Downhole valve position sensing systems, downhole valves, and methods to determine a position of a downhole valve

A downhole valve position sensing system includes a magnetic material that is shiftable by an actuation member of a downhole valve to a plurality of positions along a downhole valve from a first position of the plurality of positions along the downhole valve. The downhole valve position sensing system also includes a sensor assembly that is mechanically coupled to the downhole valve and comprising a magnetic sensor that is configured to detect a magnetic signal generated by the magnetic material at a set of positions of the plurality of positions along the downhole valve.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to downhole valve position sensing systems, downhole valves, and methods to determine a position of a downhole valve.

Wellbores are sometimes drilled into subterranean formations to allow for the extraction of hydrocarbons and other materials. Valves are sometimes disposed in a wellbore and are utilized during one or more well operations to restrict fluid flow through the wellbore.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to downhole valve position sensing systems, downhole valves, and methods to determine a position of a downhole valve. A downhole valve position sensing system utilized to determine a position of a downhole valve (such as whether the downhole valve is open, partially open, or closed) has a magnetic material that is shiftable by an actuation member of the downhole valve. As referred to herein, a magnetic material includes any material that is capable of being magnetized or possesses a relative magnetic permeability greater than 10. Examples of magnetic materials include magnets and similar materials or objects that produce magnetic fields, and ferromagnetic materials, such as iron, steel, nickel, cobalt, and other types of ferromagnetic materials. As referred to herein, an actuation member includes any component or device that is configured to shift along one or more positions. Examples of actuation members include, but are not limited to pistons, sleeves, covers, arms, rods, latches, springs, and other components or devices that are configured to shift at least from a first position along the downhole valve to a second position along the downhole valve. In some embodiments, the actuation member is configured to actuate the downhole valve from an open position to a closed position, and from the closed position back to the open position. As referred to herein, the position of a downhole valve refers to not only whether the downhole valve is open or closed, but also the increment by which the downhole valve is open or closed. Examples of valve positions include, but are not limited to, completely open, completely closed, 25% open, 50% open, 75% open, remains closed unless one or more actuation members of the downhole valve are shifted by one or more variable distances in one or more directions (e.g., axial direction, radial direction, circumferential direction), where each variable distance is determined by the downhole valve position sensing system, remains open unless one or more actuation members of the downhole valve are shifted by a variable distance in one or more directions, and other quantifiable metrics used to measure the increment by which the downhole valve is open or closed. Additional descriptions of different positions of the downhole valve are provided in the paragraphs below and are illustrated in at leastFIGS.2-5.

The downhole valve position sensing system also includes a sensor assembly having an array of one or more magnetic sensors, each configured to detect magnetic signals (e.g., magnetic fields, magnetic fluxes, magnetic flux density, and other types of magnetic signals) and/or changes to magnetic signals that are generated by the magnetic material as the magnetic material is shifted by the actuation member. As the magnetic material is shifted by the actuation assembly, magnetic signals generated by the magnetic material and/or changes to the magnetic signals generated by the magnetic material are detected by one or more magnetic sensors of the array of magnetic sensors. In some embodiments, a processor of the downhole valve position sensing system determines values associated with the detected magnetic signals and utilizes the values to determine the corresponding location of the magnetic material. Further, the processor utilizes the location of the magnetic material with respect to the actuation member to determine the position of the actuation member, and, in turn, utilizes the position of the actuation member to determine the position of the downhole valve. In some embodiments, the magnetic sensors are configured to detect changes or distortions to magnetic signals caused by movement of the magnetic material, or by movement of another magnetic material such as a ferromagnetic material. In one or more of such embodiments, where the magnetic sensors detect changes or distortions to the magnetic signals, the processor determines values indicative of the changes or distortions to the magnetic signals and utilizes the values to determine the corresponding location of the magnetic material. Similarly, the processor utilizes the location of the magnetic material with respect to the actuation member to determine the position of the actuation member, and, in turn, utilizes the position of the actuation member to determine the position of the downhole valve.

