RCD Closure Collet Clamp for Fast Leak-Resistant Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating control devices (RCDs) for managed pressure drilling in the oil and gas industry face challenges with clamping mechanisms that are difficult to install, prone to leaks, and require additional equipment and space, compromising safety and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A novel clamping mechanism featuring a closure collet with outward and inward protruding shoulders, flexible fingers, and a collet lock ring that securely fits around the body's outer edge, allowing for faster assembly and alignment without the need for hydraulics or climbing onto the BOP stack, using anti-rotation pins and tapered surfaces for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional hammer unions or flanges are used for connecting flowline hub to RCD, then connection durability is maintained, but installation time increases and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into modular components: a hub with external lugs, a clamp with internal fingers, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows for quick assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural integrity and durability during drilling operations.
2Strength
If flanges with additional machining are used, then connection strength is improved, but overall height and width of assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp structure nests around the hub body, with the locking mechanism integrating into the existing assembly geometry. This nested configuration provides a strong mechanical connection without adding significant external dimensions to the overall assembly.
3Area of stationary object
If hammer unions are used, then installation width is reduced, but reliability decreases due to ease of damage and leaking
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates flexible fingers that can elastically deform during assembly and operation, providing a resilient sealing interface that resists damage and prevents leaking while maintaining a compact width profile.
4Reliability
If flanges with precise stud installation are used, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to installation difficulty in tight areas
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp features self-aligning fingers and a self-contained locking mechanism that automatically position and secure components during assembly, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment and stud installation in tight spaces.
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 solution enables quicker and safer installation and removal of RCDs, reducing equipment requirements and operational complexity while maintaining durability, thus enhancing safety and operational efficiency in drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of spaced apart fingers extending downwardly therefrom forming a middle section and a bottom section of said collet; said fingers adapted to securely and removably fit around said outer circumferential edge of said body
Implementation Method 2
tapered surfaces for secure engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A closure arrangement for use on a rotating control device used during managed pressure drilling, said closure arrangement adapted for the installation of a bearing assembly adapted for insertion into a body, said body defining an upper circular opening and comprising an outer circumferential edge, said closure arrangement comprising:a closure collet comprising:a top section comprising an outwardly protruding shoulder and an inwardly protruding shoulder; and a plurality of spaced apart fingers extending downwardly therefrom forming a middle section and a bottom section of said collet; said fingers adapted to securely and removably fit around said outer circumferential edge of said body; anda collet lock ring adapted to slidingly move between a first position defined by the middle section of the closure collet and a second position proximate the bottom section of the closure collet; wherein, when the closure arrangement is in use, the bearing assembly is securely inserted into said body and the collet lock ring is secured around the bottom section of the closure collet.