Jammed Flapper Valve

This Video of the Month is a composite of the diagnosis images obtained from a single run of OptisTM E-Line HD camera in a well in the North Sea, following malfunction of the DHSV and Flapper.

In the first section, the down view images advance to what should be a closed flapper valve, instead, it is found jammed in its open position.

There appear to be two problems; an unidentified object on the upper right hand corner of the frame, and also, debris immediately at the bottom of the frame.

One of the advantages of the OptisTM E-Line HD camera is that real-time images allow the operator to switch between down view and side view to obtain the best close-up shots, even as safety valves and other downhole completion equipment are operated.

In the next frame, we are looking at the side view confirmation of debris on the lower left side of the flapper. Although it should not be there, it is not evident that this is the cause of failure.

The next succession of side view frames show what is clearly a wedged object jamming the flapper in its open position. This is further corroborated as the DHSV is operated. In fact, as the flow tube moves down, it appears to bear down on the foreign object, wedging it harder into the flapper. The object remains firmly in place even after a full cycle of the DHSV.

Thanks to the quality of these images, the North Sea operator was able to clear the flapper of debris and successfully repair the problem.