Remote Hydraulic Clamp for Rotating Control Device Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotating control devices require human presence in hazardous proximity for maintenance and replacement of bearings and seals, posing safety risks, especially in offshore operations where conditions like wave action and swinging cables complicate human activity.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operable clamp device using fluid pressure lines to clamp and unclamp the rotating control device, eliminating the need for human activity in close proximity by employing a piston that displaces in response to pressure differentials, allowing for remote operation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional rotating control devices are used, then maintenance and replacement of bearings and seals can be performed, but human presence is required in close proximity which creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated clamp device that uses fluid pressure (hydraulic or pneumatic system) to clamp and unclamp the rotating control device. The clamp device includes a piston that moves in response to pressure differentials, eliminating the need for human presence near the hazardous area during maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a clamp device as an intermediary mechanism between the maintenance personnel and the rotating control device. The clamp device can be remotely operated to secure or release the rotating control device, allowing maintenance to be performed without direct human exposure to the hazardous environment.
2Productivity
If human activity is required in close proximity to the rotating control device, then direct control and maintenance can be performed, but operational efficiency is reduced due to safety constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated fluid-pressure-based clamp device that can be operated remotely. This substitution enables faster maintenance operations without the constraints of human safety requirements, thereby improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp device is designed to be self-operating through fluid pressure differentials. The piston automatically moves to clamp or unclamp positions in response to pressure changes, eliminating the need for continuous human intervention and improving operational efficiency.
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 safe and efficient maintenance and replacement of bearings and seals without human presence near the rotating control device, enhancing safety and operational efficiency in both offshore and land-based environments.
Implementation Method 1
A remotely operable clamp device using fluid pressure lines to clamp and unclamp the rotating control device, eliminating the need for human activity in close proximity by employing a piston that displaces in response to pressure differentials
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating control device can include a housing assembly, a body and a clamp device which releasably secures the housing assembly to the body. The clamp device can include a piston which radially displaces a clamp section. A well system can include a rotating control device which includes at least one seal which seals off an annulus between a body of the rotating control device and a tubular string which extends longitudinally through the rotating control device. The rotating control device can also include a piston which displaces longitudinally and selectively clamps and unclamps a housing assembly to the body.