US3254661A

US3254661A - Fluid handling system and apparatus having explosive valves

Info

Publication number: US3254661A
Application number: US211980A
Authority: US
Inventors: Ernest H Purfurst
Original assignee: Halliburton Co
Current assignee: Halliburton Co
Priority date: 1962-07-24
Filing date: 1962-07-24
Publication date: 1966-06-07
Anticipated expiration: 1983-06-07

Description

J1me 1966 a. H. PURFURS'T 3,254,651

FLUID HANDLING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS HAVING EXPLOSIVE VALVES Filed July 24, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 use 38 ERNEST H. PURFURST,

INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

June 7, 1966 E. H. PURFURST 3,254,661

FLUID HANDLING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS HAVING EXPLOSIVE VALVES Filed July 24, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 ERNEST H. PURFURST,

INVENTOR.

FIG. 2 BY ATTORNEY.

June 7, 1966 H, u u s 3,254,661

FLUID HANDLING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS HAVING EXPLOSIVE VALVES Filed July 24, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 ERNEST H. PURFURST INVENTOR.

FIG. 4 BY ATTORNEY.

United States Patent 3,254,661 FLUID HANDLING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS HAVING EXPLOSIVE VALVES Ernest H. Purfurst, Houston, Tex., assignor to Hallihnrton Company, Duncan, Okla, a corporation of Delaware Filed July 24, 1962, Ser. No. 211,980 18 Claims. (Cl. 137-70) The present invention generally relates to systems and apparatus for the control of fluids and, more particularly, to fluid handling systems and apparatus which are adapted for remote control operation in environments of high temperature and pressure.

Although the system and apparatus of the invention are generally useful, they are particularly useful in connection with apparatus for obtaining fluid samples of earth formations traversed by a borehole. In the formation fluid sampler application, in addition to exposure to severe environmental temperature and pressure, the system and apparatus of the invention are subjected to a great number of other operational requirements that bring out their various merits.

In a wireline formation fluid sampling apparatus, an ideal fluid handling system and apparatus, in addition to exhibiting a high degree of reliability of control and operation in the severe environment, should speed and facilitate handling of the sampler equipment during redressing operations to. thereby minimize rig time expense, promote the safety of operating personnel, be of small size so as to conserve space which is at a premium in wireline service tools, and prevent contamination of both the fluid handling system itself as well as the borehole in which the sampling equipment is employed.

Prior art fluid handling systems and apparatus, as exemplified by the devices of Chambers Patent No. 2,674,- 313 issued April 6, 1954, and of McMahan Patent No. 2,982,130 issued May 2, 1961, have failed to attain this ideal in one or more particulars. By Way of illustration, one fluid handling system of the prior art is self-fouling and self-contaminating in operation because of debris from the explosive valves employed and another system of the prior art normally leaves its various valve covers as undesirable junk in the borehole and is, in addition, a potential source of shrapnel to endanger personnel in event a valve is inadvertently fired while the sampler is being serviced.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of this invention to provide a fluid handling system and apparatus which will more closely approach the ideal by overcoming the foregoing and other disadvantages and shortcomings of the prior art.

Another object of the invention is to provide a fluid handling system and apparatus having improved effectiveness, efliciency, reliability, and which has a new construction and mode of operation not found in prior art devices.

Another object of this invention is ,the provision of an improved electrically controlled, explosively initiated valve apparatus which is actuatable in response to fluid pressure.

Still another object of this invention is the provision of an improved fluid handling system adapted for operation at elevated temperatures and pressure.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a fluid handling system employing components adapted for easy replacement and which are simply redressable for re-employment in order that the maintenance of the fluid handling system may be facilitated, speeded and the attendant cost reduced.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a fluid handling system employing explosive energy ice,

' wherein the quantities of such explosive required is minimized to thereby enhance safety.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a fluid handling system incorporating explosive elements in a manner such that metal fragments and products of the explosive used are contained to thereby prevent contamination of the fluid system and the borehole aswell as greatly reducing danger to service personnel.

A still furtherobject of the invention is the provision of a fluid handling system incorporating a valve component adapted to plug in a specially provided receptacle such that the valve component simultaneously engages with the electrical control system as well as the fluid lines of the system upon insertion of the Valve component into the receptacle. 7

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved fluid handling system adapted for operation in inaccessible locations under remote control.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a valve apparatus of simple construction which is readily miniaturizable for employment in confined spaces.

Still another object of this invention is the provision of a family of valve components of generally similar construction which provides for flexibility of operation in order that a variety of valving functions are readily obtainable.

Other and further objects of the invention will be obvious upon .an'understanding of the illustrative embodiments about to be described or will be indicated in the appended claims. Various advantages not referred to herein will occur to one skilled in the art upon the employment of the invention to practice.

Preferred embodiments of the invention have been chosen for purposes of illustration and description. The preferred embodiments are not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. They are chosen and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its application in practical use to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and'modifications as will be best adapted to the particular uses contemplated.

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary view of a body, shown partially in cross-section, incorporating the fluid handling system and apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the fluid handling system of FIG. 1 schematically showing the manner in which the same may be employed in wireline formation fluid sampling equipment;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a portion of FIG. 1 showing the normally closed valve thereof in its post-actuation position; and

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a modified fluid handling system employing the normally-open type plug-in valve component of FIG. 1 (shown in its post-actuation position) within a modified receptacle which provides for fluid flow directional control.

