Drilling Riser Pump Module Coupling for Pipe Collapse Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pump systems for wellbore drilling face issues with the collapse of the first pump pipe due to differential pressure between the hydrostatic pressure of the water and the internal pressure of the pump pipe, particularly when the pipe is made of flexible materials like rubber hose, which can lead to pressure maintenance challenges in the wellbore.
Innovation Solution
A pump module is designed to be mounted directly to a segment of the drilling riser, eliminating the need for a lengthy first pump pipe by creating a fluid-tight hydraulic connection between the pump module and the riser segment, with features such as locking pins and a modified blowout preventer cart for secure mounting and pressure management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lengthy first pump pipe is used to connect the pump to the riser, then the pump can be positioned at a distance from the riser, but the pipe is prone to collapse due to differential pressure between hydrostatic pressure and internal pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the lengthy first pump pipe from the system by directly coupling the pump module to the riser segment. The pump module includes a pump body with an inlet directly connected to the riser segment's fluid outlet, removing the intermediate flexible pipe that was prone to collapse under differential pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump module is merged directly with the riser segment through a fluid-tight coupling mechanism. The pump body's inlet is directly connected to the riser segment's fluid outlet, creating an integrated assembly that eliminates the separate pump pipe and its associated collapse problems.
2Reliability
If the pump module is mounted directly to the riser segment, then pipe collapse is prevented, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is segmented into distinct functional components: a frame structure for support, locking pins for mechanical attachment, and a blowout preventer cart for pressure control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while contributing to an overall modular assembly that is relatively simple to implement.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the pump, positions the pump relative to the riser segment, and integrates with the locking pins and blowout preventer cart. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby simplifying the overall mounting structure.
3Reliability
If the pump module is securely mounted to the riser, then pressure control is improved, but the lateral stresses on the riser increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is configured to evenly distribute the weight of the pump module around the riser segment. By positioning support points at multiple locations and using the blowout preventer cart as an additional support, the system counterbalances the pump module's weight, preventing concentrated lateral stresses on the riser while maintaining secure mounting for pressure control.
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
This configuration reduces the risk of pump pipe collapse and allows for efficient pressure control in the wellbore by evenly distributing the weight of the pump module around the riser, thereby minimizing lateral stresses and maintaining a stable pressure environment.
Implementation Method 1
creating a fluid-tight hydraulic connection between the pump module and the riser segment
Implementation Method 2
evenly distributing the weight of the pump module around the riser, thereby minimizing lateral stresses and maintaining a stable pressure environment
Data Source
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AI summary
A pump module for a drilling riser includes at least one pump mounted to a frame, the frame including features to couple the frame to a segment of riser. A fluid inlet is affixed to the frame. The fluid inlet is in fluid communication with an intake of the at least one pump. The fluid inlet has features to make fluid tight hydraulic connection to a fluid outlet of the riser segment when the frame is coupled thereto.