In some embodiments, the magnetic sensors are uniformly distributed along the sensor assembly. In other embodiments, the magnetic sensors are ununiformly distributed, with more sensors positioned at locations that correspond to the opening or the closing of the downhole valve. In some embodiments, different magnetic sensors of the array of magnetic sensors are configured and fine-tuned to detect signals of the magnetic material as the magnetic material shifts in different directions, such as in axial directions, radial directions, circumferential directions, or other directions. For example, the sensor array includes a first set of magnetic sensors configured to detect magnetic signals generated by the magnetic material as the magnetic material shifts in an axial direction, a second set of magnetic sensors configured to detect magnetic signals generated by the magnetic material as the magnetic material shifts in a radial direction, and a third set of magnetic sensors configured to detect magnetic signals generated by the magnetic material as the magnetic material shifts in a circumferential direction. In some embodiments, the magnetic sensors are non-contacting sensors, such that there is no moveable linkage between the valve and the magnetic sensors. More particularly, the only linkage between the magnetic sensors and the valve is a wireless magnetic field. In some embodiments, a pressure barrier separates the magnetic sensors and the valve. Additional descriptions of different configurations of the magnetic sensors are provided in the paragraphs below and are illustrated in at leastFIGS.2-5.

In some embodiments, the downhole valve position sensing system has multiple magnetic materials, each configured to shift to and from multiple positions along the downhole valve. In one or more of such embodiments, the downhole valve position sensing system has a first magnetic material that is shiftable along a first set of positions along the downhole valve, and a second downhole magnetic material that is shiftable along a second set of positions along the downhole valve. The one or more magnetic sensors are configured to detect the magnetic signals and/or the change to the magnetic signals due to the shifting of the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material, and data indicative of the magnetic signals are separately or collectively analyzed to determine the precise position of the downhole valve. In one or more of such embodiments, the first magnetic material is configured to shift along a first direction (e.g., along an axial direction, a radial direction, a circumferential direction, or along another direction) and the second magnetic material is configured to shift along a second direction that is different from the first direction. For example, where the downhole valve is a J-slot valve or a different type of valve that requires two directions of motion to open or close the downhole valve, the downhole valve position sensing system is configured to detect magnetic signals and/or the change to the magnetic signals due to shifting of the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material in two or more directions of motion, and to precisely determine the actual position of the downhole valve. In one or more of such embodiments, the downhole valve position sensing system is also configured to analyze the current position of the downhole valve, determine how to shift one or more actuation members to open the downhole valve, close the downhole valve, or shift the downhole valve to a desired position, and provide a recommendation on how to shift the downhole valve to a desired position.

In some embodiments the downhole valve position sensing system is a component of a downhole valve, and is operable to dynamically determine the position of the downhole valve, and to provide the position of the downhole valve to surface-based electronic devices. Additional descriptions of the downhole valve position sensing system, downhole valves, and methods to determine a position of a downhole valve are provided in the paragraphs below and are illustrated inFIGS.1-6.

Referring now to the drawings,FIG.1shows an example of a well environment in which a downhole valve122having a downhole valve position sensing system123is deployed. In the illustrative embodiment, the operating environment includes a rig104positioned on the earth's surface108and extending over and around a wellbore116. In some embodiments, rig104is a workover or drilling rig. Wellbore116extends into a subterranean formation112that has been formed for the purpose of recovering hydrocarbons. Wellbore116extends away from surface108over a vertical portion115, deviates from a vertical over a deviated portion121, and transitions to a path that approximately parallels surface108over a horizontal portion131. In the embodiment ofFIG.1, vertical portion115is partially cased by a casing117, which in some embodiments, also extends through horizontal portion131. In alternative operating environments, all or portions of a wellbore are vertical, deviated at any suitable angle, horizontal, and/or curved. Wellbore116may be a new wellbore, an existing wellbore, a straight wellbore, an extended reach wellbore, a sidetracked wellbore, a multi-lateral wellbore, and other types of wellbores for drilling and completing one or more production zones. Further, wellbore116is used for both producing wells and injection wells.

A conveyance, shown as tubular118, includes downhole valve position sensing system123and is lowered into the subterranean formation112for a variety of workover or treatment procedures throughout the life of the well. In the embodiment ofFIG.1, tubular118is illustrated as a production tubing string having downhole valve122. As referred to herein, a conveyance includes any type of tubing string that is deployable into a wellbore. For example, the tubing string includes (without limitation) drill pipe, casing, rod strings, and coiled tubing. As illustrated, rig104includes a derrick154with a rig floor156through which tubular118extends into wellbore116. In some embodiments, rig104has a motor-driven winch and other associated equipment for extending tubular118into wellbore116to a selected depth. While the operating environment depicted inFIG.1refers to a stationary rig104for conveying tubular118having downhole valve position sensing system123within a land-based wellbore116, in alternative embodiments, mobile workover rigs, wellbore servicing units (such as coiled tubing units), and the like are used to lower tubular118having downhole valve position sensing system123into wellbore116. In some embodiments, a wellbore tubular118having downhole valve position sensing system123is used in other operational environments, such as within an offshore wellbore operational environment.

Downhole valve122has a downhole valve position sensing system123, a flapper130configured to open and close to control fluid flow of downhole valve122, and an actuation member (piston)128configured to directly or indirectly engage flapper130to open flapper, close flapper130, or shift flapper to a desired position. Downhole valve position sensing system123has a magnetic material124that is engaged to or coupled to actuation member128, and a sensor assembly126that is mechanically coupled to downhole valve122. As actuation member128shifts to engage flapper130, one or more magnetic sensors (shown inFIG.2) of sensor assembly126wirelessly detect magnetic signals (such as the magnetic field, the magnetic flux, or the magnetic flux density) and/or changes to the magnetic signals of magnetic material124, which is shifted by actuation member128.

A processor (not shown) of downhole valve position sensing system123obtains values associated with the detected magnetic signals or changes to the magnetic signals, and utilizes the obtained values to determine the corresponding location of magnetic material124. Further, the processor utilizes the location of magnetic material124with respect to actuation member128to determine the position of actuation member128, and, in turn, utilizes the position of actuation member128to determine the position of flapper130. For example, the processor, in response to a determination that the value of the magnetic signal of magnetic material124at a first position, determines that actuation member128is in a second position, and flapper130is in a third position (e.g., completely open, completely closed, 25% open, remains closed unless actuation member128is shifted by another threshold amount, or another position). Similarly, the processor utilizes values associated with the detected change in magnetic signals (such as a change to the magnetic field, a change to the magnetic flux, or a change to the magnetic flux density) to determine the corresponding location of magnetic material124. Further, the processor utilizes the location of magnetic material124, the position of actuation member128, and the position of flapper130. In some embodiments, the processor located in a housing that houses sensor assembly126. In some embodiments, the processor is a component of a service-based electronic device, such as controller184. In some embodiments, the processor is a cloud-based processor, and configured to operations described herein to determine the position of actuation member128.

AlthoughFIG.1illustrates downhole valve122as a flapper, in some embodiments, downhole valve position sensing system123is a component of another type of downhole valve, including, but not limited to, a subsurface safety valve, a tubing retrievable subsurface safety valve, a fluid floss valve, a ball valve, an inflow control valve, a J-slot valve, a L-slot valve, or another type of valve configured to shift in one or more directions to control fluid flow. Further, although actuation member128is described as a piston, in some embodiments, actuation member128is a sleeve, a cover, an arm, a rod, a latch, a spring, or another component that is shiftable in one or more directions to actuate downhole valve122. Further, althoughFIG.1illustrates magnetic sensor124and sensory assembly126being positioned along the same side of valve122, in some embodiments, magnetic sensor124and sensor assembly126are positioned along different sides of valve122. Additional descriptions of similar downhole valve position sensing systems and components of such downhole valve position sensing systems are provided in the paragraphs below and are illustrated in at leastFIGS.2-5.

FIG.2is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a downhole valve position sensing system223similar to downhole valve position sensing system123ofFIG.1, and deployable in the environment illustrated inFIG.1. Downhole valve position sensing system223includes a magnetic material224that emits a magnetic field, a processor240, and a sensor assembly226that is coupled to or positioned near an exterior surface of a downhole valve222, and configured to detect the magnetic field and changes to the magnetic field of magnetic material224. In the embodiment ofFIG.2, magnetic material224is indirectly coupled to an actuation member (spring)228. More particularly, the shifting of actuation member228also shifts magnetic material224from the position illustrated inFIG.2to another position (not shown). Moreover, in the embodiment ofFIG.2, magnetic material224is positioned in a chamber that is outside of a flowbore232of downhole valve222. In some embodiments, magnetic material224is positioned outside of downhole valve222or along an exterior surface of downhole valve222. The poles of magnetic material224are arranged axially inFIG.2. In some embodiments, the poles of magnetic material224are arranged radially. Further, although two magnets are shown inFIG.2, in some embodiments, a single magnet is used as well as an array greater than two magnets.

Sensor assembly226includes an array of magnetic sensors202A-202L, each configured to detect the magnetic field and changes to the magnetic field of magnetic material224. Magnetic sensors202A-202L in the sensor assembly226are directional magnetic sensors and will detect the magnetic field in the axial direction. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.2, a value of 0 is detected by magnetic sensor202C while magnetic material224is positioned at the position illustrated inFIG.2. Further, values of V4, V3, V1, and V2 are detected by magnetic sensors202A,202B,202D, and202E, respectively, where each value corresponds to the value of the magnetic field of magnetic material224determined by the corresponding magnetic sensor. Processor240of downhole valve position sensing system223obtains values 0 and V1-V4, and utilizes the values to determine the corresponding location of magnetic material224. Further, processor240utilizes the location of magnetic material224with respect to actuation member228to determine the position of actuation member228, and, in turn, utilizes the position of actuation member228to determine the position of downhole valve222. In some embodiments, processor240is configured to perform the foregoing operations to determine the position of downhole valve222with only one value from a single magnetic sensor. In some embodiments, processor240cross-correlates multiple values obtained from multiple magnetic sensors to pinpoint the location of magnetic material224.

In the embodiment ofFIG.2, one magnetic material224is used to determine the position of downhole valve222. In some embodiments, multiple magnetic materials are utilized to determine the position of downhole valve222. Further, in the embodiment ofFIG.2magnetic sensors202A-202L are non-uniformly positioned across downhole valve222. In one or more of such embodiments, additional magnetic sensors are positioned near locations that correspond to locations that align with a location of magnetic material224when downhole valve222is opened or closed. In some embodiments, magnetic sensors202A-202L are uniformly positioned across downhole valve222. Further, although magnetic sensors202A-202L ofFIG.2are aligned in an axial direction, in some embodiments, sensor assembly226includes additional magnetic sensors that are positioned in a radial direction, a circumferential direction, or another direction to detect movement of magnetic material224in non-axial directions. Further, although processor240and sensor assembly226ofFIG.2are housed in the same housing, in some embodiments, processor240is a component of another downhole device, or a surface-based device. In the embodiment ofFIG.2, magnetic sensors202A-202L are non-contacting sensors such that such that there is no mechanical or physical linkage with downhole valve222. In some embodiments, a pressure barrier separates magnetic sensors202A-202L and downhole valve222. In some embodiments, some of the magnetic sensors are contacting sensors, where there is a linkage with downhole valve222.

FIG.3Ais a schematic, cross-sectional view of a downhole valve position sensing system323similar to downhole valve position sensing system223ofFIG.2while a magnetic material324is positioned at a first position along a downhole valve322. Further,FIG.3Bis a schematic, cross-sectional view of downhole valve position sensing system323ofFIG.3Aafter magnetic material324is shifted to a second position along downhole valve322. In the embodiment ofFIGS.3A and3B, downhole valve position sensing system323includes a magnetic material324that emits a magnetic field, a processor340, and a sensor assembly326that is coupled to or positioned near an exterior surface of downhole valve322, and configured to detect the magnetic field and change to the magnetic field of magnetic material324.

Moreover, in the embodiment ofFIGS.3A and3B, magnetic material324is coupled to a actuation member328(spring) that is configured to shift from a first position illustrated inFIG.3Ato a second position illustrated inFIG.3B. In the embodiment ofFIG.3A, while magnetic material324is at the position illustrated inFIG.3A, the magnetic field emitted by magnetic material324is detected by magnetic sensor302C of sensor assembly326. Moreover, in the embodiment ofFIG.3B, while magnetic material324is at the position illustrated inFIG.3B, the magnetic field emitted by magnetic material324is detected by magnetic sensors302L and302M of sensor assembly326. Processor340of downhole valve position sensing system323obtains the values obtained by magnetic sensors302C,302L and302M, and utilizes the values to determine the corresponding location of magnetic material324. Further, processor340utilizes the location of magnetic material324with respect to actuation member328to determine the position of actuation member328, and, in turn, utilizes the position of actuation member328to determine the position of downhole valve322. In some embodiments, processor340is configured to perform the foregoing operations to determine the position of downhole valve322with only one value from a single magnetic sensor. In some embodiments, processor340cross-correlates multiple values obtained from multiple magnetic sensors to pinpoint the location of magnetic material324.

