Pressure Control Device Releasable Assembly Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure control devices for subterranean wells face challenges in convenient and efficient installation and retrieval of components, such as annular seals and bearing assemblies, from the outer housing, which hinders maintenance and replacement operations.
Innovation Solution
A releasable assembly with a latch mechanism and a running tool that uses fluid flow rate changes to secure and release the assembly, allowing for easy installation and retrieval by applying downward forces and controlling the latch's setting and unsetting through a collet mechanism and index mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If components are permanently fixed in the outer housing, then structural stability is improved, but ease of maintenance and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control device is divided into a permanent outer housing and a removable inner assembly containing components like annular seals and bearing assemblies. This segmentation allows the inner assembly to be extracted and replaced without disturbing the outer housing, thereby maintaining structural stability while enabling easy maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner assembly containing wear-prone components is designed to be completely extractable from the outer housing through a access port. This extraction capability allows maintenance personnel to remove and replace components such as annular seals and bearing assemblies without disassembling the entire device, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and ease of repair.
2Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used to secure components, then reliability of component retention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is actuated by hydraulic pressure transmitted through fluid flow rate changes, replacing complex mechanical linkages with a fluid-powered actuation system. This reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining reliable locking and unlocking functions for securing the inner assembly in the outer housing.
Solution Approach 2:
A hydraulic actuator uses fluid pressure to move the latch between locked and unlocked positions. By controlling fluid flow rate, the system can reliably secure or release the inner assembly without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms, thus improving reliability while minimizing device complexity.
3Device complexity
If manual installation methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and installation efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses hydraulic pressure from the existing well control operations to automatically actuate the latch mechanism and secure components. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional manual operations or complex installation tools, maintaining simple device design while significantly improving installation and retrieval efficiency.
4Reliability
If the latch is constantly engaged for security, then reliability of component retention is improved, but ease of retrieval deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states dynamically in response to fluid flow rate changes. During normal operation, the latch is engaged to secure components; during maintenance operations, fluid flow rate adjustment automatically unlocks the latch, enabling easy retrieval of the inner assembly without compromising security during operation.
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 secure installation and efficient retrieval of pressure control device components, ensuring reliable well operations and facilitating maintenance without compromising the seal integrity.
Implementation Method 1
changes in a fluid flow rate through the running tool, thereby securing the running tool to the releasable assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure control device can include a releasable assembly and a latch including a piston having set and unset positions, and the releasable assembly including a release dog extendable into engagement with the latch. The piston can displace with the extended dog to the unset position. A method of retrieving a releasable assembly can include engaging a running tool with the releasable assembly, changing a fluid flow rate through the running tool, thereby securing the running tool to the releasable assembly, applying a force from the running tool to the releasable assembly, thereby extending a release dog from the releasable assembly, engaging the release dog with a latch of the pressure control device and deactivating the latch, and then retrieving the releasable assembly.