Blowout Preventer Ram Packer Metal Composite Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ram packers in blowout preventers degrade at high temperatures and are susceptible to mechanical wear and erosion from high sour gas concentrations, leading to sealing failures and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A pipe ram packer assembly using a collapsible metal material, such as alloy 718, stainless steel A182, or aluminium, with anti-corrosive and heat-resistant properties, designed to withstand H2S concentrations up to 35% and temperatures above 250°C, providing a durable and chemical-resistant seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomeric or rubber material is used for ram packer, then sealing capability is improved, but material degrades at high temperature and breaks up
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure combining a metal back-up ring with an elastomeric packing material. The metal ring provides thermal stability and structural support at high temperatures, while the elastomeric material maintains sealing capability. This composite approach allows the packer to withstand temperatures where pure elastomeric materials would degrade.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from pure elastomeric to a metal-reinforced composite structure. The metal back-up ring fundamentally alters the thermal properties of the packing assembly, enabling operation at high temperatures while preserving the sealing function through the elastomeric component.
2Reliability
If elastomeric or rubber material is used for ram packer, then sealing capability is improved, but material is eroded by high sour gas concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The metal back-up ring in the composite structure provides resistance to sour gas erosion and mechanical wear, protecting the elastomeric sealing material. The metal component acts as a barrier against H2S concentration above 35%, preventing the noxious gases from permeating through eroded packing material.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal back-up ring serves as an intermediary protective layer between the harsh sour gas environment and the elastomeric sealing material. It absorbs the erosive effects of high H2S concentrations, preserving the integrity of the sealing component.
3Reliability
If elastomeric or rubber material is used for ram packer, then sealing capability is improved, but packing extrudes past upper plate into borehole
Solution Approach 1:
The metal back-up ring provides structural rigidity and containment, preventing the elastomeric packing material from extruding past the upper plate into the borehole. The composite structure maintains the sealing function while adding mechanical strength to contain the packing under pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric packing material acts as a flexible sealing element contained within the rigid metal back-up ring structure. This configuration allows the elastomer to conform to the pipe for sealing while the metal ring prevents excessive deformation and extrusion.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a ram assembly of a blowout preventer and particularly to a pipe ram front packer assembly (100) suitable for a single use, which includes a packing (110) formed of a metal material, where the metal material is sufficiently deformable to collapse around an outer periphery of a drill pipe to seal the annulus of a preventer bore.