Bidirectional Ram-Type Blowout Preventer Seal Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ram-type blowout preventers are limited to unidirectional sealing, which is inadequate for deepwater drilling requirements, and existing bidirectional sealing solutions are complex, expensive, and prone to failure, necessitating costly rig time and additional equipment for testing and operation.
Innovation Solution
A ram-type blowout preventer with a seal carrier configured to be displaced along the vertical axis, utilizing existing top and front seals with an additional inexpensive seal behind the carrier to achieve bi-directional sealing without pressure equalization passages or valving, allowing for in situ testing and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional unidirectional sealing is used in ram-type blowout preventers, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but the sealing capability is insufficient for deepwater drilling requirements where bidirectional sealing is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into multiple independent seals: front seals on the ram blocks, top seals in grooves of the ram blocks, and a seal carrier with additional seals. Each seal operates independently to provide sealing in different directions, allowing the system to achieve bidirectional sealing capability while maintaining relatively simple individual seal designs
Solution Approach 2:
The seal carrier is positioned within the horizontal bore and nested between the ram blocks and the BOP body. The seal carrier contains seals that are nested within its structure, creating a compact arrangement where multiple sealing elements are integrated in a space-efficient manner, adding functionality without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex bidirectional sealing solutions with pressure equalization passages and valving are implemented, then bidirectional sealing capability is achieved, but the device complexity increases, manufacturing cost increases, and reliability decreases due to more potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex pressure equalization passages and valving systems from the bidirectional sealing solution. Instead, it uses a simpler arrangement of seals and the movable seal carrier that naturally accommodates pressure differentials from either direction without requiring active pressure equalization mechanisms, thereby improving reliability by removing potential failure points
Solution Approach 2:
The seal carrier is designed to move automatically in response to pressure differentials without requiring external control systems. When pressure applies from above, the seal carrier displaces downward to engage seals; when pressure applies from below, the seal carrier displaces upward. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for complex valving and pressure equalization control systems, improving reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional expensive equipment and rig time are allocated for testing and operation of bidirectional sealing, then bidirectional sealing capability is achieved, but the operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal carrier's automatic movement in response to pressure differentials enables self-testing functionality. By applying pressure from either direction, the seal carrier automatically displaces and engages the appropriate seals, allowing the system to test its own bidirectional sealing capability without requiring additional external testing equipment or specialized procedures, thereby maintaining operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The same seal carrier and seal arrangement that provide bidirectional sealing capability also serve as the testing mechanism. The normal operational components perform dual functions: sealing during operation and verifying sealing integrity during testing. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated testing equipment and procedures, reducing operational costs and maintaining productivity
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 cost-effective, reliable bi-directional sealing and in situ testing of ram-type blowout preventers, reducing operational costs and maintenance needs while maintaining sealing integrity under varying wellbore pressures.
Implementation Method 1
The seal carrier is configured to be thrust into sealing engagement with a top seal of the at least one of the pair of ram assemblies by fluid pressure acting upon the ram assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
A ram-type blowout preventer and method of actuating thereof. The ram-type blowout preventer includes a seal carrier disposed about a vertical bore between the body and adjacent to the horizontal bore. The seal carrier is configured to be thrust into sealing engagement with at least one of a pair of ram blocks of the ram-type blowout preventer by fluid pressure above the ram blocks and a sealing device forms a seal between the body and the seal carrier.