Self-Sealing Chemical Injection Coupling for Drilling Fluid Contamination

Solution Overview

Problem

Chemical injection lines in mineral extraction systems face contamination and pressure issues due to heavy drilling fluid and downhole pressure, risking environmental damage and costly control measures when not properly sealed during disengagement.

Innovation Solution

A self-sealing chemical injection line coupling system using stab-style couplers with poppet valves and sealing mechanisms that automatically block heavy drilling fluid and mineral fluids from entering or escaping, ensuring fluid containment and preventing contamination, even under high pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If control lines are disengaged to remove running tool or christmas tree, then ease of operation is improved, but contamination from heavy drilling fluid enters the control lines worsening reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling assembly automatically seals itself during disengagement without requiring external intervention. The poppet valve and sealing plug self-actuate to close fluid passages when the coupling is pulled apart, preventing drilling fluid contamination while allowing easy removal of equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing mechanism is pre-positioned within the coupling assembly, with the poppet valve and sealing plug ready to engage. When disengagement occurs, the sealing action happens automatically at the moment of separation, preventing contamination before it can enter the control lines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If control lines are engaged to maintain fluid path integrity, then reliability is improved, but pressure from hydrostatic head or well control operations enters the fluid control system worsening object-affected harmful factors

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidpressure contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling assembly automatically prevents pressure ingress during engagement. The poppet valve and sealing plug self-actuate to close off fluid passages when the coupling is pushed together, blocking hydrostatic head pressure and well control pressures from entering the chemical injection lines while maintaining operational integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure differential that could cause contamination is converted into a sealing force. The pressure from hydrostatic head or well control operations acts against the poppet valve, forcing it to seal tighter against the sealing plug, thereby using the harmful pressure to enhance the sealing action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If stab-style couplers with poppet valves are used, then automatic sealing capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic sealing capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling assembly automatically seals itself during disengagement without requiring external intervention. The poppet valve and sealing plug self-actuate to close fluid passages when the coupling is pulled apart, preventing drilling fluid contamination while allowing easy removal of equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing mechanism is pre-positioned within the coupling assembly, with the poppet valve and sealing plug ready to engage. When disengagement occurs, the sealing action happens automatically at the moment of separation, preventing contamination before it can enter the control lines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Effectively prevents contamination and fluid leakage, maintaining the integrity of chemical injection lines and reducing environmental risks and operational costs by automatically sealing the lines during disengagement and maintaining closure under high pressure conditions.

Implementation Method 1

it is desirable to block that pressure from entering the fluid control system or downhole control lines if the control lines are engaged or disengaged

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

A self-sealing chemical injection line coupling system using stab-style couplers with poppet valves and sealing plugs, automatically blocking heavy drilling fluid and mineral fluids from entering or escaping

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical sealing: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS8631862B2Self-sealing chemical injection line coupling

Publication Date: 2014.01.21 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A chemical injection line connector includes first and second couplings configured to automatically seal shut when the members are disengaged. A method for blocking contamination or pressure transfer of chemical injection lines includes securing first and second couplings to corresponding ends of a chemical injection line and automatically sealing the couplings shut when the couplings are disengaged.