In the embodiment ofFIGS.3A and3B, one magnetic material324is used to determine the position of downhole valve322. In some embodiments, a different number of magnetic materials are utilized to determine the position of downhole valve322. Further, in the embodiment ofFIGS.3A and3B, the magnetic sensors are uniformly positioned across downhole valve322. In some embodiments, the magnetic sensors are non-uniformly positioned across downhole valve322. Further, although the magnetic sensors ofFIGS.3A and3Bare aligned in an axial direction, in some embodiments, sensor assembly326includes additional magnetic sensors that are positioned in a radial direction, a circumferential direction, or another direction to detect movement of magnetic material324in non-axial directions. Further, although processor340and sensor assembly326ofFIGS.3A and3Bare housed in the same housing, in some embodiments, processor340is a component of another downhole device, or a surface-based device.

FIG.4is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a downhole valve position sensing system423similar to downhole valve position sensing system223ofFIG.2, and having two magnetic materials424and425positioned at different positions along a downhole valve (not shown). In the embodiment ofFIG.4, downhole valve position sensing system423includes two magnetic materials424and425positioned at two different locations, and each emitting a magnetic field. Downhole valve position sensing system423also includes a processor440, and a sensor assembly426that is coupled to or positioned near an exterior surface of the downhole valve and configured to detect the magnetic fields and changes to the magnetic fields of magnetic materials424and425.

Sensor assembly426includes an array of magnetic sensors, including magnetic sensors402A-402H, each configured to detect the magnetic fields and changes to the magnetic fields of magnetic materials424and425. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.4, a value of 0 is detected by magnetic sensor402G while magnetic material425is positioned at the position illustrated inFIG.4. Further, values of V1 and V2 are detected by magnetic sensors402F and402H, respectively, where each value corresponds to the value of the magnetic field of magnetic material425determined by the corresponding magnetic sensor. Similarly, values of V3, V4, V5, V6, and V7 are detected by magnetic sensors402A,402B,402C,402D, and402E, respectively, where each value corresponds to the value of the magnetic field of magnetic material424determined by the corresponding magnetic sensor. Processor440of downhole valve position sensing system423obtains values 0 and V1-V7, and utilizes the values to determine the corresponding locations of magnetic materials424and425. Further, processor440utilizes the locations of magnetic materials424and425with respect to an actuation member (not shown) to determine the position of the actuation member, and, in turn, utilizes the position of the actuation member to determine the position of the downhole valve. In some embodiments, processor440is configured to perform the foregoing operations to determine the position of the downhole valve with only one value from a single magnetic sensor. In some embodiments, processor440cross-correlates multiple values obtained from multiple magnetic sensors to pinpoint the locations of magnetic materials424and425.

In the embodiment ofFIG.4, two magnetic materials424and425are utilized to determine the position of the downhole valve. In some embodiments, a different number of magnetic materials (not shown) are utilized to determine the position of the downhole valve. Further, in the embodiment ofFIG.4magnetic sensors402A-402H are non-uniformly positioned across the downhole valve. In some embodiments, magnetic sensors402A-402H are uniformly positioned across the downhole valve. Further, although magnetic sensors402A-402H ofFIG.4are aligned in an axial direction, in some embodiments, sensor assembly426includes additional magnetic sensors that are positioned in a radial direction, a circumferential direction, or another direction to detect movement of magnetic materials424and425in non-axial directions.

FIG.5is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a downhole valve position sensing system523similar to downhole valve position sensing system223ofFIG.2, and having a magnet (magnetic material)504and a sensor assembly526that are stored in the same housing. In the embodiment ofFIG.5, downhole valve position sensing system523has another magnetic material (e.g., a ferromagnetic material) that is indirectly coupled to an actuation member528of a downhole valve522. Downhole valve position sensing system523also includes a processor540, and a sensor assembly526that is coupled to or positioned near an exterior surface of downhole valve522, and configured to detect a distortion to a magnetic field emitted by magnet504as magnetic material524is shifted from the position illustrated inFIG.5to another position (not shown).

Sensor assembly526includes an array of magnetic sensors502A-502C, each configured to the magnetic field and a distortion to the magnetic field of magnet504. Processor540of downhole valve position sensing system523obtains the values associated with the magnetic field or distortions to the magnetic field, and utilizes the values to determine the corresponding location of magnetic material524. Further, processor540utilizes the location of magnetic material524with respect to actuation member528to determine the position of actuation member528, and, in turn, utilizes the position of actuation member528to determine the position of downhole valve522. In some embodiments, processor540is configured to perform the foregoing operations to determine the position of downhole valve522with only one value from a single magnetic sensor.

