VALVE, METHOD, AND SYSTEM
A valve including a flexible tube having two ends, a first structure disposed at one of the two ends and rotationally anchored thereto, and a second structure at the other of the two ends and rotationally anchored thereto, at least one of the first and second structures being rotatable relative to the other of the first and second structures. A method for controlling a flow of fluid including rotating one of the first structure and second structure relative to the other of the first structure and second structure of the valve reducing a dimension of a flow path within a flexible tube. A borehole system including a borehole in a subsurface formation, and a valve disposed in the borehole.
In the resource recovery industry and fluid sequestration industry, valves are ubiquitously used. Different constructions of valves have greater utility for different uses. As there are infinite situations potentially encountered in the downhole environment, there is always a need for novel structures and methods for controlling fluid flow.
SUMMARYAn embodiment of a valve including a flexible tube having two ends, a first structure disposed at one of the two ends and rotationally anchored thereto, and a second structure at the other of the two ends and rotationally anchored thereto, at least one of the first and second structures being rotatable relative to the other of the first and second structures.
An embodiment of a method for controlling a flow of fluid including rotating one of the first structure and second structure relative to the other of the first structure and second structure of the valve and reducing a dimension of a flow path within a flexible tube.
An embodiment of a borehole system including a borehole in a subsurface formation, a valve disposed in the borehole.
The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike:
A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.
Referring to
To move the geared structure (first or second but as illustrated, the second 22) electric, hydraulic motors are contemplated. A motor 30 is illustrated in
The flexible tube 14 may comprise a soft resilient material such as rubber, nitrile, etc. The tube 14 may also be reinforced with a reinforcer 32 that is bonded thereto or embedded therein. The reinforcer 32 may be configured as a mesh or as a wire or plurality of wires either individually laid or in a cable form. Where a mesh is used, the mesh may have a number of geometries (see
In use, one need merely drive the geared structure 18 or 22 relative to the other of the two to cause the tube 14 to twist along its longitudinal axis. The flow area defined within the tube 14 will reduce until the tube 14 actually twists on itself whereafter the flow is halted. Reversing the direction of the drive allows the tube 14 to recover its ID flow area.
Referring to
Set forth below are some embodiments of the foregoing disclosure:
Embodiment 1: A valve including a flexible tube having two ends, a first structure disposed at one of the two ends and rotationally anchored thereto, and a second structure at the other of the two ends and rotationally anchored thereto, at least one of the first and second structures being rotatable relative to the other of the first and second structures.
Embodiment 2: The valve as in any prior embodiment further comprising a housing.
Embodiment 3: The valve as in any prior embodiment wherein the housing allows longitudinal movement of one of the first and second structures relative to the other of the first and second structures.
Embodiment 4: The valve as in any prior embodiment wherein the first and second structures include seals that seal the first and second structures to the housing.
Embodiment 5: The valve as in any prior embodiment, wherein one of the first structure and the second structure is configured to be driven by a motor.
Embodiment 6: The valve as in any prior embodiment, wherein the motor is an electric motor.
Embodiment 7: The valve as in any prior embodiment, wherein the one of the first structure and the second structure includes gear teeth thereon.
Embodiment 8: The valve as in any prior embodiment, further comprising a housing and where the other of the first structure and the second structure is anchored to the housing.
Embodiment 9: The valve as in any prior embodiment, wherein the flexible tube includes rubber.
Embodiment 10: The valve as in any prior embodiment, wherein the flexible tube includes a reinforcement.
Embodiment 11: The valve as in any prior embodiment, wherein the reinforcement is a mesh.
Embodiment 12: The valve as in any prior embodiment, wherein the reinforcement comprises metallic material.
Embodiment 13: The valve as in any prior embodiment, wherein the reinforcement comprises polymeric material.
Embodiment 14: The valve as in any prior embodiment wherein the reinforcement includes a wire.
Embodiment 15: A method for controlling a flow of fluid including rotating one of the first structure and second structure relative to the other of the first structure and second structure of the valve as in any prior embodiment and reducing a dimension of a flow path within a flexible tube.
Embodiment 16: The method as in any prior embodiment wherein the rotating is twisting of the tube about itself.
Embodiment 17: The method as in any prior embodiment wherein the reducing is closing the flow path.
Embodiment 18: A borehole system including a borehole in a subsurface formation, a valve as in any prior embodiment disposed in the borehole.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Further, it should be noted that the terms “first,” “second,” and the like herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. The terms “about”, “substantially” and “generally” are intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application. For example, “about” and/or “substantially” and/or “generally” includes a range of ±8% of a given value.
The teachings of the present disclosure may be used in a variety of well operations. These operations may involve using one or more treatment agents to treat a formation, the fluids resident in a formation, a borehole, and/or equipment in the borehole, such as production tubing. The treatment agents may be in the form of liquids, gases, solids, semi-solids, and mixtures thereof. Illustrative treatment agents include, but are not limited to, fracturing fluids, acids, steam, water, brine, anti-corrosion agents, cement, permeability modifiers, drilling muds, emulsifiers, demulsifiers, tracers, flow improvers etc. Illustrative well operations include, but are not limited to, hydraulic fracturing, stimulation, tracer injection, cleaning, acidizing, steam injection, water flooding, cementing, etc.
While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims. Also, in the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore not being so limited.
Claims
1. A valve comprising:
- a flexible tube having two ends;
- a first structure disposed at one of the two ends and rotationally anchored thereto; and
- a second structure at the other of the two ends and rotationally anchored thereto, at least one of the first and second structures being rotatable relative to the other of the first and second structures.
2. The valve as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a housing.
3. The valve as claimed in claim 2 wherein the housing allows longitudinal movement of one of the first and second structures relative to the other of the first and second structures.
4. The valve as claimed in claim 2 wherein the first and second structures include seals that seal the first and second structures to the housing.
5. The valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the first structure and the second structure is configured to be driven by a motor.
6. The valve as claimed in claim 5, wherein the motor is an electric motor.
7. The valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one of the first structure and the second structure includes gear teeth thereon.
8. The valve as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a housing and where the other of the first structure and the second structure is anchored to the housing.
9. The valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible tube includes rubber.
10. The valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible tube includes a reinforcement.
11. The valve as claimed in claim 10, wherein the reinforcement is a mesh.
12. The valve as claimed in claim 10, wherein the reinforcement comprises metallic material.
13. The valve as claimed in claim 10, wherein the reinforcement comprises polymeric material.
14. The valve as claimed in claim 10 wherein the reinforcement includes a wire.
15. A method for controlling a flow of fluid comprising:
- rotating one of the first structure and second structure relative to the other of the first structure and second structure of the valve as claimed in claim 1; and
- reducing a dimension of a flow path within a flexible tube.
16. The method as claimed in claim 15 wherein the rotating is twisting of the tube about itself.
17. The method as claimed in claim 15 wherein the reducing is closing the flow path.
18. A borehole system comprising:
- a borehole in a subsurface formation;
- a valve as claimed in claim 1 disposed in the borehole.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 12, 2022
Publication Date: Apr 18, 2024
Inventors: Yuh Loh (Cypress, TX), Zhi Yong He (Cypress, TX)
Application Number: 17/964,419