Riser System Isolator Assembly for BOP Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oilfield riser and Blow Out Preventer (BOP) systems face limitations in isolating annulus while allowing drillpipe rotation and reciprocation, often leading to damage to the annular system and compromising safety by eliminating the backup annular BOP redundancy.
Innovation Solution
The Do More Riser System (DMRS) integrates a customizable riser adapter with a control housing that allows for annular pressure isolation and drillpipe rotation/reciprocation without eliminating the backup annular BOP redundancy, using advanced sealing technology and a thrust bearing design to minimize friction and maintain safety systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the annulus above the BOP system is isolated while permitting drillpipe rotation and reciprocation, then operational flexibility is improved, but damage to the annular system occurs and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the isolator assembly with seal pack) that mediates between the drillpipe and the annular BOP system. This intermediary allows rotation and reciprocation of the drillpipe while preventing direct contact and damage to the annular system, thus resolving the contradiction between operational flexibility and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the BOP system by introducing a separate isolator assembly that can be operated independently. This segmentation allows the annulus to be isolated without affecting the integrity of the annular BOP system, enabling operational flexibility while maintaining safety through the preserved backup annular BOP redundancy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the backup annular BOP redundancy is eliminated to isolate the annulus, then annular isolation capability is improved, but safety redundancy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator assembly acts as an intermediary device that provides annular isolation capability without requiring elimination of the backup annular BOP. The seal pack within the isolator assembly creates the necessary isolation while the backup annular BOP remains intact and functional, thus maintaining safety redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the BOP system multi-functional by enabling the isolator assembly to perform annular isolation while the backup annular BOP simultaneously maintains its safety redundancy function. This universality allows the system to achieve both annular isolation capability and safety redundancy without compromise.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a prior art system is used to isolate the annulus, then isolation capability is improved, but significant disadvantages arise due to closing one of two annular BOPs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary isolator assembly that provides isolation capability without requiring the complex operation of closing one of two annular BOPs. The seal pack within the isolator assembly creates the necessary isolation in a simpler manner, avoiding the system complexity and safety risks associated with the prior art approach.
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 DMRS enhances the functionality of riser systems by reducing damage to the annular system, maintaining safety redundancy, and meeting or exceeding existing BOP pressure ratings, enabling smooth operations with reduced friction and no obstruction to shear or blind rams.
Implementation Method 1
a seal pack that forms a seal between the drillpipe and the interior surface of the control housing
Implementation Method 2
using advanced sealing technology and a thrust bearing design to minimize friction and maintain safety systems
Data Source
AI summary
A riser system is provided to eliminate the consequences associated with damage to the annular system while also maintaining the availability of critical safety systems. The riser system may comprise a customizable control housing and external seal control subs that facilitate reciprocation and rotation of a drillpipe or workstring while eliminating damage to the upper annular blow out preventer and allowing the upper annular blow out preventer to function as intended.