Rotatable Cement Head with Remote Cage Launching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cementing operations in subsea oil and gas wells are complicated by the need for specialized equipment with high tensile strength and remote operation capabilities, as conventional cement heads require personnel to be lifted to access and actuate valves and launch objects, posing safety risks and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operated, rotatable cement head with a high tensile strength, capable of swiveling and featuring a flow-around cage assembly to protect objects from cement slurry, along with remote-controlled launching mechanisms and indicators for safe operation from a distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If cement head is positioned high above rig floor to provide sufficient flow capacity and tensile strength, then flow capacity and strength requirements are met, but personnel cannot easily access valves and launching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation of valves and launching mechanisms with a remote control system. Operators can actuate valves and launch objects from the rig floor without needing to physically access the high-positioned cement head, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high position for strength/flow requirements and enabling easy access for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote control system as an intermediary between the operators and the cement head components. This intermediary allows operators to control valves and launching mechanisms from a safe distance on the rig floor, eliminating the need for personnel to climb to the high-positioned cement head while maintaining full operational capability.
2Ease of operation
If personnel are hoisted to reach cement head, then access to valves is achieved, but safety risks increase due to falling and equipment damage from dropped tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of hoisting personnel with a remote control system. Operators remain on the rig floor and control cement head functions remotely, eliminating the dangerous practice of climbing to high positions and the associated risks of falling and dropping tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control system serves as an intermediary that allows operators to safely control cement head components from the rig floor without needing to physically access them at height. This eliminates the safety hazards inherent in hoisting personnel while maintaining full operational access.
3Productivity
If cement head is positioned high above rig floor, then flow capacity requirements are met, but heavy tools and equipment cannot be easily carried to operating position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual transport of heavy tools with a remote control system. Operators can control cement head functions from the rig floor without needing to physically carry heavy tools to the high-positioned cement head, eliminating the burden of transporting equipment while maintaining high flow capacity operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A method of performing cementing operations comprising: a) connecting a cement head to a top drive assembly, said cement head comprising: i) a body member having a central flow bore; ii) a cage assembly mounted within said flow bore, said cage assembly defining an internal space; iii) a droppable object releasably disposed within said internal space of said cage assembly; iv) a port extending through said body member adjacent to said cage assembly; and v) a transparent window disposed over said port adapted to permit visual observation of said droppable object disposed within said cage assembly; b) pumping cement slurry through said cement head.