Well Cellar Segments With Helical Girder And Strap Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well cellar structures require mechanized equipment for installation due to their size and mass, and they often lack efficient methods for securing segments together to prevent fluid leakage and contamination.
Innovation Solution
The method involves assembling well cellar segments with structured wall construction, comprising an annular inner and outer layer with a girder helically arranged inside the annulus, and securing adjacent segments with straps that are tensioned to exert a compressive force, forming a barrier to fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If well cellar structures are made with traditional sheet metal, fiberglass, or concrete construction, then they provide adequate structural strength and fluid containment, but they require mechanized equipment for installation due to their size and mass
Solution Approach 1:
The well cellar structure is divided into multiple tubular segments that can be manually lowered into the wellbore separately and then stacked together. Each segment is designed to be lightweight enough for manual handling yet maintains structural integrity when assembled with adjacent segments, eliminating the need for mechanized installation equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular segments utilize composite material construction with an annular inner layer, an annular outer layer circumscribing the inner layer, and a girder helically arranged inside the annulus between the layers. This composite structure optimizes the strength-to-weight ratio, providing adequate structural strength while keeping each segment lightweight enough for manual installation.
2Reliability
If traditional cellar construction methods are used, then fluid containment is achieved, but there is no efficient method for securing segments together to prevent fluid leakage and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
Complementary profiles are pre-formed on the axial ends of the tubular segments during manufacturing. These profiles include protrusions and recesses that automatically align and interlock when segments are stacked, creating a secure mechanical connection that prevents fluid leakage without requiring complex securing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
A barrier material is placed within the complementary profiles at the interface between adjacent segments. This intermediary barrier material seals the interface, preventing fluid leakage and contamination while working in conjunction with the mechanical interlock of the profiles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cellar dimensions are increased to 6 ft/1.8 m to provide adequate workspace and fluid collection capacity, then functional requirements are met, but the size and mass require mechanized equipment for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The large 6 ft/1.8 m diameter cellar structure is segmented into multiple smaller tubular sections that can be manually handled and lowered individually. When assembled, these segments form the complete large-diameter structure, providing adequate workspace and fluid collection capacity while enabling manual installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular segments use composite material construction with optimized wall thickness and internal girder configuration to achieve high structural strength-to-weight ratio. This allows the segments to form a large 6 ft diameter structure when assembled while remaining lightweight enough for manual installation.
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 approach allows for the manual installation of well cellar segments without the need for heavy machinery, provides a secure and leak-proof interface between segments, and reduces material costs by optimizing pipe stiffness and material usage.
Implementation Method 1
securing adjacent segments together with straps. Slots are optionally formed radially through the inner layer and the outer layer, in an alternative, securing adjacent segments together with straps includes inserting the straps through the slots and tensioning the straps to exert a compressive force between the adjacent segments
Data Source
AI summary
A well cellar assembly is made up of axially stacked segments that have closed contour structured sidewalls. The sidewalls include inner and outer layers, an annulus between the layers, and a girder in the annulus. The girder is an elongated tubular that helically circumscribes an axis of the assembly. Upper and lower ends of the segments are profiled complementary to opposing ends of adjacent segments, and straps secure adjacent segments to one another.