EAP actuated valve
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A sleeve valve comprising:
- a. an outer tubular with at least one outer flow aperture;
b. an inner tubular with at least one inner flow aperture;
c. an annular space formed between the inner and outer tubulars;
d. a predominantly axially extending right-side EAP actuator assembly positioned on a right side of the inner and outer flow apertures within the annular space;
e. a predominantly axially extending left-side EAP actuator assembly position on a left side of the inner and out flow apertures within the annular space;
f. wherein the right-side and left-side EAP actuator assemblies (i) include a plurality of EAP actuators, and (ii) are configured to apply an axial opposing force between the inner and outer tubulars;
g. wherein the EAP actuators have end caps and an end cap of a right-side EAP actuator is fixed to the outer tubular and another end cap of a right-side EAP actuator is fixed to the inner tubular member, andh. control electronics configured to selectively energize the EAP actuator assemblies.
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Abstract
A casing valve including a tool housing defining an internal channel from a wellbore annulus. A valve allows selective communication between the internal channel and the wellbore annulus, where the valve has a sliding sleeve positioned externally to the tool housing. A first piston surface for opening the valve and a second piston surface for closing the valve are attached to the sleeve and a fluid supply valve directs fluid to the first and second piston surface. An electronic controller operates the fluid control valve to direct the fluid to the first and second control valve.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A sleeve valve comprising:
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a. an outer tubular with at least one outer flow aperture; b. an inner tubular with at least one inner flow aperture; c. an annular space formed between the inner and outer tubulars; d. a predominantly axially extending right-side EAP actuator assembly positioned on a right side of the inner and outer flow apertures within the annular space; e. a predominantly axially extending left-side EAP actuator assembly position on a left side of the inner and out flow apertures within the annular space; f. wherein the right-side and left-side EAP actuator assemblies (i) include a plurality of EAP actuators, and (ii) are configured to apply an axial opposing force between the inner and outer tubulars; g. wherein the EAP actuators have end caps and an end cap of a right-side EAP actuator is fixed to the outer tubular and another end cap of a right-side EAP actuator is fixed to the inner tubular member, and h. control electronics configured to selectively energize the EAP actuator assemblies. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A sleeve valve comprising:
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a. an outer tubular with at least one outer flow aperture; b. an inner tubular with at least one inner flow aperture; c. an annular space formed between the inner and outer tubulars; d. a predominantly axially extending right-side EAP actuator assembly positioned on a right side of the inner and outer flow apertures within the annular space; e. a predominantly axially extending left-side EAP actuator assembly position on a left side of the inner and out flow apertures within the annular space; f. wherein the right-side and left-side EAP actuator assemblies are configured to apply an axial opposing force between the inner and outer tubulars; g. wherein primary seals are positioned inwardly of the EAP actuator assemblies and on either side of the inner and outer flow passages when the passages are in an aligned position; h. wherein the primary seals include seal elements formed of an EAP material configured to radially compress upon activation; and i. control electronics configured to (i) selectively energize the EAP actuator assemblies, and (ii) selectively energize the EAP material of the primary seals. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification