Nightcap Assembly Boom Hoist Remote Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for technologies that can quickly and safely close wellbores in oilfield operations, as existing solutions do not adequately address the requirement for efficient and secure sealing of wellheads and wellbores.
Innovation Solution
A nightcap assembly comprising a boom and a hoist, connected to a wellhead assembly, which includes a remote actuator for extending and retracting the boom and hoist pistons to insert a nightcap into the wellhead assembly, utilizing a hydraulic disconnect with a sealer to ensure sealing engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual methods are used to close wellheads, then operational simplicity is maintained, but closing speed and safety are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The nightcap assembly is divided into separate functional modules: a boom for lateral positioning, a hoist for vertical movement, and a nightcap component for sealing. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while working together to achieve rapid wellhead closure, resolving the contradiction between closing speed and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The nightcap assembly acts as an intermediary device between the wellhead and the sealing mechanism. The boom and hoist serve as intermediary structures that position the nightcap precisely, enabling fast closure without requiring direct manual intervention, thus improving productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
2Productivity
If rapid closure is implemented, then productivity is improved, but operational safety and sealing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The nightcap is pre-positioned and prepared before the actual closure operation. The boom and hoist systems are pre-configured to ensure precise positioning, and the nightcap is designed with pre-integrated sealing elements. This preliminary preparation enables rapid closure while maintaining sealing reliability, as all components are ready for immediate engagement without compromising the sealing function.
3Reliability
If automated remote actuation is used, then operational safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nightcap assembly utilizes hydraulic actuators integrated into the boom and hoist mechanisms to enable remote actuation. This hydraulic system provides automated control for positioning and securing the nightcap, improving operational safety by removing personnel from high-risk areas while managing complexity through the use of established hydraulic technology commonly found in oilfield equipment.
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 rapid and safe closure of wellbores by remotely actuating the boom and hoist to position the nightcap within the wellhead assembly, providing secure sealing and adaptability to various wellhead configurations, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The remote actuator comprises a hydraulic pump
Data Source
AI summary
A nightcap system and assembly for closing a wellhead assembly positioned about a wellbore. The nightcap assembly includes a boom and a hoist. The boom includes a boom cylinder connectable to the wellhead assembly and a boom piston extendable from the cylinder. The hoist includes a hoist cylinder connectable to the wellhead assembly and a hoist piston extendable therefrom. The hoist piston includes a nightcap support to carry a nightcap. The hoist is connectable to the boom piston and movable therewith whereby the nightcap may be inserted into an opening of the wellhead assembly.