Arcuate Ring Segment BOP Connection Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blowout preventer (BOP) systems face challenges in securely coupling the top and housing components, which can lead to instability and inefficiency in sealing and fluid control during drilling operations, particularly in response to rapid influxes of formation fluid.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a connection assembly with arcuate ring segments and positioners that radially displace between locked and unlocked positions, securely coupling the top and housing through an annular groove system, allowing for reliable axial and rotational alignment, and efficient force distribution across the annular interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a connection assembly is used to releasably couple the top to the housing, then the ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but the structural integrity and stability under high axial forces may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly is divided into multiple arcuate ring segments (typically three) that can be independently positioned and locked. Each segment can be radially displaced between locked and unlocked positions, allowing the assembly to be disassembled by moving individual segments rather than the entire connection assembly at once, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining structural integrity through distributed load bearing.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring segments are designed with radial mobility, allowing them to transition between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic capability enables the connection assembly to be easily assembled and disassembled by radially displacing the segments, while in the locked position they provide robust structural support to withstand high axial forces during drilling operations.
2Force
If the ring segment has a radial width greater than its axial height, then the force distribution across the annular interface is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring segments are designed with a distinctive geometry where the radial width exceeds the axial height, inverting the conventional dimensional relationship. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the segments to effectively distribute axial forces across the annular interface between top and housing, converting vertical load paths into radial force distribution patterns that enhance structural stability without requiring additional complex components.
3Reliability
If multiple arcuate ring segments are used to cover a majority of the circumferential length, then the reliability of sealing and fluid control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly employs multiple arcuate ring segments (typically three) that collectively cover a majority of the circumferential length of the annular interface. This segmentation approach distributes the sealing and load-bearing functions across multiple independent elements, enhancing reliability by ensuring that failure of one segment does not compromise the entire connection. The segments work in parallel to maintain structural integrity and sealing effectiveness under high axial forces.
Solution Approach 2:
Each arcuate ring segment is specifically designed with dimensions and positioning that optimize its local function in force distribution and sealing. The segments are arranged to cover critical portions of the annular interface, with each segment's radial width and axial height tailored to distribute forces effectively at its specific location, thereby achieving high overall reliability through optimized local characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
A blowout preventer including a top including a chamber and an annular groove extending into a surface of the top, a housing including a chamber and an annular groove extending into a surface of the housing, and a connection assembly configured to releasably couple the top to the housing, the connection assembly including an arcuate ring segment having a radial width that is greater in size than an axial height of the ring segment, and a positioner configured to radially displace the ring segment between a locked position restricting relative axial movement between the top and the housing, and an unlocked position allowing for relative axial movement between the top and the housing.