BOP Closing Circuit Using Local Accumulators for Fast Ram Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic systems for blowout preventers (BOPs) in the oil and gas industry take longer than required to close the ram due to small hydraulic hose sizes and long distances, leading to potential safety issues and the need for costly upgrades to increase flow rates.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating high and low pressure accumulators into the hydraulic circuit of BOPs to provide the necessary hydraulic flow and pressure quickly, without requiring replacement of existing hoses and valves, by using accumulators to store and manage hydraulic fluid effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the size of hydraulic hoses and valves is increased to increase flow rate, then the closing speed of BOP is improved, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing hydraulic fluid in accumulators at the BOP location before it is needed. The accumulators are charged during normal operations and then rapidly discharge stored fluid when closing is required, enabling fast response without requiring larger hoses or valves in the main hydraulic circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces accumulators as intermediary devices between the hydraulic power source and the BOP. These accumulators act as local reservoirs that can rapidly supply hydraulic fluid, decoupling the flow rate requirement from the main hydraulic line dimensions and allowing fast closing without upgrading the entire hydraulic system.
2Speed
If the size of hydraulic hoses and valves is increased to increase flow rate, then the closing speed of BOP is improved, but the cost of upgrading the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing hydraulic fluid in accumulators at the BOP location before it is needed. The accumulators are charged during normal operations and then rapidly discharge stored fluid when closing is required, enabling fast response without requiring larger hoses or valves in the main hydraulic circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces accumulators as intermediary devices between the hydraulic power source and the BOP. These accumulators act as local reservoirs that can rapidly supply hydraulic fluid, decoupling the flow rate requirement from the main hydraulic line dimensions and allowing fast closing without upgrading the entire hydraulic system.
3Loss of time
If larger valves and hydraulic equipment are used to increase flow rate, then the closing time is reduced, but the difficulty of working on the jobsite increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing hydraulic fluid in accumulators at the BOP location before it is needed. The accumulators are charged during normal operations and then rapidly discharge stored fluid when closing is required, enabling fast response without requiring larger hoses or valves in the main hydraulic circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the hydraulic system into two parts: the main hydraulic circuit with existing hoses and valves, and a local rapid-response system using accumulators at the BOP. This segmentation allows the majority of the system to remain unchanged while achieving fast closing through the localized accumulator discharge.
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 the BOP to close within the required time without the need for upgrading existing systems, improving performance and safety while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a first accumulator configured to store pressurized hydraulic fluid and provide the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the close port when the second valve is open
Implementation Method 2
a first valve disposed between the first accumulator and the control valve, wherein the first valve allows the hydraulic fluid to flow from the control valve to the first accumulator, and wherein the first valve prevents the hydraulic fluid from flowing back from the first accumulator to the control valve
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a blowout preventer system including: a hydraulic circuit, a blowout preventer including a ram having an open port and a close port, a hydraulic fluid tank, a hydraulic fluid pump, and a control valve. The hydraulic circuit includes: a first accumulator, a first valve, and a second valve. The control valve is coupled to the open port, the close port, and the hydraulic fluid tank. The first accumulator is coupled to the control valve by way of the first valve and to the close port by way of the second valve. The first valve allows hydraulic fluid to flow from the control valve to the first accumulator but prevents hydraulic fluid from flowing back to the control valve. When the control valve is in the open position, the second valve is closed, and when the control valve is in the close position, the second valve is open.