Described generally, a system and apparatus embodying the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, is housed in a body 10 provided with fluid flow passageways opening into a plurality of valve receptacles, one in each of functionally

separable portions

12, 14 and 16 of the body. Electrical control wiring is provided within control wiring passageways which communicate with each valve receptacle. A specific control wire is associated with each receptacle and terminates at a spring-loaded brush type electrical contact disposed therein.

A plug-in valve device is removably engaged in each of the receptacles and, when so engaged,.establishes electrical contact with the associated electrical control 'wire and, further, establishes a normal flow condition in the passageways opening into the associated receptacle.

The plug-in valve devices of the system are characterized by the following general construction. Each valve device is comprised of a generally cylindrical valve carrier having a closed end and means to retain and seal the same within its associated receptacle. The carrier is further provided with a slip-ring in insulated relation thereto which is adapted to engage a spring-loaded brush type contact associated with the receptacle. Each valve device further includes a valve element in sealed slidable engagement within its carrier and, further, in sealed slidable engagement within its associated receptacle wherein it establishes the aforesaid normal flow condition within the fluid handling system. The valve element is normally spaced from the closed end of its carrier by a frangible member in abutting relation therebetween. An electrically fired blasting cap is provided in close proximity to the material of the frangible member and in electrical communication with the slip-ring of the carrier.

The valve devices of the fluid handling system of the invention are characterized by the following general mode of operation. Normally, the valve element is maintained in its normal spaced position by its associated frangible member which has suflicient compressive strength to withstand the force of any fluid pressures likely to be experienced by the system. When operation of a particular valve device is desired, an electrical signal is applied over the valve devices control wire to the associated blasting cap. This signal fires the blasting cap which, in turn, fragments the frangible member to, in effect, remove the same. With the frangible member thus removed, the valve element may be displaced toward the closed end of the carrier by fluid pressure within the receptacle to thereby accomplish actuation whereby the normal'fluid flow condition of the fluid handling system is altered.

With further reference to the drawings, the fluid handling system and the apparatus of the invention are shown in FIG. 1 to be embodied within body 10, which is com; prised of functionally

separable portions

12, 14, and 16. These functionally separable portions may be denominated respectively as the equalization valve portion, the normally closed valve portion and the normally open valve portion. These functional portions of the fluid handling system are disposed in series within a fluid handling channel 18 upon which each of the functional portions imposes a first, or normal, flow condition and a second, or actuated, flow condition. The various functionally separable portions are independent of one another in that each is responsive to a separate electrical initiation signal for its operation or actuation.

The fluid handling system and apparatus of FIG. 1 are schematically shown in FIG. 2 wherein they are embodied as a sample fluid flow control section 42 in a schematically illustrated device which is adapted for taking fluid samples from the sidewall of a well bore. As shown in FIG. 2, a formation fluid sampling device of a generally well known type is suspended within a borehole 20 by means of a wireline 21 extending over a pulley 22 and on to a wireline reel 24.

In brief, the formation fluid sampler device, beginning at its lower end, is comprised of a fluid pressure source section 26 adapted to supply actuation pressure fluid by means of a spring-powered fluid pressure accumulator. A sampling section 28, located immediately above the source section 26, is provided with a resilient formation isolation pad member 36 and a wall engaging plate member 32 which are mounted on the device by means of reciprocally movable plunger or actuator rods 33 which extend from within actuator fluid chambers 34. The actuator fluid chambers 34 are communicated with each other and with the source section 26 by means of a flow path 27 which is closedby an actuation valve 36 prior to the time that actuation of the sampling section 28 is desired. At this time, the valve 36 is opened and fluid pressure from the source 26 extends the rods upon which are mounted pad member 30 and plate member 32. Prior to actuation, the rods 33 are normally maintained retracted within the actuator fluid chambers 34 by the force of retraction springs 38 exerted to maintain the members 3% and 32 retracted against the housing of the sampler device. When fluid pressure from source section 26 is applied to the rods 33, the

members

30 and 32 are forced into anchored engagement with the walls of the borehole 20.

The formation isolation pad member 34 is adapted to seal off an area of the borehole wall when forced thereagainst. An opening 40 is provided centrally of the face of the pad member 30 and comprises a portion of a formation fluid sample flow channel 18' which flexibly extends from the face of the formation isolation pad member 30 upwardly into the body of the formation fluid sampling device through the sample fluid flow control section 42 and into a chamber 44 provided for receiving a sample of formation fluid.

. As has been indicated, the sample fluid flow control section 42 illustrates one application of the fluid handling system and apparatus shown in FIG. 1. In this application, the equalizer valve portion 12 serves to normally maintain the fluid flow integrity of the channel 18' but, when actuated, serves to open the channel 18' to ambient pressure externally of the fluid sampling device to thereby equalize fluid pressures thereacross. The normally closed valve portion 14 of the fluid handling system serves to normally block fluid flow in channel 18 from the formation under test to the sample chamber 44, but when actuated, permits fluid flow thereto. The normally open valve portion 16 serves as a normally open valve within the fluid flow channel 18' but when actuated serves to block the flow of fluid within the sample line 18' to thereby shut in any fluid sample present within the chamber 44.

