Robot Launch Tube Sealing for Pressurized Duct Unblocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for unblocking oil exploration tubing, such as heating or using chemical products, are expensive and unreliable, and the insertion of semi-autonomous robots with umbilical cables into blocked ducts is hindered by pressure differentials and equipment incompatibilities, posing safety risks due to the risk of explosions and fluid pressure control issues.
Innovation Solution
A launching and retrieval system with a flexible, inclined tube structure using labyrinth-type seals and BOP valves to manage pressure and fluid flow, allowing safe insertion and removal of robots with umbilical cables while maintaining sealing integrity and preventing oxygen ingress, and incorporating inertization and cleaning mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a robot with an umbilical cable is inserted into blocked tubing using existing pig-launching systems, then the robot can be deployed for inspection and unblocking operations, but the system requires major adaptations and is incompatible with most existing platforms that lack pig launchers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized launching system that acts as an intermediary device between the robot and the tubing. This system includes a launching tube with sealing mechanisms and pressure control systems that enable robot deployment without requiring modifications to existing platform infrastructure, thus resolving the incompatibility issue while maintaining deployment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The launching system is divided into separate functional modules including the launching tube, sealing mechanisms, pressure control systems, and retrieval mechanisms. This segmentation allows the system to be deployed as a standalone unit on existing platforms without requiring major adaptations to the platform itself
2Force
If the tubing is pressurized to push the robot through blocked ducts, then the robot can overcome obstructions, but the pressure differential creates safety risks including potential explosions and uncontrolled fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The launching system incorporates inertization mechanisms that fill the launching tube and surrounding areas with inert gas before robot deployment. This creates a safe atmosphere that prevents explosions even when high pressures are applied to propel the robot through blocked ducts
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions including sealing the launching tube, inertizing the environment, and controlling pressure buildup before robot insertion. These preliminary measures ensure that when pressure is applied to move the robot, safety risks are already mitigated
Solution Approach 3:
The pressure control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor pressure levels and adjust the pressure differential applied to the robot. This prevents excessive pressure buildup that could lead to uncontrolled fluid flow or safety incidents while still providing sufficient force to overcome blockages
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the umbilical cable is sealed around its circumference to maintain an oxygen-free environment, then explosion risks are reduced, but the cable entry creates pressure buildup that resists robot movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts or removes the umbilical cable from the sealed environment after robot deployment. The cable is initially allowed to pass through the sealing mechanism during insertion, then the seal is re-established around the cable or the cable is removed entirely, eliminating the pressure resistance while maintaining the oxygen-free environment for safety
4Object-affected harmful factors
If BOP valves are used to control ascending flows and restrict pressure, then safety is improved by preventing uncontrolled fluid flow, but the valve structure and operation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The BOP valves are designed to operate automatically based on pre-set pressure thresholds and flow conditions. The system self-regulates by opening or closing valves in response to detected pressure changes, reducing the need for complex manual control systems while maintaining high safety standards for fluid flow management
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 reliable deployment and retrieval of robots in blocked oil exploration tubing, ensuring safety by controlling pressure and preventing explosions, while maintaining sealing integrity and facilitating cleaning of the robotic system.
Implementation Method 1
A launching and retrieval system with a flexible, inclined tube structure using labyrinth-type seals and BOP valves to manage pressure and fluid flow, allowing safe insertion and removal of robots with umbilical cables while maintaining sealing integrity and preventing oxygen ingress
Implementation Method 2
A robot launcher and extractor, with a BOP valve to control and restrict flows from the well
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for launching robots for use in oil and gas production wells, comprising a supporting structure (2), on which robot-launching tubing (4) is arranged; a dynamic seal (12) attached to the inlet end of the robot-launching tubing (4), which seals off the umbilical cable (8); an annular BOP valve (3) to restrict upward flow; and a ram BOP valve (7) at the other end of the tubing (4), to restrict upward flow and having a large enough opening to allow the robot to pass through, sealing off the umbilical cable (8). The system can be detached from the duct, used for transporting the robot, it can be flexible in terms of different configurations, and it can have a system that allows inertization of blocked lines. The present invention is used for introducing robots that operate internally in flexible and rigid ducts, with it being necessary to connect the tubing system to the equipment developed. Once connected, and by operating the valves of the system, it is possible to introduce the robot into the tubing.