External Ram Position Indicator for Blowout Preventer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blowout preventer (BOP) systems struggle to accurately determine the position of ram blocks without continuous power, relying on unreliable fluid flow measurements or magnetic disturbance methods, which can be misleading due to changing fluid compositions and potential power outages.
Innovation Solution
An external indicator device is attached to the BOP, featuring a magnet system with an alignment rod and scale on the bonnet surface, allowing visual determination of the ram block's position, even when power is lost, using a detachable bonnet and visual indicators on a tail-rod extension to maintain pressure and provide clear position markers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic disturbance methods or fluid flow measurements are used to determine ram block position, then position information can be obtained, but the measurements become unreliable due to changing fluid compositions and potential power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces unreliable magnetic and fluid-based measurement systems with a purely mechanical indicator system. The ram block position is mechanically linked to an external indicator that provides direct visual feedback without requiring power or being sensitive to fluid composition changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the ram block position through an external indicator mechanism. This indicator replicates the position information in a reliable, power-independent manner that can be observed directly or through imaging systems.
2Loss of information
If continuous power is supplied to maintain position monitoring systems, then real-time position data can be obtained, but power consumption increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical indicator system is self-service in that it automatically provides position information without requiring external power input. The system uses the existing mechanical motion of the ram block to drive the indicator, eliminating the need for separate power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates powered electronic monitoring systems and replaces them with a passive mechanical indicator that provides continuous position information without energy consumption.
3Loss of information
If complex powered monitoring systems are used to track ram block position, then position information can be obtained, but system complexity increases and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic monitoring systems with a simple mechanical indicator mechanism that has no moving electronics, power requirements, or complex control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a simple visual copy of the ram position through a mechanical linkage that directly translates ram movement into indicator movement, providing position information without complex processing.
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 reliable and power-independent determination of the ram block's position, reducing uncertainty and ensuring well integrity during drilling operations, even in offshore environments where communication may fail.
Implementation Method 1
an indicator device is attached to a movable part of the blowout preventer... featuring a magnet system with an alignment rod and scale on the bonnet surface
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and blowout preventer for sealing a well. The blowout preventer includes a body having first (34) and second (36) chambers, the first chamber (34) extending substantially perpendicular to and intersecting the second chamber (36); a ram block (80) configured to move within the first chamber (34) to seal a first region of the second chamber (36) from a second region of the second chamber (36); a rod (78) connected to the ram block (80) and configured to extend along the first chamber (34); a piston (76) connected to the rod (78) and configured to move along and within the first chamber (34); a bonnet (60) configured to receive the piston (76), the bonnet (60) being detachably attached to the body; and an indicator device (62) partially mounted outside the bonnet (60) and configured to indicate a physical position of the ram block (80) within the body.