Hammer Shear Ram for Vibratory Wellbore Pipe Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blowout preventer shear rams struggle to effectively and reliably cut wellbore pipes, particularly in emergency situations, and are prone to becoming stuck due to debris or obstructions.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic hammer shear ram system with reciprocating actuators that apply impact energy and vibration to enhance cutting efficiency, utilizing linear and reciprocating actuators to move ram blocks in a vibratory motion against the wellbore pipe, supported by hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional shear rams are used to cut wellbore pipes, then the structure is simple, but the cutting effectiveness is insufficient and the rams are prone to becoming stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reciprocating actuator that generates vibratory motion in the ram block during cutting operations. This mechanical vibration enhances the cutting effectiveness by preventing the ram from becoming stuck in debris or obstructions, thereby improving reliability without requiring a complete redesign of the basic shear ram structure
Solution Approach 2:
The reciprocating actuator provides periodic reciprocating motion to the ram block, allowing it to alternately advance and retract during the cutting process. This periodic action enables the ram to overcome obstacles and maintain cutting effectiveness, improving reliability while adding only a controlled periodic motion mechanism to the existing structure
2Productivity
If reciprocating actuators are added to provide impact energy and vibration, then cutting efficiency is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the linear actuator and reciprocating actuator into an integrated system where both actuators work together on the same ram block. This merging approach allows the system to achieve enhanced cutting efficiency through combined linear and reciprocating motion while sharing common structural elements and control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The reciprocating actuator serves multiple functions: it provides impact energy for enhanced cutting, generates vibratory motion to prevent sticking, and maintains system flexibility. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple performance benefits from a single added component
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 provides enhanced cutting capability and reduces the likelihood of the rams becoming stuck, ensuring reliable operation during emergencies by leveraging impact energy and vibration for more effective pipe severance.
Implementation Method 1
The linear actuator includes a hydraulic actuator
Implementation Method 2
The reciprocating hammer strikes reciprocating or vibratory blows on the outwardly projecting shoulder, moving the ram block in the reciprocating or vibratory motion against the wellbore pipe
Implementation Method 3
the reciprocating hammer has a ring-shaped piston residing around the cylinder rod and fluidly coupled to a hydraulic circuit that moves the ring-shaped piston in the reciprocating, vibratory motion
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore assembly includes a housing and a ram assembly that includes a linear actuator, a reciprocating actuator, and a ram block. The housing is coupled to a blowout preventer coupled to a wellbore. The housing receives a wellbore pipe. The ram assembly is disposed at least partially within the housing. The linear actuator is coupled to the housing. The reciprocating actuator is coupled to an end of the linear actuator. The ram block is coupled to the reciprocating actuator. The linear actuator extends to bias the ram block against the wellbore pipe, and the reciprocating actuator moves the ram block in a reciprocating or vibratory motion against the wellbore pipe.