Seal Bore Protector for RCD Inner Surface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rotating control devices (RCDs) in oil and gas operations often lack sufficient space for inserting additional components, and removing the rotating bearing assembly exposes the inner surface to potential damage, necessitating protection during component deployment.
Innovation Solution
A seal bore protector is introduced, featuring elastomeric sealing elements that expand under hydraulic pressure to secure the protector in place, providing increased clearance and protecting the inner surface of the RCD from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the rotating bearing assembly is removed to provide space for inserting additional components, then the clearance space is improved, but the inner surface of the RCD becomes exposed to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
A seal bore protector is introduced as an intermediary component that temporarily replaces the rotating bearing assembly. This protector features a friction reduction system that prevents damage to the inner surface of the RCD while allowing safe passage of components through the wellbore, thus mediating between the need for clearance space and the need to protect the inner surface
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a seal bore protector is installed to protect the inner surface, then the protection from damage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction reduction system is extracted as a separate, removable feature that can be installed on the seal bore protector without permanently modifying the RCD. This allows the protection function to be added temporarily only when needed, rather than increasing the permanent complexity of the RCD assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The seal bore protector with friction reduction system is designed as a temporary, disposable component that is installed only during operations when additional components need to be inserted. After serving its protective purpose, it can be removed and discarded, allowing the RCD to return to its original simple configuration for subsequent normal 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
The seal bore protector ensures safe passage of larger components through the RCD while safeguarding the inner surface from wear and damage, enhancing operational efficiency and safety during well operations.
Implementation Method 1
elastomeric sealing elements that expand under hydraulic pressure to secure the protector in place
Implementation Method 2
elastomeric sealing elements that expand under hydraulic pressure
Implementation Method 3
The seal bore protector also includes a friction reduction system that facilitates the safe passage of components through the RCD
Data Source
AI summary
A seal bore protector for protecting a seal bore of a rotating control device (RCD) is provided. The seal bore protector includes a cylindrical body, a throughbore extending through the cylindrical body, and a sealing element disposed around an external surface of the cylindrical body. The sealing element includes a first sealing ring, a second sealing ring, and a sealed area between the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring. The sealed area is fluidly coupled with a port when the seal bore protector is installed in the rotating control device.