Annular BOP Closing With Electronic Actuation in Deep Subsea Wells

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydraulic operating systems in blowout preventer (BOP) systems are susceptible to failure in challenging environments, such as deep subsea wells, due to increased operational demands.

Innovation Solution

Employing an electronically actuated annular closing system comprising a packer and shift mechanism, actuated by an electronic actuator, to enable rapid and reliable sealing of the internal passageway.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hydraulic operating systems are used in BOP systems, then operational availability can be maintained under normal conditions, but reliability deteriorates in challenging environments such as deep subsea wells

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to challenging environments

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hydraulic operating system with an electric operating system. The electric actuator uses electrical signals and mechanical components (drive shaft, bevel gears, pinion gears) to actuate the annular closing system, eliminating the need for hydraulic fluid and hydraulic components. This substitution improves reliability in challenging environments where hydraulic systems are susceptible to failure due to leaks, contamination, or pressure issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If hydraulic actuation is used, then system complexity can be reduced, but sealing speed and reliability deteriorate in deep well applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing speedVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electric actuator with its mechanical transmission system (drive shaft, bevel gears, pinion gears) provides direct mechanical actuation of the annular closing system. This mechanical substitution eliminates hydraulic fluid dependency and enables rapid, reliable sealing operations through direct electrical control, improving both sealing speed and reliability in deep well applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If electronically actuated system is implemented, then reliability and sealing speed are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

While the electric actuator introduces electrical components, it eliminates complex hydraulic systems including pumps, valves, and hydraulic fluid pathways. The mechanical transmission components (drive shaft, bevel gears, pinion gears) provide a relatively simple and robust actuation mechanism that is easier to maintain and less prone to failure in challenging environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enhances the reliability and speed of sealing operations in BOP systems, even in harsh environments, by using electrically powered actuation to compress the packer and seal off the internal passageway.

Implementation Method 1

An electronic actuator is coupled with the shift mechanism to enable selective actuation of the shift mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy to mechanical energy conversion:

Implementation Method 2

The annular closing system may comprise, for example, a packer combined with a shift mechanism actuatable to compress the packer inwardly so as to seal off the internal passageway

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12385348B2Annular closing system and method for use in blowout preventer

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A technique facilitates reliable operation of a blowout preventer (BOP) system in a wide range of challenging environments. To enable dependable and rapid closing of the internal passageway of the BOP system, an electronically actuated annular closing system is employed. The annular closing system may include, for example, a packer combined with a shift mechanism actuatable to compress the packer inwardly so as to seal off the internal passageway. An electronic actuator is coupled with the shift mechanism to enable selective actuation of the shift mechanism to achieve the sealed closing of the internal passageway.