Internal Lockdown Snubbing Plug for Wellhead Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snubbing operations require external fasteners to secure the snubbing plug, which complicates installation and increases the risk of leakage and integrity failures, and current methods do not effectively equalize pressure during plug insertion and removal.
Innovation Solution
An internal lockdown mechanism, such as an inner locking ring or threading, secures the snubbing plug within the wellhead component without external fasteners, and a pressure equilibration mechanism allows for fluid pathways to equalize pressure above and below the plug before removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external fasteners are used to secure the snubbing plug, then the plug can be held in place during installation, but the installation process becomes more complex and the risk of leakage and integrity failures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes external fasteners from the system entirely, extracting the complicating element that caused leakage risks. The snubbing plug is designed to be secured without any external fasteners, eliminating the interface between external fasteners and the wellhead component that could become leakage points.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is merged into the snubbing plug body itself through an internal locking mechanism. The plug integrates its own securing system within its structure, combining the plug and locking mechanism into a single unified component rather than using separate external fasteners.
2Reliability
If external fasteners are used to secure the snubbing plug, then the plug can be held in place, but the risk of leakage and integrity failures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes external fasteners from the system, eliminating the potential leakage paths that exist at the interfaces between external fasteners and the wellhead component. The securing mechanism is entirely internalized within the plug structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a radial seal that expands to create a flexible sealing barrier between the snubbing plug and the wellhead component. This flexible sealing mechanism adapts to the interface geometry and maintains leakage resistance without requiring rigid external fasteners.
3Productivity
If pressure is not equalized during plug insertion and removal, then the plug can be quickly installed and removed, but unsafe pressure differential conditions exist during operations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates pressure equalization ports that automatically equalize pressure between the interior and exterior of the snubbing plug before removal operations. This preliminary pressure equalization action prevents harmful pressure differentials from developing during plug removal while maintaining quick installation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure equalization ports serve as intermediary pathways that allow pressure to be balanced between the interior and exterior environments of the plug. These ports mediate the pressure differential issue by providing a controlled pathway for pressure equalization without compromising the sealing integrity during operation.
4Ease of operation
If an internal lockdown mechanism is used instead of external fasteners, then installation is simplified and leakage risk is reduced, but the locking mechanism must be entirely internal to the plug structure
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged into the snubbing plug body itself through an internal locking mechanism. The plug integrates its own securing system within its structure, combining the plug and locking mechanism into a single unified component, which simplifies installation by eliminating separate external fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The snubbing plug is designed to be self-securing through its internal locking mechanism, eliminating the need for external fastening operations. The plug locks itself into place within the wellhead component through its own integrated mechanism, making the installation process simpler and more reliable.
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
Simplifies the installation of the snubbing plug, reduces the risk of leakage and integrity failures, and enables safe and efficient pressure management during operations, allowing for rapid ejection and retrieval of the plug.
Implementation Method 1
A snubbing plug includes a body, a radial seal disposed about the body, and an internal lockdown mechanism. The radial seal expands radially to lock the snubbing plug into the wellhead component.
Implementation Method 2
a pressure equilibration mechanism allows for fluid pathways to equalize pressure above and below the plug before removal
Data Source
AI summary
A snubbing plug containing a body and a piston is configured to be secured within a component of a mineral extraction system by an internal locking mechanism. A fluid passage extends at least partially through the piston of the snubbing plug. The snubbing plug is configured to selectively open the fluid passage during installation or removal of the snubbing plug.