Debris Catch Strainer for Managed Pressure Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In managed pressure drilling operations, debris from the wellhead can damage components downstream of the rotating control device (RCD) due to the lack of effective debris filtration, leading to increased downtime and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A strainer is installed downstream of the RCD within the flowline to catch debris before it reaches protected components, accompanied by pressure sensors to detect clogs and facilitate the removal or purging of accumulated debris through a purge outlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a strainer is installed downstream of the RCD to catch debris, then the reliability of protected components is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A strainer is installed as an intermediary component between the RCD and protected components (Coriolis meter, flow control devices). The strainer acts as a mediator that intercepts debris from the drilling fluid before it reaches sensitive components, thereby protecting them without requiring modification to the components themselves or the RCD.
Solution Approach 2:
The flowline is segmented into distinct sections: an upstream section carrying debris-laden fluid from the RCD, a filtration section containing the strainer, and a downstream section delivering cleaned fluid to protected components. This segmentation allows the debris-catch function to be isolated in a dedicated component rather than integrated throughout the entire system.
2Productivity
If pressure sensors are installed to detect clogs, then the productivity of the drilling operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure sensors are installed upstream and downstream of the strainer to provide feedback on the strainer's condition. When debris accumulates and causes a pressure differential, the sensors detect this change and trigger an alarm or automatic purge sequence, enabling timely maintenance without stopping drilling operations and preventing complete blockages that would halt productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic purge functionality that can be activated when sensors detect clogging. This self-service feature allows the strainer to clear its own blockages by reversing flow or introducing purge fluid, reducing the need for manual intervention and maintaining continuous drilling operations.
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 effectively reduces debris flow to protected components, extending their lifespan, increasing drilling efficiency, and minimizing downtime and costs by allowing for timely clearing of clogs and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The strainer is located downstream of the RCD and upstream of the protected component, such as a Coriolis meter. Such a strainer located between the RCD and the protected component limits the debris that flows to the protected component.
Implementation Method 2
A sensor, such as at least one pressure sensor, pressure transducer, installed within the drilling system detects the pressure differential to detect clogs within the system.
Data Source
AI summary
The debris catch provides a strainer located downstream of a rotating control device (RCD) within a flow line. The strainer is located between the RCD and at least one protected component. The strainer limits the debris and other junk that flows to protected components located downstream of the strainer. A first sensor and a second sensor detect the pressure differential between a location before the strainer and at the strainer. The two sensors detect a clog in the strainer. The strainer is removable through an access outlet for clearing the clog and reinstalling a strainer for continued drilling operation. A purge valve located in the system also allows clearing of the strainer by releasing the debris through a purge outlet located on a pathway separate from the pathway to the protected component.