Rotating Control Device Latch With Fluid Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch systems in oilfield equipment tend to jam, stick, or become lodged, leading to equipment damage and increased rig time for repairs, necessitating a more efficient latching and unlatching mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A latch apparatus with a housing containing a movable latch member, driven by first and second actuators to engage and disengage with oilfield equipment, featuring slots for fluid passage to relieve pressure and debris, and sensors to monitor position, ensuring reliable engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a latch system is used to secure oilfield equipment, then the equipment is held firmly in place, but the latch tends to jam, stick, or become lodged in the engaged position
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member is designed to move between a radially engaged position and a radially retracted position, transitioning from a static engaged state to a dynamic system that can actively disengage. The actuator mechanisms enable the latch to dynamically adjust its position, preventing it from becoming permanently stuck in the engaged position while maintaining firm engagement when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Fluid pressure is introduced as an intermediary mechanism to move the latch member between engaged and retracted positions. The fluid pressure system acts as a mediator that can reliably control latch movement without direct mechanical contact, reducing the tendency to jam or stick while maintaining secure engagement when pressurized.
2Strength
If the latch is designed to engage firmly with the equipment, then secure latching is achieved, but equipment damage and rig time loss occur when the latch jams
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates actuators that can automatically retract the latch member from the engaged position, enabling self-release functionality. When fluid pressure is applied, the actuator actively pulls the latch back, allowing the system to self-correct engagement issues without requiring manual intervention or repair, thereby preventing equipment damage and reducing rig time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator mechanism is pre-configured to apply force to the latch member, enabling it to be actively retracted from the engaged position before damage can occur. This preliminary capability to actively disengage prevents the escalation of jammed latch conditions into equipment damage, allowing for easier maintenance and faster repair cycles.
3Device complexity
If traditional latch mechanisms are used, then simple structure is maintained, but inefficient latching and unlatching operations occur
Solution Approach 1:
Fluid pressure systems are integrated into the latch mechanism to provide automated engagement and disengagement capabilities. The hydraulic or pneumatic actuators efficiently move the latch member between positions with controlled force, significantly improving latching operation speed and reliability while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure through the use of standard fluid power components.
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 efficient and reliable latching and unlatching of oilfield equipment, reducing the risk of damage and downtime by ensuring smooth operation and easy release, even when stuck, through the use of actuators and fluid pressure control.
Implementation Method 1
The housing defines at least one slot formed across the top and/or bottom of the opening, the at least one slot being arranged to allow fluids to pass therethrough while the latch member travels between the radially engaged position and the radially retracted position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A latch and method for use is provided for latching an item of oilfield equipment. The latch has a housing (200) containing a latch member (116), and the latch member is movable between a radially engaged position in which it is engaged with the item of oilfield equipment, and a radially retracted position in which it is disengaged from the item of oilfield equipment. An actuator (118,224) is configured to drive the latch member into the radially engaged position. A second actuator (118,226) is configured to drive the latch member(116) toward the radially retracted position. The housing defines at least one slot (220), the at least one slot being arranged to allow fluids to pass therethrough while the latch member travels between the radially engaged position and the radially retracted position