Safety Interlock for Control Line Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for clamping control lines to tubular strings at the surface of a well face challenges such as misalignment, damage from premature slip closure, and the difficulty in ensuring the control line is parallel to the tubular string during clamping, which can lead to damage and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a guide boom and a clamp boom, both pivotable and aligned with the tubular string, facilitates precise alignment and clamping of the control line, while a safety interlock system prevents slips from closing until the control line is safely positioned, using a protection tool to maintain the line away from the slips and ensure accurate alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate device with an extendable member is used to urge the control line towards the tubular string, then the control line can be brought close to the tubular string for clamping, but the device must span a significant distance from well center making precise alignment difficult and requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the extendable member device at the rig floor level (a different spatial dimension) rather than mounting it high on the derrick structure. This allows the device to work at well center while the control line is fed from a reel at elevated position, resolving the alignment issue by changing the operational dimension of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The extendable member acts as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between the control line (fed from reel) and the tubular string (at well center). It temporarily holds and positions the control line adjacent to the tubular string, enabling clamping without requiring direct connection between the reel and well center.
2Reliability
If the slips are closed to secure the tubular string during lowering, then the string can be safely deployed into the wellbore, but the slips may accidentally close and cause damage to the control line that is positioned near the tubular string
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a sensor to detect the presence of the control line near the tubular string before the slips are closed. The detection occurs in advance, allowing the system to prevent slip closure when the control line is in the dangerous zone, thereby avoiding damage before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor provides real-time feedback about the control line position to the slip control system. When the sensor detects the control line in the hazard zone, it sends a signal to prevent slip closure. This feedback loop ensures that the slips only close when it is safe to do so, eliminating the accidental damage risk.
3Measurement precision
If manual intervention is required to position the control line adjacent to the tubular string, then alignment can be achieved, but operational efficiency is reduced and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The extendable member device automatically positions and holds the control line adjacent to the tubular string without requiring manual intervention. The device self-adjusts to maintain proper positioning during the clamping operation, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle and align the control line.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated extendable member mechanism. This mechanical system automatically adjusts and maintains the control line position, substituting human operators with an automated device that provides both precision and efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A protection tool is provided to protect a control line in a safe area while one or more slips of a spider are being closed. In another embodiment, a safety interlock system is provided to prevent the closing of the slips before the control line is pulled away from the tubular string. In yet another embodiment, a safety interlock system includes a safety interlock trigger adapted to be actuated by a protection tool. The safety interlock trigger is adapted to detect the physical presence of the protection tool, and thereafter send a signal to the interlock system to enable an operator or a control mechanism to safely close the slips.