Manifold Assembly for Mineral Extraction Drilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mineral extraction systems require multiple manifolds to switch between drilling techniques, leading to a large footprint and increased costs due to the need for multiple systems, which occupies limited space on drilling rigs and is inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A single enhanced manifold assembly that enables multiple drilling techniques by positioning drilling fluid flow paths on different planes and stacking components vertically, reducing the overall footprint and allowing for cost-effective operation with a single manifold system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple manifolds are used to enable different drilling techniques, then the system can perform multiple drilling operations, but the footprint and space required on the drilling rig increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling technique versatilityVSAvoidmanifold footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple manifold functions into a single integrated manifold assembly. The manifold includes multiple inlet ports and outlet ports with internal flow paths that can direct drilling fluid through different configurations to support various drilling techniques (such as managed pressure drilling and conventional drilling) using one unified device rather than separate manifolds for each technique.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single manifold assembly is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple drilling operations. It includes a plurality of inlet ports configured to receive drilling fluid from different sources and multiple outlet ports that can direct fluid to different destinations, with internal valving and flow path configurations that adapt to support different drilling techniques across various operational scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple manifolds are used to support different drilling techniques, then the system can switch between operations, but the cost of equipment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling technique versatilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple separate manifold systems into one integrated manifold assembly, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured, installed, and maintained. This merging of functions into a single device reduces overall system cost while maintaining the capability to perform multiple drilling techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The manifold assembly is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple drilling operations through its configurable flow paths and port arrangements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to purchase and install separate specialized manifolds for different drilling techniques, thereby reducing equipment costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple manifolds are used to enable different drilling operations, then the system can handle various drilling scenarios, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling operation capabilityVSAvoidmanifold configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple manifold functions into a single coordinated system with unified control. The internal flow paths, valves, and port configurations are designed to work together as one integrated assembly, reducing the complexity that would arise from coordinating multiple separate manifolds while maintaining the ability to handle various drilling scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple manifolds are used to support different drilling techniques, then the system can perform specialized operations, but the space occupied on the rig increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling technique capabilityVSAvoidmanifold system volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple manifold assemblies into one compact integrated unit, significantly reducing the volume and space required on the drilling rig. The single manifold assembly contains all the necessary inlet ports, outlet ports, and internal flow path configurations to support multiple drilling techniques in a consolidated package that occupies less rig space than multiple separate manifolds would require.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10590719B2Manifold assembly for a mineral extraction system

Publication Date: 2020.03.17 CAMERSON INT CORP

AI summary

The disclosed embodiments relate to a system that includes a manifold assembly having a first drilling fluid flow path configured to enable operation of riser gas handling drilling for a mineral extraction system, where the first drilling fluid flow path has an inlet and one or more first outlets, and a second drilling fluid flow path configured to enable operation of a second drilling technique for the mineral extraction system, different from the first drilling technique, where the second drilling fluid flow path has the inlet and one or more second outlets, and where the first drilling fluid flow path and the second drilling fluid flow path are different from one another.