Referring to FIG. 1, and particularly to the equalizer valve portion 12 thereof, it is seen that the body 10 is providedwith a receptacle recess comprised of coaxial bore and counter bore portions including a seal bore 46, an electrical connection counter bore 48, a threaded retainer bore 59, a second seal bore 52 and an operator bore 54 having a substantially reduced diameter. Fluid handling channel 18 communicates through the second seal bore 52 by means of drilled

passageways

56 and 58.

A lateral recess 60 is provided within the body 10 which opens within the electrical connection counter bore 48 of the receptacle recess. A spring-loaded brush contact subassembly 62 is disposed within the lateral recess 60 in a manner such that its contact per se 64 eX- tends within the receptacle recess at an angle with respect to the center line thereof. The brush contact subassembly 62 is comprised of an insulating sleeve portion 66 which may be retained in the lateral recess by means of a press fit. The sleeve portion 66 threadedly receives and insulates a plunger assembly 68 which includes the contact per se 64. The plunger assembly may be of a commercially available type known as 8-51 Round Silvernose manufactured by the Vlier Engineering Corp. of Los Angeles, California. A firing lead wire 70 is electrically connected to the plunger 68 by means of a clamping nut 69. The firing lead wire extends within a wiring passageway 72 which intersects the electrical counter bore 48 of the receptacle recess and which provides a wiring passageway or conduit to a remote firing signal control means, not shown.

A type I plug-in component, generally indicated as 74, is removably received within the receptacle recess of equalizing valve portion 12. As received in the receptacle recess, the. plug-in component 74 is sealed with respect to the seal bore 46 by means of a valve carrier 76 which functions to isolate one end of the recess from the exterior surroundings of the body It The valve carrier 76 also functions to seal the second seal bore 52 to the receptacle recess to thereby isolate the drilled

passageways

56 and 58 from communication with the electrical connection counter bore 48 of the recess. The valve carrier 76 is a generally cylindrical member having a blind bore 78 which opens toward that end of the carrier that when installed is toward the second seal bore 52.

On the exterior of the carrier 76 are provided first and second 0 ring seals adapted, when the carrier is inserted within the receptacle, to respectively seal the seal bore 46 and the second seal bore 52. Intermediate of the first and second seals, the exterior of the valve carrier 76 is provided with an externally threaded portion to engage the threaded retainer bore 50 of the recess. Intermediate this threaded portion and the first O ring seal, the valve carrier is provided with an annular groove portion 80 in which an insulator 82 is received. The insulator 82 has a L-shaped cross section and is split longitudinally to enable it to be assembled within the annular groove portion 80. A slip-ring contact 84 having a triangular cross section and a cylindrical bore is press fitted over the tail portion ofthe L-shaped cross section of the insulator 82 and functions to retain the split portions thereof within the annular groove portion 80. The slipring contact 84 is thus electrically insulated from the carrier 76 but, when the carrier is inserted in its receptacle, the slip-ring is disposed within the electrical connection counter bore 48 in a manner to engage the contact per se 64 of the brush contact subassembly 62 which is disposed therein.

The carrier 76 further includes'an internal contact 86 mounted within an insulator 88 which, in turn, is press fitted within the blind bore 78, at the blind end thereof. A passageway 90 communicates through the wall of the carrier such that a wire 92 establishes electrical continuity between the slip-ring contact 84 and the internal contact 86.

Although the assembly'of the slip-ring contact with its associated insulator and the internal contact withits insultator are desirably assembled by means of press fits, other means may be employed such as gluing with epoxy resin compound.

The bore 78 of the carrier 76 is provided with a shoulder spaced from its blind end as well as from the contact 86 therein. A hearing member 94 is provided within the bore 78 in abutting relation to the shoulder just mentioned. The bearing member is counter bored adjacent the internal contact 86 to receive a bearing member insulator 96, generally resembling a hat with its crown end pressed into the counter bore of the bearing member.

The brim or flanged portion of the insulator 96 is disposed to generally insulate the surface of the bearing that when it is disposed intermediate the bearing mem-- ber 94 in the valve element 110, the valve element is spaced and maintained thereby at its normal position member adjacent the internal contact of the carrier. The

. tact spring 98.-

The type I plug-in valve component 74 comprises, in addition to the carrier 76, a valve element 110 which is provided as the immediately effective fluid flow control element of the plug-in component. The valve element 110 is comprised of first and second piston portions which are provided with an O ring seal 111 and an O ring seal 112 which respectively provide for sealing engagement of the first piston portion within the bore 78 in which this portion is slidable and for sealing engagement of the second piston portion within the operator bore 54 in which the second piston portion is slidable.

The confronting surfaces of the valve'element 110 and the bearing element 94 within the bore 78 are each provided with aligneddepression which serve to maintain a sleeve member 112A in a centralized position therebewithin the open end of the bore 78.

The sleeve member 112A is provided of frangible material. This material may be any frangible material of suitable strength, but is preferably ASTM Bl0859T Cast Aluminum Alloy CS 72A.

