Blowout Preventer Ram Assembly Shear Connector Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blowout preventer technologies face challenges in providing an efficient and robust connection between ram blocks and ram shafts, as well as in the removal and installation of these components, which affects their performance and reliability in controlling leaks at wellsites.
Innovation Solution
A ram assembly for blowout preventers featuring a ram block with block grooves and a ram shaft with shaft grooves, connected by a removable shear connector that allows for quick installation and removal, enabling a robust and adaptable connection that can withstand deflection and equipment failures, while also providing sealing and severing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional ram blocks and ram shafts are used with permanent connections, then structural strength is maintained, but removal and installation time is excessive and operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separable components: the ram block with block grooves, the ram shaft with shaft grooves, and the shear connector. This segmentation allows the connector to be quickly removed and replaced without moving the entire ram assembly, enabling rapid component replacement while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection transitions from a permanent fixed state to a controllable variable state through the shear connector. The connector can be in a locked engaged position during operation or a disengaged position for replacement. The block grooves and shaft grooves provide multiple engagement positions that allow parameter changes in connection status without compromising structural strength when engaged.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed permanent connections are used between ram blocks and shafts, then connection strength is sufficient, but adaptability for different operational conditions and ease of maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shear connector design with complementary block grooves and shaft grooves creates a universal connection system that can accommodate different operational conditions. The same connector structure works for various ram block and shaft configurations, providing adaptability without requiring multiple specialized connection types, thus managing complexity while enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The shear connector acts as an intermediary element between the ram block and ram shaft. This mediator allows for controlled engagement and disengagement, enabling adaptability for different operational conditions (sealing mode, severing mode, maintenance mode) without directly coupling the block and shaft in a permanent fixed relationship.
3Productivity
If removable connectors are used for quick installation, then operational efficiency improves, but connection reliability and robustness under high stress deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The block grooves and shaft grooves are pre-configured in specific orientations and positions before operation. The shear connector is designed with complementary features that align with these pre-prepared grooves. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the connector is engaged, it automatically achieves proper alignment and load distribution, maintaining reliability while enabling quick installation through the handle mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from static permanent connections to a dynamic controllable connection. The shear connector can be engaged or disengaged based on operational needs, and the grooves provide dynamic alignment during engagement. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain robust connections when needed while enabling quick changes when operational conditions require it.
Data Source
AI summary
The techniques herein relate to a ram assembly for a blowout preventer for receiving a tubular of a wellbore. The ram assembly includes a ram block for engagement with the tubular, a ram shaft for selectively extending and retracting the ram block, and a ram connector for operatively connecting the ram shaft to the ram block. The ram block has at least one block groove. The ram shaft has a ram head with at least one shaft groove. The ram connector includes at least one shear connector correspondingly disposable in the block groove and the shaft groove whereby the ram shaft is releasably securable to the ram block.