Blowout Preventer Pipe Position Detection Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blowout preventer control systems face challenges in accurately determining the position of a pipe within the BOP due to lateral movement and the presence of pipe joints, leading to potential false readings and requiring time-consuming and resource-intensive maintenance, especially in harsh offshore environments.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a casing with multiple sensing devices arranged circumferentially around the pipe to generate position signals, a processing unit computes distances and generates alerts when deviations from a reference distance occur, allowing for accurate detection of pipe position and movement, and presence of pipe joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sensing systems are used to monitor pipe position in BOP, then data collection is continuous, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lateral pipe movement and pipe joint presence causing false readings
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is divided into multiple arrays of sensing devices positioned at different locations around the pipe. Each array independently measures pipe position, and the processing unit compares readings from multiple arrays to detect and eliminate false readings caused by pipe joints or lateral movement, thereby improving overall measurement precision and reliability.
2Reliability
If periodic functional tests are conducted to verify BOP functionality, then reliability is improved, but loss of time and productivity worsen due to shutdown requirements and resource consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing systems continuously monitor pipe position and generate data throughout drilling operations without interruption. This continuous monitoring replaces periodic functional tests, providing ongoing verification of BOP functionality while eliminating the need for shutdowns and maintaining continuous drilling productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing unit continuously receives sensing data, analyzes pipe position in real-time, and provides feedback about BOP functional status. This continuous feedback loop enables ongoing reliability verification without requiring periodic test shutdowns, as the system continuously assesses whether the pipe position is within acceptable parameters for proper BOP operation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensing devices are deployed to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple arrays of sensing devices positioned at different locations around the pipe. Each array contains multiple sensing devices that work together to provide comprehensive coverage. The processing unit integrates data from all arrays, using the segmented approach to achieve high measurement precision while distributing the complexity across multiple simple, identical modules that can be manufactured and maintained easily.
Data Source
AI summary
A system to detect a position of a pipe with respect to a BOP includes a casing disposed around an outer surface of a section of the pipe. The system further includes sensing devices that are disposed on the casing and arranged to form a plurality of arrays and configured to generate position signals. The arrays are disposed circumferentially around the casing and spaced from one another along the length of the casing. The system includes a processing unit configured to compute distance between the pipe and each sensing device. The processing unit generates a first alert when the distance between the pipe and at least one sensing device is different from a reference distance. The processing unit generates a second alert when the distance between the pipe and each sensing device of at least one array of sensing devices is different from the reference distance.