When the plug-in component 74 is inserted within the receptacle recess, the second piston portion of the valve element extends within theoperator bore 54 'of the recess and is sealed with respect thereto by the O ring seal 112. Any fluid pressure within the operator bore is exerted on the area elfectively defined by the O ring seal 112. This fluid pressure develops a force tending to displace the valve element 110 toward the bearing member 94. The sleeve member 112A is loaded as a column by this force, and normally opposes the displacement of the valve element.

Within the bore of the sleeve member 112A is provided an electrically ignitable or initiatable explosive element 113 which has one of its lead wires communicated in insulated relation through the bore in the bearing member to the spring contact 98. The other lead wire is suitably grounded. In the case where the sleeve member is provided of conductive material, the second lead may be grounded thereto. In event the sleeve member is provided for non-conductive material such as glass, the second lead wire may be grounded to the bearing member 94. Although explosive element 113 may take any suitable form, a commercially available blasting cap, Du Pont No. E86 combination primer, has been found to be very efiective for fragmenting or dissolving the sleeve member 112A when the same is comprised of the aforementioned cast aluminum alloy.

It is to be noted that when the plug-in component 74 is in place within its receptacle recess, the end of the carrier 76 falls somewhat short of extending to the bottom of the second seal bore 52 and that

passageways

56 and 58 are fluidly communicated by an annular space defined between the end of the carrier, the bottom of the recess and about the first piston portion of the valve element.

When it is desired that the pressurein thepassageways 56 and 58 be equalized with ambient pressure externally of the body 10, an electrical signal is applied to the firing lead wire 70 which, in turn, fires the explosive element- 113. The ensuing blast from the explosive operates to fragment the sleeve member 112A and thereby effectively removes the same as an eflective load bearing structure. Once the sleeve member has been so removed, ambient pressure acting in the operator bore 54 is per-v mitted to displace the piston element 110 toward the bearing member 94. With this displacement, the second piston portion of the valve element 110 moves .out

'of sealing engagement with the operator bore 54 and communicates the same with the passageways 56 and 58., The post-actuation disposition of the valve element 110 within the plug-in component 74 is shown in FIG. 3. It is to be noted that the fragments of the sleeve member 112A as well as those of the explosive element 113 are contained within the bore 78 when the valve element is actuated. The gases evolved from the explosive element 113 are also isolated with respect to the fluid passageways by means of the O ring seal of the first piston portion of the valve element 110. The gases from the explosion are, however, permitted to expand through the interconnecting passageways of the plug-in component, into the electric connection counter bore 48 and thence into the wiring passageway 72 where pressure of the gases may be dissipated.

The drilled passageway 58 communicates from the receptacle recess of the equalizing valve portion 12 into the receptacle recess of the normally closed valve portion 14. It is to be noted that, in making this communication with the recess of normally closed valve portion 14, the passageway 58 communicates with the operator bore 54 thereof which is plugged by a block 114 to'isolate the passageway from the exterior of the body 10. In all other respects the configuration of the receptacle recess of normally closed valve portion 14 is identical with that of equalizer valve portion 12, with the one exception that no through communication is provided through the valve recess in its normal condition. The recess ofportion 12 receives a plug-in component 74' which is identical withplug-in component 74.

The signal for initiation of actuation of the valve element of plug-in component 74' is communicated thereto by a firing lead wire 115 which electrically communicates the firing signal through the conduit passageway 72 in parallel with the lead wire 71), previously described.

Fluid in the drilled passageway 58, which serves as the inlet to the receptacle recess of the normally closed valve portion 14, is normally blocked off in the operator bore 54' by the seal 112' maintained therein by the valve element of the plug-in component 74.

Outlet passageways

116A and 116B are provided to complete the flow channel 18 through the normally closed valv por-.

tion 14.

When the plug-in component '74 of normally closed valve portion 14 is actuated (this actuation is the same as has been described in connection with the plug-in component 74 of the equalizing valve portion 12), the valve element 110' thereof is displaced within the carrier thereof to displace the O ring seal 112' out of sealing engagement with the operator bore 54. With the displacement of the seal 112, the passageway 58 is communicated.

with the outlet passageway 115A-116B and opens flow channel 18 into the normally open valve portion 16 of the body 10.

The normally open valve portion 16 is provided with a receptacle recess which is generally similar to the recess described in connection with the equalizing valve portion 12. This recess is adapted to receive a type II plug-in component, generally indicated as 118. The recess, beginning from its component-receiving end, is provided with a groove for installation of a spring type locking ring 119. Next, the recess provides a seal bore portion for sealing with respect to an O ring seal in the plug-in component 118 for the purpose of isolating the receptacle recess from the exterior of the body 10. Next, inwardly from the seal bore portion, the recess is provided with an electrical connection counter bore 121 which is identical to the previously described electrical connection counter bore 48, with the exception of being larger in diameter. Next, inwardly of the electrical connection counter bore 121, the recess is provided with an annular groove 122 having sealing lands at either side thereof which are adapted to seal with respect to O ring seals 123 and 124 on the carrier of the plug-in component to thereby isolate the annular groove 122. Next, inwardly of the annular groove 112, a second annular groove 125 is provided into which the passageway 116B communicates. The bore of the receptacle recess continues past the annular groove 125 to provide a valve element seal bore 126. The receptacle recess then reduces in diameter to form an operator bore 127 which communicates to the opposite surface of the body 10.

