Bi-directional wellhead annulus packoff with integral seal and hanger lockdown ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellhead annulus packoff configurations face issues with debris accumulation leading to impaired engagement of lockdown rings, and the transfer of hanger lockdown loads through the wellhead annulus packoff can cause seal component problems, complicating the timing and mechanism of setting the seal and hanger lockdown rings.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional wellhead annulus packoff system with integral seal and hanger lockdown ring that uses two energizing forces in a single operation to simultaneously engage and lock the seal and hanger lockdown rings, utilizing mechanical conditional operators to change load paths and accommodate debris, allowing for improved debris tolerance and reliable installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lockdown ring is located below the wellhead annulus packoff, then the packoff can be locked down, but a debris pocket is created for accumulation of matter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful debris pocket by repositioning the lockdown ring from below the packoff to above the packoff. This removes the enclosed space where debris could accumulate, eliminating the harmful factor while preserving the lockdown function through the alternative positioning and engagement mechanism described in the patent
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the lockdown ring is located above the wellhead annulus packoff, then debris pocket below can accommodate debris, but hanger lockdown load is transferred through the wellhead annulus packoff causing seal component issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure - the housing with a dedicated lockdown ring engagement location - that mediates between the lockdown ring and the packoff seal components. The lockdown ring engages with the housing structure rather than directly loading the packoff seals, allowing debris accommodation above while protecting the seal components from excessive loads through this intermediate structural element
3Ease of operation
If seal lockdown ring and hanger lockdown ring are set separately, then engagement can be controlled, but timing and mechanism become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the setting operations by designing the system so that a single operational action can simultaneously engage both the seal lockdown ring and the hanger lockdown ring. The housing structure and ring configurations are designed to allow both locks to be set in one operation, eliminating the complexity of separate timing and control mechanisms while maintaining secure engagement of both components
Data Source
AI summary
A wellhead annulus packoff and an associated method of energizing and de-energizing include at least one seal element, a hanger lockdown ring, a hanger lockdown energizing ring, a seal lockdown ring, a seal lockdown energizing ring, and one or more mechanical conditional operators, where the at least one seal element adapted to be energized with a first energizing force applied through a seal lockdown energizing ring and with the one or more mechanical conditional operators being engaged, where the seal lockdown ring is adapted to be energized with the first energizing force and with the one or more mechanical conditional operators being disengaged, and where the hanger lockdown ring is adapted to be energized with a second energizing force applied through a hanger lockdown energizing ring.