Hydraulic Running Tool Seal Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of seals in wellhead assemblies for oil and natural gas extraction is time-consuming and costly due to the complexity of existing systems, which often require significant rotational movements and multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulically actuated running tool that uses axial force and partial rotation to install a seal assembly within a wellhead, reducing the number of components and complexity by utilizing a pressurized fluid to actuate pistons and secure the seal assembly, allowing for quicker and more efficient setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional seal installation methods are used with multiple components and significant rotational movements, then the seal assembly can be securely installed, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of seal installation from the complex traditional system, using a simplified running tool that combines multiple functions into a single device. The running tool includes a seal assembly with running tool engagement features that can be directly manipulated without requiring complex rotational movements or multiple separate components, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining secure installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The running tool is designed as a multi-functional device that combines seal installation, securing, and retrieval operations into a single tool assembly. The tool can engage with the seal assembly, rotate to set the seal, and then be retrieved, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools and reducing the overall installation time while ensuring reliable seal installation.
2Reliability
If traditional seal installation methods with multiple components are used, then the seal assembly can be securely installed, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated seal assembly and running tool combination. The seal assembly includes integrated engagement features that allow direct interaction with the running tool, combining what were previously separate components (seal, running tool, engagement mechanisms) into a unified system that is easier to handle and install while maintaining installation reliability.
3Reliability
If traditional seal installation methods are used, then the seal assembly can be securely installed, but the cost of setup and operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential components needed for secure seal installation, eliminating unnecessary complex mechanisms. By using a simplified running tool with integrated engagement features rather than multiple separate components, the system reduces manufacturing costs and setup expenses while maintaining the reliability of seal installation through the preserved core functionality.
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
This solution significantly reduces the time and cost associated with setting up and operating mineral extraction systems by minimizing the number of components and simplifying the hydraulic system, enabling faster and more efficient seal installation and removal.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulically actuated running tool that uses axial force and partial rotation to install a seal assembly within a wellhead, reducing the number of components and complexity by utilizing a pressurized fluid to actuate pistons
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a running tool that has a tool body, a first piston configured to move a sealing member of a seal assembly between sealed and unsealed positions between the seal assembly and a first tubular, and a second piston configured to move a lock member between locked and unlocked positions between the seal assembly and a second tubular.