Pressure Control Device with Flexible Cup Seal for Intact Conduit Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure control devices in oil and gas wells often require splitting communication lines, such as fibre-optic cables, to maintain seal integrity, which compromises signal quality due to the need to bypass seals.
Innovation Solution
A pressure control device comprising a support member with conduit throughbores and a flexible cup member that allows a conduit to pass through intact, preventing the need to split the cable and ensuring the integrity of the signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a seal is used to create differential pressure in the wellbore, then pressure control is improved, but the communication conduit must be split and attached to either side of the seal, which compromises signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the conduit is positioned within a throughbore of the support member, and the flexible cup member is mounted on the support member. This nesting allows the conduit to pass through the pressure control device without being split or damaged, while the flexible cup member maintains the seal integrity for pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member acts as an intermediary component that provides a throughbore for the conduit to pass through intact. The flexible cup member serves as another intermediary that forms a seal against the tubular while allowing the conduit to pass through without compromising either the seal or the signal transmission.
2Reliability
If the conduit is split to bypass the seal, then the seal integrity is maintained, but the conduit integrity is compromised and signal quality is severely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit is nested within the throughbore of the support member, allowing it to pass through the entire pressure control device without being split. The flexible cup member is mounted on the support member and forms a seal that maintains integrity while the nested conduit remains intact and undamaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure control device is segmented into distinct components: the support member with its throughbore, the flexible cup member for sealing, and the conduit for signal transmission. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromising the others, enabling the conduit to pass through intact while the flexible cup member maintains seal integrity.
3Reliability
If a flexible cup seal is used to control pressure, then pressure modulation is achieved, but communication lines must be separated and attached to either side, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit is nested within the throughbore of the support member, which simplifies the installation process. Instead of separating and reattaching the conduit to either side of the seal, the conduit simply needs to be positioned within the throughbore, reducing the complexity of conduit installation while maintaining pressure modulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines the throughbore for the conduit, and works with the flexible cup member to maintain seal integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity by consolidating multiple functions into a single component.
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 seamless passage of communication conduits like fibre-optic cables through the pressure control device without compromising signal quality, maintaining the integrity of the cable and enhancing communication efficiency in deep oil and gas wells.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible cup member mounted to the support member
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure control device for use in an oil well is described. The pressure control device comprises a support member configured to be located on a mandrel or a tubular, the support member defining at least one conduit throughbore configured to receive a conduit and a flexible cup member mounted to the support member. In use, a conduit can pass through the pressure control device intact.