Running Tool for RCD Bearing Assembly Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling technologies face challenges in efficiently installing and retrieving bearing assemblies in rotating control devices (RCDs) during offshore drilling operations, often requiring disassembly of the entire RCD assembly and involving complex and costly procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of running tools with radially compressible gripping elements that can be inserted through risers or casings to securely engage and manipulate bearing assemblies within RCDs, allowing for both installation and retrieval without disassembling the RCD, utilizing a combination of collets and breakable retention mechanisms for secure grip and axial movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional methods are used to install or retrieve bearing assemblies in RCDs, then the bearing assembly can be replaced, but the entire RCD assembly must be disassembled and complex procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The running tool is divided into separate functional components: a gripping element with collets for engaging the bearing assembly, a retention mechanism for securing the gripping element, and a delivery system for transporting the tool through the riser. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling bearing assembly replacement without disassembling the entire RCD.
Solution Approach 2:
The running tool acts as an intermediary device that is introduced through the riser to manipulate the bearing assembly from within the RCD. This intermediary tool eliminates the need for direct access to the RCD internals, allowing bearing assembly installation and retrieval without disassembling the RCD housing or other critical components.
2Ease of repair
If the RCD assembly is disassembled for bearing maintenance, then the bearing can be accessed, but operational downtime increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly is pre-positioned on the running tool with the gripping element engaged before insertion into the RCD. This preliminary preparation allows the bearing assembly to be quickly installed or retrieved in a single operational sequence, eliminating the need for time-consuming disassembly and reassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The running tool with its gripping element and retention mechanism is designed to self-secure the bearing assembly during transport and manipulation. The breakable retention mechanism automatically releases when appropriate forces are applied, allowing the bearing assembly to be serviced without requiring complex external equipment or extensive manual operations.
3Strength
If a secure grip on the bearing assembly is achieved, then the bearing can be manipulated, but the gripping mechanism must be strong enough to withstand axial forces
Solution Approach 1:
The collets are designed to change their radial dimension under axial loading, expanding to grip the bearing assembly securely. This parameter change allows the gripping mechanism to adapt to the bearing assembly geometry and maintain a secure hold during manipulation without requiring overly complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism transitions from a locked state during insertion and gripping to a released state during bearing assembly manipulation. The breakable retention mechanism dynamically responds to applied forces, breaking at a predetermined point to release the gripping element, thereby simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining sufficient strength during critical operations.
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 efficient and cost-effective installation and retrieval of bearing assemblies, reducing the need for extensive disassembly and maintenance, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing downtime in offshore drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
compressing the gripping portion radially inward to pass through an inner diameter of a distal end of the bearing assembly
Implementation Method 2
expanding the gripping portion radially outward to engage with a lip of the bearing assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A tool has an elongated body having an outer surface, a first recess formed at a first axial position along the outer surface, and a second recess formed at a second axial position along the outer surface. The tool also includes a gripping element that has a plurality of collets at a gripping portion of the gripping element and a retention end. A retention mechanism axially retains the retention end of the gripping element within an axial length along the body to allow the plurality of collets to overlap with the first axial position and the second axial position of the body.