Blowout Preventer Dual Sealing for High-Pressure Fluid Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blowout preventers (BOPs) lack effective sealing mechanisms to prevent undesired fluid migration between the housing passage and the through bore, compromising system integrity during high-pressure operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dual seals configured across from one another within the BOP, which are energized by fluid pressure to restrict fluid flow when an element is disposed between them, ensuring secure sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional single seal mechanisms are used in BOPs, then the structure remains simple, but sealing reliability is insufficient to prevent fluid migration between the housing passage and through bore during high-pressure operations
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism is divided into multiple independent seal elements (first seal and second seal) positioned at different locations within the BOP housing. Each seal independently contributes to preventing fluid migration, with the first seal located proximal to the passage opening and the second seal located distal to it, creating redundant sealing barriers that enhance reliability without requiring complete redesign of the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing approach transitions from a single-plane seal to a multi-dimensional sealing architecture where seals are positioned at different axial locations along the through bore. This spatial distribution creates multiple sealing zones that collectively prevent fluid migration paths, adding dimensional complexity to the seal arrangement while maintaining overall system manageability
2Reliability
If dual seals energized by fluid pressure are implemented, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the energy system becomes more complex requiring additional fluid pressure sources
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system utilizes the existing high-pressure fluid already present in the wellbore environment to energize the seals. The fluid pressure differential across the seal elements automatically activates the sealing action, eliminating the need for separate energy sources or additional actuation systems. The system leverages the operational conditions themselves to provide the energizing force required for effective sealing
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 dual seal configuration effectively restricts fluid flow between the through bore and the passage, maintaining system integrity by providing robust sealing during high-pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second seals are each configured to receive a fluid under pressure to energize the seal to restrict fluid flow between the through bore and the passage
Data Source
AI summary
A blowout preventer includes a main body having a through bore and defining a passage transverse to the through bore. At least one seal is configured for positioning with an opening on the seal coincident with the through bore. The at least one seal being disposed to engage an element disposed in the transverse passage. The at least one seal being configured to receive a fluid under pressure to energize the seal to restrict fluid flow between the through bore and the transverse passage when the element is disposed proximate the through bore. A method for operating a blowout preventer.