U.S. patent application number 13/963619 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-12 for aquifier flow controlling valve assembly and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kent R. Madison. Invention is credited to Kent R. Madison.
Application Number | 20130327547 13/963619 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49034511 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130327547 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Madison; Kent R. |
December 12, 2013 |
AQUIFIER FLOW CONTROLLING VALVE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD
Abstract
A valve assembly for use in aquifer liquid flow control in
accordance with one embodiment can be used to deliver liquid to
and/or from at least one selected aquifer in a plural aquifer
system. In accordance with an embodiment, the valve can be used to
route liquid to or from a first aquifer without delivering liquid
to or from a second aquifer, or to or from the second aquifer
without delivering liquid to or from the first aquifer. As an
aspect of an embodiment, the valve assembly can be used to shut off
the flow of liquid to both the first and second aquifers.
Inventors: |
Madison; Kent R.; (Echo,
OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Madison; Kent R. |
Echo |
OR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49034511 |
Appl. No.: |
13/963619 |
Filed: |
August 9, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12815324 |
Jun 14, 2010 |
8522887 |
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13963619 |
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61345943 |
May 18, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
166/386 ;
166/316 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 137/86887 20150401;
E21B 34/06 20130101; Y02E 10/10 20130101; F24T 10/20 20180501; E21B
34/14 20130101; Y10T 137/86895 20150401; Y02E 10/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/386 ;
166/316 |
International
Class: |
E21B 34/06 20060101
E21B034/06 |
Claims
1. An aquifer flow control method comprising: placing a valve
assembly in a section of well pipe positioned in a well bore, the
well bore passing through a first aquifer and at least to a second
aquifer and the well pipe extending at least below the first
aquifer; blocking the flow of liquid between the well pipe and well
bore at a location of the well bore between the first and second
aquifers; permitting liquid flow through at least one aperture from
the interior of the valve assembly to the first aquifer or through
the at least one aperture from the first aquifer to the interior of
the valve assembly with the flow of liquid to the second aquifer
being blocked; and permitting liquid flow through the valve
assembly to the second aquifer or from the second aquifer through
the valve assembly with the at least one aperture being blocked so
that liquid flowing through the valve assembly does not flow
through the at least one aperture to or from the first aquifer.
2. A method according to claim 1 comprising: permitting the flow of
relatively high temperature liquid to and from one of the first and
second aquifers and permitting the flow of relatively low
temperature liquid to and from the other of the first and second
aquifers, whereby the relatively high temperature liquid can be
used for heat generation purposes when delivered from the one of
the first and second aquifers and for storing heat when delivered
to said one of the first and second aquifers, and whereby the
relatively low temperature liquid can be used for cooling purposes
when delivered from the other of the first and second aquifers and
can be used for storing relatively low temperature liquid when
delivered to the other of the first and second aquifers.
3. A method according to claim 1 further comprising the act of
selectively blocking the flow of liquid through the valve assembly
and through the first aperture.
4. A valve assembly system for use in aquifer liquid flow control,
the valve assembly being installed in a well bore hole accessing
first and second aquifers, comprising: a pipe section comprising a
wall with an interior surface and an exterior surface and a liquid
flow passageway through the pipe section; at least one aperture
extending through the wall and communicating between a first
portion of the liquid flow passageway and the exterior of the pipe
section; at least one bypass passageway communicating from the
first portion of the liquid flow passageway to a second portion of
the liquid flow passageway; a first valve positioned within the
interior of the pipe section and selectively movable from a first
valve closed position in which the first valve overlies and blocks
liquid flow through the at least one aperture to a first valve open
position in which the first valve no longer overlies the at least
one aperture at least in part such that liquid can flow through the
at least one aperture to or from at least one aquifer when the
valve assembly is installed in a well casing, wherein the first
valve has flexibility such that when the first valve is in the
first valve closed position and the valve assembly is installed in
a well casing, a head of water pressure within the pipe section can
urge the valve outwardly against the overlaid at least one
aperture; a second valve positioned within the interior of the pipe
section and selectively movable from a second valve open position
to a second valve closed position, wherein in the second valve open
position the second valve is positioned to at least partially open
the bypass passageway such that liquid can flow through the pipe
section through the first portion of the liquid flow passageway,
through the bypass passageway and through the second portion of the
liquid flow passageway, and wherein in the second valve closed
position the second valve closes the second portion of the liquid
flow passageway to thereby block liquid flow through the liquid
flow passageway; a valve actuator coupled to the first valve and
operable to selectively move the first valve between the first
valve closed position and first valve open position, the valve
actuator also being coupled to the second valve and operable to
selectively move the second valve between the second valve open
position and the second valve closed position, the second valve
being selectively movable to the second valve open position at
least during a portion of the time that the first valve is in the
first valve closed position such that liquid can flow through the
first portion of the liquid flow passageway, the bypass passageway
and the second portion of the liquid flow passageway to or from at
least one aquifer when the valve assembly is installed in a well
casing without flowing through the at least one first aperture; and
the valve actuator being operable to selectively move the second
valve to the second valve closed position during at least a portion
of the time the first valve is in the first valve open position
such that when the valve assembly is installed in a well casing the
second valve blocks liquid flow through the second portion of the
liquid passageway to or from an aquifer and liquid is allowed to
flow through the at least one aperture to or from an aquifer; and
well pipe connected to the valve assembly both above and below the
valve assembly, the system bore packing positioned in the bore hole
so as to substantially isolate the flow of liquid in the bore hole
outside of the well pipe and valve assembly between the first and
second aquifers, the at least one aperture communicating through
the pipe section and bore hole to one of the first and second
aquifers with the first valve in the first valve open position, the
bypass passageway communicating through the second portion of the
liquid passageway and through the bore hole to another of the first
and second aquifers other than said one of the first and second
aquifers with the second valve positioned in the second valve open
position, whereby liquid can be directed to or from either of the
first and second aquifers.
5. A valve assembly for use in aquifer liquid flow control
comprising: a pipe section comprising a wall with an interior
surface and an exterior surface and a liquid flow passageway
through the pipe section; at least one aperture extending through
the wall and communicating between a first portion of the liquid
flow passageway and the exterior of the pipe section; at least one
bypass passageway communicating from the first portion of the
liquid flow passageway to a second portion of the liquid flow
passageway; a first valve positioned within the interior of the
pipe section and selectively movable from a first valve closed
position in which the first valve overlies and blocks liquid flow
through the at least one aperture to a first valve open position in
which the first valve no longer overlies the at least one aperture
at least in part such that liquid can flow through the at least one
aperture to or from at least one aquifer when the valve assembly is
installed in a well casing, wherein the first valve has flexibility
such that when the first valve is in the first valve closed
position and the valve assembly is installed in a well casing, a
head of water pressure within the pipe section can urge the valve
outwardly against the overlaid at least one aperture; a second
valve positioned within the interior of the pipe section and
selectively movable from a second valve open position to a second
valve closed position, wherein in the second valve open position
the second valve is positioned to at least partially open the
bypass passageway such that liquid can flow through the pipe
section through the first portion of the liquid flow passageway,
through the bypass passageway and through the second portion of the
liquid flow passageway, and wherein in the second valve closed
position the second valve closes the second portion of the liquid
flow passageway to thereby block liquid flow through the liquid
flow passageway; a valve actuator coupled to the first valve and
operable to selectively move the first valve between the first
valve closed position and first valve open position, the valve
actuator also being coupled to the second valve and operable to
selectively move the second valve between the second valve open
position and the second valve closed position, the second valve
being selectively movable to the second valve open position at
least during a portion of the time that the first valve is in the
first valve closed position such that liquid can flow through the
first portion of the liquid flow passageway, the bypass passageway
and the second portion of the liquid flow passageway to or from at
least one aquifer when the valve assembly is installed in a well
casing without flowing through the at least one first aperture; and
the valve actuator being operable to selectively move the second
valve to the second valve closed position during at least a portion
of the time the first valve is in the first valve open position
such that when the valve assembly is installed in a well casing the
second valve blocks liquid flow through the second portion of the
liquid passageway to or from an aquifer and liquid is allowed to
flow through the at least one aperture to or from an aquifer.
6. A valve assembly according to claim 5 wherein the first valve is
selectively movable to a first valve shut off position in which the
first valve overlies and blocks the flow of liquid through the at
least one aperture, wherein the second valve is selectively movable
to a second valve shut off position in which the second valve
closes the bypass passageway and blocks the flow of liquid flow
through the second portion of the liquid passageway, the valve
actuator being operable to move the second valve to the second
valve shut off position during at least a portion of the time the
first valve is in the first valve shut off position such that when
the valve is installed in a well casing the second valve blocks
liquid flow through the bypass passageway and through the second
portion of the liquid flow passageway to an aquifer and the first
valve blocks the flow of liquid through the at least one aperture
to an aquifer.
7. A valve assembly according to claim 6 wherein the first valve
closed position and the first valve shut off position are at
different first valve positions in the pipe section from one
another, and wherein the second valve closed position and the
second valve shut off position are at different positions from one
another in the pipe section.
8. A valve assembly according to claim 5 wherein the second valve
is coupled to the first valve for movement with the movement of the
first valve and the valve actuator comprises a common actuator for
moving both the first and second valves simultaneously.
9. A valve assembly according to claim 5 wherein the first valve
comprises an annular valve body comprising a polymer material with
a valve exterior surface and a valve interior surface, the valve
body allowing liquid to flow through the valve body and through the
first portion of the liquid flow passageway, the first valve being
movable between the first valve closed position in which the valve
exterior surface of the valve body overlies a portion of the
interior surface of the wall and entirely overlies the at least one
aperture and the first valve open position in which the valve
exterior surface of the valve body no longer entirely overlies the
at least one aperture, and wherein the second valve comprises a
plug.
