Portable Skid Mast Assembly for Offshore Plug and Abandon Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for removing and handling tubular casing in well bore operations during plug and abandon procedures are inefficient and labor-intensive, particularly due to the difficulty in aligning and cutting holes for lifting bars, which requires extensive manual effort and time, especially in confined offshore spaces where space and equipment limitations exist.
Innovation Solution
A portable, horizontally oriented skid with a vertically oriented, extendable and retractable mast assembly that supports power swivels and other tools, allowing for simultaneous drilling from both sides and enabling efficient removal and handling of tubular casing without the need for extensive setup or alignment, utilizing fully enclosed hydraulic rams and a pivotal swivel crane for enhanced operational flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual methods are used to drill holes and remove tubular casing, then operational flexibility is maintained, but time consumption and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the casing removal operation into modular segments: positioning the mast assembly, extending/retracting columns, drilling holes from both sides simultaneously, inserting lifting bars, and cutting sections. This segmentation allows each operation to be optimized independently and performed more efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The mast assembly is pre-positioned on the skid at the correct location before drilling operations begin. The drilling apparatus is pre-configured to drill from both sides simultaneously, and the lifting bar insertion points are pre-determined, eliminating time-consuming on-site measurements and alignments.
2Manufacturing precision
If simultaneous drilling from both sides is implemented, then hole alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mast assembly serves multiple functions: it positions drilling apparatus, supports lifting bars, enables mast extension/retraction, and provides structural stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment, thereby managing complexity while achieving precise simultaneous drilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The mast assembly incorporates extendable and retractable columns that can dynamically adjust their position and length. This dynamic capability allows the structure to adapt to different drilling depths and configurations, maintaining precision while managing structural complexity through movable rather than fixed components.
3Ease of operation
If portable skid with mast assembly is used, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mast assembly is merged with the portable skid base, creating an integrated unit that combines the stability of a fixed structure with the portability of mobile equipment. This integration ensures that the mast assembly maintains structural stability while being easy to position and operate in confined offshore spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The skid base acts as an intermediary between the portable mast assembly and the offshore platform or wellhead. It provides a stable foundation that transfers loads effectively while maintaining the overall portability and ease of operation of the system in confined spaces.
4Productivity
If fully enclosed hydraulic rams are used for mast extension, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Fully enclosed hydraulic rams are used to extend and retract the mast columns, providing controlled, rapid, and reliable movement. The hydraulic system delivers high force with precise control, enabling efficient mast operation while the enclosed design protects the components and simplifies the overall structure.
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
This solution significantly reduces the time and effort required for casing removal and handling, providing a more efficient and certain method for plug and abandon operations, even in space-constrained offshore environments, by enabling simultaneous drilling and supporting a range of downhole tools and operations.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing fully enclosed hydraulic rams
Data Source
AI summary
A portable frame assembly having a skid assembly for supporting a vertically oriented mast assembly is disclosed. The mast assembly is comprised of at least two column assemblies that may be extended or retracted vertically as desired. The mast assembly is translatable to slide horizontally on the skid assembly without the need for tracks or rollers by means of powered actuators to allow for a desired placement of the mast assembly. The portable frame assembly may be positioned adjacent a wellhead for the purpose of performing plug and abandon operations and may include a power swivel and other such hydraulic or mechanical tools for performing a variety of operations on a well including removing and plugging well casing strings, milling pipe strings, cement drilling, removing wellhead assemblies, or setting and pulling plugs from pipe strings.