Wellhead Plug With Locking Module And Sealing Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore drilling operations face challenges in well containment and equipment testing due to environmental risks, safety concerns, and the need for multipurpose equipment that can handle high pressures and adverse weather conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A wellhead plug device with a protective cap, locking module, and multiple sealing members that can withstand bi-directional pressure loads up to 15,000 PSI, serving as a primary wellhead seal, blowout preventer connection test tool, and emergency drill pipe hang-off tool, while allowing for adjustable dimensions to fit various wellheads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wellhead plug device is designed to withstand bi-directional pressure loads up to 15,000 PSI, then the pressure containment capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple sealing members and locking modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing members (first and second sealing members) and locking modules into a single integrated wellhead plug device that can withstand bi-directional pressure loads. The locking module integrates the first locking member that engages with the wellhead housing and the second locking member that secures the plug body, creating a unified structure that achieves high pressure containment (15,000 PSI) while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate components.
2Reliability
If the plug body includes upper and lower portions with locking modules and sealing members, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The plug body is segmented into upper and lower portions, each equipped with dedicated locking members and sealing members. The upper plug body contains the first locking member and first sealing member, while the lower plug body contains the second locking member and second sealing member. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing of each section to optimize sealing reliability at different pressure interfaces, while the modular design actually facilitates manufacturing by allowing separate fabrication and assembly of standardized components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device serves multiple functions as wellhead seal, connection test tool, and hang-off tool, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wellhead plug device is designed with universal multi-functionality to serve as a primary wellhead seal, blowout preventer connection test tool, and emergency drill pipe hang-off tool. The integrated structure with locking modules and sealing members enables the single device to perform multiple critical functions: sealing the wellhead against pressure, facilitating connection testing of drilling equipment, and providing emergency support for drill pipe hang-off operations, thereby eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A wellhead plug and a method for using a wellhead plug are presented. The ahead plug includes a plug body having at least a locking module, multiple sealing members, and a threaded connection tool. The wellhead plug according to the present disclosure offers multiple advantages over existing technologies. For example, the device may serve duplex roles as a wellhead pressure plug and/or a connection test tool. The device may, for example, serve as a blowout preventer (BOP) connection test tool, as well as an emergency drill pipe hang off tool (EDPHOT). This Abstracts submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.