Dual Purpose Blowout Preventer Stack Height Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oil and gas well operations require separate deployment and wellhead pressure containment blowout preventers (BOPs, increasing the height and cost of the BOP stack, as well as the complexity of connecting coiled tubing strings to bottom hole assemblies (BHAs), which poses safety and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A dual-purpose BOP that integrates four sets of rams (blind/shear, locate, pipe, and pipe/slip rams) to function as both a deployment and wellhead pressure containment device, with bi-directional sealing capabilities and remote actuation of pressure valves to minimize personnel presence and stack height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate deployment BOP and wellhead pressure containment BOP are used, then each BOP can perform its specific function reliably, but the overall BOP stack height increases and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate deployment BOP and wellhead pressure containment BOP functions into a single integrated BOP device. The BOP includes a body with a bore, deployment rams for deploying tools, and wellhead pressure containment rams for sealing against wellhead pressure, all within one unified structure. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate BOP units stacked together, reducing overall stack height while maintaining both deployment and pressure containment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated BOP is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it can deploy bottom hole assemblies using deployment rams, contain wellhead pressure using pressure containment rams, and provide bi-directional sealing capabilities. The single BOP unit replaces multiple specialized devices, achieving universality by consolidating deployment, sealing, and pressure containment functions into one multi-functional device.
2Reliability
If separate deployment BOP and wellhead pressure containment BOP are used, then each BOP can perform its specific function reliably, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate deployment BOP and wellhead pressure containment BOP systems into a single integrated unit. Instead of managing multiple independent BOP stacks with separate control systems, the integrated design consolidates all ram assemblies, sealing elements, and control mechanisms into one coordinated system, reducing operational complexity while maintaining functional reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional connection methods are used for coiled tubing strings to BHAs, then connection can be made, but personnel must be present around the riser increasing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The BOP system incorporates automated deployment capabilities where the deployment rams can automatically deploy bottom hole assemblies and connect coiled tubing strings to BHAs without requiring personnel to be physically present around the riser. The system performs connection operations autonomously, reducing human exposure to hazardous environments while maintaining connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical connection operations with automated hydraulic or pneumatic ram systems. Instead of personnel manually handling and connecting heavy equipment around the riser, the integrated BOP uses actuated rams to perform deployment and connection functions remotely and automatically, substituting mechanical automation for human operation in hazardous zones.
4Length of stationary object
If high cranes are used to handle the BOP stack, then installation can be achieved, but operational costs increase and personnel safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating deployment and pressure containment functions into a single BOP unit, the overall height and weight of the BOP stack are reduced. This consolidated design can be installed using smaller, less expensive cranes compared to handling multiple separate BOP stacks, reducing operational costs and energy requirements for installation while maintaining full functional capability.
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 dual-purpose BOP reduces the overall height of the BOP stack, simplifies the connection process for coiled tubing strings, and enhances safety by allowing remote operation, thereby reducing operational costs and improving safety by eliminating the need for high cranes and minimizing personnel exposure to hazardous environments.
Implementation Method 1
The system uses a piston designed to move at a predetermined pressure, affording release of the connector sections, thus providing for hands-free deployment.
Implementation Method 2
pressure activation for implementing the release mechanism of the UCD
Implementation Method 3
The closure of the pipe rams and pipe/slip rams creates an annular chamber around the connector. The annular chamber may then be pressurized through a port to release the connector sections
Data Source
AI summary
An improved dual purpose blow out preventer (“BOP”) that provides both deployment and wellhead pressure containment functions. The dual purpose BOP may include four sets of rams including a set of seal/slip rams that provide bi-directional sealing being a first barrier to downhole pressure. The seal/slip rams may also grip a portion of a bottom hole assembly and create the bottom seal of an annular chamber. The BOP may include a set of seal rams that create the top seal of the annular chamber. The annular chamber may be pressurized through a port in the BOP, which may actuate a coiled tubing connector. The BOP may include a set of locate rams used to position a coiled tubing connector within the BOP stack. The BOP may also include a set of blind/shear rams that provide bi-directional sealing being a second barrier to wellhead pressure.