Dual-Open Injector Head Positioning System for Offshore Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lifting frames on floating vessels often restrict the simultaneous deployment of continuous tubing and wireline equipment, leading to increased operational time, safety risks, and inefficiencies due to the need for complex overhead lifting operations.
Innovation Solution
An equipment positioning assembly with side guide members and independent track components attached to the lifting frame legs, allowing for the simultaneous deployment of multiple intervention systems by enabling the injector head and other equipment to be installed from the front and back, using U-slot designs for safer and more efficient installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional lifting frames are used with enclosed injector head positioning systems, then structural support and stability are provided, but simultaneous deployment of multiple intervention systems is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is divided into independent track components (first track component, second track component, third track component, fourth track component) that can operate independently. Each track component handles specific equipment deployment, allowing simultaneous operation of multiple intervention systems without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multi-directional movement capabilities by adding side guide members that enable lateral movement in addition to vertical movement. This creates additional spatial dimensions for equipment positioning, allowing wireline equipment to be lifted from the front and continuous tubing from the back simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If wireline equipment is lifted over the well center avoiding obstructions, then equipment installation is achieved, but additional time and overhead lifting operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The track components and side guide members are pre-installed on the lifting frame before equipment deployment. This preliminary configuration creates ready-made pathways and positioning mechanisms, eliminating the need for complex overhead lifting operations and threading procedures during actual equipment installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The side guide members act as intermediary elements between the lifting frame and the equipment being deployed. These guide members provide dedicated pathways that direct equipment into position without requiring overhead lifting operations, thereby reducing installation time and simplifying the deployment process.
3Reliability
If conventional enclosed positioning systems are used, then structural support is maintained, but safety risks increase due to complex overhead lifting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the equipment deployment function from the central overhead lifting path and distributes it across multiple independent track components positioned at different locations on the lifting frame. This removes the hazard of complex overhead lifting operations by providing alternative, safer deployment pathways for different equipment types.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-open entry injector head positioning system installed on support structures, such as conventional lifting frames, utilized over wells on offshore vessels. The injector head positioning system is lighter and more compact than conventional equipment positioning systems, while permitting simultaneous deployment of multiple intervention systems (such as, for example, continuous tubing and wireline) from said lifting frame.