Adjustable Lock-Out Ram Adapter for Polished Rod Gripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrocarbon production systems require entire piston rams to be replaced or resized when polished rods of different diameters are used, leading to increased costs, storage needs, and environmental and safety risks due to improper gripping and sealing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of replaceable adapters with gripping surfaces of various sizes that fit within recesses in the piston rams and polished rod clamps, allowing for easy selection and replacement to match different polished rod sizes, reducing the need for full system replacement and minimizing material waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If entire piston rams are replaced when polished rod diameters change, then proper gripping is achieved, but cost and storage needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The piston ram is divided into two functional segments: a reusable main body and replaceable gripping surfaces. This segmentation allows the gripping surface to be exchanged independently to match different polished rod diameters, eliminating the need to replace entire piston rams and reducing inventory requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The main body of the piston ram is designed with universal compatibility to accommodate multiple gripping surface options. This multi-functionality allows a single piston ram body to serve various polished rod sizes through adapter interchangeability, reducing the need for multiple specialized components.
2Reliability
If entire piston rams are replaced when polished rod diameters change, then proper gripping is achieved, but time and cost savings are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the piston ram into a permanent body and replaceable gripping surfaces, the replacement operation is simplified to only exchanging the gripping surface component. This reduces replacement time significantly compared to replacing entire piston rams, while ensuring proper gripping capability is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple gripping surfaces for different polished rod sizes can be prepared in advance and stored separately. When a diameter change is needed, the appropriate pre-prepared gripping surface is quickly installed, eliminating the need for time-consuming manufacturing or full assembly replacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If gripping surfaces are made larger to accommodate bigger polished rods, then larger rods can be gripped, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston ram system transitions from a fixed-size design to a dynamic, adjustable configuration through interchangeable gripping surfaces. This allows the gripping surface dimensions to be optimized for each specific polished rod size in use, minimizing unnecessary weight while maintaining adaptability across different rod diameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping surface parameters (dimensions, shape) are made variable through the adapter system. Each adapter is sized specifically for its intended polished rod diameter, optimizing the weight-size relationship. The main piston ram body remains constant while only the necessary gripping surface parameters change with each adapter.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for gripping a polished rod that extends into a hydrocarbon production well include a clamping assembly that is moveable between an unengaged position where the clamping assembly is spaced apart from the polished rod, and an engaged position where the clamping assembly engages the polished rod. The clamping assembly includes a recess located in a moveable clamping member, the recess having a supporting surface. The clamping assembly also includes an adapter sized to fit within the recess and to be supported on the supporting surface, the adapter having a gripping surface facing out of the recess. The adapter is positioned to grip the polished rod with the gripping surface when the clamping assembly is in the engaged position.