Flow-Activated Annulus Choke Device for Blowout Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blowout preventers (BOP) require large mechanical devices that occupy significant space and need manual operation to control fluid flow during blowouts in oil and gas wells, posing hazards and requiring continuous monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A flow-activated choke device made of chain-like materials that extends in a first mode and compacts in a second mode in response to an upward fluid flow rate exceeding a threshold, using a stopper and blocking element to seal the annulus and control fluid flow automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional blowout preventers are used to seal and control pressure in the annulus, then fluid flow control is achieved, but the device occupies substantial space and requires manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element transitions from an extended configuration during normal operations to a compacted configuration when fluid flow activates it, enabling automatic response to blowout conditions without requiring large stationary mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes the upward fluid flow itself as the activating mechanism, where the flowing fluid directly compacts the blocking element to seal the annulus, eliminating the need for external manual control systems or complex mechanical actuation mechanisms
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional BOP stacks are installed at the surface for land or subsea operations, then pressure control is achieved, but exposed hazards and continuous monitoring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element automatically activates through direct interaction with the upward fluid flow, eliminating the need for operators to manually detect blowout conditions and initiate control actions, thereby reducing both hazards and monitoring requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The choke function is extracted from large surface-mounted BOP stacks and implemented as a compact device that can be positioned within the annulus itself, removing the hazard of exposed mechanical structures while maintaining pressure control capability
3Reliability
If the blocking element is positioned to allow fluid flow through the annulus, then normal drilling operations are maintained, but rapid activation is needed during blowouts
Solution Approach 1:
The device is positioned in the annulus during normal operations and activates immediately upon exposure to upward fluid flow during a blowout, providing rapid response without requiring detection systems or activation delays
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element is pre-positioned within the annulus in an extended state that allows normal fluid flow, ready to compact and seal the annulus instantly when blowout conditions create upward flow, eliminating response time delays
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 device automatically seals the annulus to reduce fluid flow during blowouts without human intervention, reducing space requirements and operational hazards, and returns to an elongated state when flow rates decrease, facilitating efficient well control.
Implementation Method 1
the choke device moves from the first mode to the second mode responsive to an upward fluid flow directly interacting with and moving the choke device
Implementation Method 2
the blocking element may be porous when the chains accumulate in an annulus forming a plug
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for a flow activated choke device that is activated by the choke device directly interacting with the flow of fluid in an upstream direction. More specifically, a choke device formed of chain like materials that is configured to be extended in a first mode and compacted in a second mode, wherein the choke device moves from the first mode to the second mode responsive to an upward fluid flow rate being greater than a flow rate threshold.