Hydraulic control unit apparatus and system

Abstract

A hydraulic control unit having an electric motor and a hydraulic pump is provided. The electric motor and hydraulic pump are mounted in spaced apart relation from each other on respective first and second sides of a body member. The electric motor is configured to drive the hydraulic pump, and the electric motor and hydraulic pump are each contained within respective motor and pump housings configured to maintain said motor and pump in isolation from each other. The electric motor housing and the hydraulic pump housing may comprise an enclosure member and an end cap, where the proximal end of the enclosure member seals with the body member, and wherein the distal end of the enclosure member seals with the end cap. The electric motor may be configured to drive the hydraulic pump via a drive shaft which extends through a suitable aperture provided in the body member. The enclosure defined by the hydraulic pump housing may be configured to contain hydraulic fluid, within which the hydraulic pump is submersible in use. A control means for use with one or more hydraulic control units, a hydraulic control system comprising one or more hydraulic control units a control means is also provided, as is a method of controlling wireline pressure equipment. The or each hydraulic control unit is ideally mounted to the equipment in a wireline rig up which it is arranged to operate.

Description

[0001] HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT APPARATUS AND SYSTEM

[0002] Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic control unit suitable for use with wireline pressure control equipment, and an associated system for control of wireline pressure equipment.

[0004] Background

[0005] Conventional prior art methods for controlling wireline pressure equipment, for example equipment associated with a wireline string rig-up, generally require a control module, often in the form of a skid-type control module located on a rig floor or on land, the control module comprising large capacity hydraulic pumps configured to push hydraulic fluid from said module along large and often long hydraulic hoses to the wireline control equipment associated with the rig up.

[0006] Such skid-type control modules are conventionally manually controlled through regulators, needle valves and gauges provided on a control panel of the module. The hydraulic hoses are wound onto reels at the rear of the module, commonly occupying up to at least half the volume of the control module. Accumulators located on the module are provided for use in the event of emergency shutdowns. In addition, conventional skid-type control modules typically require relatively large prime movers to pump the hydraulic fluid many meters up from the rig floor to the wireline pressure equipment.

[0007] As different rig-up arrangements have different setups, there is currently no available control module that suits all purposes, and so specific control module versions must be configured and made for each rig-up application.

[0008] Summary

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a hydraulic control unit comprising an electric motor and a hydraulic pump, wherein the electric motor and hydraulic pump are mounted in spaced apart relation from each other on respective first and second sides of a body member, wherein the electric motor is configured to drive the hydraulic pump, and wherein the electric motor and hydraulic pump are each contained within respective motor and pump housings configured to maintain said motor and pump in isolation from each other.

[0010] Optionally, the first and second sides of the body member are opposite sides of the body member.

[0011] Optionally, the electric motor housing and the hydraulic pump housing each comprise an enclosure member and an end cap, wherein a proximal end of the enclosure member is adapted for sealing engagement with the body member, and wherein a distal end of the enclosure member is adapted for sealing engagement with the end cap.

[0012] Optionally, the electric motor is configured to drive the hydraulic pump via a drive shaft, optionally wherein the driveshaft extends through a suitable aperture provided in the body member.

[0013] Optionally, the enclosure defined by the hydraulic pump housing is configured to contain hydraulic fluid, within which the hydraulic pump is submersible in use.

[0014] Optionally, the hydraulic pump housing defines a hydraulic tank configured to contain hydraulic fluid, within which the hydraulic pump is submersible in use.

[0015] Optionally, the hydraulic pump is a bi-directional external inlet gear pump.

[0016] Optionally, the body member forms or defines a manifold, the manifold having a plurality of ports and associated channels, the channels being arranged in suitable fluid communication with each other and / or the hydraulic pump and its housing.

[0017] Optionally, the channels are formed substantially internally within the body member.

[0018] Optionally, the ports of the body member are arranged to receive or support hydraulic control components or connectors associated with the channels. Optionally, the body member is provided with an inlet port and an outlet port.

[0019] Optionally, the body member is provided with a pilot operated check valve port configured to receive a pilot operated check valve, and optionally a plurality of relief valve ports configured to receive relief valves such as spring relief valves, and optionally a plurality of bleed ports configured to receive bleed valves or nipples.

