Bi-Diameter Wiper Cup for Tubing String Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wiper dart designs require multiple wiper cups with different outer diameters to effectively wipe the inside of tool joints and pipe sections, leading to increased costs, complexity, and potential fluid leakage due to the need for specialized equipment and multiple cup sizes.
Innovation Solution
A wiper dart with a single bi-diameter wiper cup that includes a protruding ring and buttons or splines to create folds, allowing it to effectively wipe both tool joints and pipe sections with reduced complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple wiper cups with different outer diameters are used to wipe tool joints and pipe sections, then wiping effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper cup is divided into two distinct diameter sections: a first outer diameter portion for wiping tool joints and a second outer diameter portion for wiping pipe sections. This segmentation allows a single cup to perform multiple wiping functions that previously required separate cups, reducing device complexity while maintaining wiping effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The bi-diameter wiper cup is designed to universally wipe both tool joints and pipe sections with a single component. The cup incorporates two different outer diameters, enabling it to adapt to and effectively wipe two different types of surfaces, thereby replacing multiple specialized cups with one multi-functional unit.
2Reliability
If multiple wiper cups with different outer diameters are used, then wiping effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functionality of multiple wiper cups into a single bi-diameter cup. By combining the wiping capabilities for both tool joints and pipe sections into one integrated component, the design reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and installed, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining comprehensive wiping effectiveness.
3Device complexity
If a single wiper cup is used, then device complexity is reduced, but wiping effectiveness across varying diameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper cup is segmented into two distinct diameter portions, allowing it to maintain effective contact with both tool joints and pipe sections. This segmentation ensures that the cup can adapt to varying diameters without compromising wiping effectiveness, while still being a single integrated component that reduces overall device complexity.
4Reliability
If wiper cups are used to wipe tool joints, then fluid leakage is minimized, but folds may form creating leak paths
Solution Approach 1:
The bi-diameter wiper cup design provides different local qualities for different sections: the first outer diameter portion is optimized for tool joint contact while the second outer diameter portion is optimized for pipe section contact. This local differentiation ensures that each section maintains appropriate seal characteristics for its specific application, minimizing fold formation and fluid leakage at each interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A wiper dart can be used in an oil and gas operation. The wiper dart can have at least two different outer diameters. A first outer diameter can be less than a second outer diameter and used to wipe the insides of tool joints of a tubing string. The second outer diameter can be used to wipe the insides of pipe sections of the tubing string that have a larger inner diameter than the tool joints. The single, bi-diameter wiper cup can be used in lieu of two or more current, conical-shaped wiper cups to accomplish the same functionality. The wiper cup can include a protruding ring located circumferentially around the wiper cup at the first outer diameter. A plurality of buttons or splines can be spaced apart around the wiper cup at the second outer diameter.