The type II plug-in component 118 is comprised of a carrier 130 having a generally cylindrical shape and a blind central bore 131. On the exterior of the carrier, successively spaced from the blind end, are located the previously mentioned 0 ring seals 120, 124, and 123. A slip ring contact member 132 is provided between 0 ring seals 120 and 124 and is insulated with respect to the carrier by a longitudinally split insulator 133 interposed between the slip-ring and the carrier within a groove provided therein. The construction of the slip-ring contact 132 and its associated insulator 133 are similar to 8' their counterparts included in the type I plug-in component 74.

When the carrier 130 is properly inserted within the receptacle recess, the slip-ring contact 132 engages a spring loaded brush contact subassembly 62 disposed within the electrical connection counter bore 121 and establishes electric contact therewith. The brush contact subassembly 62' is identical in all respects to the previously described contact 62.

The carrier 130 is provided with holes 134, which radially communicate carrier exterior with the carrier bore 131 intemediate seals 123 and 124. The carrier 136 is additionally provided with radial holes 135 which communicate the carrier exterior with the carrier bore 131. When the carrier 130 is properly inserted within the receptacle recess (as shown), the open end of the carrier extends such that the radial holes 135 communicate the annular groove 125 with the carrier bore 131 and the radial holes 134 communicate the annular groove 122 with the carrier bore 131. The annular groove 122 communicates with a drilled passageway 136 which completes flow channel 18 through the body 10.

The bore 131 of the carrier 130 is provided at its blind end with a stepped, somewhat reduced diameter extension in which an internal contact 138 and an insulator 138 are provided. The internal contact portion 138 is electrically connected to the slip-ring contact 132 by means of a wire 139 which passes through a drilled passageway 141 which communicates through the body of the carrier 13%).

A bearing member 142 is provided in coaxial relation to the bore 131 and in longitudinaly spaced relation to the internal contact 138 by virtue of the bearing member seating within the stepped portion of the reduced diameter extension of the carrier bore 131. The bearing member 142 is counter bored at its end, toward the blind end of the carrier bore 131, to receive a bearing member insulator 144 which is similar to the previously described bearing member insulator 96. The bearing member insulator 144 is provided with a coaxial bore which receives a spring contact 146 which resiliently and electrically contacts the internal contact 138. The bearing member 142 is also provided with a coaxial passageway whereby an electrical wire may communicate for electrical connection with the spring contact 146.

A valve element 148 functions as the immediate fluid flow controlling element of the type II plug-in component. The valve element 148 is comprised of an operator extension 149 upon which is mounted an O ring seal 150 in sealed slidable engagement within the operator bore 127. The valve element 148 also includes a somewhat larger cylindrical portion which engages both the seal bore 126 and the carrier bore 131. The cylindrical portion of the valve element 148, in its normal position, seals the seal bore 126 by means of an O ring seal 152 provided thereon. The cylindrical portion of the valve element is provided with a second 0 ring seal 153, spaced from the seal 152, which seals the valve element with respect to the bore 131 at a point intermediate the holes 135 and the open end of the carrier. The cylindrical portion of valve element 148 is additionally provided with a third 0 ring seal 154 which sealingly engages the carrier bore 131. The cylindrical portion of the valve element is provided with a groove 155, intermediate the O ring seals 153 and 154, having a length so as to normally provide fluid communication from radial holes 135 to radial holes 134 within the carrier bore. Thus, when the valve element 148 is in its normal position with respect to its carrier 130 within its receptacle recess, fluid in the passageway 116B may communicate from annular groove 125, through the radial holes 135, via the annular groove 155 in the valve element, and out through radial holes 134 into the annular groove 122 and passageway 136.

The cylindrical portion of valve element 148 is proby a plug 12 vided with a blind bore 157 which opens toward and telescopically engages the bearing member 142. A sleeve member-158 is maintained in a centralized relation in the bore 157 between the bottom thereof and the bearing member 142. Centralization of the sleeve is assured by means of centralizing depressions provided in the confronting surfaces of the bottom of the bore 157 and the end of the bearing member 142. The sleeve member 158 is of appropriate length to maintain the valve element 148 in the just described normal position and is of sufiicient strength to withstand the force of fluid pressures exerted on the end of the operator extension 149. The bore of the sleeve member 158 is provided with a shoulder 159 which serves as a seat for spacing an explosive device 160 therein. The explosive device 160 is desirably the same as the previously described explosive device 113 employed in connection with the type I plug-in component 74. As in the case of the type I plug-in component, one electrical connection of the explosive device 160 is grounded to the sleeve member 158 and the other is fed in insulated fashion through the central bore of the bearing member 142 where electrical connection is made with the spring contact 146.

When it is desired to operate thenormally open valve portion 16, an electrical signal is supplied to the firing lead wire 138 and is communicated by means of the brush contact subassembly 62', the slip-ring contact 132, wire 139, internal contact 138, and spring contact 146 to ignite the explosive device 160. The explosive device 160 accomplishes fragmentation of the sleeve member 158 in the same manner as has been described in connection with the operation of equalizing valve portion 12. Upon its fragmentation, the sleeve member 158 is effectively removed as a load carrying member which normally positions the valve element 148 with respect to the carrier bore 131 and with the receptacle recess. Upon the removal of the sleeve member 158, the force of ambient fluid pressure externally of the body operates to displace the valve element 148 toward the blind end of the carrier bore 131. With this displacement, the O ring seals 152 and 153 are moved into straddle relationship to the radial holes 135 to effectively seal off the same and block fluid communication between passageway 116B and passageway 136 to thereby stop 01f fluid flow in the fluid flow channel 18.