[0020] Optionally, the control unit further comprises a speed controller associated with the electric motor, the speed controller being located within the electric motor housing.

[0021] Optionally, the respective first and second sides of the body member comprise an annular collar formation, wherein the collar formation provides a mounting ring for location of the enclosure member of the respective electric motor and pump housings, optionally wherein the base of each annular collar comprises a groove or seat adapted to retain a sealing ring and typically provides a preventative flame path to allow the enclosure to be ATEX and / or lECEx rated.

[0022] Optionally, sealing engagement of an enclosure member with an end cap comprises sealing engagement against or with a shank of the end cap, optionally with a sealing ring provided in a groove or seat around the base of said shank.

[0023] Optionally, the respective motor and pump housings are rigidly secured to the body member by means of a plurality of support members, optionally wherein each support member comprises a rigid rod having a threaded portion at its proximal and distal ends, wherein the proximal end of the rod is optionally configured for screw- threaded attachment to a corresponding complementary aperture in the body member, and wherein the distal end of the rod is optionally arranged to extend through a complementary aperture provided in the end cap, and to receive a complementary threaded fastener thereon.

[0024] Optionally, locked sealing engagement of the pump housing and motor housing enclosure members with the body member and the respective end caps is effected by tightening of threaded fasteners provided on the distal ends of the support members. Optionally, the support members are arranged externally of the housing enclosure members.

[0025] Advantageously, the structure of the electric motor and hydraulic pump housings enables convenient disassembly and reassembly thereby simplifying inspection and maintenance.

[0026] Optionally, the hydraulic control unit further comprises a piston, wherein the piston is located within the hydraulic pump housing intermediate the hydraulic pump and the end cap.

[0027] Optionally, the piston is operatively linearly movable along the pump housing, and wherein said piston is configured to take up the hydraulic volume change between the open and closed positions of wireline equipment to which the control unit is operatively connected in use.

[0028] Optionally, the piston comprises a piston ring or rings (not shown) located in a suitable groove or seat provided around the circumference of the piston, where the piston ring(s) typically seal(s) the gap between said piston and the enclosure member internal wall.

[0029] Optionally, the allowable extent of piston travel within the pump housing is variable. Optionally, the piston is operatively dragged closed to maintain atmospheric pressure behind the hydraulic pump.

[0030] Optionally, the end cap associated with the electric motor housing further comprises one or more cable apertures configured to permit electric cabling to enter and / or exit the electric motor housing.

[0031] Optionally, the body member and end caps are substantially cylindrically shaped. Optionally, the body member and / or end cap or caps, include a flat portion configured to enable location of the hydraulic control unit upon a corresponding flat surface, which surface may be on the ground or the corresponding flat surface may be provided on the equipment such as the wireline equipment that the hydraulic control unit is arranged to be mounted to and arranged to operate. According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a control means for use with one or more hydraulic control units according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the control means comprises a control module configured to control one or more hydraulic control units, wherein the control module comprises a primary power supply, a back-up power supply, and a control panel, wherein the primary power supply and the back-up power supply are each configured to provide power to one or more hydraulic control units in response to user commands provided via the control panel, and wherein the back-up power supply is configured to provide power to one or more hydraulic control units in the event of interruption to the primary power supply.

[0032] Optionally, the control panel is a touchscreen display panel. Optionally, the control panel is locatable remote from the control units.

[0033] Optionally, the primary power supply is configured to control one or more control units directly, or indirectly via the back-up power supply.

[0034] Optionally, the primary power supply comprises a plurality of supply devices.

[0035] Optionally, the back-up power supply comprises a plurality of batteries.

[0036] Optionally, the hydraulic control units are electrically interlinkable in a daisy-chain configuration, which typically has the advantage of reducing the snagging risk of wireline operations.

[0037] Optionally, the control panel is configured so that a user can associate the or each control unit to a specific type of hydraulically powered device to which it is / they are operatively connected to in use.

[0038] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a hydraulic control system comprising one or more hydraulic control units in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure and a control means in accordance with the second aspect of the present disclosure.

