Modular Wellhead Cable Sealing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sealing systems for electrical cables in wellheads are prone to leaks and damage from physical or functional failures, requiring specialized equipment for repair, which is costly, time-consuming, and vulnerable to unauthorized manipulation or vandalism, especially in conflict-ridden regions.
Innovation Solution
A modular safety sealing and reparation device with two sealing units located inside the wellhead, using a-rings and compression rings to provide double protection and allow for repairs without losing pressure control, eliminating the need for specialized equipment and enabling quick reparation of electrical cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single sealing systems are used in wellheads, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases due to lack of backup sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into multiple independent sealing units (first sealing unit and second sealing unit), each capable of sealing independently. This segmentation provides redundancy where if one sealing unit fails, the other can still maintain the seal, thus improving reliability without requiring a completely complex system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a backup sealing unit that serves as a preliminary protective measure against sealing failure. This backup capability is built into the system design beforehand, allowing the wellhead to maintain integrity even if the primary sealing unit fails, effectively cushioning against potential failures.
2Ease of repair
If specialized workover equipment is used for cable repair, then repair capability is improved, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The wellhead system is designed with built-in repair capabilities through the modular sealing units and cable access features. The system can perform its own maintenance and repair functions without requiring external specialized workover equipment, allowing operators to repair cables and replace sealing units using standard equipment, thus dramatically reducing downtime and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows for the extraction and removal of individual sealing units and cable sections without requiring dismantling of the entire wellhead structure. This enables targeted repairs of specific components while maintaining the integrity and operation of the rest of the system, significantly reducing repair time and improving operational efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If wellhead dismantling is performed for repairs, then access to cables is improved, but loss of time and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design allows individual sealing units to be extracted and removed from the wellhead without dismantling the entire structure. This provides direct access to cables and internal components for repair while maintaining the integrity of the remaining system, enabling quick repairs without the time-consuming process of complete wellhead dismantling and reassembly.
4Ease of manufacture
If external sealing systems are used on wellhead surface, then ease of installation is improved, but vulnerability to unauthorized manipulation and vandalism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing units are positioned within the internal structure of the wellhead, nested inside the protected environment. This internal placement protects the critical sealing components from external threats such as vandalism, unauthorized manipulation, and environmental damage, while still allowing for controlled access during maintenance operations.
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
The device ensures controlled integrity of well pressure and allows for rapid repair of electrical cables, reducing operational costs and time, and preventing unauthorized damage, enabling the well to be operational within six hours without the need for workover equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The compression rings (13) are compressed one against the other by the mechanical action of tightening/screwing of the case threads; this makes the strength vector that runs parallel to the electrical cable (5) to compress the sealing gaskets (14) and change the direction of the strength vector to make it perpendicular to the electrical cable (5) and towards the center of such electrical cable (5)
Implementation Method 2
The sealing gaskets (14) are made of elastomeric material and they are compressed towards the electrical cable (5)
Data Source
AI summary
A modular safety apparatus adapted to allow the flow and create a mechanical seal for a series of electric conductors in wellheads, thus, ensuring pressure control and internal hydraulic integrity and allowing for a method to repair leaks and/or conductor cables that does not require the use of specialized well maintenance equipment, comprising a sealing case attached to a lower connector, joined to another main or intermediating sealing case. The case seals towards the pipe hanger and attaches to the upper connector that seals towards the upper section of the wellhead and attaches to the protective bushing or the upper sealing case to ensure control of well's pressure during its operation or reparation in case of leaks or failures.