Remotely Actuated Cement Head for Top Drive Rig Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cement heads used in oil and gas well cementing operations are cumbersome and require manual actuation, posing safety risks due to the need for personnel to be lifted overhead, and are difficult to disassemble for maintenance or component access, necessitating specialized equipment and personnel.
Innovation Solution
A cement head apparatus with a swivel mechanism, remotely actuated valves, and interrupted screw connections that allows for safe remote operation, efficient connection/disconnection, and easy access to internal components, reducing the need for overhead lifting and specialized equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cement heads are used with manual actuation, then operational simplicity is maintained, but safety risks increase due to the need for personnel to be lifted overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical actuation with a remotely actuated system. The cement head incorporates a remotely operated valve mechanism that can be controlled from the rig floor using hydraulic or pneumatic lines, eliminating the need for personnel to physically access overhead components while maintaining full operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system between the operator and the cement head components. Remote actuation mechanisms with control lines serve as intermediaries, allowing the operator to control valve operation and component actuation from a safe distance without direct physical contact with overhead equipment.
2Ease of repair
If conventional cement heads are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but ease of disassembly for maintenance deteriorates due to the need for specialized equipment and personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cement head into modular segments or components that can be independently accessed and removed. The design incorporates separable sections with standardized connection interfaces, allowing maintenance personnel to disassemble and service individual components without requiring specialized equipment or complete disassembly of the entire cement head assembly.
3Productivity
If conventional cement heads are used, then component access is achieved, but operational efficiency deteriorates due to the need for overhead personnel and specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual overhead access with remote actuation systems. Components that require access are equipped with remote-operated mechanisms controlled from the rig floor, eliminating the need for personnel to be positioned overhead and thereby improving operational efficiency while maintaining full access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary control mechanisms that enable component operation from the rig floor. Hydraulic or pneumatic actuating lines serve as intermediaries, allowing operators to control cement head functions without direct overhead access, thereby improving productivity while maintaining operational capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A remotely operated lifting top drive cement head is provided having a high tensile strength, as well as the ability to swivel or rotate about a central vertical axis. The cement head permits selective launching of darts, setting plugs, balls or other objects which can be held in place within the cement head without being damaged or washed away by slurry flow, but which can be beneficially launched into said slurry flow at desired point(s) during the cementing process. The internal components of the cement head can be easily accessed using interrupted thread connections that can be quickly and easy connected and disconnected in the field without requiring specialized equipment. The cement head can be rigged up and remotely operated without requiring the lifting of personnel off the rig floor to actuate the tool or observe tool status.