[0039] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of controlling wireline pressure equipment comprising the steps of: providing one or more hydraulic control unit(s) in accordance with the first aspect of the present disclosure; connecting the or each hydraulic control unit to a control module; operatively hydraulically connecting the or each hydraulic control unit to an item of wireline pressure control equipment, controlling operation of the one or more hydraulic control unit(s) to provide hydraulic power to operate the item of wireline pressure control equipment.

[0040] Optionally, the method comprises the step of electrically interlinking a plurality of hydraulic control units in a daisy-chain configuration.

[0041] Optionally, the or each hydraulic control unit is mounted to a wireline rig up.

[0042] The various aspects of the present disclosure can be practiced alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant arts. The various aspects of the present disclosure can optionally be provided in combination with one or more of the optional features of the other aspects of the present disclosure. Also, optional features described in relation to one aspect can typically be combined alone or together with other features in different aspects of the present disclosure. Any subject matter described in this specification can be combined with any other subject matter in the specification to form a novel combination.

[0043] Various aspects of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure are readily apparent from the entire description thereof, including the figures, which illustrates a number of exemplary aspects and implementations. The subject matter disclosed herein is also capable of other and different examples and aspects, and its several details can be modified in various respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, each example herein should be understood to have broad application and is meant to illustrate one possible way of carrying out the disclosed subject matter, without intending to suggest that the scope of this disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that example. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. In particular, unless otherwise stated, dimensions and numerical values included herein are presented as examples illustrating one possible aspect of the claimed subject matter, without limiting the disclosure to the particular dimensions or values recited. All numerical values in this disclosure are understood as being modified by "about". All singular forms of elements, or any other components described herein are understood to include plural forms thereof and vice versa.

[0044] Language such as "including", "comprising", "having", "containing" or "involving" and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Thus, throughout the specification and claims unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations thereof such as “comprises” or “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0045] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present disclosure. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure.

[0046] In this disclosure, whenever a composition, an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase "comprising", it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element or group of elements with transitional phrases "consisting essentially of”, "consisting", "selected from the group of consisting of”, “including” or "is" preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa. In this disclosure, the words “typically” or “optionally” are to be understood as being intended to indicate optional or non-essential features of the subject matter which are present in certain examples but which can be omitted in others without departing from the scope of the invention as set out in the claims.

[0047] References to directional and positional descriptions such as upper and lower, proximal and distal, and directions e.g. “up”, “down”, “top” , “inclined”, “horizontal”, “vertical” etc. are to be interpreted by a skilled reader in the context of the examples described to refer to the orientation of features shown in the drawings, and are not to be interpreted as limiting the present disclosure to the literal interpretation of the term, but instead should be as understood by the skilled addressee.

[0048] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0049] In the accompanying drawings:

[0050] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a hydraulic control unit according to an example;

[0051] Figure 2 is schematic perspective view of the hydraulic control unit of Figure 1 , shown with enclosure members removed;

[0052] Figure 3 is a cross-section side elevation of the hydraulic control unit of Figure 1 ;

[0053] Figure 4 is a cross-section end view through the middle of the body member 40 in a first direction, where the view is looking toward the second side 40b containing the electric motor 20 of the hydraulic control unit;

[0054] Figure 5 is a cross-section end view through the middle of the body member 40 in a second direction, where the view is looking toward the first side 40a containing the hydraulic pump 30 of the hydraulic control unit;

[0055] Figure 6 is a schematic view of a prior art rig-up employing a skid-mounted hydraulic pressure control apparatus;

[0056] Figure 7 is a schematic view of an exemplary rig-up comprising a plurality of example hydraulic control units; and Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a control system for use with hydraulic control units of Figure 1.

[0057] Detailed Description

[0058] With reference to Figure 6, there is shown a conventional prior art arrangement for controlling wireline pressure equipment, for example a wireline string rig up 1. The arrangement comprises a control module, for example a skid-type control module 2 located on a rig floor or on land, wherein the control module comprises large capacity hydraulic pumps configured to push hydraulic fluid from the module along large and often long hydraulic hoses 3 to each item of wireline control equipment 4 associated with the rig-up 1 .

