Remotely Operated Wellhead Ball Drop and Night Cap Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well pressure control systems require human intervention for multiple well intervention operations, which can be hazardous and inefficient, especially when performing tasks like dropping balls or sealing the wellhead.
Innovation Solution
A combination well intervention apparatus comprising a pressure control device adapter and remotely operable ball drop apparatus or night cap, allowing for secure locking and operation without the need for personnel to be close to the well pressure control system, utilizing remotely operable locking devices and fluid pressure actuated mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional well pressure control operations are performed with human operators close to the system, then operational control and monitoring are direct and immediate, but personnel safety is compromised and operational efficiency is reduced due to repeated handling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated mechanical systems. The ball drop apparatus uses a mechanical release mechanism actuated by a cable system, and the night cap uses an automated mechanical lifting and locking system. These substitutions eliminate the need for personnel to be physically present near the wellhead during critical operations, improving safety while maintaining operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary mechanisms between the operator and the wellhead equipment. The cable-operated ball release system acts as an intermediary, allowing the operator to trigger ball release from a safe distance. Similarly, the automated night cap lifting mechanism serves as an intermediary that performs the dangerous task of removing and replacing the night cap without requiring personnel proximity to the wellhead.
2Productivity
If multiple well intervention operations are performed by moving personnel close to the well pressure control system, then device handling and operation are direct, but operational time increases and safety risks accumulate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple well intervention functions into a single integrated apparatus. The combination well intervention apparatus includes both the ball drop apparatus and the night cap lifting mechanism in one unified system. This merging allows both operations to be performed from a single remote location without requiring personnel to move between different equipment stations, reducing operational time and improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination well intervention apparatus performs multiple functions: it can drop balls into the wellbore, lift and remove the night cap, and replace the night cap. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate equipment and personnel movements for each operation, significantly reducing the total operational time required to complete multiple well intervention tasks.
3Ease of operation
If conventional locking mechanisms require manual operation near the wellhead, then locking and unlocking are simple and direct, but personnel exposure to hazards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual locking mechanism operation with automated mechanical systems. The night cap locking mechanism is automatically actuated by the lifting mechanism, and the ball release mechanism is triggered by the cable system. These automated mechanical systems perform the locking and unlocking operations without requiring personnel to be near the wellhead, maintaining operational simplicity while improving safety.
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
Enables safe and efficient performance of multiple wellbore operations by reducing the need for repeated device handling, improving safety and reducing operational time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing remotely operable locking devices and fluid pressure actuated mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A method for conducting well intervention operations includes disposing a combination well intervention apparatus proximate a pressure control apparatus coupled to the wellbore. The apparatus has a pressure control device adapter and at least one other type of well intervention device coupled to the adapter such that either the adapter or the at least one other apparatus is disposed over the pressure control apparatus. The method includes at least one of, (i) locking the adapter in the pressure control apparatus by operating a remotely operable locking device on the pressure control apparatus or (ii) disposing the other type of well intervention device over the pressure control apparatus. The method includes locking the adapter in the pressure control apparatus when the adapter is disposed over the pressure control apparatus, or operating the at least one other type of well intervention device when disposed over the pressure control apparatus.