Wellbore Cement Management System Using Resilient Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for mounting well structures, particularly in subsea environments, face challenges such as heat-induced stresses and potential weak spots due to hot work processes like welding, which can compromise the mechanical specifications and fatigue life of the well structure, especially in areas with high load exposure.
Innovation Solution
A well support structure that utilizes a suction anchor or piling with guide tubes and centralizers to distribute loads, allowing for the omission of welding at critical points, thereby reducing stress concentrations and preventing heat-induced damage, and incorporates a resilient element for adjustable support levels to accommodate thermal expansion and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If hot work processes like welding are used to mount well structures, then assembly is achieved, but heat-induced stresses and potential weak spots are introduced that compromise mechanical specifications and fatigue life
Solution Approach 1:
A resilient element is introduced as an intermediary component between the wellbore tubular component and the support structure. This resilient element acts as a mediator that eliminates the need for direct welding connections, thereby avoiding heat-induced stresses and potential weak spots while still achieving secure assembly through mechanical support and distribution of loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional welding-based mechanical connection system with a resilient element-based mechanical support system. Instead of using thermal processes (welding) to join components, the invention uses a resilient element that provides mechanical support and load distribution, substituting the harmful thermal-mechanical process with a purely mechanical alternative that preserves fatigue life.
2Strength
If welding is performed in areas with high load exposure, then structural connection is achieved, but stress concentrations and heat-induced damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element serves as an intermediary that provides structural connection without requiring welding in high load exposure areas. By positioning the resilient element between the wellbore tubular component and the support structure, the invention eliminates direct welded connections in critical stress zones, thereby preventing heat-induced damage while maintaining structural integrity through the resilient element's load-bearing capability.
3Force
If rigid support structures are used, then load bearing capacity is achieved, but thermal expansion and movement are constrained causing stress
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates a resilient element that introduces dynamic characteristics to an otherwise rigid system. This resilient element can dynamically adjust its properties (such as stiffness and damping) to accommodate thermal expansion and movement of the wellbore tubular component while still providing sufficient load bearing capacity. The dynamic nature of the resilient element allows it to absorb stresses from thermal effects without compromising the overall structural stability.
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 solution enhances the fatigue life of the well structure by minimizing stress concentrations, simplifying assembly and disassembly, and allowing for well growth due to temperature changes without compromising structural integrity, while also reducing the need for high-grade welds and enabling easier installation and recovery of components.
Implementation Method 1
A well support structure that utilizes a suction anchor or piling with guide tubes and centralizers to distribute loads
Data Source
AI summary
A well cement management system includes a well support base for urging below a bottom of a body of water, a wellbore tubular component disposed through the well support base; and a filling medium top up line in fluid communication with a space defined by an interior of the wellbore tubular component.