[0059] Such skid-type control modules 2 are manually controlled through regulators, needle valves and gauges provided on a control panel 5 of the module 1. The hydraulic hoses 3 are wound onto reels 6 at the rear of the module 2, where they commonly occupy up to at least half the volume of the control module 2. Accumulators located on the module are provided for use in the event of emergency shutdowns.

[0060] With reference to Figures 1 , 2 and 3, in accordance with one example, there is shown a hydraulic control unit 10 comprising an electric motor 20 and a hydraulic pump 30, wherein the electric motor 20 and hydraulic pump 30 are mounted in spaced apart relation from each other on first 40a and second 40b sides of a body member 40. The hydraulic control unit 10 may further include a speed controller 50 associated with the electric motor 20. The hydraulic control unit 10 is configured for providing remote hydraulic power, and control thereof. For brevity, the hydraulic control unit 10 is hereafter referred to as a “control unit”.

[0061] In examples, the first 40a and second 40b sides of the body member 40 are opposite sides of the body member 40.

[0062] With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the electric motor 20 is configured to drive the hydraulic pump 30, for example via a drive shaft 21 which extends through a suitable aperture 46 (Figure 3) provided in body member 40. As described below, and with reference to Figure 2 and Figure 3, the electric motor 20 and hydraulic pump 30 are each contained within respective motor and pump housing assemblies 200, 300 arranged to maintain said motor 20 and pump 30 in isolation from each other.

[0063] As shown in detail in Figures 2, 3 and 4, the body member 40 forms or defines a manifold having a plurality of ports 41 , 42, 43, 44, 45 and associated channels, the channels being arranged in suitable fluid communication with each other and / or the hydraulic pump 30 and its housing 300. The channels are formed substantially internally within the body member 40. Body member 40 may of unitary construction, for example formed or machined from a block of suitable material. The respective ports 41 , 42, 43, 44, 45 of the body member 40 are arranged to receive or support hydraulic control components or connectors associated with the channels. Such control components or connectors may be connected to the respective ports 41 to 45 by threaded or other suitable attachment means. The control components may comprise, but are not limited to, any one or more of: pilot operated check valve(s), relief valve(s), inlet port(s), outlet port(s), bleed port(s). In the example shown in the Figures, the body member is provided with an inlet port 41 (Figures 3 and 4) and an outlet port 42 (Figures 2 and 4). The body member 20 is also provided with a pilot operated check valve port 43 configured to receive a pilot operated check valve 60, a plurality of relief valve ports 44 configured to receive relief valves 61 , and a plurality of bleed ports 45 configured to receive bleed valves or nipples 62.

[0064] The pilot operated check valve 60 creates a hydraulic lock which is piloted open when the electric motor 20 is driven in reverse. This is particularly advantageous when a hydraulic control unit 10 is operatively used with a wireline safety valve, which requires a hydraulic lock in one direction which is capable of remaining locked under the loss of power. The relief valve 61 is configured to relieve the hydraulic fluid in the system incorporating the hydraulic control unit 10 back to tank if the system reaches a maximum defined hydraulic pressure, thereby protecting the hydraulic circuit from over pressurization. Bleed ports 45 allow the hydraulic system to be bled, for example to remove air pockets, or to easily replace the hydraulic fluid without dismantling the apparatus 10. Inlet and outlet valves locatable in the respective inlet and outlet ports 41 , 42 enable hydraulic fluid connection to wireline pressure equipment 4 of intended operation, for example a wireline pressure control device 4 associated with a rig-up 1 such as a wireline string as shown by way of example in Figure 7.

[0065] In the examples disclosed herein, the respective first 40a and second 40b sides of the body member 40 comprise an annular collar formation 47. Each annular collar formation 47 projects substantially orthogonally from the left- and right-hand facing surfaces of the body member 40.

[0066] With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the electric motor 20 and the hydraulic pump 30 are each mounted to the body member 40 at locations within the areas bounded by the respective annular collar formations 47.

