Variable Ratio Rotary Energy Controller for BOP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Blowout Preventer (BOP) systems face inefficiencies in energy utilization and limited hydraulic fluid capacity, leading to suboptimal performance and potential failures during drilling operations due to a fixed energy use ratio between hydraulic accumulators and BOP operations, which can result in inadequate pressure for sealing the wellbore.
Innovation Solution
A Variable Ratio Rotary Energy Controller (VRREC) is introduced, comprising a variable displacement rotary hydraulic pump and motor, which automatically adjusts the energy use ratio to match the pressure requirements of the BOP, allowing for efficient energy utilization and extending the hydraulic fluid capacity by up to 350% by using low-pressure accumulators and continuously recharging systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If high pressure hydraulic accumulators are used to provide sufficient pressure for BOP operation, then the pressure requirement is met, but the volume of usable hydraulic fluid is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a variable displacement hydraulic pump with variable ratio control that dynamically adjusts the displacement ratio between input and output hydraulic circuits. This allows the system to adaptively match pressure requirements with fluid volume availability, enabling extended operation from accumulators by optimizing the pressure-volume relationship in real-time during BOP operations.
2Productivity
If hydraulic fluid is discharged from accumulators to operate BOP assembly, then the BOP can be operated, but the hydraulic pressure in the accumulator decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the pressure parameter relationship between accumulator and BOP operation by using a variable ratio hydraulic transmission. Instead of direct 1:1 pressure transmission, the system can transform pressure levels while conserving energy, allowing the accumulator to maintain pressure for longer periods while still providing sufficient operating pressure to the BOP when needed.
3Ease of operation
If a fixed energy use ratio is used between hydraulic accumulator and BOP operations, then the system is simple to control, but energy utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The variable displacement hydraulic pump incorporates automatic ratio control that self-adjusts based on system pressure requirements and accumulator status. This eliminates the need for complex manual control while optimizing energy utilization, as the system automatically selects appropriate displacement ratios to match operational demands with available hydraulic energy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for activating a safety device of a blowout preventer utilizes a variable ratio rotary energy controller. The controller automatically adjusts the pressure of the fluid for activating the safety device thereby conserving the amount of energy required for each activating cycle. The controller includes a variable displacement hydraulic motor coupled to a variable displacement hydraulic pump. A system for recharging the activating fluid circuit allows for the actuating system to be reused as needed.