, and the first fluid diverter passage is configured to selectively move in an axial direction along the housing axis between first open and closed positions relative to the first and second ports; and
a second fluid diverter passage disposed in the housing, wherein a second flow path through the second fluid diverter passage extends along a second plane crosswise to the housing axis, the first and second planes are axially offset relative to one another along the housing axis, and the second fluid diverter passage is configured to selectively move in an axial direction along the housing axis between second open and closed positions relative to the first and third ports.
2. The system of claim 1 , comprising a fluid source coupled to the fluid flow valve.
3. The system of claim 1 , comprising the first component of the hydrocarbon system.
4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the first component comprises a well, a tree, or a surface vessel disposd on a body of water.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first flow path through the first fluid diverter passage has a first curvature that extends along the first plane crosswise to the housing axis.
6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the first fluid diverter passage has a first radius of curvature that is at least five times a first diameter of the first fluid diverter passage.
7. The system of claim 5 , wherein the second flow path through the second fluid diverter passage has a second curvature that extends along the second plane crosswise to the housing axis.
8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the first fluid diverter passage has a first radius of curvature that is at least five times a first diameter of the first fluid diverter passage, and the second fluid diverter passage has a second radius of curvature that is at least five times a second diameter of the second fluid diverter passage.
9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the second fluid diverter passage comprises a first passage portion that splits into a second passage portion and a third passage portion.
10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first flow path through the first fluid diverter passage extends in a first direction along the first plane crosswise to the housing axis, the second flow path through the second fluid diverter passage extends in a second direction along the second plane crosswise to the housing axis, and the first and second directions diverge from one another.
11. The system of claim 10 , wherein at least one of the first or second fluid diverter passages has a curved passage portion or an angled passage portion.
12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first and second planes are normal to the housing axis and parallel to one another.
13. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first and second fluid diverter passages are coupled to a drum having a range of motion in the axial direction along the housing axis within the housing.
14. The system of claim 13 , comprising an actuator coupled to the drum, wherein the actuator is configured to drive the drum to move along the range of motion in the axial direction along the housing axis, and the actuator comprises an electric drive or a hydraulic drive.
15. The system of claim 14 , comprising one or more position sensors configured to monitor a position of the drum along the range of motion in the axial direction along the housing axis within the housing.
16. The system of claim 13 , wherein the drum, the first fluid diverter passage, and the second fluid diverter passage are integrated together as a one-piece structure.
17. The system of claim 13 , wherein the first fluid diverter passage is offset by a first offset distance relative to a centerline of the drum, and the second fluid diverter passage is offset by a second offset distance relative to the centerline of the drum.
18. The system of claim 1 , wherein the fluid flow valve comprises a third fluid diverter passage disposed in the housing, wherein a third flow path through the third fluid diverter passage extends along a third plane crosswise to the housing axis, and the third fluid diverter passage is configured to selectively move in the axial direction along the housing axis between third open and closed positions relative to the first, second, and third ports.
19. The system of claim 18 , wherein the third fluid diverter passage comprises a first passage portion that splits into a second passage portion and a third passage portion.
20. The system of claim 18 , wherein the first flow path through the first fluid diverter passage extends in a first direction along the first plane crosswise to the housing axis, the second flow path through the second fluid diverter passage extends in a second direction along the second plane crosswise to the housing axis, the third flow path through the third fluid diverter passage extends in a third direction along the third plane crosswise to the housing axis, and the first, second, and third directions diverge from one another.
21. The system of claim 1 , wherein the second fluid diverter passage extends lengthwise along an axis, and the second fluid diverter passage has a wall that extends only partially around the axis such that the second fluid diverter passage is partially open lengthwise along the axis.