[0067] The annual collar formations 47 provide a mounting ring for location of the respective electric motor and pump housings 200, 300 as described below. As shown in Figure 3, around the base of each annular collar 47 there is provided a groove or seat 471 adapted to retain a sealing ring 48.

[0068] As shown by way of example in Figures 1 to 3, the electric motor housing 200 and the hydraulic pump housing 300 each comprise an enclosure member 210 and an end cap 220A, 220B. For purposes of clarity, enclosure members 210 are not shown in Figure 2.

[0069] The structure and arrangement of each housing 200, 300 is substantially the same. As shown most clearly in Figures 1 and 3, in examples, each enclosure member 210 is a substantially cylindrical member210. The proximal end of each enclosure member 210 is configured for mounting around the annular collar formation 47 of the body member 40. The distal end of each enclosure member 210 is configured for receiving the shank 221 of an end cap 220A, 220B.

[0070] As shown by way of example in Figure 2 and Figure 3, each end cap 220A, 220B comprises a shank 221 projecting from its surface. The shank 221 is a substantially circular formation. The shank 221 may be defined by any suitable raised formation such as, but not limited to, a collar, rim, flange, or circular platform. At the base of the shank 221 there is provided a groove or seat 222 adapted to retain a sealing ring 223. As shown in Figure 3, the proximal end of enclosure member 210 may be configured for slidable sealing engagement with the collar formation 47. Optionally, one proximal end of each enclosure member 210 is adapted for sealing abutment with the sealing ring 48 provided around the base of the collar formation 47.

[0071] Similarly, the distal end of each enclosure member 210 may be configured for slidable sealing engagement with the end cap shank 221. Optionally, the distal end of each enclosure member 210 is adapted for sealing abutment with the sealing ring 223 provided around the base of the end cap shank 221. In this manner, the end caps 220A, 220B may be configured for plug fitment with the enclosure member 210.

[0072] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the respective motor and pump housings 200, 300 are rigidly secured to the body member 40 by means of a plurality of support members 230. In the examples disclosed herein, each support member 230 comprises a rigid rod having a threaded portion at its respective ends, one end being configured for screw-threaded ly attachment to a corresponding complementary aperture in the body member 40, and the opposing end being arranged to extend through a complementary aperture 224 (Figure 3) provided in the end cap 220A, 220B and to receive a complementary threaded fastener, for example a lock nut 225.

[0073] As threaded fasteners 225 are tightened, the end cap 220A, 220B is drawn towards the body member 40, whereupon the terminal ends of the enclosure member 210 compress into sealing abutment with the end cap 220A, 22B and the body member. 40, respectively. In this manner the motor and pump housings 200, 300 are sealed relative the body member 40.

[0074] In the illustrated examples, there are shown four support members 230, however any suitable number of support members 230 may be employed. As shown in the Figures, the support members 230 are arranged external of the enclosure members 210, i.e., the enclosure members 210 are located inboard of the support members 230.

[0075] Advantageously, the structure of the electric motor and hydraulic pump housings 200, 300 enables convenient disassembly and reassembly thereby simplifying inspection and maintenance. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the end cap 220B associated with the electric motor housing 200 further comprises one or more cable apertures 226 configured to permit electric cabling 11 (Figure 7, Figure 8) for example but not limited to DCAN cabling or 4 core (2 power, 2 signal) cabling 11 , to enter and exit the electric motor housing 200, for example to power and / or control the electric motor 20 and / or associated speed controller 50, and for electrical interconnection with other hydraulic control unit 10 devices as described below and shown by way of example in Figures 7 and 8. The or each cable aperture 226 is / are configured to receive suitable cable glands and / or cable connectors (not shown) for securely attaching and sealing the cable 11 relative to the end cap 220B. Using appropriately zoned glands or cable connectors, control units 10 can be interlinked.

[0076] Accordingly, the enclosure defined by the electric motor housing 200 as described above is an “Ex D”, (i.e. flameproof) enclosure, with the flame path, gap and surface finish arranged to conform with EN60079-1. Advantageously, this obviates the requirement for the speed controller 50 and the electric motor 20 to be “ATEX” ("ATmosphere EXplosible”) or IECEX compliant as they are maintained in a ATEX compliant enclosure 200. Additionally, the enclosure housing 300 is Exh compliant, conforming with ISO 80079-37.

