On-Board Hydraulic Latch for Wireless RCD Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating control devices (RCDs) for subterranean wellbores often require human intervention for latch assembly operation, which is hazardous in offshore or subsea environments, necessitating a remotely operable solution for safe and efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly with an on-board hydraulic actuation system that allows wireless operation from a safe location, eliminating the need for hydraulic lines and enabling remote control of both operating and running latch mechanisms, using a combination of hydraulic actuators, accumulators, and communication technologies for secure and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human intervention is used for latch assembly operation, then the operation can be performed with simple mechanical systems, but it becomes hazardous in offshore or subsea environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated hydraulic actuation system. Hydraulic actuators are integrated into the latch assembly to automatically engage and disengage latch mechanisms, eliminating the need for human hands-on operation in hazardous offshore or subsea environments while maintaining reliable latching functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces hydraulic fluid as an intermediary medium to transmit force from a remote power source to the latch mechanisms. This allows operators to control the latch assembly from a safe distance while still achieving the mechanical action required for secure engagement and release
2Ease of operation
If hydraulic lines are used to connect remote actuators to the latch assembly, then remote operation is enabled, but the system complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hydraulic reservoir, actuators, and control valves into an integrated on-board hydraulic system. This consolidation eliminates the need for external hydraulic lines connecting distant power sources to the latch assembly, reducing installation complexity while maintaining full remote operability through wireless or wired electronic controls
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the hydraulic system into modular components (reservoir, actuators, valves) that are self-contained within the latch assembly housing. This segmentation allows for simplified installation and maintenance, as the complete hydraulic system can be installed as a single unit without requiring complex external piping
3Extent of automation
If on-board hydraulic reservoirs are integrated into the latch assembly, then remote operation without hydraulic lines is achieved, but the device volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs small-capacity hydraulic accumulators or reservoirs that are sufficient for the operational lifecycle of the latch assembly. These compact, lightweight hydraulic storage components provide just enough fluid for actuation cycles without requiring large-volume tanks, thus achieving independence from external hydraulic lines while minimizing volume and weight additions
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
Enables safe and efficient operation of RCDs in hazardous environments by allowing remote control of latch mechanisms, reducing the risk of human intervention and enhancing operational flexibility and safety in offshore and subsea applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first actuation system carried by the housing and selectively operable to deliver hydraulic fluid from the at least one hydraulic reservoir to the first actuator to move the first actuator from at least one of the locked and unlocked positions to the other of the locked and unlocked positions
Data Source
AI summary
A latch assembly is described for use with a rotating control device. The rotating control device provides a rotating seal to permit pressure control in an annulus surrounding a rotating tubular member such as a drill string in an offshore drilling operation. The latch assembly is operable to engage and disengage a body of the rotating control device from a remote surface location by wireless communication. An on-board actuation system is carried by the latch assembly such that no energy lines (hydraulic or otherwise) are required to couple the latch assembly to the surface location. The latch assembly may include both an operating latch mechanism and a running latch mechanism to selectively couple the latch assembly to one or both of the body of the rotating control device and a tubular member such as a drill string or other conveyance for running and pulling operations.