22. A system, comprising:
a first component of a hydrocarbon system; and
a fluid flow valve configured to control a fluid flow of a fluid between the first component and a second component of the hydrocarbon system, wherein the fluid flow valve comprises:
a housing comprising a housing axis, a first port, a second port, and a third port;
a first fluid diverter passage disposed in the housing, wherein a first flow path through the first fluid diverter passage extends along a first plane crosswise to the housing axis, and the first fluid diverter passage is configured to selectively move in an axial direction along the housing axis between first open and closed positions relative to the first and second ports; and
a second fluid diverter passage disposed in the housing, wherein a second flow path through the second fluid diverter passage extends along a second plane crosswise to the housing axis, the first and second planes are axially offset relative to one another along the housing axis, and the second fluid diverter passage is configured to selectively move in an axial direction along the housing axis between second open and closed positions relative to the first and third ports.
23. A system, comprising:
a fluid flow valve configured to control a fluid flow of a fluid between first and second components of a hydrocarbon system, wherein the fluid flow valve comprises:
a housing comprising a housing axis, a first port, a second port, and a third port;
a drum having a range of motion in the axial direction along the housing axis within the housing, wherein the drum comprises a plurality of fluid diverter passages axially offset from one another relative to the housing axis, and the plurality of fluid diverter passages diverge relative to one another.
24. The system of claim 23 , wherein the first port, the second port, and the third port are disposed in a common plane extending crosswise to the housing axis.
25. The system of claim 23 , wherein one of the plurality of fluid diverter passages comprises a first passage portion that splits into a second passage portion and a third passage portion.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/161,745 US20160265672A1 (en) | 2006-12-12 | 2016-05-23 | Diverter valve |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US87442906P | 2006-12-12 | 2006-12-12 | |
PCT/US2007/087234 WO2008073970A1 (en) | 2006-12-12 | 2007-12-12 | Diverter valve |
US51553109A | 2009-05-19 | 2009-05-19 | |
US13/975,311 US9347571B2 (en) | 2006-12-12 | 2013-08-24 | Diverter valve |
US15/161,745 US20160265672A1 (en) | 2006-12-12 | 2016-05-23 | Diverter valve |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/975,311 Continuation US9347571B2 (en) | 2006-12-12 | 2013-08-24 | Diverter valve |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20160265672A1 true US20160265672A1 (en) | 2016-09-15 |
Family
ID=39512107
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/515,531 Abandoned US20100071790A1 (en) | 2006-12-12 | 2007-12-12 | Diverter valve |
US13/975,311 Expired - Fee Related US9347571B2 (en) | 2006-12-12 | 2013-08-24 | Diverter valve |
US15/161,745 Abandoned US20160265672A1 (en) | 2006-12-12 | 2016-05-23 | Diverter valve |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/515,531 Abandoned US20100071790A1 (en) | 2006-12-12 | 2007-12-12 | Diverter valve |
US13/975,311 Expired - Fee Related US9347571B2 (en) | 2006-12-12 | 2013-08-24 | Diverter valve |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US20100071790A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0720202A2 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2457859B (en) |
NO (1) | NO20092037L (en) |
WO (1) | WO2008073970A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN113623716A (en) * | 2021-10-13 | 2021-11-09 | 西南石油大学 | District heating system and heating method thereof |
Families Citing this family (7)
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US20100147527A1 (en) * | 2008-12-12 | 2010-06-17 | Paulo Cezar Silva Paulo | Subsea boosting cap system |
