Fast Pressure Protection System for Wellbore Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wellbore servicing equipment is prone to damage and safety risks due to sudden flow stoppages or blockages causing excessive pressure buildup during high-pressure and high-velocity operations, which existing technologies fail to manage effectively.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore servicing system with a pressure control system that includes a relief path and a pressure control device configured to allow fluid communication between the flow path and relief path upon reaching a predetermined pressure threshold, featuring a fast-acting valve to actuate from open to closed configuration, thereby dissipating excessive pressures quickly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure control system is added to protect equipment from over-pressuring, then equipment safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure control device is introduced as an intermediary component between the flow path and relief path. This device automatically activates when pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, providing protection without requiring complex external control systems or continuous monitoring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure control device is configured to automatically detect and respond to over-pressure conditions without external intervention. The device self-activates when pressure reaches the threshold and self-regulates by allowing fluid communication between flow path and relief path, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms.
2Speed
If a fast-acting pressure control device is used to rapidly relieve pressure, then equipment protection effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control device is pre-configured with a predetermined pressure threshold and is ready to activate immediately when that threshold is reached. The relief path is pre-established and connected, so that upon activation, pressure relief occurs rapidly without requiring complex real-time decision-making or multiple control stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex electronic or mechanical control systems with a simpler pressure-responsive mechanism. The pressure control device directly responds to pressure differential or threshold conditions, eliminating the need for sensors, controllers, and actuation systems that would increase complexity while achieving fast response.
3Stress or pressure
If a relief path is established to communicate excess fluid, then pressure management capability is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relief path is designed to activate only when pressure exceeds the predetermined threshold, providing partial action rather than continuous operation. This ensures that fluid is diverted only when necessary for pressure management, minimizing unnecessary fluid loss while maintaining adequate pressure control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure control device continuously monitors pressure conditions and automatically adjusts fluid communication between the flow path and relief path based on real-time pressure levels. When pressure returns to acceptable levels, the device closes the relief path, preventing continued fluid loss and optimizing the balance between pressure control and fluid conservation.
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 system effectively protects wellbore servicing equipment from damage by rapidly relieving excessive pressures, ensuring safety and preventing equipment yield, even under sudden pressure increases, by allowing fluid communication through the relief path within 0.10 seconds of threshold pressure being reached.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure control device configured to permit fluid communication between the flow path and the relief path upon experiencing a pressure and/or a differential pressure of at least a predetermined pressure threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore servicing system, the system comprising at least one wellbore servicing equipment component, wherein a flow path extends from the wellbore servicing system component into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, and a pressure control system in fluid communication with the flow path, wherein the pressure control system comprises a relief path configured to communicate fluid through the pressure control system, a pressure control device configured to permit fluid communication between the flow path and the relief path upon experiencing a pressure and/or a differential pressure of at least a predetermined pressure threshold, and a first valve disposed within the relief path, wherein the first valve is configured to actuate from an open configuration to a closed configuration.