Active Compensation System for Offshore Jacking Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motion compensation systems for coiled tubing operations on offshore drilling platforms are inadequate in responding to rapid load changes, as they rely on passive components that cannot effectively counteract large, sudden forces applied to the wellhead, such as when the coiled tubing string becomes stuck.
Innovation Solution
A compensation system for a jacking frame that includes a force measurement system, a control system, and a dual-component force delivery system comprising both passive and active hydraulic cylinders, allowing for real-time feedback and activation of the active component to counteract rapid onset loading on the wellhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive compensation systems with constant accumulator spring rate are used, then the system provides force isolation between stationary and moving components, but the system cannot react to large rapid load changes when coiled tubing becomes stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a passive compensation system with constant spring rate to an active compensation system where the spring rate is dynamically adjusted based on real-time load conditions. The control system modifies the accumulator spring rate in response to detected load changes, enabling the system to adapt to both gradual and rapid loading scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors the load on the wellhead and adjusts the compensation force accordingly. Load cells provide real-time feedback about the applied forces, and the control system uses this information to modulate the active compensation mechanism, ensuring appropriate response to varying load conditions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If nitrogen charged accumulators with adjusted pre-charge pressure are used, then the system maintains relatively constant force throughout cylinder stroke, but operator adjustment is required when load on wellhead varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the compensation system to automatically adjust its own parameters without operator intervention. The control system continuously monitors load conditions and autonomously modifies the accumulator spring rate and cylinder pre-charge pressure as needed, eliminating the need for manual adjustments while maintaining optimal compensation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the physical parameters of the compensation system, specifically the spring rate and pre-charge pressure, based on real-time operating conditions. The control system adjusts these parameters automatically in response to load variations, allowing the system to maintain constant force output without manual intervention.
3Measurement precision
If conventional passive motion compensation systems are used, then the system detects relative motions between coiled tubing injector and wellhead, but the system applies only relatively constant accumulator spring rate and cannot counteract large rapid forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static spring rate characteristic into a dynamic one that can vary with operating conditions. The active compensation system adjusts the spring rate in real-time based on the magnitude and rate of applied forces, enabling the system to provide appropriately scaled compensating forces for both small gradual motions and large rapid load changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from load cells and motion sensors to continuously adjust the compensating force output. The control system processes information about relative motion and applied forces, then modulates the active compensation mechanism to generate the appropriate counteracting force, enabling response to both small and large force variations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively mitigates the impact of rapid load changes on the wellhead by automatically adjusting forces to maintain a desired range, protecting the wellhead from detrimental forces that conventional systems fail to address, thereby enhancing the safety and efficiency of coiled tubing operations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one passive hydraulic cylinder, and at least one active hydraulic cylinder
Implementation Method 2
nitrogen charged accumulators are connected to the cylinders to provide a relatively constant hydraulic pressure to the cylinders
Data Source
AI summary
An offshore oil well platform assembly is provided that includes a jacking frame, which supports a coiled tubing injector, which in turn is connected to a wellhead during a coiled tubing operation; and a compensation system. The compensation system includes a force measurement system which measures forces applied to the wellhead; a force delivery system, which provides a compensating force to counteract at least a portion of the measured forces on the wellhead; and a control system which receives signals from the force measurement system indicative of the measured forces, and operates the force delivery system based on the measured forces.