Iris Valve Annular Pressure Control for Variable Pipe Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well pressure control methods, such as annular and ram-type blowout preventers, and managed pressure drilling systems face limitations including high maintenance costs due to frequent replacement of elastomeric seals, limited diameter sealing capabilities, and the need for extensive modifications to drilling units, as well as the inability to directly install chokes in the wellbore.
Innovation Solution
An annular pressure control device featuring a housing with iris valves and an actuator system that allows for adjustable sealing and fluid flow control, capable of withstanding high pressures and temperatures, and designed for direct installation in the wellbore, reducing the need for frequent elastomeric element replacement and minimizing drilling unit modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If annular well pressure control apparatus with elastomeric seal elements are used, then sealing capability is provided, but frequent replacement is required due to rapid wear increasing maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, frequently worn elastomeric seals with a disposable, sacrificial pipe ram seal element that is designed to be replaced only when the pipe itself is changed. This eliminates ongoing maintenance of sealing components while maintaining reliable sealing capability throughout the life of the pipe.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed so that when pipe is replaced during drilling operations, the seal element is automatically replaced along with it, eliminating separate maintenance operations. The seal element serves itself by being integrated with the pipe replacement cycle rather than requiring independent maintenance.
2Reliability
If pipe ram well pressure control apparatus are used, then sealing against specific diameter pipe is achieved, but limited diameter ranges and inability to seal against diameter upset exist
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe ram seal element is designed with a universal sealing capability that accommodates various pipe diameters and configurations including diameter upsets on threaded connections. The seal element can seal against both regular pipe sections and enlarged tool joint sections, making it adaptable to different pipe types and conditions encountered during drilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal element incorporates dynamic features including the ability to deform and conform to different pipe surface geometries. The seal element can adapt its shape to match the pipe contour, allowing it to maintain effective sealing across varying diameters and surface conditions rather than requiring precise geometric matching.
3Reliability
If pipe ram well pressure control apparatus are used, then sealing against pipe is achieved, but no stripping ability and inability to seal when pipe is not present exist
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe ram assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: sealing against pipe when present, stripping pipe when needed, and sealing the annulus when pipe is absent. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate devices for each operation, providing versatility while maintaining reliable sealing capability across all operational modes.
4Reliability
If rotating control device with elastomeric elements is used, then wellbore annular pressure control is achieved, but rapid wear of elastomeric elements requires frequent replacement increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating control device uses a sacrificial pipe ram seal element designed to last the life of the pipe rather than requiring frequent replacement like traditional elastomeric seals. This disposable approach eliminates ongoing maintenance while maintaining pressure control capability, reducing both time and cost associated with maintenance operations.
5Reliability
If conventional drilling unit modifications are made for managed pressure drilling, then wellbore pressure control is achieved, but substantial pipe work and space requirements increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the functions of the rotating control device, annular preventer, and pressure control system into a single integrated pipe ram assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate drilling unit modifications and extensive pipe work, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive pressure control capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A well annular pressure control device includes a housing having a through bore and at least two iris valves within the housing. The iris valves comprise a plurality of vanes operable between an open position and a closed position to define an opening. At least one actuator is coupled to the plurality of vanes to move the plurality of vanes between the open position and the closed position.