10. A valve assembly according to claim 9 comprising a conduit
section coupled to the first pipe section and comprising a first
conduit end portion and a second conduit end portion with at least
a portion of the second portion of the liquid flow passageway
communicating between the first and second conduit end portions,
the conduit section also comprising a conduit wall with an interior
surface and an exterior surface, the bypass passageway comprising
at least one conduit bypass aperture through the conduit wall and
communicating between the first portion of the liquid passageway
and the second portion of the liquid passageway, the plug being
selectively movable from the second valve open position wherein the
plug blocks the first conduit end portion while permitting the flow
of liquid through the first portion of the liquid passageway, the
at least one conduit bypass aperture and the second portion of the
liquid passageway and thereby through the pipe section at least
during a portion of the time that the first valve is in the first
valve closed position to entirely block the at least one aperture,
the plug being movable to the second valve closed position wherein
the plug is positioned to block liquid flow through the second
portion of the liquid passageway and to block the flow of liquid
through the conduit bypass aperture at least during a portion of
the time that the first valve is in the first valve open position
such that liquid can flow through the at least one aperture between
the interior and exterior of the pipe section.
11. A valve assembly according to claim 10 wherein the first valve
is selectively movable to a first valve shut off position in which
the exterior surface of the valve body overlies a portion of the
interior surface of the wall and entirely overlies the at least one
aperture to block the flow of liquid through the at least one
aperture, wherein the plug is selectively movable to a second valve
shut off position in which the plug blocks the flow of liquid
through the second portion of the liquid flow passageway at least
during a portion of the time that the first valve is in the first
valve shut off position to thereby prevent the flow of liquid both
through the liquid flow passageway and through the at least one
aperture.
12. A valve assembly according to claim 9 comprising a conduit
section coupled to the first pipe section and comprising a first
conduit end portion and a second conduit end portion with at least
a portion of the second portion of the liquid flow passageway
communicating between the first and second conduit end portions,
the conduit section also comprising a conduit wall with an interior
surface and an exterior surface, the bypass passageway comprising a
liquid flow path past the plug and into the first conduit end
portion at least when the plug is positioned outside of the conduit
section, the plug being selectively movable to the second valve
open position wherein the plug is positioned exteriorly of the
conduit section such that liquid can flow past the plug and into
the first end portion of the conduit section at least during a
portion of the time that the first valve is in the first valve
closed position and entirely blocks the at least one aperture, the
plug being movable to the second valve closed position wherein the
plug is inserted at least partially into the first end portion of
the conduit section to block liquid flow through the bypass
passageway and through the conduit section and thereby through the
second liquid passageway at least during a portion of the time that
the first valve is in the first valve open position and no longer
entirely overlays the at least one aperture such that liquid can
flow through the at least one aperture between the interior and
exterior of the pipe section.
13. A valve assembly according to claim 12 wherein the first valve
is selectively movable to a first valve shut off position in which
the exterior surface of the valve body overlies a portion of the
interior surface of the wall and entirely overlies the at least one
aperture to block the flow of liquid through the at least one
aperture, wherein the plug is selectively movable to a second valve
shut off position in which the plug is inserted into the first end
portion of the conduit section so as to block the flow of liquid
through the bypass passageway and through the second portion of the
liquid flow passageway at least during a portion of the time that
the first valve is in the first valve third position, whereby the
flow of liquid is blocked through both through the liquid flow
passageway and through the at least one aperture.
14. A valve assembly according to claim 5 comprising a valve
actuator coupled to the first valve and operable to move the first
valve between the first valve closed position and first valve open
position, the valve actuator comprising first and second hydraulic
pistons coupled to the first valve, a first hydraulic liquid
chamber associated with the first piston and a second hydraulic
liquid chamber associated with the second piston, one of the first
and second pistons being movable in a direction to urge the first
valve toward said first valve closed position upon delivery of
hydraulic liquid to the hydraulic liquid chamber associated with
said one of the first and second pistons, the other of the first
and second pistons being movable in a direction to urge the first
valve toward the first valve open position upon delivery of
hydraulic liquid to the hydraulic liquid chamber associated with
the said other of the first and second pistons, and wherein the
second valve is coupled to the first valve such that the valve
actuator moves the second valve to the second valve open position
with the movement of the first valve to the first valve closed
position and such that the valve actuator moves the second valve to
the second valve closed position with the movement of the first
valve to the first valve open position.
15. A valve assembly according to claim 12 wherein the second valve
comprises a plug and further comprising at least one second valve
support coupled to the second valve and to the first valve to
thereby couple the first and second valves together.
16. A valve assembly according to claim 5 comprising: a valve
support connecting the second valve to the first valve such that
the second valve moves with the movement of the first valve;
wherein the first valve comprises an annular valve body with a
valve exterior surface and a valve interior surface, the valve body
allowing liquid to flow through the interior of the valve body, the
first valve being movable between the first valve closed position
in which the exterior surface of the valve body overlies a portion
of the interior surface of the wall and entirely overlies the at
least one aperture and the first valve open position wherein the
exterior surface of the valve body no longer entirely overlies the
at least one aperture, and wherein the first valve comprises a
material with flexibility such that when the first valve is in the
first valve closed position and a head of water pressure is within
the pipe section, the head of water can force the valve body
outwardly against the overlaid at least one aperture; wherein the
second valve comprises a plug; a conduit section coupled to the
first pipe section and comprising a first conduit end portion and a
second conduit end portion with at least a portion of the second
portion of the liquid flow passageway communicating between the
first and second conduit end portions, the conduit section also
comprising a conduit wall with an interior surface and an exterior
surface, the bypass passageway comprising at least one bypass
liquid flow opening communicating from a location exteriorly of the
conduit section to the interior of the conduit section, the plug
being selectively movable to the second valve open position wherein
the plug does not entirely block the at least one bypass liquid
flow opening so that liquid can flow through the at least one
liquid bypass opening, the plug being moved to the second valve
open position with the movement of the first valve to the first
valve closed position, the plug being movable to the second valve
closed position wherein the plug blocks liquid flow through the
second portion of the liquid flow passageway and through the at
least one bypass opening with the movement of the first valve to
the first valve open position, such that liquid can flow through
the at least one aperture between the interior and exterior of the
pipe section while the flow of liquid is blocked through the second
portion of the fluid flow passageway; wherein the first valve is
selectively movable to a first valve shut off position in which the
exterior surface of the valve body overlies a portion of the
interior surface of the wall and entirely overlies the at least one
aperture to block the flow of liquid through the at least one
aperture, wherein the plug selectively movable to a second valve
shut off position with the movement of the first valve to the first
valve shut off position, the plug in the shut off position being
inserted into the first end portion of the conduit section to a
position that blocks the flow of liquid through both the bypass
opening and the second portion of the liquid flow passageway,
whereby when the first valve and plug are in their respective shut
off positions the flow of liquid through both the at least one
first aperture and the liquid flow passageway is blocked; and the
valve actuator also being operable to move the first valve and plug
to their respective shut off positions, the valve actuator
comprising first and second hydraulic pistons coupled to the first
valve, a first hydraulic liquid chamber associated with the first
piston and a second hydraulic liquid chamber associated with the
second piston, one of the first and second pistons being movable in
a direction to urge the first valve to said first valve closed
position and to said first valve shut off position upon delivery of
hydraulic liquid to the hydraulic liquid chamber associated with
said one of the first and second pistons, the other of the first
and second pistons being movable in a direction to urge the first
valve toward the first valve open position upon delivery of
hydraulic liquid to the hydraulic liquid chamber associated with
the said other of the first and second pistons, wherein the valve
actuator moves the plug to the second valve open position with the
movement of the first valve to the first valve closed position,
wherein the valve actuator moves the plug to the second valve
closed position with the movement of the first valve to the first
valve open position, and wherein the valve actuator moves the
second valve to the second valve shut off position with the
movement of the first valve to the first valve shut off
position.
17. A valve assembly according to claim 16 further comprising a
plurality of pushrods coupled to the first ring and extending from
the first ring toward the first piston, the push rods also being
coupled to the second ring and extending from the second ring
toward the second piston.
18. A valve assembly according to claim 5 wherein the first valve
comprises a hollow right cylindrical valve having an interior wall
with an inner wall diameter and first and second end portions, a
first ring adjacent to the first end portion and a second ring
adjacent to the second end portion, the first ring having an inner
ring diameter that is less than the inner wall diameter, the first
ring being positioned adjacent to the first end portion such that
an interior periphery portion of the first ring extends inwardly of
the interior wall, a support mounted to the interior periphery
portion of the first ring and extending away from the first ring,
through the interior of the first valve and terminating in a distal
end support portion, the second valve being mounted to the distal
end of the support.
19. A valve assembly for use in aquifer liquid flow control
comprising: a pipe section comprised of a pipe body having a first
end and a second end and defining a liquid passageway between the
first end and the second end; at least one aperture spaced from the
first and second ends and communicating from the liquid passageway
to an exterior of the pipe section; a valve movable between at
least first and second positions, the valve being configured to
block said at least one aperture when the valve is in a first
position without blocking liquid communication through the liquid
passageway between the first and second ends, the valve also being
configured to block liquid communication between the first and
second ends while at least partially opening said at least one
aperture when the valve is in the second position; wherein the
valve comprises a hollow flexible first valve portion movable to a
first valve portion closed position overlaying and closing the at
least one aperture when the valve is in the first position, the
valve further comprising a second plug portion movable with the
first valve portion to a plug open position allowing liquid
communication between the first and second ends of the pipe section
when the first valve portion is in the first valve closed position,
the first valve portion being movable to a first valve portion open
position wherein the first valve portion at least partially opens
the at least one first aperture, the second plug portion being
movable with the first valve portion to a plug closed position to
block liquid communication between the first and second ends when
the first valve portion is in the first valve open position,
whereby when the valve assembly is placed in a well liquid flow to
or from at least one aquifer is controlled through the at least one
aperture and through the liquid flow passageway between the first
and second ends of the pipe section.
20. A valve assembly according to claim 19 wherein the valve is
movable to a third shut off position, the valve being configured to
block liquid communication between the first and second ends of the
pipe section and though the at least one aperture when the valve is
in the third shut off position.
