Tool Positioning in Blowout Preventer Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment and retrieval of long interventional tools through blowout preventers are challenging due to sealing difficulties and the impracticality of tall equipment setups, which can lead to tool damage and safety risks, especially when tools exceed 50-100 feet in length.
Innovation Solution
The use of glide rams and deflectable members within the blowout preventer to detect and position tool components, allowing for incremental sealing and movement of segmented toolstrings, providing visibility and control during deployment and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tall equipment setup with a riser is used to accommodate long tools, then the tool can be sealed and deployed, but the equipment height becomes impractically tall and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The toolstring is divided into multiple segments that can be deployed sequentially through the blowout preventer. Each segment can be sealed and controlled independently, allowing long tools to be deployed without requiring a single tall riser structure. The segments are moved through the BOP in a staged manner, with each segment being sealed by the rams before the next segment is introduced.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the equipment vertically with a tall riser, the solution transitions to a horizontal deployment approach. The tool segments are fed horizontally through the blowout preventer channel, and the rams provide sealing from the sides rather than requiring vertical containment. This dimensional change eliminates the height requirement while maintaining sealing capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If long toolstrings are deployed through the blowout preventer, then comprehensive well intervention is enabled, but the risk of tool damage and loss of seal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rams are positioned and ready to seal before the toolstring is fully deployed. The system is prepared in advance with the rams in a position to seal against the tool segments as they enter the channel. This preliminary positioning ensures that sealing is immediately available when needed, preventing tool damage and maintaining well control throughout the deployment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides detection and feedback on the position of tool components as they move through the channel. This allows the rams to be actuated at the appropriate moments to seal against tool segments, providing real-time control and preventing situations where tools could be damaged or seals lost. The feedback mechanism enables coordinated movement of rams and tool segments.
3Ease of operation
If segmented toolstrings are used for deployment, then the tool can be moved through the preventer, but visibility and control of tool component positions are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates detection means that provide feedback on the position of tool components as they move through the channel. This feedback information is used to control the rams and maintain visibility of tool positions throughout the deployment process. The detection system may include sensors or other means of ascertaining component locations, ensuring that operators have real-time information despite the segmented nature of the toolstring.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques for locating a tool component in a channel of a blowout preventer. The system and technique may include the use of glide rams that are configured to sealably engage a deployment bar of a toolstring supporting the tool component in the channel. The glide rams may allow for movement of the deployment bar and toolstring while maintaining the seal. Due to greater diameter of the tool component, contact with the rams may be detected in the form of a spike in load detected at an oilfield surface by equipment supporting the conveyance means for the toolstring. Thus, tool component location may be ascertained. This same diameter difference of the tool component may also be utilized to deflect a member in the channel for sake of tool location.