Wellhead Side-Outlet Contingency Adaptor for Damaged VR Plug Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wellhead side-outlets with damaged valve removal plug profiles require complex and high-risk operations for repair, as existing solutions often assume improper installation or neglect the need for pressure management, posing risks during field repairs.
Innovation Solution
A contingency adaptor with a standard API flange make-up process for wellhead side-outlets, featuring a neck for sealing within the damaged profile and a test port for pressure testing, allowing for safe and simple installation and future valve replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard API flange make-up process is used for adaptor installation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability is worsened due to damaged VR plug profile
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor serves as an intermediary component between the damaged wellhead side-outlet and future VR plug installations. It includes a healthy VR plug profile on its outer side that can accommodate VR plugs, while its inner side with sealing neck interfaces with the damaged wellhead. This mediator transfers the sealing function from the damaged profile to the adaptor's healthy profile, restoring reliability while maintaining ease of operation through standard flange make-up processes.
2Reliability
If complex repair operations are performed on damaged VR plug profile, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the damaged VR plug profile from the wellhead side-outlet and replaces it with an adaptor containing a healthy VR plug profile. Instead of attempting to repair the damaged profile in place (which would require complex machining and heat treatment operations), the solution removes the problematic component and substitutes it with a pre-manufactured adaptor that has intact threading and sealing surfaces, thereby restoring functionality while avoiding complex repair procedures.
3Ease of operation
If pressure testing is not performed during installation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates a test port that enables pressure testing to be performed as a preliminary check during the installation process. By integrating the test port into the adaptor body, pressure testing can be conducted before final commissioning, allowing detection of any sealing issues early in the installation sequence. This preliminary verification step ensures seal integrity while maintaining overall operational simplicity through the standardized flange make-up process.
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
The adaptor minimizes risks by enabling a simple, standard installation and pressure testing, restoring VR plug functionality without high-risk machining, facilitating field repairs and ensuring wellhead integrity.
Implementation Method 1
creating a first fluid seal between the second flange and an outer surface of the wellhead side-outlet
Implementation Method 2
creating a second fluid seal between an outer surface of the neck and an inner surface of the wellhead side-outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A contingency adaptor for a wellhead side-outlet with a damaged valve removal plug profile. The adaptor includes a neck on one end which may be extended into the wellhead side-outlet for creating a fluid seal between the neck and an inner surface of the wellhead side-outlet. A flange at the one end is configured to receive a gasket for creating a separate fluid seal between the adaptor and an outer surface of the wellhead side-outlet. The adaptor includes a valve removal plug profile at an opposite end to accommodate installation of a valve removal plug. The adaptor also includes a test port for pressure testing the connection between the adaptor and the wellhead side-outlet in order to confirm the integrity of the fluid seal(s) formed there between.