Variable High Pressure Transition Tube Adapter for Wellhead Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oil and gas drilling systems face challenges in providing full bore access to well bores at high pressures, which is necessary for effective fracking operations while ensuring safety and environmental protection.
Innovation Solution
A variable adjuster locking sleeve mechanism that houses and secures a high-pressure transition tube, allowing for vertical movement and providing a double barrier pressure seal and double retention locking ring, thus addressing the need for full bore access and safety at high pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional wellhead isolation tools are used, then full bore access to well casing is lost, but if they are removed to provide access, then equipment cannot be protected from high pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The high pressure transition tube is nested within the wellhead isolation tool assembly, allowing the transition tube to pass through the isolation tool while maintaining both full bore access and equipment protection. The transition tube extends through the isolation tool body, enabling down-hole tool access while the isolation tool remains in place to protect equipment from high pressures.
2Reliability
If lower pressure frack containment equipment is used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but then safety and environmental regulations cannot be met at higher pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The containment system is segmented into distinct functional components: the wellhead isolation tool with its own sealing mechanism, the high pressure transition tube for fluid passage, and the variable adjuster locking sleeve for securing the assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while meeting safety requirements without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The high pressure transition tube acts as an intermediary element between the wellhead isolation tool and the down-hole tools. It provides a dedicated pathway for high pressure fracking fluids while the isolation tool provides the primary containment barrier, allowing the system to meet safety requirements without requiring all components to be rated for maximum pressure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed length transition tubes are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but then adaptability to different wellhead configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transition tube assembly incorporates a variable adjuster locking sleeve that can be positioned at different heights along the transition tube. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same transition tube to accommodate different wellhead configurations and equipment heights without requiring custom-length tubes for each application, balancing manufacturing simplicity with field adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method, and system for inserting and securing a high pressure transition tube of a fluid transfer tool assembly into a positive position whereby the seal element is packed off in the wellhead set point. Once attached the transition tube is pushed to contact the bit guide, secondary seal or bore machine prep. A lower nose compression seal is seated against transition tube and compressed using an energizer seal to isolate and protect lower pressure wellhead and well control equipment from the higher rated frack pressures or pushing the transition tube and lower nose isolation compression seal to contact the bit guide, secondary seal or bore prep. Pressure is applied to push a seal against the lower and upper compression ring locking them in place preventing movement to form a compression seal and isolating the high pressure passing through the transition tube protecting the wellhead assembly and well control equipment.