BOP Packer Assembly with Multi-Material Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Blowout preventers (BOPs) face durability issues due to elastomeric packer material extrusion and inadequate sealing across a range of pipe diameters, as low durometer packers lack support while high durometer packers require more force and may not seal effectively.
Innovation Solution
A packer assembly with an elastomeric body and embedded inserts, featuring a harder material section and a softer material section that deforms to prevent extrusion and ensure sealing across varying pipe diameters, enhancing support and sealing efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If low durometer packer material is used, then sealing ability across range of pipe diameters is improved, but structural support and resistance to extrusion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The packer assembly uses a composite structure combining elastomeric material with embedded harder inserts. The elastomeric material provides sealing adaptability across different pipe diameters, while the harder inserts provide structural support and prevent extrusion. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties into a single functional assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The packer assembly has non-uniform material properties distributed throughout its structure. The elastomeric material is placed in regions requiring flexibility and sealing contact, while harder inserts are embedded in regions requiring structural support and extrusion resistance. This local differentiation of material properties allows the single component to simultaneously achieve both sealing adaptability and structural strength.
2Strength
If high durometer packer material is used, then structural support is improved, but sealing ability and closure effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The packer assembly combines harder material provides structural support while elastomeric material ensures sealing effectiveness. The harder inserts maintain their shape and provide rigidity, while the elastomeric material deforms to create reliable seals, resolving the contradiction between strength and sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the packer assembly have different material hardness properties optimized for their specific functions. The harder inserts are positioned where structural support is needed, while elastomeric material is positioned where sealing contact is required, allowing the assembly to simultaneously achieve both structural integrity and reliable sealing.
3Strength
If harder material inserts are embedded in elastomeric material, then extrusion resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The harder inserts and elastomeric material are combined into a single unitary packer assembly through molding. The inserts are positioned within the elastomeric material and then the entire assembly is molded together as one component, simplifying manufacturing by combining multiple parts into a single manufacturing operation rather than requiring separate assembly steps.
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 improves the durability and sealing performance of BOPs by minimizing elastomeric material extrusion and maintaining effective sealing across a broader range of pipe diameters with reduced operational force.
Implementation Method 1
a softer material section with respect to the harder material section and that deforms against the object
Implementation Method 2
A packer assembly that forms a seal within a blowout preventer. The packer assembly includes a body that includes an elastomeric material
Data Source
AI summary
A blowout preventer (“BOP”) for sealing against an object includes a housing comprising a bore extending through the housing with the object being extendable through the bore. The BOP further includes a packer assembly movably positioned within the housing and configured to form a seal within the housing. The packer assembly includes a body comprising an elastomeric material and an insert at least partially positioned within the body. The insert comprises a harder material section and a softer material section with respect to the harder material section and configured to deform against the object.