Modular Rotating Diverter Head With Interchangeable Flanges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotating diverter heads in fluid drilling equipment face issues with stack-up height, horizontal angular orientation, and the need for multiple housings to accommodate different inlet/outlet sizes and pressure ratings, leading to increased complexity and reduced lifespan due to erosion and corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A modular rotating diverter head design featuring a central square cuboid housing without fixed flanges, allowing for customizable inlet and outlet flanges and incorporating a wear sleeve to mitigate erosion, along with a three-part clamp mechanism and split clamp for the stripper rubber to enhance durability and reduce maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single piece casting design is used for rotating diverter heads, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different inlet/outlet sizes and pressure ratings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating diverter head is divided into a reusable central housing and interchangeable flange assemblies. The flange assemblies can be detached and replaced to accommodate different inlet/outlet sizes and pressure ratings, while the main housing remains intact. This segmentation allows a single housing to serve multiple configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The central housing is designed with universal mounting interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of flange assemblies. This allows one housing to perform multiple functions by simply changing the flange attachments, eliminating the need for separate housings for each configuration.
2Strength
If fixed inlet and outlet flanges are integrated into the housing, then structural integrity is improved, but ease of repair and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flange assemblies are segmented from the main housing through removable connections. When wear or damage occurs, only the flange assembly needs to be replaced, not the entire housing. This maintains structural integrity of the housing while dramatically improving ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows the flange assembly to be discarded when worn and replaced with a new one, while the valuable central housing is recovered and reused. This extends the overall system lifespan and reduces maintenance costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple housings are used to accommodate different client requirements, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and inventory needs deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal housing design with standardized mounting interfaces can replace multiple specialized housings. By changing the flange assemblies, the same housing adapts to different client requirements, reducing inventory needs from 4+ housings to 1 housing plus multiple flanges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into a common housing platform and customizable flange modules. This modular approach allows configuration changes without acquiring entirely different housings, simplifying inventory management while maintaining adaptability.
4Ease of manufacture
If the side outlet is made as a fixed integral part of the housing, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but resistance to erosion and corrosion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The side outlet is segmented into a separate wear sleeve that can be independently replaced. This wear sleeve is designed to withstand erosion and corrosion, protecting the main housing. When the sleeve wears, only the sleeve is replaced, not the entire housing, maintaining reliability while keeping manufacturing simple.
Solution Approach 2:
A wear sleeve is installed beforehand to protect the housing from erosion and corrosion at the side outlet. This sacrificial component absorbs the harmful effects, preserving the main housing structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular rotating diverter head is disclosed for use on oil, gas or geothermal wells. While providing for sealing with or without rotation of the drill pipe, the head consists of a central housing body which has removable mounted flanges for vertical and horizontal use. The design enables the use of a multitude of different connectors and adapters as well as the replacement of these due to wear and tear without affecting the life and integrity of the central housing.