[0077] As shown in Figure 3, end cap 220A associated with the hydraulic pump housing 300 further comprises an aperture 227 which can be left open if it is desired to balance the outer most end of the piston 310 with atmospheric pressure, or can be configured to receive a valve or suitable connector 228 to allow e.g. relatively low pressure (but higher pressure than atmospheric pressure) air to be pumped into the cavity between the piston 310 and the end cap 220A in order to assist pushing the piston 310 against the hydraulic fluid during the filling of the hydraulic fluid into the tank 300.

[0078] The enclosure defined by the hydraulic pump housing 300 is configured to contain hydraulic fluid, within which the hydraulic pump 30 is submerged in use. The hydraulic pump housing 300 functions as a hydraulic tank 300. In examples, the hydraulic pump 30 is a bi-directional external inlet gear pump.

[0079] Within the hydraulic pump housing 300 there is provided a piston member 310. Piston 310 is located intermediate the hydraulic pump 30 and the end cap 220A. The piston 310 is operatively movable linearly along the interior of the pump housing 300 between the hydraulic pump 30 and the end cap 220A. It should be noted that the piston is free moving, i.e. is not connected to a con rod. A piston ring or rings (not shown) located in a suitable groove or seat 311 provided around the circumference of the piston 310 seal(s) the gap between said piston 310 and the enclosure member 210 internal wall. Piston 310 is configured to take up the hydraulic volume change between the open and closed positions of the wireline equipment 4 to which the hydraulic control unit 10 is operatively connected in use. The largest volume change occurs in the opening and closing of a wireline valve. Accordingly, the allowable extent of piston 310 travel can be specified according to the expected volume change. The piston 310 is operatively dragged closed to maintain atmospheric pressure behind the hydraulic pump 30. The presence of the piston 310, which is pulled and pushed according to the hydraulic volume change as discussed above, ensures that the hydraulic pump 30 remains fully submerged in use. Advantageously, maintaining full submersion of the hydraulic pump 30 within the hydraulic fluid in tank 300 allows the hydraulic control unit 10 to be used in an explosive controlled zone, and obviates the requirement for a breather, which can therefore be omitted from the apparatus, because no explosive gas can get into the hydraulic fluid tank 300.

[0080] In Figures 1 to 5, the body member 40 and end caps 220A, 220B are shown as having a substantially cylindrical shape. Optionally, the substantially cylindrical body member 40 and / or one or both end caps 220A, 220B may include a flat portion 229, the flat portion 229 arranged to enable placement of the hydraulic control unit 10 upon a corresponding flat surface, and / or from rolling, for example when placed on a flat working surface. It will however be appreciated that the overall shape of the body member 40 and / or end caps 220A, 220B is not limited to substantially cylindrical, and other suitable shapes are possible particularly to allow the hydraulic control unit 10 to be attached to wireline pressure control equipment 4.

[0081] As shown schematically in Figure 7 and Figure 8, a plurality of hydraulic control units 10 of the present disclosure, for example provided on a rig-up 1 such as wireline string, can be electrically linked together in a daisy chain arrangement (i.e. physically connected in series but electrically connected in parallel) via cabling 11 , typically either DCAN cabling or 4 core (2 power, 2 signal) cabling 11 and optionally controlled via an electrically powered control module 12 in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0082] With reference to Figure 7, a hydraulic control unit 10, in accordance with an example, obviates many of the deficiencies of such traditional, prior art systems, not least through the placement of the hydraulic tank 300 and pump 30 devices as close to the wireline pressure control devices or equipment 4 as possible (or even upon the wireline control equipment), and remotely controlling these miniaturised control units 10, for example via the small electrically powered control module 12, in accordance with the present disclosure, as shown by way of example in Figures 7 and 8.

