Kinetic Blowout Preventer Actuation for Fast Subsea Well Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blowout preventer (BOP) actuation systems are inefficient and prone to failure when deployed underwater, particularly when multiple hydraulic actuation pods fail, leading to potential catastrophic events due to the time required for backup systems to engage.
Innovation Solution
A blowout preventer actuation system incorporating a kinetic BOP with a pyrotechnic charge and an initiator, capable of simultaneous actuation via electrical, hydraulic, acoustic, or ROV signals, and equipped with pressure sensors to prevent actuation in the presence of contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple hydraulic actuation pods are used for BOP actuation, then the reliability of the system is improved, but the device complexity increases and the risk of hydraulic jamming or malfunction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the actuation function into two independent segments: hydraulic actuation pods (blue and yellow) for normal operation, and a kinetic actuation system with pyrotechnic charge for emergency backup. Each segment operates independently with its own actuation mechanism, eliminating hydraulic jamming risks between pods while maintaining reliability through redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system introduces an intermediary logic layer that manages multiple actuation signals. When any actuation signal is received, the controller activates both hydraulic pods simultaneously and can also trigger the kinetic system, coordinating their operation to ensure BOP closure while preventing hydraulic conflicts.
2Reliability
If backup actuation devices are used when hydraulic pods fail, then the reliability is maintained, but the response time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The kinetic actuation system with pyrotechnic charge is pre-positioned and pre-charged alongside the hydraulic pods during system setup. All necessary components are prepared in advance, so when an emergency occurs, the kinetic system can immediately actuate without requiring time for manual intervention or sequential troubleshooting of hydraulic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the purely hydraulic backup mechanism with a pyrotechnic kinetic system. The pyrotechnic charge converts chemical energy to mechanical motion directly, eliminating the need for hydraulic fluid transmission and manual switching operations, thereby dramatically reducing the time required for backup actuation.
3Speed
If kinetic BOP with pyrotechnic charge is used for rapid actuation, then the response speed is improved, but the risk of actuation in presence of contaminants increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure sensors are installed within the kinetic BOP system to continuously monitor internal pressure conditions. The sensor feedback signals the control system about the presence of contaminants or abnormal pressure conditions, preventing pyrotechnic actuation when unsafe conditions are detected, thus avoiding premature or failed closure due to contamination.
4Productivity
If simultaneous actuation of multiple BOP systems is enabled, then the productivity of wellbore closure is improved, but the hydraulic system stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the actuation mechanisms into hydraulic and kinetic systems with separate actuation pathways. The hydraulic system can simultaneously activate multiple pods without interference, while the kinetic system operates independently through pyrotechnic ignition, allowing rapid simultaneous closure without causing hydraulic instability or jamming between competing hydraulic signals.
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 rapid and reliable wellbore closure by allowing multiple simultaneous actuation methods, reducing the risk of failure and enhancing safety in underwater operations.
Implementation Method 1
A kinetic blowout preventer configured with a pyrotechnic charge and an initiator
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor disposed on the kinetic blowout preventer and configured to monitor an internal pressure parameter therein
Data Source
AI summary
A blowout preventer actuation system including at least one hydraulically actuated blowout preventer; a kinetic blowout preventer configured with an initiator; at least one sensor disposed on the kinetic blowout preventer and configured to monitor an internal pressure parameter therein; wherein the at least one hydraulically actuated blowout preventer and the kinetic blowout preventer are configured for: (a) simultaneous actuation if the internal pressure parameter is at or below a predefined level; or (b) actuation of only the at least one hydraulically actuated blowout preventer if the internal pressure parameter is above the predefined level. A method for actuating a blowout preventer.