The post-actuation disposition of the type II plug-in component 118 is illustrated in FIG. 4 wherein a type II plug-in component 118, which is identical with'the plugin component 118, is shown disposed within a modified receptacle recess which enables the type II plug-in component 118'. to exert directional control over the fluid flow handling system of a body 10'.

The receptacle recess provided in the body 10 is generally identical with the receptacle recess previously described in connection with the normally open valve portion 16 of FIG. 1 and similar portions, to which reference is made, will be designated by similar reference numerals carrying prime designations. As was the case of the previously described receptacle recess for receiving the type II plug-in component 118, the receptacle recess in the body 10' is provided with an annular groove 122 which communicates with a normally open passageway 136, an annular groove 125 which communicates with an inlet passageway 116', a valve element seal bore 126', and an operator bore 127'.

To provide for directional flow control operation, the receptacle recess of FIG. 4 is modified in the following respects from the similar receptacle recess described in connection with the normally opened valve portion 16 of FIG. 1. The body 10' is provided with a normally closed passageway .136" which communicates with the receptacle recess at a shoulder thereof intermediate the seal bore 126' and the operator bore 127'. The operator bore 127' is sealed off from the surroundings of the body 10' The operator bore 127', intermediate of the end of the operator extension 149 and the plug 127", is fluidly communicated with'the inlet passageway 116 by means of a branch passageway 116".

Prior to actuation of the type H plug-in component 118', the valve element148' thereof is maintained in its normal position by a sleeve member 158 (shown in its fragmented condition in the drawing). In this normal position, a flow channel is opened from inlet passageway 116' through the radial holes 135', via the spool groove 155', radial holes 134' and into the normally opened passageway 136'. In this unactuated or normal position, an O ring seal 152' is in sealed engagement with the valve element seal bore 126 and fluid flow is blocked from flowing therethrough into the normally closed outlet passageway 136".

The force to actuate or displace valve element 148', within its carrier, is provided by fluid pressure in'the operator bore 127' communicated thereto through the branch passageway 116 from the inlet passageway 116'.

The pressure in the operator bore 127 is exerted on the effective area of an operator extension 149' of the valve element 148 to provide actuation force for displacing the valve element. Displacement is prevented by sleeve member 158' opposing the same but when the sleeve member is fragmented (as shoum) the force of fluid pressure shifts the valve element 148 into the position shown and operates to close 013? the normally open communication between the inlet passageway 116' and normally opened outlet passageway 136' in the same manner as has been described in connection with the operation with the normally open valve portion 16 of FIG. 1. Also, with the actuation or displacement of the valve element 148', the O ring seal 152' moves out of sealing engagement within the seal bore 126' and permits fluid flow to take place between the inlet passageway 116' through the seal bore 126' and into the normally closed passageway 136".

Thus, it is seen that upon the operation of the type II plug-in component 118' within the receptacle recess of FIG. 4, fluid flow from inlet passageway 116 is shifted from normally opened passageway 136' to normally closed passageway 136" to accomplish directional control of the fluid flow. The signal to initiate the operation of the plug-in component 118 of FIG. 4 is communicated to the same by means of firing lead wire 138".

Thus, it is seen that the present invention provides a novel fluid handling system and apparatus which achieves the various objects of the invention and which is particularly and advantageously useful in connection with formation fluid sampling devices. When the system and apparatus of the invention are so employed, significant improvement in the reliability of such devices is achieved as wellas a reduction in the overall cost of obtaining samples as affected by the reduction in rig time necessary for the servicing of the valve components thereof. It is further seen that the system and apparatus of the present invention provides electrically controlled, explosively initiated, and hydraulically operated fluid handling system and apparatus which provide for increased safety of operation and for prevention of contamination of the fluid flow passageways of the system by debris and other foreign matter. Further, it is seen that thesystem and apparatus of the invention provides a family of plug-in As various changes may be made in the form, construc tion and arrangement of the elements herein disclosed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without sacrificing any of its advantages, it is to ll '5. be understood that all matter herein is to be interpreted to be illustrative and not in any limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

