Lubricator Interchangeable Ports for Wellhead Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plunger lubricators face challenges in efficiently managing fluid flow and plunger recovery in wellbore operations, particularly in systems where natural fluid rise is insufficient, and require improved designs for connectivity and customization to reduce inventory and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A plunger lubricator with a cylindrical body featuring radially disposed flow ports, a well head connection, and a stem connection, utilizing a clamp and seal system for external connectors that allows for customizable and resealable connections with various equipment, including a static seal and ledges for secure attachment, enabling efficient fluid flow and equipment integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lubricator is designed with fixed ports for specific connections, then connection reliability is improved, but adaptability to different equipment configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by providing a lubricator body with multiple interchangeable ports (first port, second port, third port) that can accommodate different connection types. The clamp and seal system is designed to work with various external connectors, allowing a single lubricator to serve multiple equipment configurations without sacrificing connection reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a lubricator is designed with customizable connections, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the connection system into modular components: the lubricator body with integrated ports, external connectors with clamps, and seals. This modular design allows customization of connections while keeping each individual component relatively simple, avoiding the need for a completely complex integrated system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connection types are integrated into the lubricator body, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricator body is designed with multiple ports that can accommodate different connection types, allowing a single manufactured component to serve multiple functions. This approach reduces the need for separate lubricators for different applications while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized port designs.
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 design enhances fluid flow management, facilitates easy replacement of connectors, and reduces inventory needs by allowing mixing and matching of connections without additional machining, improving operational efficiency and customization options.
Implementation Method 1
a clamp and seal system for an external connector... providing a removable and resealable connection between the flow port and the external connector
Data Source
AI summary
A lubricator is provided which has a unitized body with at least one port in communication with the body's bore and its outer surface, to which port(s) connectors with different outer fittings for further connection to other equipment may be attached and sealed, and later detached and replaced with other connectors. The connectors may have different outer fittings or may be a plug or valve. This allows the connection of a single port to external equipment to be changed and the fitting for that external equipment's connection to be altered, without having to disconnect the lubricator from its well-head and stem or any of the lubricator's other connections.