Single-Trip Well Seal Assembly Through BOP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well sealing technologies require multiple trips and are complex, making it time-consuming to seal a well in emergency situations, often necessitating the removal of the blowout preventer (BOP) and multiple tool installations.
Innovation Solution
A seal assembly and corresponding tool that can be run through the BOP, allowing for the installation of a seal in a single trip, using a combination of locking rings and sealing subassemblies to form seals between the casing and housing components, enabling quick well sealing without removing the BOP.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple trips and tool installations are used to seal the well, then the sealing can be achieved, but the time required and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions and tool operations into a single integrated seal assembly that can be installed in one trip. The assembly integrates the seal element, locking mechanism, and activation system into one unified tool that performs all necessary sealing operations simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate tool installations and trips.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly is pre-configured with the seal element positioned and ready for deployment. The activation mechanism is pre-loaded with energy storage components (springs or pressurized fluid systems) that are prepared in advance to automatically engage the seal when triggered, eliminating the need for multiple manual installation steps during the emergency response.
2Reliability
If multiple trips and tool installations are used to seal the well, then the sealing can be achieved, but the operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions and tool operations into a single integrated seal assembly that can be installed in one trip. The assembly integrates the seal element, locking mechanism, and activation system into one unified tool that performs all necessary sealing operations simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate tool installations and trips.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple operations: it seals the wellbore, locks into position, and activates the seal element all within a single installation. This universal design replaces the need for multiple specialized tools, each designed for a single function, thereby reducing overall operational complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the BOP is removed for seal installation, then the seal can be installed, but the procedure becomes more time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential sealing function from the complex BOP removal and reinstallation procedure. By designing a seal assembly that can be deployed through the existing BOP structure without removal, the solution isolates and implements only the necessary sealing action, eliminating the unnecessary steps of BOP removal and reinstallation.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly acts as an intermediary device that can be introduced through the BOP structure without requiring its removal. The design allows the seal to be passed through the BOP's central channel or opening, using the BOP as a guide and protective structure rather than an obstacle, thereby maintaining operational simplicity while achieving the sealing objective.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system includes a seal assembly that includes an annular body, an interior sealing assembly coupled to an interior surface of the body, and an exterior sealing assembly coupled to an exterior surface of the body. The interior sealing assembly is actuated by a first piston and configured to form a seal between the body and a first fixed substantially tubular member disposed radially interior of the body. The exterior sealing assembly is actuated by a second piston, and configured to form a seal between the body and a second fixed substantially tubular member disposed about the seal assembly. The seal assembly is configured to be run through a blowout preventer (BOP) stack and installed between the first and second fixed substantially tubular members to seal a mineral extraction well.