Wellhead Feed Through Sealing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wellhead structures lack effective mechanisms to prevent the migration of undesirable conditions such as fire, which can compromise well integrity and safety, especially in applications where communication lines are exposed to hazardous conditions.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a feed through in a wellhead structure with a closing device and a condition-sensitive device, such as a temperature-sensitive device, which initiates the actuation of the closing device upon exposure to a predetermined condition like high temperature, ensuring the communication line is severed and the path is sealed to prevent condition migration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a feed through is provided in a wellhead structure to allow communication lines to pass through, then communication capability is enabled, but the structure becomes vulnerable to migration of undesirable conditions such as fire

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidvulnerability to fire migration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A closing device is pre-installed in the feed through structure, positioned to automatically seal the opening. The device includes a closure element that can be moved to block the feed through passage before fire or hazardous conditions can migrate through the communication line pathway

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A condition-sensitive device acts as an intermediary between the hazardous environment and the closing device. This mediator detects undesirable conditions (such as temperature, pressure, or chemical presence) and triggers the closing mechanism, preventing direct exposure and migration of harmful factors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a closing device is added to seal the feed through under hazardous conditions, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety against condition migrationVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closing device is designed to operate automatically without external intervention. The condition-sensitive device self-activates the closing mechanism when predetermined conditions are detected, eliminating the need for manual operation or complex control systems while maintaining high reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The condition-sensitive device monitors physical parameters (temperature, pressure, chemical composition) and triggers closure when threshold values are exceeded. This parameter-based control simplifies the system by using inherent physical properties rather than complex electronic control circuits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If a condition-sensitive device is integrated to automatically trigger closure, then response time to hazardous conditions is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse time to hazardous conditionsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The condition-sensitive device uses simple, readily available sensors or indicators that can be easily manufactured and replaced. These may include temperature-sensitive materials, pressure-sensitive diaphragms, or chemical indicators that provide immediate visual or mechanical response without requiring complex electronics or precision manufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into independent functional modules: the feed through structure, the closing device, and the condition-sensitive device. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard processes and then assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining fast response capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 effectively protects wellhead structures by ensuring communication lines are severed and the path is sealed in case of a fire or other hazardous conditions, maintaining well integrity and compliance with industry safety standards.

Implementation Method 1

a condition-sensitive device, e.g. a temperature-sensitive device, is operatively engaged with the closing device to initiate actuation of the closing device once the condition-sensitive device is exposed to a predetermined condition, e.g. a high temperature caused by a fire

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature-sensitive detection: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS10370928B2Structure with feed through

Publication Date: 2019.08.06 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A technique provides protection against unwanted conditions in wellhead structures and other structures. According to the technique, a system provides a feed through in a wellhead structure or other type of structure. The feed through may accommodate a communication line routed therethrough. A closing device is positioned in the structure at a location to enable closing of the feed through via the closing device. Additionally, a condition-sensitive device is operatively engaged with the closing device to initiate actuation of the closing device once the condition-sensitive device is exposed to a predetermined condition. Upon exposure to the predetermined condition, the condition-sensitive device initiates closing of the feed through via the closing device.