Variable Blowout Preventer Ram Block Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blowout preventers (BOPs) require frequent reconfiguration and pressure testing, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially when transitioning between sealing configurations to manage well fluid influx and maintenance operations.
Innovation Solution
A variable blowout preventer design featuring a housing with dual ram assemblies and an actuator system that allows for seamless switching between sealing configurations, including a 'rod' configuration for sealing tubular members and a 'blind' configuration for sealing without tubular members, using a locking sleeve and stem mechanism to facilitate relative rotation and pressure balancing ports for enhanced sealing integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional BOPs use fixed sealing configurations, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different operational modes (tubular member sealing vs. blind sealing) is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the ram block assemblies rotatable relative to the housing, allowing them to switch between different sealing configurations. The first and second ram block assemblies can rotate to present different sealing surfaces (rod seal or blind seal) to the central passage, enabling the BOP to adapt between tubular member sealing and blind sealing modes without physical reconfiguration or component removal.
2Reliability
If ram BOPs are pressure tested frequently, then reliability is improved, but loss of time due to reconfiguration and maintenance is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple sealing surfaces on each ram block assembly before installation. The rod seal and blind seal are both prepared in advance on the same ram block, allowing immediate switching between modes during pressure testing or operational changes without requiring disassembly, reconfiguration, or component removal, thereby minimizing maintenance time while ensuring reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dual ram assemblies are used for different sealing modes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing each ram block assembly to perform multiple functions. The first and second ram block assemblies are configured with both rod seal and blind seal capabilities, allowing a single BOP system to handle both tubular member sealing and blind sealing operations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated assemblies for each sealing mode, maintaining adaptability while managing complexity.
4Reliability
If frequent reconfiguration is required, then sealing integrity for different modes is maintained, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling easy rotational movement of the ram block assemblies within the housing. This dynamic capability allows operators to switch between sealing configurations through simple rotation rather than complex reconfiguration procedures, maintaining sealing integrity for different modes while significantly improving ease of operation during pressure testing and operational changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A blowout preventer includes a housing including a longitudinal passage and a pair of ram passages extending from the longitudinal passage, a first ram assembly disposed in a first of the pair of ram passages and including first ram block assembly, and a second ram assembly disposed in a second of the pair of ram passages and including a second ram block assembly, wherein the first ram block assembly is configured to include a first configuration in which it sealingly engages an outer surface of a tubular member extending through the longitudinal passage of the housing when the blowout preventer is in a closed position, and a second configuration in which it sealingly engages the second ram block assembly when the blowout preventer is in the closed position.