Top Drive Inside Blowout Preventer Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current top drives lack effective solutions for reducing blowouts and drilling mud spillage during drilling operations, necessitating a mechanism to control pressures and manage fluid flow within the drill pipe.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an inside blowout preventer with a hydraulically actuatable arm, spring return hydraulic cylinder assembly, and a hydraulically operated ball valve system within the top drive, which includes a tubular body with manually and hydraulically operated valves, and centralizing wheel assemblies to manage pressure and fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an inside blowout preventer is integrated into the top drive, then blowout control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inside blowout preventer is integrated into the top drive assembly, combining blowout prevention functionality with the existing top drive structure. This merging approach provides blowout control capability while utilizing the top drive's existing mechanical framework, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The top drive assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides both the primary drilling function and integrated blowout prevention capability through the inside blowout preventer. This multi-functionality allows a single device to address both normal drilling operations and emergency pressure control, improving reliability while avoiding the need for separate dedicated systems
2Stress or pressure
If a hydraulically operated ball valve system is added, then pressure control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A hydraulically operated ball valve system is implemented within the inside blowout preventer to provide precise pressure control capability. The hydraulic actuation mechanism enables reliable valve operation under high pressure conditions, improving pressure control capability while utilizing hydraulic principles that are well-established in drilling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The ball valve acts as an intermediary component within the fluid control system, providing a reliable means to control and regulate pressure and fluid flow. This intermediary mechanism enables precise pressure control capability by serving as a controllable barrier and flow regulator within the hydraulic system
3Loss of substance
If the inside blowout preventer is used to control fluid flow, then drilling mud spillage is reduced, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The inside blowout preventer is positioned and configured to control fluid flow before drilling mud can spill onto the rig floor. This preliminary action approach allows the preventer to intercept and control fluid flow at its source, reducing drilling mud spillage while maintaining operational efficiency through proactive rather than reactive control
4Manufacturing precision
If centralizing wheel assemblies are included, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Centralizing wheel assemblies are included at specific locations within the inside blowout preventer to provide localized positioning accuracy. These wheels are positioned where precise alignment is critical for proper valve operation and fluid control, improving positioning accuracy only where needed rather than throughout the entire assembly, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity
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
This configuration effectively reduces the occurrence of blowouts and drilling mud spillage by controlling pressure and fluid flow, enhancing operational safety and efficiency during drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulically actuatable arm can be retracted using hydraulic force, spring force, or both
Implementation Method 2
The hydraulically actuatable arm can be retracted using hydraulic force, spring force, or both
Implementation Method 3
A manually operated ball valve and a hydraulically operated ball valve can be located in the tubular bore
Data Source
AI summary
This invention is a top drive having an inside blowout preventer connected with a rotatable stem. The inside blowout preventer includes a hydraulically actuatable arm. An inside blowout preventer with a rotatable stem is connected to the top drive rotatable stem. The inside blowout preventer has a hydraulically actuatable arm, a hydraulic cylinder, a tubular body having a tubular bore, and a valve operator assembly surrounding the tubular body.