Single-Trip Annular Seal Running Tool for Wellhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing annular seals in wellhead assemblies are time-consuming and costly, requiring multiple tools and procedures, which increase complexity and operational expenses in offshore drilling and extraction operations.
Innovation Solution
A single-trip annular seal running tool that seats and locks the annular seal in a single direction, utilizing an inner and outer energizing member and a load ring to rotate and preload the seal, allowing for the annular seal to be installed and locked in a single trip from an offshore vessel to the wellhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple tools and sequential procedures are used to install the annular seal, then the seal can be properly seated and locked, but the installation time and operational cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate tools and procedures into a single integrated seal running tool that performs seating, locking, and preloading operations simultaneously. The tool integrates an energizing member, lock ring, and preload mechanism into one unified device that can be deployed in a single trip to the wellhead, eliminating the need for sequential tool operations and significantly reducing installation time while maintaining reliable seal installation
Solution Approach 2:
The seal running tool is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the installation tool and the locking mechanism. The tool includes an energizing member that seats the seal, a lock ring that prevents dislodgement, and a preload mechanism that applies initial compression. This universal tool performs all necessary functions in one operation, eliminating multiple specialized tools and reducing overall installation time and cost
2Reliability
If multiple tools are used to set and lock the annular seal, then the seal can be securely installed, but the device complexity and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate tools into a single integrated seal running tool that combines the energizing member, lock ring, and preload mechanism. This unified tool reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate tools while maintaining all necessary functions for reliable seal installation and locking in a single deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The seal running tool is designed as a universal multi-functional device that performs seating, locking, and preloading operations. The tool's design integrates multiple functions into one device, reducing the overall complexity of the installation system while ensuring reliable seal installation through its comprehensive functionality
3Ease of manufacture
If sequential tool running procedures are used, then each function can be performed separately, but the operational cost and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sequential installation procedures into a single integrated operation using the seal running tool. The tool performs energizing, locking, and preloading in one continuous operation during a single trip to the wellhead, dramatically improving installation efficiency and productivity while simplifying the overall installation procedure by eliminating multiple tool deployments
Data Source
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AI summary
A system in some embodiments includes a system, having a seal assembly, including an inner energizing ring, an outer energizing ring, a load ring disposed between the inner energizing ring and the outer energizing ring, a sealing element, and a lock ring. Further other embodiments provide a method of sealing, including rotating an inner energizing ring in a direction to move the inner energizing ring in a first axial direction to seat a seal, rotating an outer energizing ring in the direction to wedgingly engage and set a lock ring in a radial direction, and rotating a load ring in the direction to move the load ring in a second axial direction to set the lock ring.