Stripper Head Multi-Stage Sealing for High Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for holding back pressure in pressurized well environments are limited to 2500 psi, which is insufficient for many operations, and lack effective sealing mechanisms to prevent pressure leaks during work-string operations.
Innovation Solution
A stripper head assembly comprising a stripper head, a stripper insert, a rubber seal, and retention pins, which uses a self-energized seal mechanism with multi-stage loading zones and a pressure trap to enhance sealing efficiency and withstand higher pressures, allowing for safe operation in pressurized environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If existing sealing systems are used, then the structure is simple, but the maximum pressure they can withstand is limited to 2500 psi
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism is divided into multiple stages with distinct loading zones. The first loading zone engages at lower pressures while the second loading zone engages at higher pressures, allowing the system to progressively handle increasing pressure levels up to and beyond 2500 psi. This segmented approach enables the complex high-pressure sealing capability to be achieved through modular, staged engagement of sealing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system incorporates dynamic elements that respond to pressure changes. The retention pins and loading zones are designed to engage and disengage based on pressure conditions, with the ability to transition between different sealing states. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to varying pressure requirements while maintaining reliable sealing.
2Reliability
If a simple seal mechanism is used, then the device complexity is low, but pressure leaks occur during work-string operations
Solution Approach 1:
The retention pins are pre-positioned and pre-loaded into the sealing mechanism before pressure application. The multi-stage loading zones are designed to engage in a predetermined sequence, with the first loading zone establishing initial sealing contact and the second loading zone providing enhanced sealing at higher pressures. This preliminary configuration ensures reliable sealing from the outset without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism is designed to self-energize under pressure, where the applied pressure automatically enhances the sealing force through the multi-stage loading zones. The retention pins and loading zones work together to create a self-reinforcing sealing action that improves reliability as pressure increases, eliminating the need for external control systems or complex actuation mechanisms.
3Stress or pressure
If higher pressure containment is achieved, then pressure holding capability exceeds 2500 psi, but the sealing mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism employs a nested structure where the second loading zone is positioned within or alongside the first loading zone. The retention pins penetrate through multiple layers and zones in a nested arrangement, with each zone contributing to the overall pressure containment. This nested configuration allows the complex multi-zone sealing structure to be compactly integrated while achieving pressure holding capability beyond 2500 psi.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism transitions from a single-plane sealing approach to a multi-dimensional staged loading system. The loading zones are arranged in sequential dimensions along the pressure path, with retention pins engaging multiple zones at different positions. This dimensional progression allows the system to handle ultra-high pressures by distributing the sealing load across multiple spatial dimensions rather than concentrating it in a single complex interface.
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
The stripper head assembly effectively holds back pressure beyond 2500 psi, ensuring secure sealing and reliable operation during work-string stripping and various wellsite operations like horizontal drill-outs and snubbing, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
said multi-stage loading zones configured to directing pressures so as to enhance the seal of said stripper rubber within said stripper head assembly
Implementation Method 2
Said stripper rubber comprises a rubber material
Implementation Method 3
Said one or more retention pins selectively slide into one or more retention apertures of said stripper head and press into a side portion of said stripper insert to hold said stripper insert and said stripper rubber within said stripper head
Data Source
AI summary
A stripper head assembly for holding back pressure while stripping work-strings in and out of pressurized well environments, wherein, the stripper head assembly comprises a stripper head, a stripper insert, a stripper rubber, and one or more retention pins. The stripper head comprises an outer portion of the stripper head assembly. The stripper head comprises, from top to bottom, a top portion, a body portion, a lower neck portion and a flange base. A portion of the stripper insert fits within a portion of the stripper rubber. A portion of the stripper rubber fits within a portion of the stripper head. A portion of one or more bolts attaches to a portion of the stripper head.