21. A valve assembly for use in aquifer liquid flow control
comprising: a hollow housing comprising a body with a housing wall
and defining a liquid flow passageway through the housing, at least
one aperture being provided though the housing wall between an
interior and exterior of the housing and communicating between a
first portion of the liquid flow passageway and the exterior of the
housing; a projection within the housing that defines a second
portion of the liquid flow passageway that communicates with the
first portion of the liquid flow passageway such that liquid can
flow through the first and second portions of the liquid flow
passageway and through the housing; at least one pathway
communicating through the second projection and between the first
and second liquid flow passageway portions; and a valve comprising
an annular first valve member positioned within the first portion
of the liquid flow passageway and slidable along the housing wall
between a first valve member closed position in which the first
valve member overlies and blocks the at least one aperture and a
first valve member open position in which the first valve member no
longer blocks the at least one aperture, the valve further
comprising a second valve member coupled to and movable with the
movement of the first valve member, the second valve member being
movable to a second valve member open position with the movement of
the first valve member to the first valve member closed position
and movable to a second valve member closed position with the
movement of the first valve member to the first valve member open
position, wherein when the second valve member is in the second
valve member open position the second valve member does not block
the flow of liquid through the second portion of the first flow
passageway such that liquid can flow through the first portion of
the liquid flow passageway, the first valve member and through the
second flow passageway while the at least one first aperture is
blocked by the first valve member, and wherein when the second
valve member is in the second valve member closed position the flow
of liquid through the second portion of the liquid passageway is
blocked by the second valve member and the at least one first
aperture no longer blocked by the first valve member, whereby when
the valve assembly is installed in a well with the first valve
member in the first valve member closed position, liquid can flow
through the housing to an aquifer without flowing through the at
least one aperture, and with the first valve member in the first
valve member open position, liquid can flow through the at least
one aperture to an aquifer without flowing through the second
portion of the liquid flow passageway and through the housing.
22. A valve assembly for use in aquifer liquid flow control
comprising: housing means for defining a liquid passageway for the
passage of liquid there through and for defining at least one
aperture for communicating from the liquid passageway to the
exterior of the housing means; valve means for selectively blocking
the flow of liquid to an aquifer through the at least one aperture
while permitting the flow of liquid through the liquid passageway
to an aquifer and for selectively blocking the flow of liquid
through the liquid passageway to an aquifer while allowing the flow
of liquid through the at least one aperture to an aquifer.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent Ser. No.
12/815,324, entitled AQUIFER FLOW CONTROLLING VALVE ASSEMBLY AND
METHOD, filed Jun. 14, 2010, which application claims the benefit
of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/345,943, entitled "AQUIFER
FLOW CONTROLLING VALVE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD", and filed May 18,
2010. Both of which applications are incorporated by reference
herein.
FIELD
[0002] The technology described herein relates to valve assemblies
and methods desirably used in controlling the flow of recharge
liquid to at least one aquifer, the recovery of liquid from at
least one aquifer, and/or in controlling both the flow of recharge
liquid to and the recovery of liquid from at least one aquifer. In
a desirable form, a single valve assembly included in a well pipe
or casing can control the flow of liquid to and from a selected
aquifer of a well that accesses at least two aquifers.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Various types of recharge valves have been used in the past
for delivery of water to an aquifer for recharging the aquifer.
However, these known devices suffer from a number of
disadvantages.
[0004] For example, a need exists for a valve assembly that can be
operated to selectively deliver liquid to and from first and second
aquifers in a plural aquifer well environment. In addition, a need
exists for an improved valve assembly and method for use in aquifer
liquid flow control.
SUMMARY
[0005] A valve assembly for use in aquifer liquid flow control in
accordance with one embodiment can be used to deliver liquid to or
from at least one selected aquifer in a plural aquifer system. In
accordance with an embodiment, the valve can be used to route
liquid to or from a first aquifer without delivering liquid to or
from a second aquifer, or to or from the second aquifer without
delivering liquid to or from the first aquifer. As an aspect of an
embodiment, the valve assembly can be used to shut off the flow of
liquid to both the first and second aquifers. Related methods
performed by such valve assemblies are also within the scope of
this disclosure.
[0006] As an aspect of a number of embodiments, the valve assembly
can effectively seal the flow of liquid to an untargeted one of
plural aquifers in a cost-effective manner.
[0007] More than one valve assembly can be used to control access
to additional aquifers.
[0008] In one application of an embodiment of a valve assembly,
liquid of a first relative temperature can be routed to or from one
aquifer and liquid of a second relative temperature can be routed
to or from another aquifer. For example, liquid can be pumped from
a first aquifer for use in providing heat to a heat exchanger. This
results in cooling of the liquid. The now relatively cool liquid
can be returned to a second aquifer other than the first aquifer.
Also, liquid from the second aquifer can be used in a cooling or
refrigeration application during which the liquid is warmed, such
as in a heat exchanger. This now relatively warm liquid can be
returned to the first aquifer.
[0009] In accordance with an embodiment, a valve assembly for use
in aquifer liquid flow control comprises: a pipe section comprising
a wall with an interior surface and an exterior surface and a
liquid flow passageway through the pipe section; at least one
aperture [and desirably plural apertures, which can be, for
convenience, called housing aperture(s)] extending through the wall
and communicating between a first portion of the liquid flow
passageway and the exterior of the pipe section; at least one
bypass passageway communicating from the first portion of the
liquid flow passageway to a second portion of the liquid flow
passageway; a first valve positioned within the interior of the
pipe section and selectively movable from a first valve closed
position in which the first valve overlies and blocks liquid flow
through the at least one housing aperture to a first valve open
position in which the first valve no longer overlies the at least
one housing aperture at least in part such that liquid can flow
through the at least one housing aperture to or from at least one
aquifer when the valve assembly is installed in a well casing,
wherein the first valve has flexibility such that when the first
valve is in the first valve closed position and the valve assembly
is installed in a well casing, a head of water pressure within the
pipe section can urge the valve outwardly against the overlaid at
least one housing aperture; a second valve positioned within the
interior of the pipe section and selectively movable from a second
valve open position to a second valve closed position; wherein in
the second valve open position the second valve is positioned to at
least partially open the bypass passageway such that liquid can
flow through the liquid flow passageway through the pipe section
with the liquid passing through the first portion of the liquid
flow passageway, through the bypass passageway and through the
second portion of the liquid flow passageway; wherein in the second
valve closed position, the second valve closes the second portion
of the liquid flow passageway to thereby block liquid flow through
the liquid flow passageway through the pipe section; and a valve
actuator coupled to the first valve and operable to selectively
move the first valve between the first valve closed position and
first valve open position, the valve actuator also being coupled to
the second valve and operable to selectively move the second valve
between the second valve open position and the second valve closed
position. In this embodiment, the second valve can be in the second
valve open position at least during a portion of the time that the
first valve is in the first valve closed position such that liquid
can flow through the first portion of the liquid flow passageway,
the bypass passageway and the second portion of the liquid flow
passageway to or from at least one aquifer when the valve assembly
is installed in a well casing without flowing through the at least
one housing aperture to another aquifer. In addition, the second
value can be in the second valve closed position during at least a
portion of the time that the first valve is in the first valve open
position such that, when the valve assembly is installed in a well
casing, the second valve blocks liquid flow through the second
portion of the liquid passageway to or from said at least one
aquifer and liquid is allowed to flow through the at least one
housing aperture to or from said another aquifer.
[0010] The valve assembly embodiment can be combined with or
installed into in a well bore hole accessing at least first and
second aquifers with well pipe being connected to the valve
assembly both above and below the valve assembly. Bore packing can
be positioned in the bore hole so as to block the flow of liquid in
the bore hole outside of the well pipe and valve assembly and
between the first and second aquifers. At least one housing
aperture communicates through the pipe section and bore hole to one
of the first and second aquifers when a first valve is in a first
valve open position. A bypass passageway communicates through the
second portion of the liquid passageway and through the bore hole
to another of the first and second aquifers other than said one of
the first and second aquifers when the second valve is in a second
valve open position. By selectively controlling the first and
second valves, liquid can be directed to or from either of the
first and second aquifers.
[0011] In accordance with another aspect of an embodiment, a first
valve can be selectively moved or movable to a first valve shut off
position in which the first valve overlies and blocks the flow of
liquid through at least one housing aperture. In addition, a second
valve can be selectively moved or movable to a second valve shut
off position in which the second valve closes a bypass passageway
and blocks liquid flow through the valve. The valve actuator can be
operable to move the second valve to the second valve shut off
position during at least a portion of the time the first valve is
in the first valve shut off position. As a result, when the valve
is installed in a well casing and the first and second valves are
in their respective shut off positions, liquid does not flow
through the valve or through the at least one housing aperture.
[0012] As another aspect of an embodiment, the first valve closed
position and the first valve shut off position are at different
valve positions in the valve pipe section from one another. Also,
in an embodiment, the second valve closed position and the second
valve shut off position are at different positions from one another
in the valve pipe section.
[0013] As a further aspect of an embodiment, the second valve can
be coupled to the first valve for movement with the movement of the
first valve and a valve actuator can comprise a common actuator for
moving both the first and second valves simultaneously.
[0014] As another aspect of an embodiment, a first valve can
comprise an annular valve body comprising a polymer material with a
valve exterior surface and a valve interior surface, the valve body
allowing liquid to flow through the valve body and through the
first portion of the liquid flow passageway. In addition, the first
valve can be moved between a first valve closed position in which
the valve exterior surface overlies a portion of the interior
surface of the wall of the valve housing pipe section and entirely
overlies the at least one aperture and a first valve open position
in which the valve exterior surface of the valve body no longer
entirely overlies the at least one aperture. In addition, the
second valve can comprise a plug. As a more specific example, the
first valve can comprise a seamless valve cylinder of a polymer
material with an exterior surface that is sized to slide along the
interior of the valve housing pipe section.
[0015] In accordance with an embodiment, a first valve can comprise
a hollow right cylindrical valve having an interior wall with an
inner wall diameter and first and second end portions. A first ring
can be positioned adjacent or abutting the first end portion and a
second ring can be positioned adjacent to or abutting the second
end portion. The first ring can have an inner ring diameter that is
less than the inner wall diameter with an interior periphery
portion of the first ring extending inwardly of the interior wall
of the first valve. A support can be mounted to the interior
periphery portion of the first ring, extending away from the first
ring and through the interior of the first valve, and terminating
in a distal end support portion. The plug can be mounted to the
distal end support portion. As a more specific aspect of an
embodiment, a plurality of pushrods can be coupled to the first
ring and can extend from the first ring toward a first piston. The
push rods can also be coupled to the second ring and can extend
from the second ring toward the second piston.
