Wireline Lubricator Locking Mechanism for Well Pressure

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for installing wireline lubricator assemblies are time-consuming and inefficient, particularly when dealing with elevated well pressures, as they require manual intervention and lack sufficient strength characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A spool member with radially movable pin drive assemblies and locking blocks that provide a larger surface area contact, combined with a remotely operable system for actuating the locking mechanism, allowing for secure and efficient locking of the lubricator assembly in place without the need for manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual intervention is used to actuate locking pins, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases and safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime required for securing lubricator assemblyVSAvoidcomplexity of locking mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through spring-loaded pins that automatically engage with the lubricator assembly when lowered into position, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing installation time while maintaining simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical actuation system is replaced with a remotely operable hydraulic or pneumatic system that can actuate the locking pins without personnel physically contacting the equipment, improving both productivity and safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If locking pins with small contact area are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the strength to withstand well pressures is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrength to withstand well pressuresVSAvoidcomplexity of locking mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism transitions from point-contact pins to surface-contact locking blocks that engage with circumferential surfaces of the lubricator assembly, distributing pressure across a larger area and increasing strength without significantly increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking blocks are designed with curved surfaces that match the circumferential geometry of the lubricator assembly, maximizing contact area and pressure distribution while maintaining a compact locking mechanism structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of operation

If personnel physically actuate locking pins, then the ease of operation is improved, but the safety is compromised due to exposure to elevated well pressures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of locking mechanism actuationVSAvoidsafety of personnel

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through spring-loaded pins that automatically engage with the lubricator assembly when lowered into position, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing installation time while maintaining simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical actuation system is replaced with a remotely operable hydraulic or pneumatic system that can actuate the locking pins without personnel physically contacting the equipment, improving both productivity and safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9057239B2Method and apparatus for securing a lubricator and other equipment in a well

Publication Date: 2015.06.16 WIRELINE CONTROL SYST LLC

AI summary

A method and apparatus for anchoring a wireline lubricator assembly in a well. A locking assembly having radial locking pin members is disposed between a bell nipple assembly and blowout preventer assembly. With a lubricator assembly properly positioned relative to the locking assembly, automated locking pin members equipped with locking blocks can be actuated to move between retracted positions and extended positions. In the extended position, the locking blocks engage against the lubricator assembly, locking the lubricator assembly in place and preventing axial movement of the lubricator assembly relative to the locking assembly.