US20120318520A1 (en) * | 2011-06-14 | 2012-12-20 | Trendsetter Engineering, Inc. | Diverter system for a subsea well |
CN106089836B (en) * | 2016-08-26 | 2018-02-23 | 宁波诚天液压有限公司 | One kind one enters four and goes out synchronous valve |
JP6846907B2 (en) * | 2016-10-27 | 2021-03-24 | 株式会社山田製作所 | Control valve |
CN109386336A (en) * | 2017-08-08 | 2019-02-26 | 罗灿 | Adjustable turnover type plug valve |
BR112022013429A2 (en) | 2020-01-06 | 2022-09-13 | Hanpak Ltd | COVER |
CN116220610B (en) * | 2023-03-02 | 2023-09-19 | 江苏苏盐阀门机械有限公司 | Multi-way oil production well valve |
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US1308369A (en) * | 1919-07-01 | Apparatus foe- storing and handling pulverized fuel | ||
US431699A (en) * | 1890-07-08 | Pneumatic dispatch-tube | ||
US2154945A (en) * | 1937-01-11 | 1939-04-18 | Riley Stoker Corp | Valve |
US2639196A (en) * | 1950-04-21 | 1953-05-19 | Crane Co | Combined pipe-line switch and diverter |
US2752944A (en) * | 1953-03-31 | 1956-07-03 | Read Standard Corp | Diverting valve |
US2991803A (en) * | 1956-08-31 | 1961-07-11 | Southern Welding & Machine Com | Diverter valves |
US3174806A (en) * | 1962-11-13 | 1965-03-23 | Newaygo Engineering Company | Switch for pneumatic conveyors |
US3780756A (en) * | 1972-11-22 | 1973-12-25 | Cameron Iron Works Inc | Switch |
US3902682A (en) * | 1973-11-29 | 1975-09-02 | Toni Woll | Diverter for pneumatic tube systems |
US4133418A (en) * | 1977-07-08 | 1979-01-09 | Vetco, Inc. | Through the flowline selector |
US4291724A (en) * | 1980-06-24 | 1981-09-29 | Cameron Iron Works, Inc. | Flowline switching apparatus |
US4450867A (en) * | 1982-09-08 | 1984-05-29 | Teledyne Industries, Inc. | Diverter valve and actuator assembly |
US5060694A (en) * | 1990-11-09 | 1991-10-29 | Fmc Corporation | Filler spool valve |
DE4110996A1 (en) * | 1991-04-05 | 1992-10-08 | Buehler Gmbh | TUBE SOFT AND SEAL ARRANGEMENT FOR THIS |
US5611647A (en) * | 1994-08-17 | 1997-03-18 | Ouellette Machinery Systems, Inc. | Diverter for bottle air conveyor |
US6206043B1 (en) * | 1999-11-08 | 2001-03-27 | Ranco Incorporated Of Delaware | CAM operated diverter valve |
JP2001193856A (en) * | 2000-01-07 | 2001-07-17 | Hitachi Ltd | Selector valve and bathtub device using selector valve |
JP2001193853A (en) * | 2000-01-12 | 2001-07-17 | Tsukasa Kogyo Kk | Diverter valve |
BE1015301A4 (en) * | 2003-01-10 | 2005-01-11 | Aubry Michel | Referral and transport tube cylindrical body for a referral tel. |
-
2007
- 2007-12-12 BR BRPI0720202-4A patent/BRPI0720202A2/en active Search and Examination
- 2007-12-12 WO PCT/US2007/087234 patent/WO2008073970A1/en active Application Filing
- 2007-12-12 GB GB0912058A patent/GB2457859B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2007-12-12 US US12/515,531 patent/US20100071790A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2009
- 2009-05-26 NO NO20092037A patent/NO20092037L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
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2013
- 2013-08-24 US US13/975,311 patent/US9347571B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2016
- 2016-05-23 US US15/161,745 patent/US20160265672A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN113623716A (en) * | 2021-10-13 | 2021-11-09 | 西南石油大学 | District heating system and heating method thereof |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB0912058D0 (en) | 2009-08-19 |
GB2457859A (en) | 2009-09-02 |
US9347571B2 (en) | 2016-05-24 |
GB2457859B (en) | 2011-07-20 |
US20140053932A1 (en) | 2014-02-27 |
US20100071790A1 (en) | 2010-03-25 |
BRPI0720202A2 (en) | 2013-12-31 |
NO20092037L (en) | 2009-07-09 |
WO2008073970A1 (en) | 2008-06-19 |
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Owner name: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION, TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HOANG, LOC GIA;REEL/FRAME:044876/0254 Effective date: 20071212 |
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