Obstruction Detector Assembly for Wellhead and Valve Blockage Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Obstructions in oil and gas equipment, such as wirelines and sand, can cause damage and operational delays, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An obstruction detector assembly with a driver housing, driver stem, and driver head is used to detect obstructions in wellhead structures and valves, employing a ring flange with fastener openings and a central opening, and a controller to automate the detection process, allowing for the prevention of equipment damage and streamlined operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection methods are used to detect obstructions, then operational simplicity is maintained, but detection precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical detection system comprising a camera, light source, and image processing unit. The system uses optical fields and electronic image analysis to detect obstructions, eliminating the need for manual inspection while significantly improving detection precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical detection system between the obstruction and the operator. The camera captures images of the wellhead structure, the light source illuminates the detection area, and the image processing unit analyzes the captured data, serving as an intermediary that enhances detection capabilities without requiring direct manual inspection.
2Productivity
If automated detection systems are implemented, then operational efficiency and detection precision improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional detection system that can detect various types of obstructions (wirelines, sand, debris) across different wellhead structures. The system integrates imaging, illumination, image processing, and automated analysis into a single universal platform, improving operational efficiency while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single integrated system. The camera, light source, image processing unit, and control system are merged into one cohesive apparatus that performs illumination, image capture, processing, and obstruction detection simultaneously, thereby improving productivity while consolidating complexity into a unified system.
3Reliability
If comprehensive obstruction detection is performed, then equipment damage risk is reduced, but operational time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs obstruction detection before valve operations are executed. By detecting obstructions in advance using the automated imaging system, the system prevents equipment damage from occurring, allowing for timely intervention or operation cancellation, thereby protecting equipment reliability while minimizing actual operational downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables rapid automated image capture and processing that quickly identifies obstructions, allowing operations to proceed or be cancelled swiftly. The system rushes through the detection process using automated algorithms that analyze images in real-time, reducing the time required for comprehensive inspection while maintaining high reliability in obstruction identification.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to obstruction detector assemblies, systems, and related methods for detecting obstructions along oil and gas equipment. In one implementation, an obstruction detector assembly includes a driver housing having an internal chamber and a plurality of fastener openings. The obstruction detector assembly includes a driver stem disposed at least partially in the internal chamber of the driver housing. The driver stem is movable partially out of the internal chamber of the driver housing. The obstruction detector assembly includes a driver head disposed outside of the driver housing and coupled to the driver stem. In one implementation, movement of the driver stem and the driver head is used to detect obstructions (such as a wireline) in a wellhead structure. In one implementation, movement of the driver stem and the driver head is used to detect obstructions (such as sand) in a valve.