Subsea Rotating Control Device Debris Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Debris from drilling operations hinders the installation and retrieval of retrievable rotating control devices in risers and can damage their components, affecting their proper functioning.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with annular seals and debris barriers is used, where the debris barriers are positioned uphole to prevent debris from entering the inner bore and the annular seals are supported by bearings to seal the annulus between the tubular and the riser, while external seals and latches ensure secure installation and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a retrievable rotating control device is used to seal the annulus between the tubular and riser, then the device can be installed and retrieved for maintenance and repair, but debris from drilling operations can hinder the installation and retrieval processes and damage the device components
Solution Approach 1:
A debris barrier is introduced as an intermediary component between the drilling environment and the rotating control device. The barrier is disposed uphole of the annular seal and prevents debris from entering the inner bore and damaging sensitive components like bearings and seals, while still allowing the device to be installed and retrieved
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating control device is segmented into functional components: an annular seal for sealing the annulus, bearings for rotational support, and a debris barrier for protection. This segmentation allows the seal and barrier to remain in the riser while the tubular and drillstring can be retrieved and replaced independently
2Reliability
If debris barriers are added to protect the rotating control device from debris, then debris is prevented from entering the inner bore and damaging components, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The debris barrier serves as a simple intermediary structure that adds minimal complexity. It is disposed uphole of the annular seal and can be a simple screen or mesh structure that filters debris while allowing fluid flow, protecting the bearings and seals without requiring complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The debris barrier is installed in advance before the rotating control device becomes operational, preventing debris from entering the inner bore and damaging components. This preliminary protective measure simplifies the overall system by preventing potential failures rather than requiring complex protection mechanisms
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 solution effectively inhibits debris from entering the annular seals and bearings, ensuring reliable operation and maintenance of the rotating control devices by preventing damage and facilitating easy installation and retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one annular seal engages the tubular passing therethrough and seals an annulus between the tubular and the internal passage of the riser
Implementation Method 2
The at least one annular seal is rotatably supported by at least one bearing in the internal passage of the riser
Implementation Method 3
The debris barrier is disposed uphole of the at least one annular seal and inhibits debris uphole of the debris barrier from entering into the inner bore
Data Source
AI summary
A riser apparatus includes a riser section and a flow control device. The riser section is disposed on a riser. The flow control device's body installs in the riser section. The assembly may install between uphole and downhole side ports, which may be interconnected by bypass piping and an intermediate device, such as a pump. At least one annular seal rotatably supported by bearings in the body's inner bore can engage a tubular passing therethrough and can seal an annulus therebetween. In one example, pressure uphole of the annular seal may be kept greater than downhole pressure. A debris barrier disposed on the uphole end of the body covers an annular area from an outer perimeter at the exterior of the body toward a central opening at the inner bore. The debris barrier prevents debris, such as drilling cuttings, uphole of the debris barrier from entering into the body's inner bore.