Control Line Clamp Installation with Sensor-Guided Red Zone Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of control line clamps on tubular strings in oil and gas wells is labor-intensive and poses safety risks due to the need for personnel to work in close proximity to the wellbore, known as the 'red zone', where injuries can occur.
Innovation Solution
A control line clamp installation system that includes a first and second load plate configured to engage clamp members, a retention lid positioner, a sensor system for feedback signals to ensure proper alignment and positioning, and an indication device to monitor the installation process, allowing for semi-automatic or fully automatic operation and reducing the need for personnel in the red zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wrap-around control line clamps are installed manually by positioning clamp sections around the tubular and attaching fasteners, then the clamp can be securely installed, but the installation process becomes labor-intensive and requires personnel to work in the high-risk red zone area
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp system is designed to be self-installing through a press-together mechanism where the clamp members are pressed axially together to engage with the tubular, eliminating the need for manual positioning and fastener attachment by personnel in the red zone
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp members are pre-positioned on the tubular segments prior to delivery to the rig floor, and the retention component is pre-assembled, allowing for automated or remote installation without manual intervention in the hazardous area
2Ease of operation
If press-together clamps with preinstalled rings are used and the retention lid is moved toward the tubular and received around the control line, then manual assembly is reduced, but precise positioning and alignment of multiple components are required
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor system provides feedback signals representing that the load plates are received around the tubular and aligned with the control line, the retention lid is positioned at a target location and aligned with the control line, and the load plates are adducted together to press the clamp members together
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical alignment and positioning process is supplemented by an indication device that provides visual or electronic feedback on the installation state, replacing the need for manual measurement and verification by personnel
3Reliability
If multiple control lines are aggregated into a flatpack or umbilical, then the control lines are protected and organized, but the diameter of the control line assembly increases to up to 7.0 cm or more
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp system is designed to accommodate various control line configurations including individual lines, flatpacks, and umbilicals of different diameters, providing a universal solution that adapts to different aggregation levels without requiring different clamp designs
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An installation system for installing a control line clamp onto a tubular string includes a first load plate, a second load plate that is offset from the first load plate, the first and second load plates being configured to engage a first clamp member and a second clamp member, respectively, positioned on a tubular string, a retention lid positioner configured to couple the retention lid with the first and second clamp members, a sensor system configured to provide feedback signals representing that the first and second load plates are received around the tubular and aligned with a control line, the retention lid is positioned at a target location and aligned with the control line, and the first and second load plates are adducted together to press the first and second clamp members together, and an indication device configured to indicate a state of the installation system.