Integrated Rotating Seal Assembly for RCD and BOP Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling systems require separate rotating control devices (RCD) and annular blowout preventers (BOP), which increase component count, operational complexity, and costs, while also failing to efficiently manage pressure and fluid flow during drilling operations, especially in challenging environments like softer sea beds.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a rotating control device (RCD) system that includes a housing, seal element, bearing assembly, and piston assembly, allowing the seal element to rotate and seal against the drill string and itself, effectively functioning as both an RCD and an annular BOP within a common housing, thereby reducing component count and operational complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate rotating control devices (RCD) and annular blowout preventers (BOP) are used, then each device can perform its specific function, but the component count increases and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the RCD and annular BOP into a single integrated device with a common housing. The seal element can function as an RCD seal when rotating with the drill string, and as a BOP seal when closed against the drill string or bore, eliminating the need for separate devices while maintaining all required functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions: it acts as both a rotating control device for sealing during drill string rotation and as an annular blowout preventer for sealing the bore when the drill string is stationary or absent. The single seal element adapts its sealing configuration based on operational requirements.
2Reliability
If separate RCD and BOP devices are used, then each device can be optimized for its specific purpose, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the RCD and BOP operations into a single device, the patent reduces the number of separate operations required. The operator controls a single seal element that can transition between RCD and BOP functions, simplifying the operational sequence and reducing complexity.
3Reliability
If separate RCD and BOP devices are used, then comprehensive pressure management can be achieved, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves comprehensive pressure management capabilities by integrating both RCD and BOP functions into one device. The common housing and seal element provide the necessary sealing capabilities for both functions, reducing component count while maintaining pressure management effectiveness.
4Reliability
If separate RCD and BOP devices are used, then each device can perform its specialized function, but the system costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration merges previously separate RCD and BOP components into a single unified device, reducing the total component count while preserving the specialized sealing functions required for both operations through the adaptable seal element design.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating control device (RCD) system includes a housing having a bore, a seal element positioned within the housing, a piston assembly supported within the housing and configured to drive the seal element to seal the bore, and a bearing assembly supported within the housing and configured to enable the seal element to rotate relative to the housing. The bearing assembly includes a first bearing section positioned between the housing and the seal element and a second bearing section positioned between a piston of the piston assembly and the seal element. The piston assembly is configured to selectively actuate the seal element into a first configuration, where the seal element extends into the bore and seals with a tubular therein, and a second configuration, where the seal element extends entirely through the bore and seals the bore without a tubular extending therein.