Lift-Ready Flowhead Assembly for Reduced Rig Stack-Up Height
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increased stack-up height of surface equipment in oil and gas drilling systems necessitates taller, heavier, and more costly derricks, limiting rig-up capabilities and requiring extensive assembly time, particularly in offshore operations where space and rig time are limited.
Innovation Solution
A lift-ready flowhead assembly comprising a flowhead assembly, lifting yoke, and lift sub, which allows for a compact design and efficient suspension from a drilling rig using a hoisting assembly, reducing assembly time and enabling quick positioning of a completely assembled system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional surface equipment components are assembled separately and stacked vertically, then each component can perform its specific function, but the stack-up height increases requiring taller and heavier derricks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple surface equipment components (flowhead assembly, swivel assembly, and other drilling components) into a single integrated modular unit. This merging eliminates the need for vertical stacking of separate components, thereby reducing the overall stack-up height while maintaining all necessary functional capabilities. The integrated module can be deployed as one unit, solving the contradiction between functional versatility and height requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of arranging components vertically in a stacked configuration, the patent transitions to a horizontal or compact three-dimensional arrangement within the integrated module. This dimensional change allows all necessary components to coexist in a reduced vertical footprint, eliminating the need for taller derricks while preserving functional adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple surface equipment components are assembled separately, then each component can be optimized for its function, but assembly time increases and requires special positioning equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling and integrating multiple components into a complete modular unit onshore before deployment. All connections, alignments, and positioning are established in advance during manufacturing, eliminating the need for time-consuming field assembly operations. The pre-integrated module is then transported and deployed as a single unit, dramatically reducing assembly time and eliminating the need for special positioning equipment at the rig site.
3Ease of operation
If traditional assembly methods are used offshore, then components can be installed individually, but rig time and space for storing assembly equipment are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drilling system into distinct modular units that are each fully functional and self-contained. This segmentation allows the integrated flowhead assembly to be deployed as one module rather than assembling multiple components separately offshore. The modular approach maintains installation flexibility while eliminating the need for extensive assembly equipment and space at the rig site, thereby improving rig time efficiency.
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
The compact design facilitates quicker rig-up and rig-down operations, reducing downtime and costs by allowing for more efficient use of space and equipment, particularly in offshore environments.
Implementation Method 1
a load collar tube rotatively supported in the swivel housing by a bearing assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A lift-ready flowhead assembly which is generally formed of a flowhead assembly, a lifting yoke, and a lift sub. The flowhead assembly includes (i) a flowhead body having body threads and a side entry port, (ii) a swivel housing, (iii) a load collar tube rotatively supported in the swivel housing by a bearing assembly, and (iv) a ball valve positioned in said flowhead body and configured to block and unblock a central passage running through the load collar tube and the flowhead body. The lifting yoke includes (i) a yoke body having a center aperture, and (ii) opposing pad-eyes extending from the yoke body. The lift sub includes (i) a head section, (ii) a neck section having external neck threads, and (iii) a sub passage extending through the head and neck sections. The neck section of the lift sub extends through the center aperture of the yoke body and the neck threads engage the body threads of the flowhead body, thereby securing the lifting yoke to the flowhead assembly.