[0016] As a further aspect of an embodiment, the valve assembly can
comprise an internal projection, such as a conduit section coupled
to a valve pipe section. The conduit section can comprise a first
conduit end portion and a second conduit end portion with at least
a portion of a second portion of a liquid flow passageway through
the valve pipe section communicating between the first and second
conduit end portions. The conduit section can also comprise a
conduit wall with an interior surface and an exterior surface. A
bypass passageway can comprise at least one conduit bypass aperture
through the conduit wall that communicates between a first portion
of the liquid passageway through the valve pipe section and the
second portion of the liquid passageway. In addition, a plug can be
selectively moved or movable from a second valve open position
wherein the plug blocks the first conduit end portion while
permitting the flow of liquid through the first portion of the
liquid passageway. In this state, liquid can flow through the at
least one conduit bypass aperture and the second portion of the
liquid passageway and thereby through the pipe section at least
during a portion of the time that a first valve is in a first valve
closed position to block the flow of liquid through at least one
housing aperture through the pipe section. The plug can also be
selectively moved or moveable to a second valve closed position
wherein the plug is positioned to block liquid flow through the
second portion of the liquid passageway and also to block the flow
of liquid through the at least one conduit bypass aperture at least
during a portion of the time that the first valve is in the first
valve open position such that liquid can flow through the at least
one housing aperture between the interior and exterior of the pipe
section without flowing through the second portion of the liquid
flow passageway and thereby through the valve.
[0017] In accordance with another aspect of an embodiment, a first
valve can be selectively moved or movable to a first valve shut off
position in which the exterior surface of the valve body overlies a
portion of the interior surface of a valve housing wall and
entirely overlies at least one housing aperture to block the flow
of liquid through the at least one aperture. Also, a plug can be
selectively moved or movable to a second valve shut off position in
which the plug blocks the flow of liquid through a second portion
of a liquid flow passageway through the valve at least during a
portion of the time that the first valve is in the first valve shut
off position. With both the first and second valves in their
respective shut off positions, the valve prevents the flow of
liquid both through the liquid flow passageway and through the at
least one housing aperture.
[0018] In accordance with a further aspect of an embodiment, the
valve assembly can comprise a projection such as a conduit section
coupled to a pipe section that comprises a housing for the valve
assembly. The pipe section can define a liquid flow passageway
therethrough. The conduit section can comprise a first conduit end
portion and a second conduit end portion with at least a portion of
the liquid flow passageway communicating between the first and
second conduit end portions. The conduit section can also comprise
a conduit wall with an interior surface and an exterior surface. A
bypass passageway can comprise a liquid flow path past a valve
member, such as a plug, and into the first conduit end portion at
least when the plug is positioned outside of the conduit section.
The plug can be selectively moved or movable to a second valve open
position wherein the plug is positioned exteriorly of the conduit
section such that liquid can flow past the plug and into the first
end portion of the conduit section and through the valve assembly.
The plug can be in the second valve open position at least during a
portion of the time that a first valve is in a first valve closed
position wherein the first valve blocks at least one housing
aperture between the exterior and interior of the pipe section. The
plug can be moved or movable to a second valve closed position
wherein the plug is inserted at least partially into the first end
portion of the conduit section to block liquid flow through the
bypass passageway and through the conduit section. The plug can be
in the second valve closed position at least during a portion of
the time that the first valve is in a first valve open position
wherein the first valve no longer entirely overlays the at least
one housing aperture such that liquid can flow through the at least
one aperture between the interior and exterior of the pipe section
without flowing through the conduit section and thereby through the
valve assembly.
[0019] As another aspect of an embodiment, a first valve can be
selectively moved or movable to a first valve shut off position in
which the exterior surface of the valve body overlies a portion of
the interior surface of the wall and entirely overlies the at least
one aperture to block the flow of liquid through the at least one
aperture. A plug can be selectively moved or movable to a second
valve shut off position in which the plug is inserted into the
first end portion of the conduit section so as to block the flow of
liquid through the bypass passageway and through the second portion
of the liquid flow passageway at least during a portion of the time
that the first valve is in the first valve shut off position,
whereby the flow of liquid is blocked through the valve and also
through the at least one housing aperture.
[0020] As a further aspect of an embodiment, a valve actuator can
be coupled directly or indirectly to a first valve and operable to
move the first valve between a first valve closed position and a
first valve open position. The valve actuator can comprise first
and second hydraulic pistons coupled to the first valve, a first
hydraulic liquid chamber associated with the first piston and a
second hydraulic liquid chamber associated with the second piston.
One of the first and second pistons is movable in a direction to
urge the first valve toward said first valve closed position upon
delivery of hydraulic liquid to the hydraulic liquid chamber
associated with said one of the first and second pistons. In
addition, the other of the first and second pistons is movable in a
direction to urge the first valve toward the first valve open
position upon delivery of hydraulic liquid to the hydraulic liquid
chamber associated with the said other of the first and second
pistons. A second valve can be coupled directly or indirectly to
the first valve such that the valve actuator moves the second valve
to a second valve open position with the movement of the first
valve to the first valve closed position and such that the valve
actuator moves the second valve to a second valve closed position
with the movement of the first valve to the first valve open
position. The second valve can comprise a plug coupled by a valve
support to the first valve to thereby couple the first and second
valves together for simultaneous movement between valve
positions.
[0021] As yet another embodiment, a valve assembly for use in
aquifer liquid flow control comprises: housing means for defining a
liquid passageway for the passage of liquid therethrough and for
defining at least one aperture for communicating from the liquid
passageway to the exterior of the housing means; and valve means
for selectively blocking the flow of liquid through the at least
one aperture while permitting the flow of liquid through the liquid
passageway and for selectively blocking the flow of liquid through
the liquid passageway while allowing the flow of liquid through the
at least one aperture.
[0022] As a further aspect, a valve assembly can be included as a
section in a well pipe positioned in a well bore, the well pipe
extending below a first aquifer and a second aquifer being
positioned below the first aquifer, the well bore being provided
with packing to block the passage of liquid in the well bore
outside of the well pipe between the first and second aquifers. The
valve assembly can comprise: means for selectively opening at least
one aperture communicating with the first aquifer and for closing
an opening communicating with the second aquifer; and means for
closing the at least one aperture communicating with the first
aquifer and for opening the opening communicating with the second
aquifer.
[0023] As yet another aspect of an embodiment, an aquifer flow
control method comprises: placing a valve assembly in a section of
well pipe positioned in a well bore, the well bore passing through
a first aquifer and at least to a second aquifer and the well pipe
extending at least below the first aquifer; blocking the flow of
liquid between the well pipe and well bore at a location of the
well bore between the first and second aquifers; permitting liquid
flow through at least one housing aperture from the interior of the
valve assembly to one of the first and second aquifers or through
the at least one housing aperture from one of the first and second
aquifers to the interior of the valve assembly with the flow of
liquid to the other of the first and second aquifers being blocked;
and permitting liquid flow through the valve assembly to one of the
first and second aquifers or from one of the first and second
aquifers through the valve assembly with the at least one housing
aperture being blocked so that liquid flowing through the valve
assembly does not flow through the at least one housing
aperture.
[0024] As a further aspect, the method can include the act of
permitting the flow of relatively high temperature liquid to and
from one of first and second aquifers and permitting the flow of
relatively low temperature liquid to and from the other of the
first and second aquifers, whereby the relatively high temperature
liquid can be used for heat generation purposes when delivered from
said one of the first and second aquifers and for storing heat when
delivered to said one of the first and second aquifers, and whereby
the relatively low temperature liquid can be used for cooling
purposes when delivered from the other of the first and second
aquifers and can be used for storing relatively low temperature
liquid when delivered to the other of the first and second
aquifers.
[0025] The method can also comprise other acts, such as the act of
selectively blocking the flow of liquid through the valve assembly
and through the first aperture.
[0026] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of
embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed
description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of an embodiment of a
valve assembly in accordance with this disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a top view of the valve assembly of FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view through a pipe section
or housing included in the valve assembly of FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one form of projection, in
this case a conduit section with apertures at an upper end portion
thereof, for inclusion in the valve assembly as explained below
while providing a liquid flow passageway through the conduit
section.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view, partially in section, of
one form of piston that can be used in an actuator for shifting one
or more valves of the valve assembly.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a top view of the piston of FIG. 6.
[0033] FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view of a portion of the
housing of FIG. 4, with a portion of the conduit of FIG. 5, with
the piston of FIG. 6 shown positioned between the housing and
conduit, and with a portion of a lower value shown in dashed lines
for convenience.
[0034] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one form of valve useable in
the valve assembly of FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view of an embodiment of a
valve assembly showing a first valve member, such as a first valve
in position to block the flow of liquid through a plurality of
housing apertures overlaid by the first valve. FIG. 10 also shows a
second valve member, such a second valve in the form of a plug
shown positioned to allow the flow of liquid through bypass
apertures in a conduit section and thereby through the valve.
[0036] FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional view like that of FIG. 10
except showing a first valve in a position to allow the flow of
liquid through housing apertures no longer overlaid by the first
valve and with a plug shown in a position to block the flow of
liquid through the conduit section and thereby to block the flow of
liquid through the valve.
[0037] FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional view through an embodiment
of a valve assembly like that of FIG. 10, with the first valve and
second valve being positioned to respectively block the flow of
liquid through housing apertures in the valve and through the
conduit section.
[0038] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a valve
assembly in accordance with the disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 14 is similar to FIG. 10 and illustrates the flow of
liquid through housing apertures of the valve assembly with the
conduit section blocked and also showing packing positioned at one
location in a well bore to isolate an upper aquifer into which
liquid is shown flowing in FIG. 14 from a lower aquifer to which no
liquid flows when the first and second valves are in the position
shown in FIG. 14.
