Ram Block Inner Seal Assembly High Pressure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blowout preventer (BOP) inner seals fail to withstand high wellbore pressures, leading to premature deformation and reduced lifespan, as the force applied by actuators causes metal plates to spread apart, compromising the seal and requiring frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
A ram block inner seal assembly featuring a solid metal core member with a peripheral groove and an elastomeric peripheral member that matches the groove's profile, providing enhanced strength and sealing capabilities while reducing the amount of elastomeric material needed, thereby maintaining a consistent seal under high pressures and extending the seal's cycle life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If higher force is applied to the rubber block to seal off high wellbore pressures, then the sealing capability is improved, but the rubber block spreads apart forcing the metal plates apart thereby deforming the interior of the ram block
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the inner seal into two separate components: a reusable metal core member and a replaceable elastomeric seal member. This segmentation allows the metal core to bear the structural load and guide the seal, while the elastomeric portion provides the sealing function without being subjected to forces that would cause spreading or deformation of the metal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the sealing function from the metal block structure by introducing a separate elastomeric seal member. This elastomeric component is specifically designed to provide the necessary sealing capability through its material properties, while the metal core member provides guidance and structural support without being compromised by the high forces required for sealing.
2Reliability
If higher force is applied to the rubber block to seal off high wellbore pressures, then the sealing capability is improved, but the inner seals have only about a 3 pressure cycle lifespan when used at or near their maximum working pressure rating
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the inner seal into two separate components: a reusable metal core member and a replaceable elastomeric seal member. This segmentation allows the metal core to bear the structural load and guide the seal, while the elastomeric portion provides the sealing function without being subjected to forces that would cause spreading or deformation of the metal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the design parameters by introducing a dedicated guide structure that maintains proper alignment and positioning of the elastomeric seal during pressure cycles. This guidance system prevents excessive deformation and stress concentration, thereby extending the service life of the elastomeric material even when operating at maximum working pressures.
3Quantity of substance
If a block of rubber is used as the inner seal, then the sealing function is provided, but the amount of expensive elastomeric material can be reduced by using a peripheral member design
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional bulk rubber block with a thin-walled elastomeric seal member that has a specific cross-sectional profile. This elastomeric component is designed to flex and deform under pressure to provide sealing, while the thin-walled construction significantly reduces the amount of elastomeric material required compared to a solid rubber block design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure combining a metal core member with an elastomeric seal member. The metal core provides structural strength, guidance, and positioning, while the elastomeric portion provides the sealing function. This composite design allows for optimized material usage, where each material is used in the quantity and form best suited for its specific function.
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
The design effectively withstands high forces, maintains a reliable seal across a greater number of pressure cycles, and reduces manufacturing costs by minimizing the use of expensive elastomeric material, addressing the limitations of conventional BOP inner seals.
Implementation Method 1
the rubber of the inner seal extends past the periphery of the metal plates on all sides, so that it can generate a seal on its outer surface(s). When compressed the rubber block is deformed around any tubular that may be within the BOP
Implementation Method 2
The core member further comprises a peripheral groove on at least the front and side faces, the peripheral groove having a cross-sectional profile. The peripheral member further comprises an energizing section that has a cross-sectional profile which substantially matches the cross-sectional profile of the peripheral groove.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect there is provided a ram block inner seal assembly comprising a core member having a top face, a bottom face, a front face, a rear face, and two side faces. A connector portion connects the top and bottom faces. A peripheral member surrounds the front, rear and side faces. The core member further comprises a peripheral groove on at least the front and side faces, the peripheral groove having a cross-sectional profile. The peripheral member further comprises an energizing section that has a cross-sectional profile which substantially matches the cross-sectional profile of the peripheral groove.