Hydraulic Connector System for Subsea Well Casing Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In subsea hydrocarbon extraction, existing connector systems face challenges in securely coupling and sealing production strings to well casings, leading to potential hydrocarbon leaks and inefficiencies in resource extraction.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic connector system that uses a hydraulic block, sleeve, lock system, and seals to couple and seal with well casings, employing hydraulic pressure to actuate the lock system and test seal integrity, ensuring a secure and reliable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connector system is used to couple production strings to well casings, then hydrocarbon extraction can proceed, but the connection may not be sufficiently secure leading to potential hydrocarbon leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is divided into multiple functional segments: a body portion, a seal portion with radial seals, and a lock system with lock segments. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the seal portion prevents leaks while the lock system provides secure mechanical coupling, thereby resolving the contradiction between connection security and leak prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The seal portions are pre-installed and positioned within the body portion before coupling with the well casing. This preliminary positioning ensures that seals are already in place and properly oriented before the critical coupling operation, preventing hydrocarbon leaks from the outset and ensuring connection security
2Reliability
If existing connector systems are used, then coupling can be achieved, but sealing effectiveness is insufficient leading to potential hydrocarbon escapes
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates multiple seal portions positioned at different locations and orientations - radial seals extending from the body portion and additional seals in the lock segments. This local distribution of sealing quality ensures comprehensive coverage of all potential leak paths, preventing hydrocarbon escapes while maintaining reliable sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The seal portions act as intermediary elements between the connector body and the well casing. These seals create a protective interface that prevents direct contact between hydrocarbons and the environment, effectively mediating the potential harm of hydrocarbon escapes
3Productivity
If manual coupling methods are used, then connection can be made, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient for resource extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is actuated by a hydraulic piston that drives the lock segments into engagement with the well casing. This hydraulic actuation replaces time-consuming manual operations with rapid automated mechanical action, significantly reducing coupling time and improving extraction efficiency without compromising connection security
4Device complexity
If simple locking mechanisms are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to securely seal and lock is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lock segments serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical locking engagement with the well casing, house additional seal portions for enhanced sealing, and are actuated by a single hydraulic piston. This multi-functionality achieves reliable sealing and locking without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one actuation mechanism controls all lock segments
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a mineral extraction system, including a tubular with a fluid passage, a hydraulic connector system configured to couple to the tubular, the hydraulic connector system, including a hydraulic block configured to couple to one or more fluid lines, and a sleeve coupled to the hydraulic block and configured to move axially with respect to the hydraulic block to couple and uncouple the hydraulic connector system with the tubular.