Rotating Diverter Head Remote Clamping System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotating diverter heads in oilfield drilling require complex bolted retention systems for the bearing assembly, which are difficult to operate safely and efficiently, especially under pressure, and often result in accidental releases due to human error.
Innovation Solution
A dual actuated clamp system with remote-controlled retention pins and a linear motion mechanism, combined with a control panel for safe operation, ensures positive locking and prevents accidental releases, using guide rails for precise movement and hydraulic actuators for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a bolted retention system is used to secure the bearing assembly, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the operation complexity increases and safety decreases due to human error potential
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual bolted retention system with a hydraulic actuation system that uses fluid pressure to secure and release the bearing assembly. This substitution eliminates the need for manual bolt manipulation, reducing human error while maintaining secure connection through hydraulic force applied to clamp the bearing assembly between stationary and movable clamp members.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic actuation system where hydraulic fluid is directed to movable clamp members to generate clamping force. The hydraulic system provides controlled, consistent force application that secures the bearing assembly reliably while allowing easy release through pressure reduction, thereby improving both connection strength and operational safety.
2Reliability
If a complex bolted retention system is used, then the bearing assembly is securely retained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple bolts and retention elements into a single integrated hydraulic actuation system. The movable clamp members, when actuated hydraulically, simultaneously engage multiple points on the bearing assembly, providing reliable retention through a unified mechanism rather than multiple separate fastening elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical bolted system is replaced with a hydraulic actuation mechanism that uses fluid pressure to achieve the same retention function with fewer moving parts. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving retention reliability through the inherent stability of hydraulic force application.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual operation of the retention system is used, then the system is simple to construct, but the operational efficiency decreases under pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hydraulic actuation system that replaces manual operation with automated hydraulic control. Hydraulic fluid directed to movable clamp members provides powerful, consistent clamping force that secures the bearing assembly quickly and reliably, even under high-pressure drilling conditions where manual operation would be difficult or unsafe.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operation is replaced with hydraulic actuation, which provides amplified force and more precise control. This substitution enables rapid securing and release of the bearing assembly, significantly improving operational efficiency while the modular design keeps the overall system relatively simple to manufacture.
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 system provides a safer, more efficient, and user-friendly method for securing the bearing assembly, reducing the risk of accidental releases and improving operational safety and efficiency by allowing remote control of the clamping mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
A second hydraulic circuit runs from the control panel to the pin actuator for powering the pin actuator from the remote location to move the locking pin between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration
Implementation Method 2
A first hydraulic circuit runs from the control panel to the clamp actuator for powering the clamp actuator from the remote location to move the clamp segments between an open configuration and a closed configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating control device is disclosed for the use of oil, gas or geothermal wells. While providing for sealing with or without rotation of the drill pipe, the device consists of a housing with guide rails attached beneath the two part dual actuated clamp that can be locked in place by remote controlled retention pins. The design has a novel adapter design enabling a common RCD bearing assembly to be installed in a variety of different housing sizes.