Fold-Down Wireline Lubricator Pivoting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireline lubricators are difficult to handle on drilling rigs and platforms due to limited lifting height and capacity, requiring extensive procedures and often necessitating the use of mobile lifting devices, and there is a lack of a simple, reliable, and inexpensive solution for safe and durable lubrication.
Innovation Solution
A fold-down wireline lubricator design that can pivot between horizontal and vertical configurations, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and featuring a lubricator portion that can be tilted into a horizontal position using lifting means, with aligned passages and seal portions for secure wireline passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional wireline lubricator is used on drilling rigs with limited lifting height and capacity, then the lubricator can provide wireline lubrication, but the handling becomes difficult and requires extensive procedures including mobile lifting devices
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricator is designed with a fold-down capability allowing it to transition between vertical and horizontal configurations. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the lubricator to be positioned in a horizontal state during assembly/disassembly operations, reducing the vertical lifting requirements and simplifying handling procedures on rigs with limited lifting capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes spatial reconfiguration by allowing the lubricator to assume a horizontal position during operations. This dimensional change from a fixed vertical orientation to a flexible horizontal/vertical transition enables assembly and disassembly in spaces with constrained vertical clearance, eliminating the need for complex mobile lifting procedures.
2Ease of operation
If the lubricator is designed to be easily assembled and disassembled, then handling is simplified, but the structural complexity and weight may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricator is divided into distinct segments including a body portion and a spool section that can be independently handled. The fold-down mechanism creates natural segmentation points that allow the lubricator to be assembled and disassembled in manageable sections, simplifying operations without requiring excessive weight or complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The fold-down mechanism is designed to provide easy assembly and disassembly through simple positional changes rather than complex mechanical operations. By utilizing the fold-down capability to transition between configurations, the lubricator achieves ease of assembly without adding significant weight, as the mechanism leverages existing structural flexibility rather than requiring heavy locking or securing systems.
3Ease of operation
If the lubricator portion is pivotally connected to allow fold-down configuration, then handling is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotal connection between the lubricator body and spool section is designed to enable smooth transition between vertical and horizontal configurations. This dynamic connection provides the necessary handling flexibility while maintaining structural integrity, allowing operators to easily reposition the lubricator without complex control systems or additional mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fold-down mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables easier handling during assembly and disassembly, allows positioning in confined spaces with limited vertical clearance, and provides flexibility for different operational configurations. By consolidating these multiple benefits into a single pivotal connection design, the added complexity is justified by the broad operational advantages without requiring multiple separate mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireline lubricator and a connector includes a first part with a first seal portion and a first throughgoing passage for receiving a part of a wireline, and a second part with a second seal portion and a second throughgoing passage for receiving a part of a wireline. The first part is pivotally connected to the second part such that the connector is capable of assuming a first configuration and a second configuration. The second configuration and the first and second throughgoing passage are aligned. The first and second seal portion engage each other to provide a sealed wireline passage defined by the aligned first and second throughgoing passage.