[0040] FIG. 15 is similar to FIG. 14 except that the housing
apertures are shown blocked to prevent liquid flow into the upper
aquifer while liquid flow into the conduit section and to the lower
aquifer is permitted.
[0041] FIG. 16 is similar to FIG. 15 except that fluid flow is
blocked through both the housing apertures and conduit section.
[0042] FIGS. 17-19 are like FIGS. 14-16 except that the bypass
apertures in an upper portion of the conduit section have been
eliminated to provide an alternative form of bypass passageway
around or past a second valve (see FIG. 18) when the second valve
is in an open position.
[0043] FIGS. 20-23 illustrate an application of an embodiment of a
valve assembly in accordance with this disclosure to deliver liquid
of a first relative temperature to or from a first aquifer and
liquid of a second relative temperature to or from a different
aquifer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] The description proceeds with reference to several exemplary
embodiments. The present invention is directed toward novel and
non-obvious features and methods acts disclosed herein both alone
and in various combinations and subcombinations with one another as
set forth in the claims.
[0045] FIG. 1 illustrates a valve assembly 8 comprising a pipe
section 10 that can be included in a pump column of a well. For
example, pipe section 10 can be a six-inch inside diameter steel
pipe having threads 12, 14 at its opposite ends for coupling to
associated pipe components, such as to well casing sections above
and below the valve assembly. The pipe section 10 includes at least
one aquifer communication aperture or outlet through which liquid
(e.g. water) can pass to and/or from an aquifer when the valve
assembly is installed in a well. Desirably, a plurality of aquifer
communicating apertures are provided through the pipe section wall
at spaced locations about the circumference of pipe section 10. In
FIG. 1, the aquifer communication housing apertures are arranged in
a spiral pattern along a portion 16 of pipe section 10 with some of
these apertures being indicated at 18 in FIGS. 1 and 2. The pipe
section 10 can be of any suitable length and, in FIGS. 1 and 2, is
shown as a four foot long pipe section
[0046] In the FIGS. 1 and 2 example, the aquifer communication
apertures 18 are shown intermediate the respective ends of the pipe
section 10 and about one-third of the distance from the upper end
of the pipe section-toward the lower end of the pipe section. It
should be understood that the valve assembly disclosed herein can
be installed in other orientations other than vertical and can, for
example, be inverted.
[0047] It should be noted that at least one such aperture 18 is
provided. However, it is more desirable to include a plurality of
apertures spaced about the circumference of pipe section 10. This
approach disperses liquid being used to re-charge an aquifer, or
being drawn from an aquifer, through a plurality of openings and
reduces the mining of the aquifer that could otherwise take place
by a high volume of water passing through one or only a few
apertures. The size and number of apertures can be varied for a
particular application. That is, for a given head pressure during
recharging of a well, for example, and a desirable flow rate of
recharge water into an aquifer, one can determine the number and
size of apertures that are desirable. In the illustrated
embodiment, 40 openings are provided which are each 0.25 inch in
diameter. These openings can be arranged in various arrangements or
patterns, and can be arranged in a spiral pattern as shown in FIGS.
1 and 2, as opposed to being in respective rings with each ring
being at the same elevation. As a result, the integrity and
strength of the pipe section 10 is increased. Although less
desirable, the openings can be arranged in rings or other
arrangements (this is also true of the conduit bypass openings
discussed below in one embodiment). In addition, as a valve member
is moved upwardly or downwardly with a spiral arrangement of
housing apertures, the change in exposed apertures is almost
linear. This facilitates the control of the flow rate during
aquifer recharge and withdrawal operations. These apertures can
have rounded edges at the interior side of the pipe section to
facilitate the smoother flow of water through the apertures during
an aquifer recharge operation. In addition, the apertures can have
rounded edges at the exterior side of the pipe section as well. The
use of rounded, beveled or otherwise smoothed apertures reduces the
possibility of aperture boundaries scratching a valve as it moves
or is slid past the apertures as explained below.
[0048] The valve assembly 8 of FIGS. 1 and 2 can use a valve such
as explained below. The operation of the valve assembly can be
controlled in the manner of the valve of U.S. Pat. No. 6,811,353
and U.S. Pat. No. 7,156,578. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,811,353 and 7,156,578
are incorporated herein in their entireties.
[0049] The illustrated valve assembly 8 comprises first and second
end members, such as comprising end caps 40, 42 respectively
inserted into the top and bottom of the pipe section 10 as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2. These end cap portions can be replaced with other
configurations, such as projections and/or conduit sections
positioned within the interior of the pipe section 10. Exemplary
end cap portions 40, 42 are described in greater detail below and
can be identical to one another. However, in one embodiment, end
cap 42 is provided with at least one bypass opening, and desirably
a plurality of such openings, some of which are indicated at number
44 in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, the openings 44 are adjacent to the distal
end 48 of the end cap portion 42. A base portion 50, opposite to
distal end 48, is provided with threads in this embodiment such
that end cap 42 can be threaded into threads 56 (FIG. 4) at the
base end 58 of pipe section 10. A liquid flow passageway 60 extends
through end cap portion 52 from the distal end to the base end with
a portion of this passageway being defined by an annular conduit
section or portion 62 projecting away from base 52. Conduit portion
62 comprises a wall penetrated by the openings or bypass
passageways 44 that extend from the interior to the exterior of
conduit 62 in this example. The openings 44 can be sized and
arranged in the same manner as the openings 18. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 5, the portion of conduit 62 below the openings 44 is
opening free.
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, a first coupler 74, mounted
to the exterior of housing 10, defines an internal passageway 75
(FIG. 4) communicating with an interior portion 77 of housing 10
through a corresponding port or passageway 76 through the housing
wall. A hydraulic line fitting 78 (FIGS. 1 and 2) can be secured to
coupling 74, such as being threaded into a threaded fitting
receiving portion of the coupling. A hydraulic line 43, shown
schematically in FIG. 1, can be connected to fitting 78 when the
valve assembly is in use. Line 43 can be used for delivering
hydraulic fluid to, and receiving such fluid from, the valve
assembly for use in operating a piston (as described below) to
adjust valve positions. Typically, food grade hydraulic fluid is
used in operating the valve assembly so as to protect the water
supply in the event the hydraulic fluid leaks from the system.
Although alternative hydraulic lines can be used, hydraulic lines
for operating the pistons can, for example, be 0.25 inch diameter
stainless steel tubing. A tapered deflector 80 can be positioned at
the underside of fitting 74 (and can, for example, be a part of
fitting 74). The deflector 80 deflects the valve assembly away from
obstructions as the valve assembly and well pipe containing the
assembly is lowered into a well. Deflector 80 also shields the
coupling 74.
[0051] In addition, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, a second
coupler 82 defines a hollow interior passageway 83 (FIG. 4)
communicating through a port 84 and with an interior portion 85 of
a housing or pipe section 10. Coupler 82 can be internally threaded
so as to receive a hydraulic line fitting 86 (FIGS. 1 and 2) and
the lower end of a hydraulic line section 88. The upper end of line
section 88 terminates in a hydraulic fitting 90 that can be coupled
to a hydraulic line, such as to a line shown schematically as line
91, when the valve assembly is in use. Line 91 can be used to
deliver hydraulic fluid to and from the interior portion 85 (FIG.
4) of the housing to operate a valve actuating piston as explained
below. A tapered shield or deflector 92 can be positioned below
coupler 82 for functioning in the same manner as the deflector 80
described above. The ports 76, 84 that communicate through
respective openings 75, 83 of the respective couplings 84, 82, are
desirably offset from one another (see FIG. 1) so that fittings 78,
90 clear one another at the upper end of the illustrated valve
assembly.
[0052] Again, it should be noted that the valve assembly 8 can be
used in other orientations, such as inverted from the orientation
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In such a case, the couplers 74 and 82 can
also be inverted.
[0053] The respective end caps 40, 42 can be inserted into the
respective ends of pipe section 10 and desirably are threaded into
the pipe section. In addition, retainers, such as set screws 100,
102 (FIG. 2) can be used to engage the respective end caps 40, 42
to prevent them from separating from the pipe section 10 during
use. The illustrated set screws 100, 102 are each threaded through
a respective set screw receiving opening of pipe section 10 and
into engagement with the associated one of the respective end
caps.
[0054] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, end cap 40 can be identical
to end cap 42 although typically no bypass openings 44 are provided
in end cap 40. As explained below in connection with an alternative
embodiment, the openings 44 can also be eliminated from end cap 42.
Also, the conduit portion 62 of end cap 42 can be elongated in the
axial direction in comparison to the length of a corresponding
conduit portion (not shown) of end cap 40 so as to provide an
aperture free area (below apertures 44 in FIG. 5) along which a
piston can slide. If a piston were to slide over apertures 44,
although this construction can be used, the apertures 44 can
scratch or mar the piston and interfere with its sealing
properties.
[0055] Because of the similarity between end caps 40 and 42 in this
embodiment, only end cap 42 will be described in detail. End cap 42
is desirably of annular construction with a body 110 (FIG. 5)
provided with a longitudinally and axially extending liquid or
water flow opening 60 or liquid passageway as previously mentioned.
The opening 60 can be circular in cross-section and can have a
diameter that is varied depending on factors such as the diameter
of the well pipe within which the valve assembly is to be used.
However, the outer diameter of conduit portion 62, in one
embodiment is less than the diameter D1 of housing 10 (see FIG. 4)
such that liquid can flow between an interior wall 141 of the
housing 10 and the exterior wall 143 (FIG. 5) of the conduit
portion 62 as explained below. As a specific example, in a valve
for use with 6 inch outside diameter well pipe, that has an
approximately 5 inch inside diameter, end cap openings 60 can have
a diameter of about 2.8 inches, as a specific example with the
outer diameter of the conduit portion 62 being about 3.8 inches in
one example. As another example, a valve assembly for 8 inch well
pipe can have end caps with respective longitudinally extending
openings that are about 4 inches in diameter. Also, a valve
assembly for a 10 inch well pipe can have end caps with center
openings of 6 inches in diameter. Again, these dimensions can be
varied. The length of the valve assembly can be relatively short.