[0083] Advantageously, the number of required miniature control units 10 can be varied depending on the rig up, and the control panel 12 capacity. Wireline control components 4 perform independent functions and through use of the control unitslO of the examples disclosed herein, wireline pressure control devices 4 can be controlled simultaneously or separately one at a time. Therefore, with the present disclosure there is no need to power all the control units 10 at the same time. This allows the reduction of cable size and allows daisy-chaining of the control units 10 together. When compared to prior-art arrangements, with the examples of the present disclosure, through use of cables 11 , where DC power and Canbus communication can be held within one cable 11 , there is a reduction in the number and extent of cables in the rig-up and reducing the snagging risk.

[0084] With reference to Figure 8, there is shown in schematic form of a control module 12 configured to operate one or more hydraulic control units 10, optionally wherein said apparatus 10 are arranged in a daisy-chain configuration. Module 12 comprises a primary power supply 121 and a secondary or back-up power supply 122. The primary power supply 121 may comprise a first power supply device 121 A and a second power supply device 121 B. The primary power supply 121 may be configured to receive power from an external source 123, for example from a rig power supply. The primary power supply 121 is configured to power one or more hydraulic control units 10, either directly or indirectly, for example via the secondary or back-up power supply 122. The primary power supply 121 is also configured to power a control panel 124, for example a display screen associated with the control module 12. The secondary or back-up power supply 122 may comprise a plurality of batteries 122A, 122B, wherein one or more of the batteries 122A, 122B is / are arranged to power one or more hydraulic control unit(s) 10 in the event of an emergency, optionally in particular those apparatus 10 which are associated with critical wireline control components 4, for example safety valves in the wireline string. One or more of the batteries 122A, 122B of the secondary power supply 122 may be arranged to power the primary power supply 121. Accordingly, the control module 12 provides multiple levels of control redundancy.

[0085] The one or more of the batteries 122A, 122B of the secondary power supply 122 can be sized so that the control module 12 is portable, or susceptible for accommodation within a PeliTMcase or the likes.

[0086] The control panel 124, for example the display screen associated with the control module 12, provides an interface whereby a user can associate the or each individual control unit 10 with the specific type of hydraulically powered device 4 it is operatively connected to, for example, wireline valves, tool catchers, etc. thereby enabling the user to select the appropriate open and closure responses. For example, a wireline valve should close within 30 seconds, and so the hydraulic control unit 10 will require a relatively high-speed motor capable of operating at for example around 6,000 rpm to affect timely closure. On the other hand, a tool catching device must open relatively slowly, and so the motor may operate relatively slowly for example at a much lower rpm, and the generated torque should also be lower in order to reduce the risk of damaging its componentry, for example the flapper and flapper shaft, from the generated torque.

[0087] The provision of hydraulic control units in accordance with the present disclosure provides the following advantages: enables easy adaptability for different rig-up applications and obviates the need for multiple variants of prior art control modules. provides a reduced footprint over conventional control modules, permits automated rather than manual control. reduces the number of high-pressure hoses, which are susceptible to snagging. enables powering by battery in emergency, thereby obviating the need for hydraulic accumulators.

[0088] Modifications and improvements may be made to the embodiments and examples described herein without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims1. A hydraulic control unit comprising an electric motor and a hydraulic pump, wherein the electric motor and hydraulic pump are mounted in spaced apart relation from each other on respective first and second sides of a body member, wherein the electric motor is configured to drive the hydraulic pump, and wherein the electric motor and hydraulic pump are each contained within respective motor and pump housings configured to maintain said motor and pump in isolation from each other.

2. The hydraulic control unit according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second sides of the body member are opposite sides of the body member.

3. The hydraulic control unit according to either of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the electric motor housing and the hydraulic pump housing each comprise an enclosure member and an end cap, wherein a proximal end of the enclosure member is adapted for sealing engagement with the body member, and wherein a distal end of the enclosure member is adapted for sealing engagement with the end cap.

4. The hydraulic control unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the electric motor is configured to drive the hydraulic pump via a drive shaft, and wherein the driveshaft extends through a suitable aperture provided in the body member.

5. The hydraulic control unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the enclosure defined by the hydraulic pump housing is configured to contain hydraulic fluid, within which the hydraulic pump is submersible in use.

6. The hydraulic control unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the body member forms or defines a manifold, the manifold having a plurality of ports and associated channels, the channels being arranged in suitable fluid communication with each other and / or the hydraulic pump and its housing.

