Downhole Blowout Preventer Elastomer Ring Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drilling operations face challenges in managing unexpected pore pressures and fracture gradients, which can lead to blowouts due to uncertainties in seal depth, thickness, and pressure, necessitating a mechanism to prevent fluid flow up the well bore without mechanical obstructions.
Innovation Solution
An automatic downhole blowout preventer system activated by early detection of increased pressure, using external elastomer rings and a pressure deflector ring to inhibit fluid flow up the annulus, with a release mechanism that activates at a safety threshold pressure to prevent blowouts without mechanical valves or obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical valves or obstructions are used to prevent fluid flow, then the ability to block kick is improved, but the risk of obstructing normal mud flow and complicating the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible elastomer rings instead of rigid mechanical valves. These elastomer rings can be inflated to block fluid flow when needed, while remaining flexible and non-obstructive during normal drilling operations. The elastomeric material allows the seal to conform to the annulus geometry without requiring complex mechanical positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical valve systems with a pressure-actuated elastomeric seal system. Instead of using mechanical valves that require actuation mechanisms, linkages, and positioning systems, the patent uses pressure differential to automatically inflate or deflate elastomer rings, substituting mechanical actuation with fluid pressure control.
2Reliability
If back flow devices are used to protect against fluid flow up the drill string, then the protection against kick is improved, but the inability to prevent annulus flow leaves the operator vulnerable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid flow control into two independent systems: one for the drill string (using existing back flow devices) and one for the annulus (using the new elastomer ring system). This segmentation allows each system to be optimized for its specific flow path, with the elastomer rings providing targeted annulus flow control without interfering with drill string flow protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a new dimension of protection by addressing the annulus flow path, which was previously unprotected. While traditional back flow devices only protected the drill string dimension, the elastomer ring system extends protection to the annulus dimension, creating comprehensive multi-dimensional coverage of all fluid flow paths.
3Ease of operation
If the seal depth and pressure are precisely known, then the drilling operator can manage pressures more effectively, but the uncertainty in seal characteristics creates safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protective action by having elastomer rings pre-positioned in the annulus, ready to be inflated if needed. The system is prepared in advance with the sealing mechanism in place, but remains inactive during normal operations. When a kick is detected, the pre-positioned rings can be quickly activated to seal the annulus, providing immediate protection without requiring time for deployment or activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention provides beforehand cushioning by having the elastomer ring system ready as a safety buffer before any kick occurs. The system absorbs the shock of unexpected pressure changes by providing an immediate sealing capability, cushioning the drilling operation against the harmful effects of kicks or blowouts before they can escalate.
4Reliability
If mud weight and frictional pressure are increased to balance pore pressure, then the protection against kick is improved, but the risk of exceeding fracture gradient and damaging the formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer ring system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the drilling operation and the formation pressures. Instead of relying solely on increasing mud weight to balance formation pressures, the elastomer rings provide a mechanical seal that can contain pressure differentials without requiring excessive mud weight, thereby protecting the formation from damage while still preventing kicks.
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
Effectively prevents unexpected fluid flow up the annulus by automatically activating the external elastomer rings and pressure deflector ring, providing additional time for surface blowout preventers to engage and ensuring drilling safety by blocking fluid flow until surface controls can manage the pressure.
Implementation Method 1
activated by the early detection of the increased pressure of a kick
Implementation Method 2
external elastomer rings, which have been flipped up and out... the automatic down hole blow out preventer can either block the kick or at least temporarily restrain the kick up the annulus
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a method and apparatus, automatic down hole blow out preventer wherein external elastomer rings are placed on the exterior of a grooved section of drill pipe. Below the external elastomer rings is an external pressure deflector ring, which is designed to be lifted up in a kick. When a kick occurs, the increased pressure will force the external pressure deflector ring up, causing the external elastomer rings to flip up and out as to inhibit or block the further flow of fluid up the annulus.