Electrically Actuated BOP Annular Closure for Deep Subsea Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic operating systems in blowout preventers are susceptible to failure in challenging environments such as deep subsea wells, necessitating a more reliable and rapid closing mechanism.
Innovation Solution
An electrically actuated annular closing system utilizing a packer and pusher mechanism, actuated by electrically operated rotary-to-linear actuators, to ensure reliable sealing of the internal passageway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic controls are used to operate the blowout preventer, then the system can achieve rapid closing operation, but the system becomes susceptible to failure in challenging deep subsea environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic control system with an electrically actuated system. The electrical actuation system uses electric motors to drive the closing mechanism, eliminating hydraulic fluid, hoses, and associated control components. This substitution reduces the complexity of the control system while improving reliability in deep subsea environments where hydraulic systems are prone to failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the hydraulic control system from the blowout preventer, eliminating the source of reliability issues. By taking out the hydraulic components (fluid reservoir, pumps, valves, hoses), the system becomes simpler and more reliable, as these extracted components were identified as failure points in challenging environments.
2Reliability
If an electrically actuated system is implemented, then hydraulic actuation failures are eliminated, but the device complexity changes with new actuation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical actuation mechanisms for hydraulic actuators. Electric motors with direct mechanical coupling to the closing mechanism replace hydraulic cylinders and pistons. This substitution improves reliability by eliminating hydraulic fluid leaks and pressure control issues, while the electrical system provides more predictable and controllable actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the actuation parameter from hydraulic pressure to electrical power. The closing force is generated through electrical motors that convert electrical energy to mechanical motion, fundamentally changing the actuation parameter from fluid pressure to electromagnetic force, thereby improving reliability in environments where hydraulic systems fail.
3Speed
If the packer is compressed radially inward to seal the passageway, then rapid sealing is achieved, but significant force is required for the compression action
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a radially symmetric packer design that distributes compression forces uniformly around the circumference of the passageway. The curved, annular geometry of the packer allows it to be compressed radially inward in a balanced manner, achieving rapid sealing while distributing the required force across multiple contact points, reducing peak force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the closing mechanism into multiple independent actuation points around the annular system. Rather than requiring single-point compression, the system uses distributed actuators or a distributed drive mechanism that compresses the packer at multiple locations simultaneously, reducing the force required at each point while achieving rapid overall sealing.
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 dependable and rapid closure of the internal passageway in blowout preventers, enhancing operational reliability in challenging environments without hydraulic actuation failures.
Implementation Method 1
At least one electrically operated rotary-to-linear actuator is actuatable to move the pusher mechanism when causing compression of the packer
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates reliable operation of a blowout preventer (BOP) system in a wide range of challenging environments. To enable dependable and rapid closing of the internal passageway of the BOP system, an annular closing system is employed. The annular closing system is fully electrically actuated and may comprise a variety of components which cooperate to provide reliable sealing of the internal passageway. Examples of those components comprise a packer which may be compressed inwardly to seal off flow along the interior passage. Additionally, a pusher mechanism is positioned in the annular closing system and is shiftable, e.g. linearly shiftable, such that its motion causes the packer to be compressed in the radially inward direction. At least one electrically operated rotary-to-linear actuator is actuatable to move the pusher mechanism when causing compression of the packer.