Blowout Preventer Piston Position Monitoring via Electronic Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for monitoring blowout preventer (BOP) operations, particularly the location of ram blocks, lack advanced methods for effective and reliable monitoring, especially from the surface while the BOP is in use on the seabed or land.
Innovation Solution
A blowout preventer system equipped with a monitor that includes visual and electrical indicators to detect the position of the piston within the cylinder, allowing for the determination of the ram block's position through various sensors such as inductive resistance, magnetic flags, ultrasonic, laser, and capacitive displacement sensors, enabling continuous monitoring and data transmission to a surface unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection of the tail shaft is used to determine ram block location, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual inspection method with electronic sensing systems including position sensors, encoders, and electronic monitors to detect and display ram block positions, thereby improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through automated electronic systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as position sensors mounted on the tail shaft, encoders, and electronic monitors that act as mediators between the mechanical ram block movement and the operator, providing accurate position information without requiring direct visual inspection
2Ease of operation
If the BOP is positioned on the seabed or land, then the sealing function is effective, but the ease of operation for monitoring is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback systems where position sensors continuously monitor ram block positions and provide real-time information to electronic monitors and surface units, enabling operators to monitor BOP status remotely without being physically present at the device location
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates informational copies of the physical system state through electronic sensors and monitors that replicate position data, allowing operators to view and analyze BOP status remotely through displayed information rather than direct observation
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 system provides accurate and continuous monitoring of the BOP's operation, allowing for real-time determination of ram block positions and fluid flow, enhancing safety and efficiency in wellsite operations by preventing fluid leakage and ensuring proper sealing.
Implementation Method 1
at least one Hall Effect sensor for detecting a position of the magnet on the guide
Implementation Method 2
inductive resistance sensors such as inductive resistance
Implementation Method 3
an ultrasonic sensor at a top end of the cylinder and a bottom end ultrasonic sensor at a bottom end of the cylinder for detecting the piston when adjacent thereto
Implementation Method 4
The electrical indicator may be a laser sensor
Implementation Method 5
The electrical indicator may be a capacitive displacement sensor
Implementation Method 6
The electrical indicator may be a sonar sensor for emitting sonar waves and sensing the waves rebounded by the piston
Implementation Method 7
The electrical indicator may have at least one proximity sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
A blowout preventer for sealing a tubular of a wellbore is provided. The blowout preventer has a housing having a bore therethrough for receiving the tubular, at least one ram slidably positionable in the housing (each of the rams having a ram block for sealing engagement about the tubular), an actuator for selectively driving the ram block (the actuator comprising a piston slidably positionable in a cylinder), and a monitor for detecting the piston therein. The monitor has a visual indicator on an exterior of the cylinder. The visual indicator is operatively coupled to the piston for displaying a position of the piston as the piston travels within the cylinder whereby a position of the ram may be determined.