Annular Blowout Preventer Packer With Rotatable Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Annular blowout preventers (BOPs) face challenges in effectively sealing and controlling fluid pressure during drilling operations, particularly in rapid formation fluid invasions, as existing designs may not adequately compress the elastomeric sealing packer to block fluid flow through the central bore.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a housing with a piston and a packer assembly featuring multiple rotatably coupled inserts, where the piston applies force to compress the elastomeric sealing packer, causing the inserts to pivot and radially inwardly, thereby sealing the central bore by reducing the diameter of the opening and squeezing the packer to block fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single rigid insert design is used to support the elastomeric sealing packer, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the ability to effectively compress the packer under varying pressure conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each insert is divided into multiple members (first member, second member, third member) that are rotatably coupled together, allowing independent movement and rotation of each member to adapt to varying pressure conditions while maintaining structural support for the elastomeric sealing packer
Solution Approach 2:
The insert members are designed to rotate relative to each other about pins, transforming the static rigid structure into a dynamic system that can automatically adjust its configuration in response to axial forces and pressure differentials, thereby maintaining reliable sealing under varying operating conditions
2Stability of the object's composition
If the insert members are rigidly fixed to maintain structural stability, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to rotate and compress the packer under pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The insert members are connected through rotatable joints (pins) that allow controlled rotation while maintaining structural integrity, enabling the structure to dynamically respond to axial forces by rotating and compressing the packer while remaining stable in its overall configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The insert combines rigid members for structural stability with rotatable joints for operational flexibility, merging these seemingly contradictory properties into a unified structure that maintains stability while enabling the necessary rotation and compression movements
3Device complexity
If the elastomeric sealing packer is not adequately compressed, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the fluid flow blocking capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable insert members automatically translate axial forces into radial compression of the elastomeric sealing packer through their rotation about pins, creating an effective compression mechanism that responds dynamically to pressure differentials without requiring complex additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The insert structure itself serves the dual function of providing structural support and generating compression force on the packer through its rotational movement, eliminating the need for separate compression mechanisms and achieving reliable fluid flow blocking through the self-compressing action of the insert members
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
This configuration ensures reliable sealing of the annular BOP, effectively blocking fluid flow through the central bore, enhancing safety and control during drilling and other well operations by maintaining a secure seal even under pressure.
Implementation Method 1
compress the elastomeric sealing packer, causing the inserts to pivot and radially inwardly, thereby sealing the central bore
Data Source
AI summary
A packer assembly for an annular blowout preventer (BOP) includes an elastomeric sealing packer and multiple inserts that support the elastomeric sealing packer. Each insert of the multiple inserts includes an upper member and an intermediate member that are rotatably coupled to one another. For example, the upper member and the intermediate member are rotatably coupled to one another via a pin.