Multiple circumferential actuators for actuating downhole valves
AssigneeSilverwell Technology Limited
InventorJoel David Shaw
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A valve system controls flow into a downhole production string, and which includes a downhole valve with a port formed in a sidewall of a production string disposed in a wellbore, and a sleeve that is slidable along the production string to block or allow flow through the port. An actuator assembly exerts a sliding force onto the sleeve, and is made up of multiple actuators arranged along an outer surface of the production string. Each actuator has an electrically powered motor and a stem connected to the motor. An opposite end of each stem connects to an end of the sleeve. Energizing the motors causes linear movement of the stems and connected sleeve to open and close the valve.
Claims15
A valve system for use with a production string in a wellbore, the valve system comprising:
- electrically powered actuator assemblies mounted on the production string and having a combined output force;
- and
- a compliant member between each of the motors and stems for correcting asynchronous motor operation:
- a sleeve coupled to the electrically powered actuator assemblies and selectively slideable along the production string in response to the combined output force, the sleeve having an outer diameter being radially past outer surfaces of the electrically powered actuator assemblies.
A method of operating a valve system in a production string in a wellbore, the method comprising:
- axially positioning a sleeve that circumscribes a portion of the production string by selectively operating actuators on the production string that exert an axial force onto the sleeve, which is distributed about a circumference of the sleeve;
- synchronizing the actuators;
- and
- evaluating variance from an anticipated performance by monitoring feedback of current or voltage being delivered to or consumed by motors.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.