Modular Bowl Protector Assembly for Wellhead Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bowl protectors for wellhead assemblies are single components prone to damage during installation, requiring complete replacement when damaged, which is inefficient and reduces their lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A modular bowl protector design comprising a removable upper module and a lower module, allowing for the upper module to be replaced independently, with tool engagement features, connective hardware, and anti-detach hardware for secure connection and easy replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a conventional single-component bowl protector is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the entire component must be replaced when damaged, increasing loss of time and loss of substance
Solution Approach 1:
The bowl protector is divided into two separate modules: an upper module and a lower module. The upper module can be independently replaced if damaged, while the lower module remains intact. This segmentation allows selective replacement of only the damaged portion, reducing waste and downtime compared to replacing the entire single-component bowl protector.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a modular two-piece bowl protector is used, then the upper module can be replaced to extend life cycle, but the device complexity increases with additional connective hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The bowl protector is segmented into replaceable upper and lower modules, enabling extended service life through selective replacement of the upper module. The modular design allows the system to maintain functionality while reducing overall component lifespan through targeted repairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper module nests within the lower module when assembled, with the upper module fitting into a receptacle in the lower module. This nested configuration allows compact storage and easy assembly/disassembly, reducing the practical complexity despite the modular structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If connective hardware with protruding lugs and interior locking grooves is used, then the connection between modules is secure, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system uses discrete protruding lugs on the upper module that fit into corresponding interior locking grooves on the lower module. This segmentation of the connection interface allows for modular assembly while maintaining secure linkage through simple geometric interlocking features.
Solution Approach 2:
The connective hardware features simple geometric interlocking elements (protruding lugs and locking grooves) that can be manufactured with standard tolerances. These straightforward features reduce manufacturing precision requirements compared to complex fastening systems, making the modular design economically viable.
4Reliability
If anti-detach hardware with fastening plates is added, then the reliability of module connection increases, but the ease of operation for replacement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-detach hardware includes fastening plates that can be independently removed from the connective hardware. This segmentation of the fastening system allows operators to quickly release the upper module by simply removing the fastening plates, maintaining connection reliability during operation while enabling easy replacement during maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of using a bowl protector assembly includes lowering the bowl protector assembly with a running and retrieving tool into a wellhead located at a surface of a well, whereby a removable upper module of the bowl protector assembly is damaged, wherein the bowl protector assembly comprises the removable upper module and a lower module and the removable upper module comprises tool engagement features to pair with the running and retrieving tool. The method further includes raising the bowl protector assembly out of the wellhead and replacing the damaged removable upper module with an undamaged removable upper module. The method further includes lowering the bowl protector assembly comprising the undamaged removable upper module with the running and retrieving tool into the wellhead and placing the bowl protector assembly on a load shoulder within the wellhead.