Rotatable Fluid Distribution Assembly for Wellhead Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of seals in wellhead assemblies for oil and natural gas extraction is time-consuming, costly, and complex due to the numerous control lines required for hydraulic or pneumatic actuation, which increase the size, cost, and operational complexity of running tools.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable fluid distribution system with rotating blocks that supplies and vents hydraulic or pneumatic fluid to actuate wellhead components using a reduced number of control lines, allowing for sequential alignment of fluid passageways to target components, thereby reducing the number of control lines needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple control lines are used for hydraulic or pneumatic actuation of wellhead components, then the components can be actuated reliably, but the size, cost, and operational complexity of running tools increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single hydraulic or pneumatic control line is made to serve multiple functions by sequentially connecting to different actuators on different levels. The control line acts as a universal conduit that can actuate seal assembly, lock member, and other components in sequence, eliminating the need for separate dedicated control lines for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The running tool incorporates movable connection means that can dynamically change the connection configuration between the control line and different actuators. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same control line to be connected to different targets at different operational stages, enabling multi-functionality without permanent complex routing.
2Reliability
If multiple control lines are used for hydraulic or pneumatic actuation, then all components can be controlled, but the installation time becomes longer
Solution Approach 1:
The running tool is pre-configured with movable connection means and multiple actuators before deployment. The sequential actuation capability is built into the tool design, allowing rapid switching between different components without time-consuming reconfiguration during installation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A single control line performs multiple actuation functions sequentially, reducing the total number of connections that need to be made during installation. The same control line actuates the seal assembly, then the lock member, and potentially other components, eliminating the need to install and manage multiple separate control lines.
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 solution decreases the size, cost, and operational complexity of running tools by minimizing the number of control lines, simplifying setup and operation, and reducing installation time for wellhead components.
Implementation Method 1
A rotatable fluid distribution system with rotating blocks that supplies and vents hydraulic or pneumatic fluid to actuate wellhead components
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a rotatable fluid distribution system having a first block and a second block, the first block is configured to receive a supply of pressurized fluid, the second block is configured to distribute the supply of pressurized fluid to one or more actuators of a running tool, a wellhead component, or both, and the first block and the second block are configured to rotate with respect to one another about an axis to adjust which of the one or more actuators of the running tool, the wellhead component, or both, receives the supply of pressurized fluid.