Blowout Preventer Deadman Test Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for testing shear blowout preventers require suspending rig operations and retrieving the drill string, making the process time-consuming and disruptive to offshore drilling operations.

Innovation Solution

A deadman test circuit with a solenoid valve, sub plate mounted valve, and selector valve allows for testing the shearing functionality of a blowout preventer without severing the drill string, using a hydraulic and electrical control system to divert fluid and measure pressure, enabling tests without disrupting drilling operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional testing methods are used to test shear BOP functionality, then the shearing function can be verified, but drilling operations must be suspended and the drill string retrieved, causing loss of time and productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBOP shearing function verificationVSAvoiddrilling operations continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a simulated drill string using hydraulic cylinders and positioning mechanisms that replicate the mechanical properties and positioning behavior of an actual drill string. This allows the BOP shearing function to be tested on a duplicate system rather than the real drill string, enabling frequent testing without suspending drilling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a drill string simulation system as an intermediary between the BOP and the actual drilling operations. This intermediary system absorbs the testing process, allowing the BOP to be tested thoroughly while the real drilling operations continue uninterrupted in the background.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the drill string is retrieved for testing, then accurate testing of shearing function can be performed, but the testing process becomes time-consuming and disruptive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshearing function test accuracyVSAvoidtesting duration and operational disruption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of testing on the actual drill string, the patent creates a hydraulic simulation system that copies the essential mechanical behavior and positioning characteristics of the drill string. This allows accurate measurement of shearing function without the time loss associated with retrieving and repositioning the real drill string.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The simulation system is pre-configured with hydraulic cylinders and positioning mechanisms that replicate drill string behavior before testing begins. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for time-consuming drill string retrieval and positioning operations during the actual testing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If frequent testing is conducted to ensure BOP integrity, then safety is improved, but traditional testing methods make frequent testing impractical due to operational disruption

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBOP integrity assuranceVSAvoidtesting frequency and operational convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables frequent testing by creating a testable duplicate system that doesn't interfere with normal operations. The hydraulic simulation of the drill string can be tested repeatedly and independently, allowing operators to conduct frequent integrity checks without the operational disruption that would prevent frequent testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The simulation system allows testing to occur continuously or frequently without interrupting the main drilling operation. The useful action of drilling continues uninterrupted while the simulation system undergoes repeated testing cycles, enabling frequent safety verification without operational discontinuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 frequent and non-disruptive testing of shear blowout preventers, ensuring equipment integrity without stopping drilling operations, thus improving operational efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a sub plate mounted valve configured to be hydraulically controlled by the solenoid valve and to receive the fluid under a second pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic control: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

a pressure activated device... generating information with regard to a pressure of the fluid under pressure inside the pressure activated device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure sensing: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS8403053B2Circuit functional test system and method

Publication Date: 2013.03.26 HYDRIL USA DISTRIBUTION LLC

AI summary

Method and deadman test circuit for testing a functionality of a shearing blowout preventer. The circuit includes a solenoid valve configured to be electrically controlled and to receive a fluid under a first pressure; a sub plate mounted valve configured to be hydraulically controlled by the solenoid valve and to receive the fluid under a second pressure; and a selector valve fluidly connecting an output of the sub plate mounted valve to a shearing blowout preventer and to a device. The selector valve is configured to be operated by an operator.