Blowout Preventer Cleaning System Reduces Rig Downtime
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning blowout preventers in oil and gas well drilling operations are time-consuming and disruptive, requiring disassembly and reassembly of components, which leads to prolonged shutdowns of expensive drilling rigs.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that involves lifting the blowout preventer stack vertically, using a pressure washing tool with a roller bearing and hose system to clean the interior, allowing for efficient cleaning without disassembly, with a collection vessel for debris and a foot control for hose management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the blowout preventer stack is cleaned using traditional disassembly and pressure-washing methods, then the cleaning can be performed, but the drilling rig shutdown time increases to 6-10 hours
Solution Approach 1:
The blowout preventer stack is divided into multiple components (upper stack assembly, lower stack assembly, ram, annular blowout preventer) that can be independently cleaned while remaining assembled on the rig. This segmentation allows simultaneous cleaning operations on different components without requiring complete disassembly, reducing shutdown time from 6-10 hours to approximately 2 hours.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is pre-assembled with all necessary components (pressure washer, hose, collection vessel, suction pump) before the cleaning operation begins. The collection vessel is positioned and connected in advance, allowing immediate start of cleaning operations without time-consuming setup procedures during the rig shutdown.
2Ease of operation
If the blowout preventer stack is disassembled for cleaning, then each component can be cleaned, but additional setup time is required for berms and disassembly procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is designed to clean the blowout preventer components while they remain assembled on the rig, eliminating the need for external berm setup and complex disassembly procedures. The pressure washer and collection vessel work together as a self-contained system that accesses cleaning areas through existing openings and connections in the assembled stack.
3Loss of time
If the blowout preventer stack remains assembled on the rig, then cleaning can proceed without disassembly, but access to interior bore is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning hose is designed with flexible routing that allows it to be fed through existing openings and connections in the assembled blowout preventer stack. The hose can be dynamically positioned to reach the interior bore through the ram and annular blowout preventer openings, providing access without requiring disassembly of the stacked components.
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 quick and efficient cleaning of blowout preventers in under two hours, reducing downtime and allowing for immediate resumption of drilling operations, compared to the traditional method which takes 6-10 hours.
Implementation Method 1
A pressurized cleaning fluid can be transmitted to the cleaning tool via the hose. Pressure in the hose can be between about 10,000 and 15,000 p.s.i.
Implementation Method 2
a collection vessel is preferably placed below the stack and spaced from the stack so that cleaning fluid and debris exit the stack interior or bore via gravity and enter the vessel during cleaning.
Implementation Method 3
Cleaning fluid and any removal debris are continuously discharged from the vessel via a discharge outlet of the vessel, suction hose and pump.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of cleaning a blow-out preventer stack that is preferably attached to an oil and gas well drilling platform including an initial disconnecting of the stack from the well so that it can be lifted. The stack is then preferably lifted vertically a selected distance. The method further includes lowering a water pressure cleaning tool into the stack bore using a hose, the tool preferably being attached to a lower end portion of the hose. Pressurized cleaning fluid is transmitted to the cleaning tool via the hose. A collection vessel is preferably placed below the stack and spaced from the stack so that cleaning fluid and cleaned debris exit the stack bore or interior and enter the vessel during cleaning. The method includes continuously discharging the fluid and debris from the vessel via a discharge outlet of the vessel.