For example, the length L in FIG. 4 can be about 48 inches. Because
of the shortness of the valve assembly of the illustrated
embodiment, even with a somewhat restricted opening 60, little
pressure loss occurs across the valve assembly as water flows
through the valve assembly.
[0056] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, end cap 40 is provided with
first and second blind holes 114, 116 that are diametrically
located across the end cap body 109 and are exposed at the surface
of the body of the end cap 40. A tool, such as a wrench having
projecting pegs positioned for insertion into the respective
openings 114, 116, can be used to tighten the valve end cap 40
within the end of pipe section 10 and also to remove the end cap,
as desired. End cap 42 can be similarly constructed with blind
holes.
[0057] With reference to FIG. 4, one form of pipe section 10 for a
valve assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2 is illustrated. The illustrated
pipe section has exterior threads 12, 14 at the respective ends of
the pipe section for coupling, for example, to other lengths of
well pipe or casing when the valve assembly is installed for use.
The upper end portion of pipe section 10 has internal threads 55
for threadedly receiving external threads 128 (FIG. 10) on the body
of end cap 40 for use in threadedly interconnecting these members.
In the same manner, the internal threads 56 (FIG. 4) of the pipe
section 10 threadedly receive the threaded portion 52 (FIG. 5) of
the end cap 42. Interiorly (meaning toward the center of pipe
section 10) of threads 52, end cap 52 comprises an annular tapered
wall or shoulder section 129 of a diameter that is reduced in a
direction extending inwardly into the interior of the pipe section.
Shoulder section 129 can engage a corresponding shoulder 130 (FIG.
4) of pipe section 10 to limit the extent of insertion of the end
cap member 42 into the pipe section. Similar features can also be
provided in end cap 40 and at the end cap receiving portion of pipe
section 10 that receives cap member 40. When cap member 42 is
threaded into the pipe section 10 and shoulder 129 bottoms out
against wall section 130, the position of cap member 42 is at a
known established location within the valve assembly. A similar
tapered annular shelf 131 (FIG. 4) is provided at the upper end of
the pipe section 10.
[0058] Referring again to FIG. 4, a first wall section 134 is
positioned inwardly of an upper tapered section 131. Wall section
134 is of a first cross-sectional dimension and, in this example,
comprises a right cylinder having a diameter D1. The dimension D1
can be varied depending on the size of the valve assembly, such as
with the diameter of the well pipe with which the valve assembly is
to be used. Although variable, for a pipe section 10 having a 6
inch outside diameter, dimension D1 can be, for example, about 5.4
inches. A portion of the wall surface 134 in this embodiment
desirably defines a portion of a hydraulic chamber 135 (see FIGS.
10, 11) as explained below. The valve assembly desirably includes a
piston stop operable to limit the motion of one or more pistons
within the valve assembly. Although various forms of a stop (e.g.,
projections) can be used, in one specific example, the piston stop
comprises a shelf 136 of an annular configuration that is formed in
the interior surface of pipe section 10 at an inward end of wall
section 134. A valve guiding wall section 142 is provided of a
second cross-sectional dimension. In this example, wall section 142
is a right cylinder with a diameter D2, is positioned inwardly of
shelf 136. As explained below in connection with one embodiment, a
valve member, such as a first valve member, can slide along wall
section 142 to respectively open and close the openings 18 through
the pipe section 10 depending upon whether, and to the extent that,
the first valve member overlies the openings 18.
[0059] As can be seen in FIG. 4, in the orientation shown, a lower
portion of wall section 142 is provided without the openings 18.
When a first valve member is moved to a position adjacent the lower
portion of the wall section 142, the valve desirably does not
impede the flow of water through the openings 18. Conversely, as
the valve is shifted upwardly in FIG. 4 to a position which
overlies some or all of the openings 18 (all of them desirably
being overlaid when the valve is in its uppermost or most closed
position), the flow of liquid through openings 18 is impeded or
blocked. The extent of such blockage depends upon the valve
position. The term closed or blocked does not mean total sealing of
the housing openings as some leakage can take place, but desirably
the first valve substantially totally or totally seals the housing
openings when closed. The diameter D2 can also be varied. In one
specific example, the diameter D2 is 5 inches for a 6 inch outside
diameter pipe section 10. The lower portion of pipe section 10 in
the illustrated embodiment also comprises a wall section 141
positioned inwardly of annular tapered wall section 130. Wall
section 141 can also be a right cylinder and desirably defines a
portion of a hydraulic chamber 137 (FIGS. 10 and 11) in this
specific example. Wall section 141 can have the same diameter D1 as
wall section 134. The inward most end of wall section 141 can
terminate in an annular piston stop 146 that can be like stop 136.
Other forms of a piston stop can be used in the lower portion of
the pipe section.
[0060] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of an exemplary lower end
cap 42. Cap 42 comprises external threads 52 for threading into the
threads 56 (FIG. 4) of the pipe section 10. An annular tapered
shoulder section 129 of end cap body 110 is provided to engage
annular wall surface 130 of pipe section 10 when these components
are assembled. The body 110 of end cap 42 can also comprise a
cylindrical wall portion 148 having an outside cross-sectional
dimension, such as a diameter, that desirably corresponds to and is
slightly less than the diameter D1. The space between end cap wall
portion 148 and wall section 141 desirably is tightly sealed when
the end cap 42 is in place. For example, wall section 148 can be
provided with at least one inwardly extending seal receiving groove
150 within which a seal, such as an o-ring 152, can be placed. The
o-ring 152 seals the base of the valve assembly and hydraulic
chamber 137 (FIGS. 10, 11) at this location.
[0061] The body 110 desirably has a wall portion or section 154
that is of a reduced cross-sectional dimension at a location
adjacent to wall section 148. The wall section 154 is positioned
further inwardly into pipe section 10 than the wall section 148. As
a result, an annular passageway 157 (FIGS. 10, 11) is provided to
facilitate the flow of hydraulic fluid through opening 84 and into
the hydraulic fluid receiving chamber 137 as described below. Body
110 can also include an annular shelf or piston stop surface 155
operable to limit the movement of a piston in the direction toward
the adjacent end 14 of the pipe section 10. Other forms of a piston
stop can also be used. Body 110 also comprises, in this embodiment,
a piston guide such as cylindrical piston engaging wall section 143
that corresponds to the exterior surface of conduits section or
portion 62 in the case of a right cylindrical conduit section 62.
The liquid flow passageway 60 in this example extends axially
through conduit section 62 and through the other portions of body
110 to the exterior of end cap 42. The passageway 60 in this
example is bounded by an interior wall surface 145. The conduit
section wall surface 143 comprises one form of an annular piston
guiding surface along which a piston can be shifted. The wall
surface 143 also desirably defines a portion of the hydraulic
chamber 137. Other portions of the chamber 137 are defined, in this
example, by sections 154, 155 of the end cap 42, and by a portion
of the wall section 141. This will become more apparent from the
discussion below.
[0062] With reference to FIG. 3, the liquid flow opening 160, in
this embodiment, extends axially through the upper cap member 40.
In addition, one form of a valve support 180, such as a support
bracket is visible in FIG. 3. Valve support 180 supports a valve
member 190 operable as explained below to selectively block the
flow of liquid through passageway 60 to thereby prevent the flow of
liquid through the pipe section 10 and the valve assembly.
[0063] An exemplary form of valve member 190, in the form of a
plug, and of the support 180, are shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. In
addition, an exemplary form of a valve 170 that is selectively
operable or positionable to close the apertures 18 is also shown in
FIGS. 10 and 11.
[0064] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a vertical sectional view through
a portion of pipe section 10 containing an exemplary aquifer valve
in accordance with one embodiment. The illustrated valve comprises
first and second valve members or portions 170, 190. These valve
portions can be separately and independently operable by respective
actuators to various closed and open positions using a separate
actuator for each valve member. For example, hydraulic pistons or
cylinders can be used for this purpose. Electrically controlled
actuators can also be used. However, in the illustrated embodiment
of FIGS. 10 and 11, the valve members 170, 190 are coupled
together, in this case directly connected together, by support 180
so that they move simultaneously and together between selected
valve positions as explained below.
[0065] With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the illustrated
embodiment (in the orientation shown) comprises an upper or first
valve member 170 positioned within the interior of pipe section 10
and moveable between a first closed position (shown in FIG. 10) in
which the valve member 170 overlies and closes or seals the
apertures 18 to a second open position in which the valve member
170 does not entirely overlie the apertures and more desirably
clears all of the apertures such that liquid can flow through the
apertures without interference by the valve member 170. An example
of an open position of valve member 170 is shown in FIG. 11. In the
orientation shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, valve member 170 is moved
from a closed position downwardly to the open position. If the
assembly is inverted, this direction of motion can be reversed. The
valve member 170 is configured in this embodiment to allow liquid
to flow through the valve member, in this case through an interior
passageway 192 through the valve member. Thus, the valve member 170
can be annular in shape, with a right cylindrical configuration
being a desirable form of valve member. As can be seen in FIG. 10,
when valve member 170 is in the closed position, a liquid flow
passageway exists through a first passageway portion comprising an
interior portion 194 of cap member 40, through a portion 196 of the
valve member 170, and into a portion of the passageway 198 located
below the valve member. Passageway portions 194, 196, and 198 can
be deemed one portion of a fluid flow passageway through the valve
assembly. In addition, a passageway portion 200 is defined by
conduit section 62 of end cap 42 that can be deemed a second
passageway portion. Passageway portion 200 can communicate via an
opening 202 with a pipe section coupled to the lower end of pipe
section 10. Similarly, an opening 201 through end cap 40 can
communicate from passageway portion 194 to a pipe section connected
to the upper end of pipe section 10.
[0066] As can be seen in FIG. 10, when valve section 170 is in the
closed position, lower valve portion 190 is positioned above at
least one, and desirably a plurality of or all of the apertures 44.
Consequently, passageway portion 198 communicates through apertures
44 with passageway portion 200 with openings 44 thereby providing a
bypass passageway. Consequently, valve member 190, which can be in
the form of a plug shaped to mate with conduit section 200 and
close or seal the conduit section 200 when valve member 190 is
inserted further into the conduit section, is in an open position.
