Adjustable Spool Assembly for Offshore Drilling Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional offshore drilling systems face challenges in replacing pressure control equipment and drill thru components due to the need for on-site cutting and welding of rigid spools, leading to time-consuming and costly replacement processes during Special Periodic Surveys and new build operations.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable spool system comprising a spacer pipe, box, pin, and lock down ring allows for secure connection and adjustment across different dimensions, enabling replacement of drilling system components without fabricating new spools, using a weld neck hub and adjustable configuration to maintain fluid integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid spool is used to connect pressure control equipment and drill thru components, then the connection is strong and reliable, but the replacement process becomes time-consuming and costly due to on-site cutting and welding requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid spool is divided into modular sections that can be independently replaced. The spool assembly includes a spool body with connection ends that can be detached and reconfigured, allowing specific sections to be replaced without affecting the entire assembly or requiring on-site welding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool assembly incorporates adjustable configurations that allow for dynamic reconfiguration of connection lengths and orientations. This enables the system to adapt to different equipment arrangements without requiring custom fabrication, reducing replacement time while maintaining reliable connections.
2Reliability
If a rigid spool is used to connect pressure control equipment and drill thru components, then the connection is strong and reliable, but the replacement process becomes costly due to on-site fabrication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid spool is divided into modular sections that can be independently replaced. The spool assembly includes a spool body with connection ends that can be detached and reconfigured, allowing specific sections to be replaced without affecting the entire assembly or requiring on-site welding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool assembly allows for parameter changes in connection length and orientation through adjustable configurations. This enables standardised components to be used across different applications, reducing the need for custom fabrication and associated costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If on-site cutting and welding is performed to replace rigid spools, then custom lengths can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and operationally disruptive
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid spool is divided into modular sections that can be independently replaced. The spool assembly includes a spool body with connection ends that can be detached and reconfigured, allowing specific sections to be replaced without affecting the entire assembly or requiring on-site welding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool assembly is designed with universal connection interfaces that can accommodate different lengths and configurations through modular assembly. This multi-functionality allows a single standardized component design to serve multiple operational requirements without custom fabrication.
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a spacer pipe, a box including first and second ends and an internal passage, and a pin including an annular outer shoulder. The first end of the box is connected to the spacer pipe, and the second end of the box is configured to receive a first end of the pin in an adjustable configuration. The device also includes a lock down ring configured to secure the first end of the pin received in the second end of the box.