BOP Stack Handling Clamp Wedge Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current BOP handling systems face challenges in safely and efficiently lifting and maneuvering large, heavy BOP stacks due to safety risks associated with improper bolt torque, interference with hydraulic and electrical lines, and the need for compact, non-disassembly attachment mechanisms that can support the weight of the stacks.
Innovation Solution
A clamp system comprising two clamp halves with arcuate recesses and mating surfaces, featuring male and female connectors, locking connectors, and multiple connection points for secure attachment and lifting, allowing for efficient and safe handling of BOP stacks without disassembly or interference with existing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bolted clamps are used to attach to BOP stack, then the clamp can be secured to the BOP stack, but safety issues arise due to improper bolt torque techniques and values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical bolted connection system with a wedge-based mechanical locking system. The wedge members are driven between the clamp member and the BOP stack, creating a friction-based lock that eliminates the need for bolts and torque specifications, thereby maintaining safety while simplifying the attachment operation
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge-based locking mechanism is self-securing through friction and mechanical interference. Once the wedge members are driven into position between the clamp member and BOP stack, they automatically lock without requiring additional fastening operations or torque control, making the system self-servicing and eliminating human error in bolt tightening
2Ease of operation
If conventional clamps extend up the side of annular BOP, then they can provide attachment points, but they interfere with hydraulic and electrical lines
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp member is designed with a localized attachment geometry that contacts the BOP stack at specific points away from the hydraulic and electrical line routing areas. The wedge members are positioned to engage the BOP stack in regions that do not interfere with the lines, creating a localized solution that preserves both attachment capability and line integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the attachment function from the traditional clamp design that extended up the BOP stack side. By using wedge members that drive between the clamp member and BOP stack, the attachment points are repositioned to locations that do not interfere with hydraulic and electrical lines, separating the attachment function from the interfering geometry
3Ease of manufacture
If BOP stack is handled without proper attachment mechanism, then manufacturing is simpler, but lifting and maneuvering safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The handling system is segmented into separate components: a clamp member that attaches to the BOP stack and wedge members that provide the locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the clamp to be manufactured as a simple, lightweight component without requiring complex integrated attachment mechanisms, while the wedge members provide the necessary safety function
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge members act as intermediary elements between the clamp member and the BOP stack. They provide the mechanical locking and friction-based security needed for safe handling, while the clamp member itself remains a simple, easily manufactured component. The intermediaries (wedges) carry the complexity of the safety mechanism, allowing the main clamp body to remain simple
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp for attachment to a blow out preventer (BOP) stack for lifting and/or maneuvering the BOP stack and a method for attaching the clamp to the BOP stack is described. The clamp is formed from a first and second clamp half which are connected together using male and female connectors located at inner mating surfaces of the clamp halves, and locking connectors located at the outer edge of the clamp halves. The clamp includes at least two connection points for attaching the clamp and/or clamp halves to lifting devices for moving each clamp half and/or the whole clamp and BOP stack.