Self-adjusting valve actuator

• US 4,686,658 A
• Filed: 09/24/1984
• Issued: 08/11/1987
• Est. Priority Date: 09/24/1984
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Baroid Technology Incorporated (Halliburton Company)
• Original Assignee: NL Industries Incorporated (Valhi Holding Company)
• Inventors: Davison, Francis L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kyle, Deborah L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Griffiths, John E.
• Application Number:
  US06/654,188
• Time in Patent Office: 1,051 Days
• Field of Search: 367/83-85, 367/190, 367/912, 340/861, 340/870.3, 340/870.39, 361/152-154, 361/170, 361/178, 33/306, 33/307, 175/50, 175/48, 175/40, 166/66, 137/486, 137/487, 137/487.5, 137/606, 251/129.1, 251/129.01, 307/358, 307/352
• US Class Current: 367/85
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 47/22 by negative mud pulses using a pressure relieve valve between drill pipe and annulus
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 47/24 by positive mud pulses using a flow restricting valve within the drill pipe
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 367/912 Particular transducer
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7761 Electrically actuated valve

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for actuating a valve. The present invention is particularly useful with a valve for imparting pressure pulses in a pressure pulse telemetry system. The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for actuating a valve from a first to a second position wherein the actuating force is adjusted in response to a measured value characteristic of the minimum force necessary to actuate the valve. The apparatus and method of the present invention advantageously and beneficially reduces the power requirement for actuating the valve, prolonging battery life, and minimizes the deleterious affects of excess mechanical and electrical energy on the valve and circuit components, prolonging valve and circuit life.

Claims

1. A method for transmitting signals through a fluid comprising:

maintaining said fluid under pressure;

obtaining a value characteristic of the minimum force necessary to actuate a valve means in communication with said fluid at a first location;

adjusting in response to said value the actuating force applied to said valve means;

actuating said valve means with said minimum actuating force to impart a pressure pulse to said fluid at said first location; and

detecting said pressure pulse in said fluid at a second location.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said value is obtained by measuring a physical characteristic affecting said minimum force.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein said measuring comprises measuring the pressure differential across said valve means.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein said actuating comprises actuating said valve means with a solenoid actuated by electrical power and wherein said adjusting comprises adjusting said electrical power supplied to said solenoid.

10. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said means for obtaining comprises means for measuring a physical characteristic affecting said minimum force for obtaining said value.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said means for measuring comprises means for measuring the pressure differential across said valve means.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said valve means comprises poppet valve means in said central bore of said drill sub for imparting a positive pressure pulse.

5. A pressure pulse telemetry system useful for transmitting signals through a drilling fluid in a central bore of a drill string in a borehole, comprising:

a drill string having a central bore therethrough;

means for maintaining a fluid under pressure in said central bore of said drill string;

a drill sub incorporated into said drill string at a first location;

valve means in said drill sub;

means for actuating said valve means for imparting a pressure pulse to said fluid in said drill string;

means for obtaining a value characteristic of the minimum force sufficient to actuate said valve means;

means for adjusting to said minimum sufficient to actuate said valve means the actuating force applied to said valve means in response to said value; and

means for measuring the pressure pulse imparted to said fluid in said drill string at a second location.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said means for obtaining comprises means for measuring a physical characteristic affecting said minimum force.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said means for measuring comprises means for measuring the pressure differential across said valve means.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said means for actuating comprises an electrical powered, solenoid actuating means and wherein said means for adjusting comprises means for adjusting the electrical power supplied to said actuating means.

9. An apparatus useful in a pressure pulse telemetry system, comprising:

a drill sub suitable for incorporation into a drill string and having a central bore therethrough permitting flow of drilling fluid;

valve means in said drill sub;

means for actuating said valve means for imparting a pressure pulse to drilling fluid in said central bore of said drill sub;

means for obtaining a value characteristic of the minimum force sufficient to actuate said valve means; and

means for adjusting to said minimum sufficient to actuate said valve means the actuating force applied to said valve means in response to said value.

13. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said means for actuating comprises a solenoid for actuating said valve means and an electrical power source for supplying electrical power to said solenoid.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said means for adjusting comprises means for adjusting said electrical power supplied to said solenoid.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said means for adjusting said power comprises means for adjusting the electrical current supplied to said solenoid.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said means for adjusting said power comprises means for adjusting the electrical voltage supplied to said solenoid.

17. An apparatus useful in a pressure pulse telemetry system for transmitting data through a borehole, comprising:

a tubular drill sub having an exterior, having a central, longitudinal bore therethrough and having threaded ends suitable for incorporation into a drill string;

a passage through the wall of said drill sub to connect said central bore and said exterior of said drill sub;

a shear valve in said passage for opening and closing said passage;

a solenoid for applying an actuating force to said valve for actuating said valve between an open and a closed position;

mechanical means linking said solenoid to said valve for actuating said valve;

an electrical power source for supplying actuating power to said solenoid;

electrical conductor means for linking said power source to said solenoid for actuating said solenoid;

a plurality of pressure transducers disposed on said drill sub in a pattern permitting measurement of the pressure differential across said valve; and

regulator means for varying the electrical power supplied to said solenoid from said power source in response to the output of said pressure transducers, said regulator means minimizing said actuating force applied by said solenoid while producing sufficient said force actuating said valve.