1. A fluid handling system comprising: a body provided with a receptacle and a plurality of fluid flow passageways opening thereinto; said receptacle provided with an electrical control circuit contact and a retaining means; a plug-in valve deviceremovably secured in said receptacle by said retaining means; said valve device including a valve carrier in sealed engagement with said receptacle; a valve element in sealed slidable engagement with said valve carrier and with said receptacle blocking fluid flow in a first one of said passageways, and displaceable with respect thereto in response to fluid pressure; a dissolvable member in bridging relation to said carrier and element normally maintaining said element in a first position establishing a first flow condition in said system; an initiator in contiguous relation to said dissolvable member; a signal contact in insulated relation to said carrier, in engagement With said control circuit contact and in electrical communication with said initiator; said initiator adapted in response to electrical signal to dissolve and elfectively remove said dissolvable member to thereby permit displacement of said valve element whereby the flow condition of said system is altered.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said valve carrier has a cylindrical bore closed at one end, said valve element is disposed for movement in said bore, and said dissolvable member is a compression member located in said bore and disposed between said valve element and said closed end.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein said compression member is a tubular column and said initiator is housed in the bore thereof.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein said compression member is of frangible material and said initiator is an explosive blasting cap adapted to fragment the same.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein said valve element in said first position normally maintains a flow channel through said receptacle comprised. of second and third ones of said passageways in an open condition.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein said valve element in said first position normally maintains first and second flow channels through said receptacle respectively comprised of second and third and second and fourth ones of said passageways in normally open and normally closed conditions respectively.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein said valve element normally maintains a fiow channel through said receptacle comprised of said first passageway in a closed position.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein a flow channel through said receptacle comprised of second and third of said flow passageways is open to fluid flow in said first position of said valve element and, when said valve element is displaced, said first passageway is opened into said flow channel to provide an open flow network comprised of said first, second, and third passageways.

9. A plug-in valve device adapted for insertion and sealed reception within a recess of a body, said body having fluid flow passageways communicating with said recess and said recess provided with an electrical control contact, said plug-in valve device comprising: a valve carrier, a valve element in slidable engagement with said carrier and adapted for displacement with respect thereto in response to fluid pressure; a frangible restraint member in bridging relation to said carrier and element normally restraining said element from displacement with respect to said carrier; a signal circuit contact mounted on said carrier in insulated relation thereto adapted to engage said control contact of said recess responsive to insertion of said carrier therein; and an explosive element in contiguous relation to said frangible restraint member and electrically communicated with said signal circuit contact, said explosive element adapted in response to electrical signal to explode and fragmentize said restraint member and permit fluid pressure to displace said valve element in said carrier.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein said valve carrier has a bore closed at one end and said valve element is disposed therein in sealed relation to the Walls thereof.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein said frangible restraint member and said explosive element are disposed in said bore intermediate said closed end and said valve element whereby gaseous and other products of the explosion of said explosive element and fragmentation of said frangible restraint are contained in said valve carner.

12. A fluid handling system comprising: a body provided with a receptacle and a plurality of fluid flow channels in communication therewith; said receptacle provided with an electrical control circuit contact and a retaining means; a plug-in valve device removably. secured in said receptacle by said retaining means; said plug-in valve device including a valve carrier in sealed engagement with said receptacle; said valve carrier provided with an electrical signal contact contacting said control circuit contact; a valve element in said carrier in sealed slidable engagement therewith and with said receptacle and displaceable therein in response to fluid pressure in one of said flow channels; a frangible restraint member in bridging relation to said carrier and element normally maintaining said element in a first position establishing a normal flow condition in said system; =a disintegrator element electrically interconnected with said signal contact and adapted to effectuate in response to electrical signal a disintegration of said restraint member to thereby permit displacement of said valve element, whereby the normal flow condition of said system is altered.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein said valve carrier has a bore closed at one end, said valve element is disposed in said bore in sealed relation to the walls thereof, said disintegrator element includes an explosive, and both said disintegrator element and said frangible restraint member are disposed in said bore intermediate said closed end and said valve element whereby any residue from said member and any residue from said disintegrator element are contained in said bore upon said eifectuation and contamination of said fluid system is prevented.

14. A fluid handling system comprising: a body provided with a generally cylindrically shaped receptacle; said receptacle provided with retainer means, springloaded electrical signal contact disposed at an angle with respect to the centerline of said receptacle, and a plurality of openings communicating with flow passageways in said body; a plug-in valve device sealingly engaged and removably secured in said receptacle by said retainer means; said plug-in device incorporating a flow control element adapted for displacement to a second position responsive to fluid pressure but normally maintained in a first position blocking at least one of said openings and determinative of a first flow condition in said system by a restraint member; said restraint member adapted to dissolve responsive to an electrical signal to enable fluid pressure in one of said passageways to shift the flow control element from said first position to said second position and establish a second flow condition in said system; and said plug-in valve device further incorporating a surface of revolution electrically interconnecting said restraint member with said signal contact whereby said inter-connection is properly made when said plug-in device is retained in said receptacle without regard to the relative rotational disposition of said plugin valve device therein.

15. A fluid handling system comprising: a body provided with a receptacle and a plurality of fluid flow channels in communication therewith; said receptacle provided with an electrical control circuit contact and a retaining means; a plug-in valve device removably secured in said receptacle by said retaining means; said valve device'including a valve carrier in sealed engagement with said receptacle; a valve element in said carrier in sealed slidable engagement therewith and with said receptacle and displaceable therein in response to fluid pressure in one of said flow channels; a frangible restraint member in bridging relation to said carrier and element normally maintaining said element in a first position establishing a first flow condition in said system; a disintegrator element in contiguous relation to said frangible restraint members; -a signal contact in insulated relation to said carrier, in engagement with said control circuit contact and in electrical communication with said disintegrator element; said disintegrator element adapted in response to electrical signal to rupture said restraint member to thereby permit displacement of said valve element whereby the flow condition of said system is altered.