7. The hydraulic control unit according to claim 6, wherein the ports of the body member are arranged to receive or support hydraulic control components or connectors associated with the channels.

8. The hydraulic control unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the respective first and second sides of the body member comprise an annular collar formation, wherein the collar formation provides a mounting ring for location of the enclosure member of the respective electric motor and pump housings, wherein the base of each annular collar comprises a groove or seat adapted to retain a sealing ring and provides a preventative flame path to allow the enclosure to be ATEX and / or lECEX rated.

9. The hydraulic control unit according to claim 3 or to any of claims 4 to 8 when dependent upon claim 3, wherein sealing engagement of an enclosure member with an end cap comprises sealing engagement against or with a shank of the end cap, with a sealing ring provided in a groove or seat around the base of said shank.

10. The hydraulic control unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the respective motor and pump housings are rigidly secured to the body member by means of a plurality of support members, wherein each support member comprises a rigid member having a threaded portion at its proximal and distal ends, wherein the proximal end of the rigid member is configured for attachment to a corresponding complementary aperture in the body member, and wherein the distal end of the rigid member is arranged to extend through a complementary aperture provided in the end cap, and to receive a complementary fastener thereon.

11. The hydraulic control unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the hydraulic control unit further comprises a piston, wherein the piston is located within the hydraulic pump housing intermediate the hydraulic pump and the end cap.

12. The hydraulic control unit according to claim 11 , wherein the piston is operatively linearly movable along the pump housing, and wherein said piston is configured to take up the hydraulic volume change between the open and closed positions of wireline equipment to which the control unit is operatively connected in use.

13. The hydraulic control unit according to either of claims 11 or 12, wherein the piston comprises one or more piston ring(s) located in a groove provided around thecircumference of the piston, where the piston ring(s) seal(s) the gap between said piston and the enclosure member internal wall.

14. The hydraulic control unit according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the piston is operatively dragged closed to maintain atmospheric pressure behind the hydraulic pump.

15. The hydraulic control unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the end cap associated with the electric motor housing further comprises one or more cable apertures configured to permit electric cabling to enter and / or exit the electric motor housing.

16. The hydraulic control unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the body member and end caps are substantially cylindrically shaped and the body member and / or end cap or caps, include a flat portion configured to enable location of the hydraulic control unit upon a corresponding flat surface, which surface is provided on the equipment that the hydraulic control unit is arranged to be mounted to and arranged to operate.

17. A control means for use with one or more hydraulic control units according to any preceding claim, wherein the control means comprises a control module configured to control one or more hydraulic control units, wherein the control module comprises a primary power supply, a back-up power supply, and a control panel, wherein the primary power supply and the back-up power supply are each configured to provide power to one or more hydraulic control units in response to user commands provided via the control panel, and wherein the back-up power supply is configured to provide power to one or more hydraulic control units in the event of interruption to the primary power supply.

18. The control means according to claim 17, wherein the control panel is a touchscreen display panel and is locatable remote from the control module.

19. The control means according to either of claims 17 or 18, wherein the primary power supply is configured to control one or more control units while charging the back-up power supply.

20. The control means according to any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the primary power supply comprises a first power supply device and a second power supply device.

21. The control means according to any of claims 17 to 20, wherein the back-up power supply comprises a plurality of batteries.

22. The control means according to any of claims 17 to 20, wherein the hydraulic control units are electrically interlinkable in a daisy-chain configuration.

23. A hydraulic control system comprising one or more hydraulic control units according to any of claims 1 to 16 and a control means according to any of claims 17 to 22.

24. A method of controlling wireline pressure equipment comprising the steps of: providing one or more hydraulic control unit(s) in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 16; connecting the or each hydraulic control unit to a control module; operatively hydraulically connecting the or each hydraulic control unit to an item of wireline pressure control equipment, controlling operation of the one or more hydraulic control unit(s) to provide hydraulic power to operate the item of wireline pressure control equipment.

25. The method of controlling wireline pressure equipment according to claim 24, wherein the or each hydraulic control unit is mounted to a wireline rig up.

Images