Integrated PMD Choke Assembly for Compact BOP Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional managed pressure drilling systems require a separate MPD manifold that occupies significant space, is difficult to transport, and has bulky chokes that are hard to replace, posing challenges in oil and gas exploration and production operations.
Innovation Solution
A pressure management device (PMD) is integrated directly with the BOP stack, incorporating a choke assembly with a choke gut line and dual shutoff valves, allowing for direct fluid connection and easy replacement, reducing the need for a standalone MPD manifold and minimizing footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate MPD manifold is used for pressure management, then pressure control function is provided, but device complexity and transportation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the RCD and MPD manifold functions into a single integrated device. The housing contains both the sealing mechanism for the drill string and the pressure management system with chokes and flow paths, eliminating the need for separate MPD manifold equipment and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining pressure control reliability
2Reliability
If conventional bulky chokes are used in the MPD manifold, then pressure management is achieved, but ease of repair and replacement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The choke assembly is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently removed and replaced. The choke is housed in a dedicated assembly within the housing, allowing it to be segmented from the main body for easier maintenance and replacement without affecting other pressure management components
3Area of stationary object
If a compact PMD design is implemented, then transportation and footprint issues are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions (RCD sealing and MPD pressure management) into a single compact housing, significantly reducing the footprint and transportation requirements compared to separate equipment while managing complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the sealing interface for the drill string (RCD function) and houses the pressure management system with flow paths and chokes (MPD function), making the device universal and multi-functional to reduce overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure management device (PMD) for direct connection to a blowout preventor stack of a managed pressure drilling system, the PMD comprising a housing, one or more chokes, and a directional valve. The directional valve has a choke position and a bypass position. When the directional valve is in the choke position, the PMD operates to divert fluid entering the housing to one or more of the chokes. When the directional valve is in the bypass position, the PMD operates to divert fluid entering the housing to bypass the chokes. The inlet and outlet of each choke may be controlled by a dual shutoff valve, to selectively permit and restrict fluid flow through each choke.