16. A plug-in valve device adapted for insertion and sealed reception within a recess of a body, said body having a plurality of fluid flow passageways communicating with said recess and said recess provided with an electrical control contact, said plug-in valve device comprising: a valve carrier; a valve element in slidable engagement with said carrier and adapted, when received in said recess, to block fluid flow in at least one of said passageways to thereby control fluid flow therein; said valve element further adapted for displacement with respect to said carrier in response to fluid pressure; a dissolvable member in bridging relation to said carrier and element normally restraining said element from displacement with respect to said carrier; a signal circuit contact mounted on said carrier in insulated relation thereto adapted to engage said control contact of said recess responsive to insertion of said carrier therein; and initiator means in contiguous relation to said member and electrically communicated with said signal circuit contact, said initiator element adapted in response to electrical signal to dissolve said dissolvable member and permit fluid pressure to displace said valve element in said carrier.

17. A fluid handling system comprising: a body provided with a generally cylindrically shaped receptacle; said receptacle provided with retainer means, an electrical signal contact, and a plurality of openings communicating with flow passageways in said body; a plug-in valve device sealingly engaged in said receptacle and removably secured therein by said retainer means; said plug-in device incorporating a flow control element adapted for displacement to a second position responsive to fluid pressure but normally maintained in a first position by a restraint member; a seal carried by said fiow control element determinative of a first fluid flow condition in said system when said element is in said first position; said restraint member adapted to dissolve responsive to an electrical signal to enable fluid pressure in one of said passageways to shiftthe flow control element from said first position to said second position whereby said seal, in moving therewith, establishes a second flow condition in said system; and said plug-in valve device further incorporating a surface of revolution electrically interconnecting said restraint member with said signal contact whereby said interconnection is properly made when said plug-in device is retained in said receptacle without regard to the relative rotational disposition of said plug-in valve device therein.

18. A fluid handling system comprising: a body provided witha generally cylindrical receptacle; said receptacle provided with retainer means and a plurality of openings communicating with flow passageways in said body; a plug-in valve device sealingly engaged and removably secured in said receptacle by said retainer means; said plug-in valve device having a bore closed at one end; a valve element in sealed slidable engagement with said bore and receptacle and displaceable therein in response to fluid pressure in one of said passageways; dissolvable means interposed intermediate said closed end and said valve element normally restraining said element against displacement in said bore; a release means contiguous to said dissolvable means adapted in response to electrical signal to dissolve the same; first and second engaging electrical contacts disposed respectively in insulated relation to said receptacle and plug-in valve device; said first contact in connection with a system control circuit and said second contact in connection with said release means; one of said contacts comprising a surface of revolution about the axis of said receptacle and the other of said contacts comprising a spring-loaded brush assembly in biased relation to said surface, whereby said plug-in valve device may be received in said receptacle and electrical interconnection of said release means and control circuit properly obtained irrespective of the relative rotational disposition thereof.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,587,933 3/1952 Volpin l3770 2,938,529 5/1960 Olson 137-68 2,963,259 12/ 1960 Heyer 137454.2 X

FOREIGN PATENTS 772,673 4/ 1957 Great Britain.

ISADOR WEIL, Primary Examiner.

J. DEATON, R. GERARD, Assistant Examiners.

Claims

1. A FLUID HANDLING SYSTEM COMPRISING: A BODY PORVIDED WITH A RECEPTACLE AND A PLURALITY OF FLUID FLOW PASSAGEWAYS OPENING THEREINTO; SAID RECEPTACLE PROVIDED WITH AN ELECTRICAL CONTROL CIRCUIT CONTACT AND A RETAINING MEANS; A PLUG-IN VALVE DEVICE REMOVABLY SECURED IN SAID RECEPTACLE BY SAID RETAINING MEANS; SAID VALVE DEVICE INCLUDING A VALVE CARRIER IN SEALED SLIDABLE ENGAGEMENT RECEPTACLE; A VALVE ELEMENT IN SEALED SLIDABLE ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID VALVE CARRIER AND WITH SAID RECEPTACLE BLOCKING FLUID FLOW IN A FIRST ONE OF SAID PASSAGEWAYS, AND DISPLACEABLE WITH RESPECT THERETO IN RESPONSE TO FLUID PRESSURE; A DISSOLVABLE MEMBER IN BRIDGING RELATION TO SAID CARRIER AND ELEMENT NORMALLY MAINTAINING SAID ELEMENT IN A FIRST POSITION ESTABLISHING A FIRST FLOW CONDITION IN SAID SYSTEM; AN INITIATOR IN CONTIGUOUS RELATION TO SAID DISSOLVABLE MEMBER; A SIGNAL CONTACT IN INSULATED RELATION TO SAID CARRIER, IN ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID CONTROL CIRCUIT CONTACT AND IN ELECTRICAL COMMUNICATION WITH SAID INITIATOR; SAID INITIATOR ADAPTED IN RESPONSE TO ELECTRICAL SIGNAL TO DISSOLVE AND EFFECTIVELY REMOVE SAID DISSOLVABLE MEMBER TO THEREBY PERMIT DISPLACEMENT OF SAID VALVE ELEMENT WHEREBY THE FLOW CONDITION OF SAID SYSTEM IS ALTERED.