Speed-Activated Borehole Closure Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the drilling and completion industry, there is a challenge in preventing the loss of tools and equipment downhole due to accidental drops, and existing methods for blowout prevention are limited in their ability to respond to the speed of objects and require direct contact or are only applicable during removal processes.
Innovation Solution
A tubular closure assembly that includes sensors to detect the speed of objects within a borehole, a processor to calculate the speed, and a closure system that can be activated to prevent objects from moving beyond a preset velocity, thereby preventing objects from falling further into the borehole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If slip rams of a blowout preventer are employed to assist in the prevention of lost tubulars and tools downhole, then the prevention of lost tools is improved, but the method requires contact with the tubular or tool and is limited to use during removal only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based slip ram system with a non-contact optical sensing system. Sensors detect the position and speed of tubulars/tools through optical means without physical contact, enabling the system to function during both introduction and removal operations, thus resolving the limitation of application scope while maintaining tool prevention capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that includes sensors, processors, and control panels. This intermediary system monitors object speed and triggers the closure mechanism automatically, replacing the direct mechanical action of slip rams and enabling broader application scope while maintaining reliability in preventing lost tools
2Extent of automation
If sensors and processors are added to detect and calculate object speed, then the automatic closure activation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the sensor system to serve multiple functions: detecting object presence, calculating object speed, and triggering closure activation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby achieving high automation while limiting the increase in overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the sensor output signals to detect and calculate object speed. By monitoring changes in signal parameters (such as frequency or timing) as objects pass between sensors, the system achieves automatic closure activation through relatively simple signal processing rather than complex mechanical or electronic systems
Data Source
AI summary
A tubular closure assembly responsive to speed or velocity of an object. The tubular closure assembly includes at least one sensor in operable communication with an interior of a tubular. The at least one sensor sensing an object passing a first point and then a second point within the tubular. A processor receiving an output from the at least one sensor and calculating speed of the object from the first point to the second point. A control panel receiving information from the processor and a closure system movable between an open condition and a closed condition. Activatable to the closed condition by the control panel in response to the object moving from the first point to the second point at speed faster than a preset value or at a velocity outside a preset range. Also included is a method of closing a tubular of a borehole.