When valve member 190 is in an open position, liquid can pass
between passageways 198, 200 through openings 44. Thus liquid can
flow through the pipe section 10, between openings 201, 202 and
through the valve assembly. Simultaneously, because valve member
170 is in a closed position, liquid flow through apertures 18 is
blocked.
[0067] In comparison, when valve member 170 has been shifted to the
open position shown in FIG. 11, the valve member 190 is inserted
sufficiently into conduit 62 so as to block the flow of liquid
through passageway portion 200 to the opening 202. As a result,
when in this position, liquid can flow through apertures 18 in
either direction (recharge or withdrawal) to and/or from passageway
portion 198. Also, in the embodiment of the valve assembly of FIGS.
10-12, the valve can be moved to a shut-off position wherein the
first valve member 170 overlays and closes the apertures 18 and the
second valve member, in this case plug 190, is positioned to close
the openings 44 and to also close the passageway 200. As a result,
liquid does not flow either through the valve assembly or from the
valve assembly to or from the apertures 18.
[0068] Desirably in one form, the valve member 170 comprises a tube
having an outside diameter which is sized slightly less than the
inside diameter of portion 142 of pipe section 10. For example, if
pipe section 10 has an inside diameter of six inches, the outside
diameter of valve member 170 can be 5 and 15/16 inches. In
addition, valve member 170 can be of a material with some
flexibility such that when the valve is positioned to overlie
apertures 18, the water pressure within pipe section 10 when
installed (the head in the pump column) forces the valve outwardly
to provide a good seal or closure of openings 18 against leakage.
Because valve member 170 is positioned inside pipe section 10 in
this example, the water pressure in the pipe column assists in
maintaining the valve in a closed position as water is being pumped
from or delivered to the well when valve member 170 is in the
closed position. Valve member 170 can be of any suitable material.
As a desirable example, valve member 170 can be of a polymer
material and can be formed, as by machining or otherwise as a
seamless cylinder. In addition, the valve member 170 can be of a
variable length, such as from nine inches to one foot long. As a
specific example, valve member 170 can have a one-half inch thick
wall and be formed of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene so
that it has some resiliency to assist in accomplishing the seal.
This material also slides easily against the interior wall surface
142 of the pipe section 10. The valve member 170 is not limited to
this specific material. Other examples of suitable valve materials
include: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC); HDPE (high density
polyethylene); Nylon (Zytel); or any other semi-rigid or resilient
material. Multi-material components can also be used.
[0069] As an alternative structure, the first valve member 170 can
comprise a rigid material with, for example, o-ring or other seals
positioned above and below the apertures 18 to seal the apertures
when the valve 170 is in the closed position. Although less
desirable, the valve 170 can comprise an annular valve positioned
exteriorly of the housing wall through which the one or more
apertures 18 are provided. The valve 170 can be other than annular
(for example arcuate sealing strips that cover columns or rows of
apertures when the valve 170 is closed.
[0070] Although other configurations of valve member 190 can be
used, such as a valve member with a controllable valve shiftable
between open and closed positions or an inserted cap shaped valve
that has a wall sliding along the exterior of conduit section 62, a
simplified desirable form of valve member 190 comprises a plug. As
can be seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, plug 190 can be configured to mate
with and seal the interior surface of passageway 200 within conduit
62. Consequently, if the passageway 200 is of circular
cross-section, plug 190 can be, for example, of right cylindrical
construction. The illustrated plug 190 can have a chamfered lower
peripheral edge portion 210 to facilitate its movement within
passageway 200. In addition, plug 190 can include an axially
extending opening through which a distal end portion 212 of a
support 180 can extend. The lower most end of projection 212 can be
threaded for receiving a fastener, such as a self locking nut 214
with a washer 217 interposed between the nut and lower end of the
plug 190, for securing the plug onto the support. In addition, a
stop such as a plate 216 of a cross-sectional dimension less than a
cross-sectional dimension of the upper end of plug 190 can be
secured, as by welding, to the support portion 212. Plate 216 thus
provides a backing for the upper end of plug 190 when fastener 216
is tightened. A first or upper ring 220, such as of stainless
steel, is positioned to overlay, and in this example abut, the
upper end of valve member 170. A similar ring 222 is positioned
adjacent to, and in this example abutting, the lower end of valve
member 170. Ring 220 can have an inner cross-sectional dimension,
such as a diameter that is less than the inner diameter of valve
member 170 such that an annular lip 226 extends inwardly into
passageway portion 196 at the upper end of the valve member 170.
Lip 226 provides a fastening location for a portion of the support
180. Alternative, ring 220 can be provided with projecting mounts
for this purpose. Various forms of supports can be utilized to
couple valve member 190 to valve member 170 in embodiments where
these elements are moved together. One exemplary support 180
comprises a plurality of bracket straps (see FIGS. 3, 9 and 10),
such as three such straps 230, 232, 234 spaced 120 degrees apart
about the lip 226, that are secured, such as by fasteners or
welding to the lip. The bracket straps 230, 232, and 234 converge
toward one another and are connected to an upper end portion 238
(FIG. 10) of a support member 212 for valve member 190. Valves 170,
190 can be moved by any appropriate valve actuator between the
respective open, closed and (if available in the embodiment)
shut-off positions. For example, valve member 170 can be positioned
within a support structure such as a cage structure. Single acting
or double acting cylinders can be used in an exemplary approach for
moving the valve members. Desirably, the valve moving components
are of a durable material, with stainless steel being a specific
example for many of such components.
[0071] FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 illustrate an exemplary form of an annular
piston 300 that can be employed as a valve actuator in the valve
assembly 8 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The construction of the piston 300 can
be varied. In one form, the valve assembly can comprise a double
acting hydraulic cylinder with upper and lower pistons 300', 300
(FIGS. 10, 11). Since these pistons can be identical, although this
is not required, only lower piston 300 will be described in detail.
With reference to FIG. 6, the illustrated piston 300 comprises an
annular body 302. The body 302 defines upper and lower spaced apart
wear ring receiving grooves 304,306 extending radially inwardly
into the body. In addition, a seal receiving groove 308 is provided
intermediate to and spaced from the respective grooves 304 and 306.
A first wear ring 310 is positioned within groove 304 and a second
wear ring 312 is positioned within groove 306. A seal, such as an
o-ring seal 314, is positioned within the groove 308. The wear
rings 310, 312 can be of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene
or other suitable material, such as of a relatively low friction
durable material. The outside diameter of each wear ring 310, 312
is slightly greater than the outside diameter of the body 302 so
that, when in position, the wear rings bear against the wall
surface 141 (or surface 134 in the case of piston 300 and its wear
rings). The o-ring 314 seals the space between the piston 300 and
the adjoining wall section 141. The periphery of piston 300 thus
defines an exterior annular piston surface for sliding along a
portion of wall section 141.
[0072] As can best be seen in FIG. 8, the piston body 302 also
defines upper and lower inwardly extending interior wear ring
receiving grooves that are spaced apart from one another and an
inwardly extending interior seal receiving groove between the
interior wear ring receiving grooves. Respective wear rings 326,
327 are received in the respective interior wear ring recovery
grooves. In addition, at least one seal, such as an o-ring seal
328, is received within the interior seal receiving groove. The
o-rings 314, 328 are typically of rubber or other suitable sealing
material. The wear rings 326, 327 can be of the same material as
wear rings 310, 312. The interior diameter of wear rings 326, 327
is less than the interior diameter of piston body 302 so that the
wear rings 326,327, when the piston is in position, slide along the
outer surface 143 of conduit section 62 and separate the piston
body 302 from the end cap and from the outer surface of conduit 62.
The o-ring 328 is sized to seal the gap between end cap wall
surface 143 and the piston 300. Other suitable approaches for
sealing a piston relative to an interior pipe section wall surface
and end cap projection can also be used. Opposed spaced apart major
annular piston surfaces, one surface 331 facing valve member 170
and the other surface 333 facing hydraulic chamber 137, are thus
included in this exemplary piston construction.
[0073] In FIG. 8, the piston 300 thus corresponds to the lower
piston of the valve assembly oriented as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.
The piston surfaces facing valve member 170 (e.g. surface 331 for
piston 300), are each coupled to the valve member 170 by a
respective pusher or force applying structures, such as a piston to
valve engaging structure. In one form (see FIG. 9) plural push
rods, which can be of stainless steel or other suitable material,
comprise a form of piston to valve engaging structure. In this
example, six push rods 350, 352, 354, 356, 358, 360 are shown.
Although these rods can of plural piece construction, in the form
shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, the rods project upwardly and
downwardly from the respective rings 220, 222 and extend through
the rings and valve member. The push rods are also desirably
fastened to the rings 220, 222, such as by welds (one being
numbered as 340 in FIG. 10). The ends of the push rods are
desirably fastened, such as by welding, to respective rings or
other bearing surface members that engage the respective pistons.
As shown in FIG. 9, the lower ends of these push rods desirably
engage and are fastened, such as by welding, to the upper surface
331 of a ring 225 that engages the upper surface of the piston 300.
In addition, the upper ends of the push rods desirably engage and
are fastened, such as by welding, to the lower surface of a ring
227 that engages the lower surface of a piston 300' (see FIG. 10).
FIG. 9 thus shows an exemplary push rod to valve subassembly.
Although a set of six push rods are shown in FIG. 9 in position
projecting from each end of valve member 170, the number of push
rods can be varied. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the push rods are
spaced equally about the circumference of a right cylindrical valve
member 170. In the case of a valve assembly for use with eight inch
well pipe, six or more push rods is a desirable exemplary number.
For a valve assembly for ten inch well pipe, eight or more push
rods is a desirable number. Each of the ends of the push rods and
associated rings 225, 227 desirably comprises respective a-piston
bearing surfaces. The surfaces of rings 225, 227 each bear against
the corresponding adjacent major surface of a respective one of the
pistons during operation of the valve assembly. The outer diameters
of rings 220, 222, 225, 227 are desirably slightly less than (e.g.
