Thru Diverter Wellhead Direct Hydraulic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thru diverter type wellheads face limitations in size due to external protrusions and uneven surfaces, leading to restricted clearance and difficulty in placement, with potential damage to seals and threads during installation, compromising the wellhead's pressure rating and requiring time-consuming repairs.
Innovation Solution
A wellhead system that allows direct coupling of hydraulic control lines and eliminates the need for a tubing head, using an overshot running tool for protection and alignment, enabling the wellhead to be positioned without initial protrusions, and accommodating multiple casing hangers and tubulars without disassembling the BOP stack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If protrusions are added to the wellhead exterior for component attachment, then the wellhead can support additional equipment, but the clearance for moving the wellhead through the diverter is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by attaching protrusions to the wellhead exterior only after the wellhead has been successfully moved through the diverter housing. This sequence resolves the contradiction by first achieving the movement requirement (removing the obstruction of protrusions from the clearance calculation), then adding the adaptability features (protrusions for component attachment) in a subsequent step.
2Ease of manufacture
If the wellhead exterior surface is made uneven for component mounting, then component attachment is facilitated, but the risk of damage to seals and threads during installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by protecting the wellhead's critical surfaces (seals and threads) before the installation process begins. Protective sleeves or coatings are applied in advance to prevent damage during handling and installation, allowing the exterior to be uneven for mounting purposes without compromising the reliability of sealing surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the surface characteristics of different wellhead regions. The exterior surface is made uneven or textured in specific areas to facilitate component mounting, while critical areas such as seal surfaces and threaded connections maintain smooth, precision-finished surfaces to prevent damage and ensure proper function.
3Reliability
If protective sleeves are used during wellhead installation, then the wellhead surfaces are protected from damage, but the installation process becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-attaching protective sleeves or protective features to the wellhead during the manufacturing process rather than installing them during field installation. This transfers the protection application to a controlled manufacturing environment where it can be done efficiently, reducing the time required during actual wellhead installation while maintaining protection benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A single or multi-bowl wellhead may be positioned in a diverter housing over the wellbore. Protrusions on the wellhead may be installed after the diverter housing is removed. The wellhead accommodates the direct connection of hydraulic lines to a hanger seated therein. An overshot running tool protects the wellhead during placement and certain operations.