Metal-to-Metal Seal Setting with Temporary Elastomer Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mineral extraction systems face challenges in quickly and easily setting metal seals between wellhead components while maintaining pressure, especially under high temperatures and pressures, and in harsh chemical environments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that incorporates a temporary elastomer seal to facilitate the hydraulic setting of metal-to-metal seals, using axial movement and a retainer ring to secure the seal assembly, ensuring a secure metal-to-metal seal is established without requiring excessive pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal-to-metal seal is used between wellhead components, then the seal can withstand high temperatures and pressures, but the setting process becomes complex and requires excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
A temporary elastomer seal is introduced as an intermediary component during the setting process. This elastomer seal facilitates the hydraulic setting operation, allowing the metal-to-metal seal to be set with reduced force requirements. The elastomer seal is later removed after the metal seal is successfully set, leaving the permanent metal seal in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary elastomer seal is installed beforehand to enable the setting operation. This preliminary action creates favorable conditions for the hydraulic setting process, allowing the metal seal to be set correctly before the elastomer is removed. The retainer ring is also positioned in advance to secure the seal assembly during setting.
2Reliability
If a metal-to-metal seal is used between wellhead components, then the seal can withstand harsh chemical conditions, but the setting process requires excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The temporary elastomer seal acts as a mediator that reduces the force required to set the metal-to-metal seal. The elastomer's flexibility allows it to deform under lower hydraulic pressures, facilitating the setting process without requiring excessive force that could damage the metal seal or wellhead components.
Solution Approach 2:
The setting process utilizes changes in material properties under different conditions. The elastomer seal's viscoelastic properties allow it to deform and recover, enabling the setting operation with reduced force. The metal seal's rigid properties are preserved for withstanding harsh chemical conditions once set.
3Ease of operation
If a temporary elastomer seal is used to facilitate hydraulic setting, then the setting process becomes simpler and requires less force, but an additional component must be installed and removed
Solution Approach 1:
The temporary elastomer seal is an intermediary tool that simplifies the setting operation. Although it adds a component, its temporary nature and straightforward installation/removal process make the overall setting process easier and more reliable than attempting to set the metal seal directly without assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary elastomer seal is designed as a disposable component that is installed for the setting operation and then removed. Its low cost and temporary function justify its use, as it enables successful seal setting without requiring complex permanent mechanisms or excessive force application systems.
4Productivity
If hydraulic pressure is applied to set the metal seal, then the seal can be set quickly, but the force required to secure the retainer ring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer ring is positioned and secured in a preliminary manner during the setting process. By establishing the retainer ring's position before the final sealing pressure is applied, the system avoids the need to apply excessive force to secure the retainer ring after the metal seal is set. The retainer ring secures the seal assembly in the set position efficiently.
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
Enables quick and secure setting of metal-to-metal seals in mineral extraction systems, maintaining pressure integrity and withstanding harsh conditions, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
Pressure may be applied via the hydraulic port 92, thereby moving the compressing member 108 down relative to the abutting member 106 and compressing the metal-to-metal seal 50
Implementation Method 2
compressing the metal-to-metal seal 50, thereby setting the seal 50
Implementation Method 3
A system and method that incorporates a temporary elastomer seal to facilitate the hydraulic setting of metal-to-metal seals
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is provided for setting a metal-to-metal seal (e.g., in an annular space between wellhead components) using a temporary elastomer seal. For example, the annular space may be sealed with one or more elastomer seals before hydraulically setting the metal-to-metal seal. A seal assembly may include the elastomer seals and the metal-to-metal seal. Positioning the seal assembly in the annular space between the wellhead components may isolate pressure in the annular space below the seal such that the metal-to-metal seal may be set. In an exemplary embodiment, a hydraulic mechanism axially compresses the metal-to-metal seal between two members of the seal assembly, thereby radially expanding and setting the metal-to-metal seal.