1/32 of an inch less than) the diameter of the valve member 170 so
that the edges of these rings do not engage the adjacent sidewall
of the pipe section. The ring members 220, 222 provide an increased
surface area that bears against the adjacent end of the valve
member 170. Consequently, with this exemplary construction, the
valve actuation forces are primarily borne by the push rods rather
than being applied directly to the valve sleeve. This minimizes the
possibility of the valve member 170 buckling or being crushed or
damaged if, for example, one of the pistons 300, 300' were to seize
for some unlikely reason.
[0074] For purposes of further illustration, FIG. 13 has been
included to show an exploded view of a valve assembly embodiment.
The same numbers have been used in FIG. 13 for elements in common
with those shown in FIG. 10.
[0075] FIG. 14 illustrates a well 380 comprising a bore hole 386
which has been drilled, such as from the surface through a first
aquifer 388 and through (or into) a second aquifer 390. A well
casing has been included in the well and comprises a plurality of
pipe segments or sections, including one or more upper pipe
sections. Typically a number of such upper pipe sections are
included, with one such upper pipe section 392 being shown with its
lower end portion connected to the upper end portion of pipe
section 10 of valve assembly 8. In addition, the well casing
includes one or more lower pipe sections, and typically a plurality
of such lower pipe sections, with one such lower pipe section 394
shown with its upper end connected to the lower end of pipe section
10. The lower most portion of the well casing is shown terminating
in a pipe section with an end 396 spaced above the bottom 398 of
the bore hole. Note, the distance between the end 396 of the lower
well casing and bore hole 398 is compressed in FIG. 14, and is
typically of a substantial length. Conventional packing 400, which
is typically inflatable after insertion, is shown positioned
between the well casing and the bore hole. The packing can be
located at any desired location within the bore hole below
apertures 18 in this example, and at a location between aquifers
388, 390, such that liquid is blocked from flowing or traveling
between the casing and bore hole wall between these aquifers except
as may be permitted by the valve assembly or an alternative form of
the valve assembly.
[0076] When valve assembly 8 is shifted to the position shown by an
embodiment in FIG. 14, apertures 18 are no longer entirely overlaid
by valve member 170, and thus valve member 170 is in an open
position. Conversely, in the position shown in FIG. 14, the valve
member 190 is in a closed position and prevents the flow of liquid
from one end 201 or 202 of the valve assembly to the other end 201
or 202 of the valve assembly. Consequently liquid indicated by
arrows 402 in FIG. 14 that is being pumped into the well casing
flows downwardly into the valve assembly (as shown by these
arrows), outwardly through apertures 18, upwardly between the well
casing and bore hole to and into the upper aquifer 388. With the
valve assembly in this state, and if water is being pumped from the
well, water would flow from aquifer 388 along this flow path to the
well casing and to the surface.
[0077] In FIG. 15, valve member 170 is shown in a closed position
overlying the apertures 18. In contrast valve member 190 is in an
open position such that apertures 44 provide a bypass passageway
permitting the flow of liquid (such as water indicated by arrows
410) through the valve assembly from the exterior of conduit 62,
through apertures 44, to the interior of conduit 62 and to or from
the lower casing section where the liquid can be delivered to the
lower aquifer 390.
[0078] In the embodiment of FIG. 16, the illustrated valve assembly
can be shifted to a shut-off position wherein the first valve
member 170 overlies and closes the apertures 18 and the second
valve member or plug 190 closes the apertures 44 and the interior
passageway through the conduit section 62. As a result, liquid
cannot flow to or from apertures 18 or through the conduit to or
from the lower section of the well casing.
[0079] FIGS. 17 through 19 illustrate an alternative embodiment of
valve assembly 8. FIGS. 17 through 19 correspond to FIGS. 14
through 16. In the embodiment of FIGS. 17 through 19, the apertures
44 in conduit 62 have been eliminated. In FIG. 17, valve member 170
is shown in an open position with valve member 190 shown inserted
sufficiently into conduit section 62 to close the conduit section
against the flow of liquid therethrough. In FIG. 18, valve member
170 has been shifted to a position overlying the apertures 18 to
close off the flow of liquid through the apertures. In addition,
valve member 190 has been shifted upwardly sufficiently to provide
a bypass passageway around the valve member to the upper end of the
conduit 62. The upper end of conduit 62 is chamfered at 420 to
facilitate the insertion and removal of valve member 190 into the
conduit 62. FIG. 19 illustrates valve member 170 and valve member
190 that are both positioned in a closed position. As is apparent
from FIGS. 14 through 19, with valve member 170 coupled to valve
member 190, in this case connected indirectly to valve member 170
by support 180, the valve members 170, 190 are moved together to
their respective valve positions. In addition, the valve open,
closed, and shut-off positions for valve member 170 differ from one
another. Also, the valve open, closed, and shut-off positions for
the valve member 190 also differ from one another.
[0080] FIGS. 20 through 23 illustrate an exemplary application of
valve assembly 8. Numbers for elements in common with elements
shown in FIGS. 14-16 have been retained in these figures. In FIG.
20, assume the valve assembly 8 is to be used in an application
wherein water is to be drawn from one aquifer (e.g. aquifer 388)
for use in heating a building or other environmental space. In this
example, a pump 450 is shown for pumping water to or from the well
casing 452. More than one pump can be used, but one is shown for
convenience. First and second liquid storage tanks 454, 455 are
shown in this figure, although more such tanks can be used. A valve
456 is shown in a flow path 457 from pump 450 to tank 454. A valve
460 is shown in a flow path 462 from tank 454 to a heat exchanger
464 in a flow path 466 that passes through a valve 468 and a flow
path 470 to the tank 455. The tank 455 is coupled by a flow path
472 through a valve 474 and to the pump 450. In addition, tank 454
is coupled via a flow path 480 through a valve 482 and a flow path
484 through a heat exchanger 486 to a flow path 490 and through a
valve 492 to the tank 455. These valves can be remote controlled
valves, such as solenoid valves responsive to a control signal to
shift between open and closed positions. Again, this is an
exemplary construction as more or fewer heat exchangers and flow
paths can be utilized.
[0081] Assume that heat is to be extracted from water in aquifer
388. In this example, valve assembly 8 is operated to provide a
flow path from aquifer 388, through the bore outside of the well
casing to apertures 18 of the valve assembly. From there, the water
flows through apertures 18 and upwardly through the interior of the
casing where it is pumped by pump 450 through valve 456, which is
now open, and into tank 454. The water is then delivered through
flow path 462 and now open valve 460 to heat exchanger 464 which
extracts heat from the water. Water (now cooler due to the heat
extraction) then passes through flow path 466, through now open
valve 468, and via flow path 470 and into tank 455. Thus, water at
temperature T1 from aquifer 388 is delivered to tank 454, indicated
at temperature T1' in tank 454 due to some change in temperature as
the water travels along this partial flow path and is stored in
tank 454. Following extraction of heat from the water, the water
delivered to tank 455 is at T2' which is at a relatively low
temperature compared to the temperature at T1' and T1. Tanks 454
and 455 can be sized large enough to accumulate significant
quantities of water. From time to time, such as periodically or
when heating is no longer required, or as otherwise controlled,
valve assembly 8 can be shifted to the state shown in FIG. 21. When
in this state or condition, apertures 18 are closed and a flow path
is provided through the valve assembly to the lower aquifer 390.
Pump 450 can deliver water from tank 455 through a now open valve
474 and flow path 472 (valve 456 being closed) back to the interior
of the well casing. The water then flows downwardly through the
well and valve assembly 8 to the aquifer 390. This relatively cold
water at temperature T2 is thus being stored in the second
aquifer.
[0082] With reference to FIG. 22, assume that water from the well
is to be used for cooling purposes. In this case, valve assembly 8
can be shifted to a condition wherein apertures 18 are closed and
the flow path through the valve assembly is open. As a result, pump
450 can draw water of relatively cold temperature T2 from aquifer
390 to the surface. This assumes that tank 455 is still the
relatively low temperature tank and that tank 454 is the relatively
high temperature tank. In this case, water can pass from pump 450,
through now open valve 474 (with valve 456 being closed), and
through flow path 472 to the tank 455. From tank 455, water can be
drawn through now open valve 492 and flow path 490 to heat
exchanger 486 wherein the relatively cool water is used to extract
heat from the room or other environment to be cooled. The water
warmed by this cooling process is then delivered via flow path 484
through now open valve 482 to the tank 454. Again, the temperature
of the water in tank 454 is relatively high compared to the
temperature of water in tank 452 as heat has been added to the
water by heat exchanger 486 during the cooling of the environmental
space. When operated in this manner, valve 456, 460 and 468 of the
illustrated system are typically closed. Alternatively, the pump
450 can direct water in the same direction as shown in FIG. 20 with
valve 482 being open to provide access to heat exchanger 486,
although this is less desirable.
[0083] With reference to FIG. 23, from time to time, periodically,
or under other control, such as manual control, the water warmed
during cooling of the environmental space can be returned from tank
454 to the well. In this example, because energy from warm water is
desirably stored in aquifer 388 for subsequent use in heating the
environmental space, valve assembly 8 can be operated as shown in
FIG. 23 to provide a flow path through apertures 18, with the flow
path through the valve assembly to aquifer 390 being blocked. Thus,
under these conditions, water flows from tank 454 through flow path
457 and now open valve 456 (valve 474 being closed) and into the
well casing. Water flows downwardly into the valve assembly 8,
through apertures 18, and along the exterior of the well casing to
the aquifer 388 where the now warmed water is stored for subsequent
use in a heating application.
[0084] Whether the temperature of water will actually change in an
aquifer depends in part on the volume of usage therefrom and
storage therein. Regardless, relatively high temperature water can
be taken from one aquifer and returned to a different aquifer. In
addition, relative low temperature water can be taken from another
aquifer and returned to a different aquifer. In addition, it is
possible to take and return the liquid to the same aquifer and to
select the aquifer to be used from plural aquifers.
[0085] In view of the many possible embodiments to which the
principles of the disclosed invention may be applied, it should be
recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only desirable
examples of the invention and should not be taken as limiting the
scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is
defined by the following claims. I therefore claim as my invention
all modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of these
claims.
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