Fluid Pumping Sub Integrating Lockdown Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
During fluid pumping operations in wellhead assemblies, vibrations can cause the activator ring to work loose, leading to disengagement of the lockdown ring, which requires an extra trip and removal of the blowout preventer to install a specialty tool for maintaining lockdown capability.
Innovation Solution
A fluid pumping sub tool with multiple compressible biasing assemblies that exert a load on the activator ring, providing axial lockdown force without the need for removing the blowout preventer or using an extra specialty tool, allowing the tool to function as both a lockdown mechanism and a fluid pumping sub.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded keeper ring is screwed into the wellhead assembly to hold the activator ring in place, then the lockdown capability is maintained, but an extra trip into the well is required and the blowout preventer must be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lockdown function and fluid pumping function into a single tool assembly. The fluid pumping sub integrates a retainer ring with biasing assemblies that directly engage the activator ring, eliminating the need for a separate keeper ring tool and reducing trips into the well while maintaining reliable lockdown capability throughout fluid pumping operations
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid pumping sub is designed to perform multiple functions: it delivers fluid pumping capability while simultaneously providing lockdown retention through the integrated retainer ring and biasing assemblies. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialty tools and reduces operational complexity
2Reliability
If a threaded keeper ring is used to hold the activator ring, then lockdown is maintained, but the blowout preventer must be removed to provide access
Solution Approach 1:
The lockdown retention mechanism is merged with the fluid pumping sub, allowing installation through the blowout preventer without removal. The integrated design enables the retainer ring to be positioned and engaged while the blowout preventer remains in place, significantly improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid pumping sub acts as an intermediary tool that facilitates the installation of the retainer ring and biasing assemblies without requiring direct access to the activator ring. This intermediary approach allows installation through the blowout preventer, eliminating the need to remove it
3Reliability
If vibrations occur during fluid pumping, then the activator ring can work loose and disengage, but using a separate keeper ring requires additional equipment and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism is merged into the fluid pumping sub, using biasing assemblies that continuously apply axial force to the retainer ring, maintaining reliable activator ring engagement during vibrations without requiring separate specialty tools or increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing assemblies automatically adjust and maintain retention force on the activator ring during fluid pumping operations, providing self-regulating retention that adapts to vibration conditions without requiring external intervention or additional tools
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 solution effectively maintains the activator ring in place during fluid pumping, reducing the number of trips into the well and saving time and money by integrating lockdown and fluid pumping functions within a single device.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of biasing assemblies that are selectively compressible are located between the outer ring assembly and the retainer ring, so that when the fluid pumping sub body is coupled with the hanger, an axial lockdown force is maintained on the activator ring by the biasing assemblies during the fluid pumping process.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for retaining an activator ring of a hanger within a wellhead assembly during a fluid pumping process includes an annular fluid pumping sub body having an end selectively coupled with a supply of fluids and a distal end selectively coupled with the hanger. An outer ring assembly circumscribes and rotates relative to the fluid pumping sub body. A retainer ring circumscribes the fluid pumping sub body and selectively abuts the activator ring. A plurality of biasing assemblies that are selectively compressible are located between the outer ring assembly and the retainer ring, so that when the fluid pumping sub body is coupled with the hanger, an axial lockdown force is maintained on the activator ring by the biasing assemblies during the fluid pumping process.