Multi-Intervention Blowout Preventer for Tubular and Wireline Operations

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional well pressure control systems require multiple rig-ups and rig-downs of operation-specific blowout preventers (BOPs), leading to increased operational time, safety risks, and repetitive pressure testing, particularly when handling tubular components, wireline, and slickline during drilling operations.

Innovation Solution

A multi-intervention blowout preventer (MIBOP) integrates multiple pairs of ram blocks with distinct functions into a single body, allowing for cutting, sealing, and shearing of flexible lines and tubulars, with a control panel for automated operation, reducing the need for multiple equipment setups and enhancing safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operation-specific BOPs are used in a BOP stack, then specific operations (tubular, wireline, slickline) can be performed, but the system requires frequent rig-up and rig-down operations increasing time and safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation-specific functionalityVSAvoidrig-up and rig-down time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple operation-specific BOPs (tubular BOP, wireline BOP, slickline BOP) into a single integrated MIBOP device. The MIBOP includes multiple pairs of ram blocks with different functionalities (shear rams, seal rams, wireline rams, slickline rams) all housed within one preventer body, eliminating the need for multiple separate BOPs and their associated rig-up/rig-down operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The MIBOP is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions: sealing around tubulars, cutting wireline and slickline, sealing the bore, and shearing tubulars or flexible lines. This multi-functionality is achieved through different pairs of ram blocks with specialized rams for each operation type, all controlled from a single device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operation-specific BOPs are used in a BOP stack, then specific operations can be performed, but the system requires repetitive pressure testing and equipment setup

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation-specific functionalityVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple operation-specific BOPs (tubular BOP, wireline BOP, slickline BOP) into a single integrated MIBOP device. The MIBOP includes multiple pairs of ram blocks with different functionalities (shear rams, seal rams, wireline rams, slickline rams) all housed within one preventer body, eliminating the need for multiple separate BOPs and their associated rig-up/rig-down operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The MIBOP is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions: sealing around tubulars, cutting wireline and slickline, sealing the bore, and shearing tubulars or flexible lines. This multi-functionality is achieved through different pairs of ram blocks with specialized rams for each operation type, all controlled from a single device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate BOPs are used, then each operation has dedicated equipment, but the system complexity and hardware costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation-specific functionalityVSAvoidnumber of equipment setups

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple operation-specific BOPs (tubular BOP, wireline BOP, slickline BOP) into a single integrated MIBOP device. The MIBOP includes multiple pairs of ram blocks with different functionalities (shear rams, seal rams, wireline rams, slickline rams) all housed within one preventer body, eliminating the need for multiple separate BOPs and their associated rig-up/rig-down operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The MIBOP is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions: sealing around tubulars, cutting wireline and slickline, sealing the bore, and shearing tubulars or flexible lines. This multi-functionality is achieved through different pairs of ram blocks with specialized rams for each operation type, all controlled from a single device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 MIBOP streamlines operations by enabling single-piece installation and operation, reducing assembly time, minimizing hardware costs, and eliminating the need for fishing operations, thus enhancing safety and efficiency in well control and pressure management.

Implementation Method 1

The ram of the first pair of ram blocks may be configured to push the wireline or the slickline to a side in the bore

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

The catcher of the first pair of ram blocks may be configured to grab the wireline or the slickline

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

The blade of the first pair of ram blocks may be configured to cut the wireline or the slickline

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShear Stress: Shear Stress

Implementation Method 4

a second pair of rams operationally connected to the bore via a second pair of openings in the body, the second pair of rams to seal around a tubular

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 5

a third pair of rams operationally connected to the bore via a third pair of openings in the body, the third pair of rams to seal the bore

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 6

a fourth pair of rams operationally connected to the bore via a fourth pair of openings in the body, the fourth pair of rams to shear the tubular or flexible line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShear Stress: Shear Stress

Implementation Method 7

a fifth pair of rams operationally connected to the bore via a fifth pair of openings in the body, the fifth pair of rams to close on the flexible line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS11319769B2Multi-intervention blowout preventer and methods of use thereof

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A multi-intervention blowout preventer includes a body having a bore therethrough. A first pair of ram blocks may be coupled to the body and include a ram, a catcher, and a blade operationally connected to the bore via a first pair of openings in the body. The ram, the catcher, and the blade may cut a flexible line extending through the bore while holding the flexible line. A second pair of ram blocks may be coupled to the body and include a second pair of rams operationally connected to the bore via a second pair of openings in the body to seal around a tubular. A third pair of ram blocks may be coupled to the body and include a third pair of rams operationally connected to the bore via a third pair of openings in the body to seal the bore.