Blowout Preventer Lock Sequencing With Delayed Hydraulic Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blowout preventer systems lack efficient mechanisms for sequentially adjusting rams and lock members to ensure reliable sealing and pressure control during drilling operations, particularly in the event of a rapid formation fluid invasion.
Innovation Solution
A lock sequencing system that includes a first fluid line coupling a fluid source to a piston cavity and a hydraulic motor, with discharge valves positioned to delay fluid delivery, enabling sequential closure of rams and locking of lock members through a hydraulic circuit, ensuring synchronized operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual sequencing of blowout preventer locks is performed, then operational flexibility is maintained, but time consumption increases and risk of error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical sequencing operation with an automated electronic control system. Sensors detect lock positions and send signals to a control device that automatically activates hydraulic actuators to sequence the locks, eliminating manual intervention and reducing errors while maintaining flexibility through programmable control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The blowout preventer system performs its own sequencing operation through self-sensing and self-actuation. The sensors monitor lock positions and the control device automatically triggers the next locking action without requiring external manual input, enabling the system to service itself during the sequencing process.
2Loss of time
If automated locking systems are implemented, then time consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent functional modules: position sensors for each lock, individual hydraulic actuators, and a central control device. This modular segmentation allows the automated sequencing function to be added without overwhelming complexity, as each component operates semi-independently and can be maintained or replaced separately.
3Reliability
If multiple locks are operated simultaneously, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but control precision becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sensing of lock positions before activation. The sensors detect the current state of each lock and the control device plans the sequencing sequence in advance, ensuring that locks are activated in the correct order with precise timing, thereby maintaining control precision while achieving effective sealing through coordinated multi-lock operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A lock sequencing system includes a first fluid line that couples a fluid source to a first portion of a piston cavity of a blowout preventer and to a hydraulic motor of a lock. A first discharge valve is positioned along the first fluid line to delay delivery of fluid to the hydraulic motor of the lock to cause sequential closure of a ram coupled to the piston and locking of a locking member of the lock. A second fluid line couples the fluid source to a second portion of the piston cavity of the blowout preventer and to the hydraulic motor of the lock. A second discharge valve is positioned along the second fluid line to delay delivery of fluid to the second portion of the piston cavity to cause sequential opening of the ram coupled to the piston and unlocking of the locking member of the lock.