Autonomous Well Killing Vessel Using Pyrotechnic Pressure Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well killing and fire extinguishing methods require external power sources or equipment, which may not be accessible during emergencies, and are inadequate for high-pressure well fires or fluid kicks.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous well killing device with a sealed vessel containing a well killing liquid and a pyrotechnical gas-generating element, initiated by mechanical, thermochemical, or electrical means, capable of generating high pressure to inject the liquid into the well or surrounding area for extinguishing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If existing well killing methods use external killing pumps and trip tanks, then well killing function is provided, but the system requires external power supply and equipment that may not be accessible during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The device contains a self-contained power supply unit with battery that autonomously powers the pumping mechanism and control systems without requiring external power sources. The system automatically detects well conditions and initiates killing operations independently, eliminating dependency on external equipment and personnel response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention integrates multiple functions into a single mobile unit: the killing pump, power supply, control systems, and communication devices are combined in one self-contained vehicle. This merging eliminates the need for separate external equipment and enables autonomous operation at remote wellheads.
2Extent of automation
If existing fire extinguishing methods require emergency crew call, then fire extinguishing function is provided, but response time is delayed and autonomous extinguishing is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The device includes autonomous fire detection and extinguishing capabilities with sensors that automatically detect fire conditions and trigger the extinguishing system without requiring human intervention. The onboard extinguishing agents are deployed automatically based on detected threats, eliminating response time delays associated with emergency calls.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and detection devices that continuously monitor well conditions and automatically trigger appropriate responses. When fire or dangerous conditions are detected, the system receives feedback and autonomously activates the extinguishing mechanism, creating a closed-loop response system that eliminates human reaction delays.
3Stress or pressure
If known fire extinguishing devices use container breaking under pressure, then fire extinguishing agent disperses, but the method is not suitable for high-pressure well fires reaching 12 MPa-15 MPa
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs flexible membranes and thin-walled containers that can withstand high pressures up to 15 MPa without breaking. These flexible structures allow the extinguishing agent to be stored under high pressure and then deployed controllessly when needed, maintaining reliability under extreme well pressures while avoiding container rupture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of the extinguishing agent by storing it in a compressed state under high pressure within flexible containers. When deployment is needed, the agent is released in a controlled manner, changing its physical state from compressed to expanded, allowing it to effectively handle high-pressure well fire conditions.
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
Enables prompt well killing and fire extinguishing without external power, effectively handling high-pressure situations and fluid kicks, ensuring safety at remote wellheads and petroleum storage tanks.
Implementation Method 1
a pyrotechnical gas-generating element (PGGE) containing a pyrotechnic composition
Implementation Method 2
capable of generating high pressure to inject the liquid into the well
Implementation Method 3
well killing liquid that is simultaneously a fire extinguishing agent
Implementation Method 4
The invention is based on the use of solid-fuel aerosol-forming compounds as a source of an aerosol flame retarder
Implementation Method 5
a thermochemical initiator connected to a gas-generating element (GGE) by a fire pulse transmission device capable of transmitting a fire pulse
Implementation Method 6
solid-fuel aerosol-forming compounds as a source of an aerosol flame retarder
Implementation Method 7
maximum specific extinguishing capacity among known extinguishing agents
Data Source
AI summary
The claimed invention relates to the field of safety in the oil and gas industry and can be used for prompt well killing, as well as for extinguishing wells or containers with petroleum products. The technical problem that the claimed solution shall solve involves improving safety when working on oil and gas wells. The technical result of the claimed invention is to enable the operation of an autonomous well killing device with fire-fighting function, initiated manually to kill the well or reacting to a fire at the wellhead using a thermochemical initiator while simultaneously creating pressure in the device body (vessel) to supply killing and fire extinguishing fluid that is sufficient to kill or extinguish the well. At the same time, a special feature of the autonomous well killing device with fire-fighting function is that it can be connected to an existing system of manifold pipes or pressure pipes of protected tanks and wells.