Explosively Actuated Blowout Preventer Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blowout control devices are unreliable and unable to effectively prevent or regulate the escape of oil, gas, or other fluids from wells or pipes, posing environmental and economic threats.
Innovation Solution
A blowout preventer system utilizing explosively actuated plates propelled by pistons, with movement limited by flanges and gears, which can be used to seal or partially restrict fluid flow, and can be easily reopened by drilling through the plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If explosive charges are used to propel plates into the channel to seal it off, then the response time is reduced and reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blowout preventer is divided into multiple independent blocks, each containing a channel, plates, pistons, and explosive charges. This segmentation allows each block to function independently, improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The plates are pre-positioned alongside the channels in an open state, ready to be propelled into the channels by explosive charges when needed. This preliminary positioning enables rapid response to blowout conditions without requiring complex real-time decision-making or assembly mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If pistons with flanges are used to move plates, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pistons with flanges serve as intermediary elements between the explosive charges and the plates. The flanges provide precise control over piston movement and plate positioning, enabling accurate control of plate movement into and out of the channels while managing the complexity through a clear mechanical transmission mechanism.
3Reliability
If multiple plates are used to block the channel, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is divided among multiple plates within each block, with each plate capable of independently blocking the channel. This segmentation improves sealing effectiveness through redundancy while maintaining ease of operation, as the explosive charges automatically propel multiple plates into position simultaneously without requiring complex coordination or manual adjustment.
4Reliability
If the plates are made thick enough to stop fluid flow, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plates are designed to be replaceable components that can be drilled through to reopen the channel after a blowout is contained. This design allows the thick plates to maintain effective sealing during operation while enabling straightforward repair through drilling, avoiding the need for complex removal or replacement procedures.
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
The system provides immediate and reliable control over fluid flow, reducing environmental damage and economic losses by effectively preventing fluid escapes from wells or pipes, while being compatible with existing systems and allowing for repeated use and easy installation.
Implementation Method 1
An explosive charge 19 in chamber 20 when fired will propel the plate across the channel to block the flow of fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A blowout preventer and flow regulator, comprising blocks, each having a channel and plates to close it. The blocks are placed over a pipe through which oil or other fluid is escaping, so that the pipe is in their channels. Alongside the channel in each block are one or more plates, having diameters somewhat larger than the diameter of the channel. One or more pistons are attached to each of the plates. Explosive charges, or other suitable means, move the pistons to propel the plates across the channel to seal it off and stop the leak. Flanges may limit the pistons' movement. Gears can engage teeth on the pistons to withdraw the plates from the channel, to reopen it and allow the flow of oil or other fluid to resume. Plates may be withdrawn part way from the channel, to reduce and control the flow, without cutting it off completely.