Split Riser Lubricator for Lateral Tool Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lubricator systems face limitations in allowing longer tools to be run into wells due to height restrictions imposed by crane capabilities, as the combined height of the riser and tool must match the maximum crane height, restricting the length of tools that can be used.
Innovation Solution
A split riser system comprising two half pipes with radial extensions and a gasket allows lateral insertion of tools, reducing the required crane height and enabling longer tools to be used by forming a pressure-tight connection between the split risers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a conventional single-piece riser is used, then the tool can be run into the well vertically, but the crane height must be sufficient to accommodate the combined length of the riser and tool
Solution Approach 1:
The riser is divided into two separate half-pipe sections (first and second split risers) that can be assembled laterally. This segmentation allows the tool to be inserted horizontally into one half while the other half is positioned separately, eliminating the need for the crane to lift the entire assembled length vertically. The tool length is no longer constrained by crane height capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly operation transitions from vertical dimension (traditional top-down insertion requiring full height clearance) to lateral/horizontal dimension (side-by-side assembly). The tool is inserted laterally into the first split riser, and the second split riser is attached from the side, changing the spatial dimension of the operation to bypass crane height limitations.
2Length of moving object
If the riser length is increased to accommodate longer tools, then longer tools can be used, but the crane must be taller to lift the longer assembled structure
Solution Approach 1:
The riser is segmented into two modular half-pipe sections with standardized mating surfaces. This segmentation allows the riser to be assembled in a lateral configuration where the tool is inserted horizontally, enabling longer tool lengths without requiring proportionally taller cranes. The modular design manages the increased complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning from vertical to lateral assembly, the effective working length of the riser-tool assembly is decoupled from the vertical lift height requirement. The riser can be assembled horizontally at a lower elevation, then the tool can be inserted laterally, allowing longer tools to be accommodated without increasing crane height requirements.
3Length of stationary object
If the riser is split into two sections, then lateral insertion is enabled and crane height requirements are reduced, but additional connection components (mating surfaces and gaskets) are required
Solution Approach 1:
The riser is divided into two sections with mating surfaces and gaskets designed as integral or standardized components. The first and second split risers each have radially extending portions with mating surfaces that interface through a gasket. This segmentation enables lateral insertion and reduces crane height requirements, while the connection components are managed through standardized designs that control the increase in overall complexity.
4Ease of operation
If a lateral insertion method is used, then tools can be inserted without vertical lifting, but the riser structure must be open-sided to allow access
Solution Approach 1:
The riser is segmented into two half-pipe sections that form an open-sided configuration during assembly. The first split riser has an open side to receive lateral insertion of the tool, while the second split riser is positioned to complete the enclosure. This segmentation provides ease of operation for tool insertion while managing structural complexity through the half-pipe configuration with standardized mating surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a first split riser, a second split riser, and a gasket. The first split riser includes a first half pipe having a first radial extension and a second radial extension. The first radial extension and the second radial extension have a mating surface. The second split riser includes a second half pipe having a third radial extension and a fourth radial extension. The third radial extension and the fourth radial extension have a corresponding mating surface. The gasket is installed on the mating surface of the first radial extension and the second radial extension. The gasket mates with the corresponding mating surface to form a connection between the first split riser and the second split riser.