Oil Well Cable Catcher with Hydraulic Clamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable-catching devices for oil wells are unable to secure both cables and strings of pipes without requiring the complete removal of hanging equipment and halting operations, and they often fail to handle irregularly shaped cross-sections.
Innovation Solution
A cable-catcher device with upper and lower horizontal plates, lateral support means, and hydraulic clamps that can be easily installed over a blowout preventer valve without removing existing equipment, allowing for the securement of cables and pipes through a movable vertical plate and actuated clamps that can handle irregular cross-sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing cable-catching devices are used to secure cables and pipes, then the securing function is achieved, but the complete removal of hanging equipment and halting of operations is required
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: upper and lower plates forming a cage structure, hydraulic clamp assemblies for securing, and a movable vertical plate for access. This segmentation allows the device to be installed without removing existing equipment, enabling continuous operations while maintaining the securing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable-catcher device is nested within the existing wellhead structure, with upper and lower plates positioned around existing pipes and cables. The hydraulic clamps are integrated into the cage structure, allowing the device to function within the existing operational framework without requiring removal of hanging equipment.
2Reliability
If traditional securing mechanisms are used, then cable securing is achieved, but they cannot handle irregularly shaped cross-sections
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic clamps are designed with movable jaws that can adjust their position and orientation dynamically. This allows the clamps to adapt to different cross-sectional shapes of cables and pipes, providing reliable securing capability across various geometries including irregular shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp jaws are designed with specific surface characteristics and geometries at the contact points to match different object shapes. The local quality of the clamp surfaces is optimized to conform to irregular cross-sections, enabling secure attachment while maintaining adaptability.
3Reliability
If existing devices are installed, then cable security is provided, but installation and removal require substantial time and operational halt
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with pre-assembled upper and lower plates, hydraulic clamp assemblies, and support means that can be prepared in advance. This preliminary configuration allows for rapid installation by simply positioning and actuating the pre-assembled unit, significantly reducing installation time and avoiding operational halts.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a self-contained unit with integrated hydraulic power sources and control systems that can be installed independently of the existing equipment. This extraction approach allows the device to be added without removing or reconfiguring existing hanging equipment, minimizing installation time and maintaining operational continuity.
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 securement of cables and pipes during accidents without halting operations, facilitating quicker installation and removal, and supporting irregularly shaped equipment, reducing economic losses and operational downtime.
Implementation Method 1
at least two clamps (4) driven by corresponding hydraulic cylinders (5), which are arranged at an acute angle with the vertical axis of the device
Data Source
AI summary
A security device placed at a wellhead over a blowout preventer valve, which can be activated to catch a cable and/or a string of pipes upon a cut event or accident, preventing the fall of the same into the well, which includes: an upper horizontal plate and lower horizontal plate, vertically aligned, each having a circular central orifice for the passing of a string of pipes and/or a cable, and a cutout on the front part thereof, located between its front edge and the circular orifice; lateral support device, located between the upper and lower plates, that connect the plates together, delimiting an aperture at the front part of the device that together with the cutouts on the upper and lower plates form a front passage toward the inside of the device; at least two clamps driven by corresponding hydraulic cylinders, which are arranged at an acute angle with the vertical axis of the device; and a movable vertical plate arranged on the front part of the device between the lateral support means, pivotally connected by one of its sides to the upper and lower plates. The movable vertical plate, in a first position, allows for the horizontal passing of a string of pipes and/or cables through the front passage to a location at the center of the device, and in a second position, the movable vertical plate blocks the front passage. In a first position the clamps allow for vertical movement of the string of pipes and or cables and in a second position the clamps block the movement of the same.