Clamp-on Annular Drip Tray for Wellhead Spill Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bop trays are labor-intensive to install, have limited pressure resistance, and fail to efficiently capture and contain hazardous and costly fluids leaking from wellheads, leading to environmental contamination and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A clamp-on annular drip tray system with a frusto-conical slanted wall and lightweight materials that can be easily installed on any wellhead size, featuring a crude oil reservoir and quick-release couplers for rapid deployment and efficient liquid collection, allowing for flexible installation and environmental-friendly drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional bop trays are installed using bolt type fasteners to secure two halves together, then the tray can contain liquids, but the pressure resistance is limited and installation time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The containment tray is divided into two substantially symmetrical semicircular halves that can be independently positioned on opposite sides of the wellhead. This segmentation allows for easier handling and installation while maintaining structural integrity through the coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The two semicircular halves are coupled together around the wellhead using coupling members that extend through both halves. This merging of separate components creates a complete circular containment structure that can resist pressure while remaining relatively simple to install.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional bop trays use two semicircular halves bolted together, then the tray can be installed around the wellhead, but the installation process is labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is segmented into two halves that can be positioned independently around the wellhead, allowing for flexible installation around existing wellhead structures while reducing the complexity of handling a single large component.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling members serve multiple functions: they join the two halves together, secure the assembly to the wellhead, and provide a mechanism for both installation and potential disassembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
3Productivity
If liquid spills occur during bop tray installation, then the installation can proceed, but environmental contamination and cleanup costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The containment tray is designed to be installed quickly around the wellhead before liquid spills can occur or spread. The segmented design with coupling members enables rapid assembly that prevents contamination rather than addressing it after the fact.
Solution Approach 2:
The design accepts that spills may occur during installation but converts this potential harm into a benefit by providing immediate containment capability. The tray structure itself becomes the solution to the spill problem it was designed to prevent.
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 system significantly reduces liquid loss and environmental contamination, minimizes installation time and personnel requirements, and provides a reliable, cost-effective solution for capturing and containing fluids around wellheads, enhancing safety and reducing indirect costs.
Implementation Method 1
a slanted wall slanting downwards and attached to the clamp-on portion on top and the crude oil reservoir at the bottom, thereby enabling oil coming from the wellhead to collect in the crude oil reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for wellhead spill prevention are disclosed. The wellhead spill prevention apparatus includes a clamp-on portion that is configured to be clamped onto a tubular member of the wellhead, a crude oil reservoir for collecting oil coming from the wellhead, and a slanted wall slanting downwards and attached to the clamp-on portion on top and the crude oil reservoir at the bottom, thereby enabling oil coming from the wellhead to collect in the crude oil reservoir.