Wellhead Valve Interlocks for Multiwell Actuation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of well pads with multiple wells leads to miscommunication and increased risk of accidents due to differing operational requirements, as wellhead control mechanisms are often actuated incorrectly, leading to potential damage and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and system for regulating wellhead control mechanisms through indirect and direct control methods, utilizing sensors and a controller circuit to assess operational states and safely actuate valves, with mechanisms to lock or unlock actuation based on safety protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple wells are developed on a single well pad to increase efficiency, then productivity increases, but the complexity of well pad operations increases leading to miscommunication and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
A controller circuit serves as an intermediary between operators and wellhead control mechanisms. The controller receives sensor data about well pad conditions and automatically regulates valve actuation, mediating between human operators and complex well operations to reduce miscommunication and safety risks while maintaining high productivity
2Ease of operation
If wellhead control mechanisms are made directly actuatable for ease of operation, then ease of operation improves, but the risk of incorrect actuation and safety accidents increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensor assemblies provide continuous feedback about well pad conditions (pressure, temperature, equipment status) to the controller circuit. This feedback loop enables the controller to automatically regulate valve actuation based on real-time conditions, ensuring safe operation while maintaining ease of use through automated decision-making
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs self-service by automatically monitoring well pad conditions and regulating valve actuation without requiring constant human intervention. The controller circuit independently assesses safety conditions and controls valve operation, reducing the risk of human error while maintaining operational ease
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus, a system and a process for regulating a wellhead control mechanism. The apparatus is configured to control actuation of a wellhead control mechanism by moving a moveable body of the apparatus between a first position and a second position. When the apparatus is in the first position a valve actuator is actuatable and when the apparatus is in the second position the valve actuator is physically interfered from actuating. When the apparatus is in the second position, the wellhead control mechanism cannot be actuated and is held in either an open, a partially open or a closed position. Other embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system that directly controls actuation of a wellhead actuation mechanism.