In the embodiment ofFIG.5, one magnetic material524is used to determine the position of downhole valve522. In some embodiments, multiple magnetic materials are utilized (similar to the embodiment illustrated inFIG.4) to determine the position of downhole valve522. Further, although magnetic sensors502A-502C ofFIG.5are aligned in an axial direction, in some embodiments, sensor assembly526includes additional magnetic sensors that are positioned in a radial direction, a circumferential direction, or another direction to detect movement of magnetic material524in non-axial directions.

FIG.6illustrates a process600to determine a position of a downhole valve. Although the operations in the process600are shown in a particular sequence, certain operations may be performed in different sequences or at the same time where feasible.

At block S602, a magnetic signal that is generated by a magnetic material at a position of a plurality of positions along a downhole valve is detected. In that regard,FIG.2, for example, illustrates magnetic signals emitted by magnetic material224being detected by magnetic sensor202C. In some embodiments, a distortion to a magnetic field generated by a magnetic material is detected. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.5, magnetic sensors502A-502C detect distortions to the magnetic field emitted by magnetic material (magnet)504due to shifting of magnetic material524. In some embodiments, magnetic signals from multiple magnetic materials are detected. In that regard,FIG.4, for example, illustrates magnetic signals emitted by magnetic materials424and425being detected by magnetic sensors402A-402H.

At block S604, a location of the magnetic material is determined based on the magnetic signal. In that regard, processor240ofFIG.2is configured to obtain values associated with the magnetic signals detected by magnetic sensors202A-202L, and determine, based on the values, the location of the magnetic material. In some embodiments, where multiple magnetic materials are deployed along the valve, the location of each magnetic material is determined based on a corresponding signal of the respective magnetic material. For example, processor440ofFIG.4is configured to determine the locations of magnetic materials424and425based on magnetic signals emitted by magnetic materials424and425and detected by magnetic sensors402A-402H. In some embodiments, processor240correlates values obtained from multiple magnetic sensors to pinpoint the location of the magnetic material.

At block S606, the position of a downhole valve is determined based on the location of the magnetic material. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.2, processor240utilizes the location of magnetic material224with respect to actuation member228to determine the position of actuation member228. Processor240then utilizes the position of actuation member228to determine the position of downhole valve222. In some embodiments, determining the position of the downhole valve includes determining the state of the downhole valve, including whether the downhole valve is fully open, partially open (e.g., 10% open, 20% open, 50% open, etc.), or fully closed. In some embodiments, determining the position of the downhole valve includes determining the distance or amount of movement an actuation member should move in one or more directions to open or close the downhole valve. In some embodiments, where multiple magnetic materials are deployed along the downhole valve, the position of the downhole valve is determined based on the locations of the magnetic materials. In one or more of such embodiments, the locations of the magnetic materials are correlated with each other to pinpoint the position of the downhole valve.

