Blowout Preventer Hydraulic Operator with Reconfigured Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ram-type blowout preventers (BOPs) face issues with fluid leakage and maintenance due to complex hydraulic operator arrangements, including the need for precise alignment and multiple hydraulic cylinders, which lead to weight, size, and complexity, as well as reliability concerns with O-ring seals and cap screws.
Innovation Solution
A single, dual-acting telescoping hydraulic operator with a reconfigured adapter that eliminates the need for threaded engagement with the BOP body and cap screws, providing a stable anchor point and self-contained hydraulic pressure system, and using a PolyPak seal to prevent fluid leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single dual-acting telescoping hydraulic operator is used to control door assembly, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to the need for exacting tolerances on components
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic operator is divided into multiple telescoping stages with separate cylinders and pistons. Each stage can be manufactured and assembled independently with standard tolerances, then connected to form the complete operator. This segmentation allows complex motion control to be achieved through simpler, modular components rather than requiring a single precision-manufactured unit.
2Ease of manufacture
If the adapter is threadably engaged with the piston sleeve to form hydraulic fluid channels, then assembly is simplified, but reliability decreases due to multiple O-ring seals and cap screws creating leakage points
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter and piston sleeve are merged into a single integrated component rather than being separate parts requiring threading and sealing. The hydraulic fluid channels are formed directly within this unified structure, eliminating the need for cap screws and multiple O-ring seals that would create potential leakage points. This integration maintains ease of manufacture while significantly improving reliability.
3Reliability
If two separate hydraulic operators are used per door assembly, then operational reliability is improved, but weight and size of the system increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
A single hydraulic operator is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both the opening and closing of the door assembly through dual-acting cylinders, and it provides telescoping motion to accommodate the full range of door movement. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate hydraulic operators for different door operations, reducing overall system weight while maintaining full operational capability.
4Strength
If the adapter is made significant in length to accommodate threading interface, then structural strength is improved, but the O-ring seals around the adapter are damaged during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter and piston sleeve are combined into a single integrated component, eliminating the threading interface that caused seal damage. The structural strength previously provided by the threaded connection is now achieved through the monolithic structure of the integrated component, which has no weak points from repeated assembly and disassembly of threaded joints.
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 solution reduces system failure from fluid leakage, simplifies maintenance, and results in a lighter, more compact BOP with improved reliability and reduced maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic fluid passageways extend through a bore drilled through the hinge pin
Implementation Method 2
using a PolyPak seal to prevent fluid leakage
Data Source
AI summary
A blowout preventer for use in the oil and gas industry having a single modified, dual-acting hydraulic operator per door, comprising a reconfigured adapter. The reconfigured adapter comprises a body having a longitudinal bore, a plurality of hydraulic fluid passageways therethrough, and is slidably received by the blowout preventer.