Automatic Annular Blowout Preventer with Curved Petals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blow-out preventers, such as ram-type and annular types, are prone to failure and unable to consistently prevent catastrophic releases of high-pressure fluids during oil and gas drilling, as seen in incidents like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, due to their reliance on hydraulic power and manual operation.
Innovation Solution
An automatic blow-out preventer with a plurality of curved blades or 'petals' that close to seal off casing pressure from riser pressure without the need for electricity or hydraulic power, using a dome-like structure of overlapping petals made of durable materials like titanium or high-tempered stainless steel, which activates automatically in response to increased pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If ram-type or shear-type blow-out preventers are used to squeeze or shear the pipe, then the pipe can be closed off to prevent fluid release, but the stronger and more durable the pipe becomes, the more difficult it is to pinch off the pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The blow-out preventer is divided into multiple independent shear blades instead of using a single ram or shear mechanism. Each blade can independently shear the pipe, increasing the reliability of the system. The multiple blades are arranged in a circular pattern and can be actuated separately or together, providing redundant protection against blow-outs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional hydraulic piston mechanism with a mechanical spring-loaded shear blade system. The springs are pre-loaded to provide sufficient force to shear even the strongest pipes. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for hydraulic power during the critical closure moment, ensuring reliable pipe shearing regardless of pipe strength.
2Reliability
If annular blow-out preventers with hydraulic pistons are used to force closed an annular seal, then the seal can close upon the drill pipe, but the system becomes dependent on hydraulic power and manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the hydraulic piston system with a purely mechanical spring-loaded shear blade mechanism. The springs are pre-loaded to provide the necessary closing force, eliminating the need for hydraulic power during blow-out events. This substitution reduces device complexity by removing hydraulic components while maintaining or improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded shear blade system is self-actuating and does not require external hydraulic power or manual operation during a blow-out. The springs automatically engage and shear the pipe when pressure differential is applied, making the system self-service and independent of external power sources or human intervention during critical moments.
3Ease of operation
If traditional blow-out preventers are used, then they can be operated manually, but they are prone to failure and unable to consistently prevent catastrophic releases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded shear blade system is designed to automatically activate and shear the pipe when a blow-out occurs, without requiring manual operation. The springs are pre-loaded to provide immediate closing force, ensuring consistent and reliable blow-out prevention. This self-service capability eliminates the variability and human error associated with manual operation while maintaining ease of use through automatic activation.
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
The solution provides a more durable and consistent safety system that can prevent explosive releases and oil spills by automatically sealing off pressure fluctuations, operating independently of power sources and human intervention, effectively reducing the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of curved blades or 'petals' that automatically close to seal off casing pressure from riser pressure when pressure rises within the casing
Data Source
AI summary
A blow-out preventer contains high pressure material within a drill casing. Specifically, an automatic blow-out preventer cuts off communication between a casing and a riser automatically when pressures rise within the casing. More specifically, the blow-out preventer comprises a plurality of curved blades or “petals” that automatically close to seal off casing pressure from riser pressure when pressure rises within the casing.