Activation Ring for Dynamic Wellhead Shoulder
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing high pressure wellhead housings in oil and gas extraction systems have a stepped diameter bore, limiting the size of drill bits that can be used, as the minimum inner diameter below the load shoulder is smaller than desired, requiring the removal and reinstallation of the nominal seat to accommodate larger tools.
Innovation Solution
A system with a spool having a recess and an activation ring that can be moved between retracted and extended positions to define a shoulder within the bore, using an actuator and pin assembly to accommodate larger components, such as a load shoulder sleeve, allowing for the use of tools larger than the minimum inner diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a stepped diameter bore is used in the wellhead housing, then the load shoulder can be securely installed, but the minimum inner diameter below the load shoulder becomes smaller than desired, limiting the size of drill bits that can be used
Solution Approach 1:
The activation ring is made movable between a retracted position (allowing larger tools to pass) and an extended position (providing the load shoulder function). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its internal diameter based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The load shoulder function is separated from the permanent structural components and placed on a movable activation ring that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the load shoulder to be temporarily positioned only when needed, rather than permanently blocking the bore.
2Length of moving object
If the nominal seat (load shoulder) is removed to accommodate larger drill bits, then larger tools can be used, but the load shoulder must be reinstalled afterward, causing operational delays
Solution Approach 1:
The activation ring provides a dynamic solution where the load shoulder can be quickly repositioned without permanent removal. The ring can be extended or retracted as needed, eliminating the time-consuming process of removing and reinstalling the nominal seat while accommodating larger tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation ring acts as an intermediary component that temporarily provides the load shoulder function only when required. This allows larger tools to pass through without permanently removing the seat, and the ring can be quickly deployed or stowed as needed.
3Strength
If a fixed load shoulder is permanently installed in the wellhead housing, then structural support is provided, but the internal diameter is permanently reduced, preventing use of larger drilling tools
Solution Approach 1:
The activation ring transforms the fixed, permanent load shoulder into a dynamic, temporarily deployable component. The ring can be extended to provide structural support when needed and retracted to allow larger tools to pass, providing both strength and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The load shoulder function is segmented from the permanent housing structure and placed on a separate, movable activation ring. This allows the structural support function to be temporarily activated only when required, rather than permanently blocking the bore for larger tools.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus to define a shoulder within equipment includes a housing including a bore formed therethrough and a recess formed within an inner wall of the housing. The apparatus further includes an activation ring positionable within the recess and movable to extend, at least partially, into the bore of the housing to define a shoulder within the housing, and an actuator to move the activation ring with respect to the recess.