Well Tool Connector Locking Member Feedback for Remote Disconnect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wellhead connectors lack the ability to verify individual locking member engagement or disengagement, which can lead to catastrophic failures in subsea applications if one or more locking members fail to disengage during emergency disconnects.
Innovation Solution
A connector system with selectively activatable locking members, each equipped with a position indicator, such as a switch or linear variable differential transformer, allowing for individual activation and remote monitoring of engagement status, and controlled by hydraulic fluid and control valves for precise operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wellhead connectors with simultaneous locking member activation are used, then the connector structure is simple, but the ability to verify individual locking member engagement is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is divided into multiple independently controllable locking members, each with its own activation mechanism. This segmentation allows individual verification of engagement status while maintaining overall system functionality, resolving the contradiction between reliability verification and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Position indicators are integrated into each locking member to provide feedback on engagement status. This feedback mechanism enables verification of individual locking member engagement without requiring complex overall system redesign, thus improving reliability while limiting complexity increase.
2Loss of information
If selective individual activation of locking members is implemented, then verification of engagement status is enabled, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each locking member is equipped with its own position indicator that automatically provides engagement status information without requiring external monitoring systems. This self-service approach eliminates information loss while avoiding the need for complex centralized control and monitoring infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If position indicators are added to each locking member, then remote monitoring is enabled, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The position indicators use non-mechanical or simplified sensing mechanisms to detect and communicate engagement status. This substitution enables remote monitoring capability while avoiding the complexity of sophisticated mechanical monitoring systems, thus improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
Enables reliable and controlled engagement and disengagement of well tools by ensuring each locking member's proper activation, reducing the risk of catastrophic failures and allowing for remote operation and monitoring, even in underwater environments.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic fluid pressure is applied to the cylinder 53 to stroke the piston 55 up and down
Implementation Method 2
each equipped with a position indicator, such as a switch or linear variable differential transformer, allowing for individual activation and remote monitoring of engagement status
Data Source
AI summary
A connector may comprise a plurality of locking members arranged to engage and disengage a well tool. Each locking member may be selectively and individually actuated to engage and/or disengage the well tool while the connector is coupled to the well tool. The position of the individual locking members may be selectively determined. The position of the locking members may be viewed on a display for remote member actuation.