Dual-Function Wellhead Retrieval Tool for Offshore Decommissioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for retrieving a wellhead from an offshore wellbore are inefficient and cumbersome, particularly in decommissioning processes where multiple tools are required to unlock and lift the wellhead components.

Innovation Solution

A wellhead retrieval tool with a dual portion body, featuring a release actuator assembly to engage and actuate the wellhead release mechanism and a locking mechanism to secure the wellhead, allowing simultaneous or sequential operation for unlocking and lifting the wellhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple separate tools are used to unlock and lift the wellhead components, then the wellhead can be retrieved, but the decommissioning process becomes inefficient and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecommissioning efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of tools required

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the release actuator assembly and locking mechanism into a single integrated wellhead retrieval tool. The release actuator assembly engages with the wellhead release mechanism to unlock the wellhead from the housing, while the locking mechanism simultaneously secures the wellhead to the tool body. This merging of previously separate operations into one tool directly improves decommissioning efficiency while reducing the number of tools required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wellhead retrieval tool is designed with multi-functionality, serving both to release the wellhead from its locked position and to secure it for retrieval. The tool body accommodates both the release actuator assembly and locking mechanism, allowing a single tool to perform multiple functions that previously required separate tools, thereby improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a single integrated tool is used for both unlocking and securing the wellhead, then operational complexity is reduced, but the tool structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of operations requiredVSAvoidtool structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool body is segmented into distinct functional portions: the release actuator assembly and the locking mechanism are positioned in different locations on the tool body. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while being part of the same tool, reducing operational complexity by allowing simultaneous or sequential operation without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The release actuator assembly and locking mechanism are arranged in different spatial dimensions on the tool body, with the release actuator positioned to engage the release mechanism and the locking mechanism positioned to secure the wellhead. This dimensional arrangement allows both functions to be performed by a single tool without mechanical interference, easing operation while managing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20250334016A1Wellhead retrieval tool and method of retrieving a wellhead

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 ONESUBSEA AS

AI summary

A wellhead retrieval tool comprising a body having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion carrying a release actuator assembly which is adapted to engage with a wellhead release mechanism of a housing and which is operable to actuate the wellhead release mechanism to release a wellhead from the housing, the second portion carrying a locking mechanism, which is operable to engage with a wellhead to lock the wellhead to the wellhead retrieval tool.