Asymmetrical Ram Button for Blowout Preventer Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ram buttons in blowout preventers engage only a small portion of the ram slot shoulder, leading to excessive unit stress and potential damage under high wellbore pressure during sealing operations.
Innovation Solution
An asymmetrical ram button is designed to engage a larger portion of the ram slot shoulder, distributing the retraction force over a greater surface area, reducing stress and the likelihood of damage by being shaped to complement the slot's profile and attached to the connecting rod, either integrally or separately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional circular ram button is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the unit stress on the ram button and slot increases leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the ram button from a traditional circular shape to an asymmetrical shape that specifically complements the slot profile. This asymmetrical design allows the button to engage a larger portion of the slot shoulder, distributing the retraction force over a greater surface area and reducing unit stress on the components while maintaining functional effectiveness.
2Reliability
If the ram button engages only a small portion of the slot shoulder, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to excessive stress under high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the ram button by designing it with an asymmetrical shape that has specific contours matching the slot profile. This parameter change enables the button to contact a larger area of the slot shoulder, distributing the load and reducing unit stress, thereby improving reliability under high wellbore pressure conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An asymmetrical ram button is provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a blowout preventer including such a button. Particularly, the blowout preventer may include an actuation assembly having the asymmetric ram button attached to a connecting rod coupled to a piston. The asymmetric body of the button can engage an internal shoulder of the ram such that a retraction force on the actuation assembly causes the asymmetrical ram button to load against the internal shoulder. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.