Autonomous Blowout Preventer with Predictive Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blowout preventers (BOPs) are designed as Operation-Aids rather than Blowout-Arrestors, leading to inadequate performance during well blowouts, with existing inspection and maintenance protocols failing to ensure seaworthiness, resulting in disasters like the Macondo incident.
Innovation Solution
A subsea BOP monitoring system utilizing predictive-intelligence and adaptive control software to recognize early signs of a well blowout, adjust BOP sequencing, and initiate timely responses to arrest the blowout, incorporating sensors and accumulators to monitor critical parameters and control ram activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If BOP is designed as Operation-Aid with static control, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability during dynamic blowout events deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The BOP system transitions from static manual control to dynamic autonomous control. The controller continuously receives real-time data from multiple sensors (pressure, temperature, flow rate, drill pipe position) and automatically adjusts BOP operations based on changing well conditions, enabling the system to adapt dynamically during blowout events while maintaining operational effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements comprehensive feedback loops through numerous sensors monitoring critical parameters including annulus pressure, drill pipe position, flow rate, and temperature. This real-time feedback enables the controller to detect kick conditions early and automatically adjust BOP operations, transforming the system from open-loop static control to closed-loop dynamic control that responds to actual well conditions
2Reliability
If real-time monitoring of critical parameters is implemented, then reliability during blowout is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it processes data from numerous sensors, detects kick conditions, determines drill pipe position, controls BOP operations, and communicates with surface systems. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional controller, the system achieves comprehensive monitoring and control without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously monitors its own operational parameters and automatically adjusts BOP operations based on detected conditions. The controller self-manages the detection and response to kick events without requiring external intervention, enabling the system to service itself during critical blowout events when external control may be delayed or unavailable
3Loss of time
If autonomous control with predictive intelligence is implemented, then response time during blowout is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously collects and processes data from multiple sensors during normal operations, maintaining readiness to detect kick conditions. By pre-positioning sensors and pre-programming the controller with blowout response algorithms, the system eliminates detection and decision delays, enabling immediate autonomous response when kick conditions are detected without requiring external intervention
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 capability of BOPs to function as effective Blowout-Arrestors by enabling early intervention and optimized response to dynamic blowout conditions, reducing the risk of uncontrolled hydrocarbon flow and potential disasters.
Implementation Method 1
monitor critical parameters for performance of the blowout preventer
Implementation Method 2
measure the critical parameters for performance of the blowout preventer
Implementation Method 3
initiate an activation of the shear ram to cut the string of pipe, the activation being partially controlled by the monitored parameters
Implementation Method 4
activate the shear ram to cut the string of pipe
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous BOP system is provided for stopping an uncontrolled flow of formation hydrocarbons comprising two or more sensors distributed along a length of a subsea blowout preventer to monitor a drill pipe inside a blowout preventer and measure critical parameters. A subsea computer using predictive-software monitors a blowout preventer along with material critical parameters and calculates a blowout preventer configuration and sequence to arrest a well blowout. Blowout preventer components are fine-tuned and operational modes are added to aid an arrest of a well blowout under realistic conditions.