The above-disclosed embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the disclosure, but the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the forms disclosed. Many insubstantial modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. For instance, although the flowcharts depict a serial process, some of the steps/processes may be performed in parallel or out of sequence, or combined into a single step/process. The scope of the claims is intended to broadly cover the disclosed embodiments and any such modification.Clause 1, a downhole valve position sensing system, comprising: a magnetic material that is shiftable by an actuation member of a downhole valve to a plurality of positions along a downhole valve from a first position of the plurality of positions along the downhole valve; and a sensor assembly that is mechanically coupled to the downhole valve and comprising a magnetic sensor that is configured to detect a magnetic signal generated by the magnetic material at a set of positions of the plurality of positions along the downhole valve.Clause 2, the downhole valve position sensing system of clause 1, wherein the sensor assembly comprises an array of magnetic sensors, wherein each magnetic sensor of the array of magnetic sensors is configured to detect a corresponding magnetic signal generated by the magnetic material at the set of positions, and wherein the magnetic sensor is one magnetic sensor of the array of magnetic sensors.Clause 3, the downhole valve position sensing system of clause 2, wherein a first set of sensors of the array of sensors are configured to detect the magnetic signal generated by the magnetic material while the magnetic material shifts in an axial direction, a second set of sensors of the array of sensors are configured to detect the magnetic signal generated by the magnetic material while the magnetic material shifts in a radial direction, and a third set of sensors of the array of sensors are configured to detect the magnetic signal generated by the magnetic material while the magnetic material shifts in a circumferential direction.Clause 4, the downhole valve position sensing system of clauses 2 or 3, wherein one or more sensors of the array of sensors are uniformly distributed along the sensor assembly.Clause 5, the downhole valve position sensing system of clauses 2 or 3, wherein one or more sensors of the array of sensors are not uniformly distributed along the sensor assembly.Clause 6, the downhole valve position sensing system of any of clauses 2-5, wherein the magnetic signal is a magnetic field, a magnetic flux, or a magnetic flux density.Clause 7, the downhole valve position sensing system of any of clauses 1-6, further comprising a second magnetic material that is shiftable along a second plurality of positions along the downhole valve, wherein the magnetic sensor is configured to detect a second magnetic signal generated by the second magnetic material at a second set of positions of the second plurality of positions.Clause 8, the downhole valve position sensing system of clause 7, wherein the plurality of positions and the second plurality of positions are positions along different axial, circumferential, or radial directions.Clause 9, the downhole valve position sensing system of clauses 7 or 8, further comprising a processor configured to: determine, based on the magnetic signal, a location of the magnetic material; determine, based on the second magnetic signal, a second location of the second magnetic material; and determine, based on the location of the magnetic material and the second location of the second magnetic material, a position of the downhole valve.Clause 10, the downhole valve position sensing system of any of clauses 1-9, further comprising a magnet that is positioned in a housing of the sensor assembly, wherein the magnetic sensor is further configured to detect a distortion to a magnetic signal generated by the magnet at the set of positions.Clause 11, the downhole valve position sensing system of any of clauses 1-10, further comprising a processor configured to: determine, based on the magnetic signal, a location of the magnetic material; and determine, based on the location of the magnetic material, a position of the downhole valve.Clause 12, the downhole valve position sensing system of any of clauses 1-11, wherein the magnetic material is a magnet.Clause 13, the downhole valve position sensing system of any of clauses 1-12, wherein the magnetic material is a magnetic metal.Clause 14, a downhole valve, comprising: an actuation member configured to shift from a first actuation member position to a second actuation member position; a magnetic material that is shiftable by the actuation member to a plurality of positions along a downhole valve as the actuation member shifts from the first actuation member position to the second actuation member position; and a sensor assembly that is mechanically coupled to the downhole valve and comprising a magnetic sensor that is configured to detect a magnetic signal generated by the magnetic material at a set of positions of the plurality of positions along the downhole valve.Clause 15, the downhole valve of clause 14, wherein the sensor assembly comprises an array of magnetic sensors, wherein each magnetic sensor of the array of magnetic sensors is configured to detect a corresponding magnetic signal generated by the magnetic material at the set of positions, and wherein the magnetic sensor is one magnetic sensor of the array of magnetic sensors.Clause 16, the downhole valve of clauses 14 or 15, wherein the actuation member is a sleeve, a piston, a spring, or a cover of the downhole valve.Clause 17, the downhole valve of any of clauses 14-16, wherein the downhole valve is one of a subsurface safety valve, a tubing retrievable subsurface safety valve, and a fluid loss valve.Clause 18, a method to determine a position of a downhole valve, comprising: detecting a magnetic signal that is generated by a magnetic material at a position of a plurality of positions along a downhole valve, wherein the magnetic material is shiftable by an actuation member of the downhole valve to the plurality of positions along the downhole valve; determining, based on the magnetic signal, a location of the magnetic material; and determining, based on the location of the magnetic material, a position of the downhole valve.Clause 19, the method of clause 18, further comprising: detecting a second magnetic signal that is generated by a second magnetic material at a second position of the plurality of positions along a downhole valve; determining, based on the second magnetic signal, a second location of the second magnetic material; and determining, based on the location of the magnetic material and the second location of the second magnetic material, the position of the downhole valve.Clause 20, the method of clauses 18 or 19, wherein determining the position of the downhole valve comprises determining, based on the location of the magnetic material, whether the downhole valve is in an open position or a closed position.

The above-disclosed embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the disclosure, but the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the forms disclosed. Many insubstantial modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The scope of the claims is intended to broadly cover the disclosed embodiments and any such modification. Further, the following clauses represent additional embodiments of the disclosure and should be considered within the scope of the disclosure:

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprise” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification and/or in the claims, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. In addition, the steps and components described in the above embodiments and figures are merely illustrative and do not imply that any particular step or component is a requirement of a claimed embodiment.