Wells – Processes – With indicating – testing – measuring or locating
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-12
2001-10-23
Bagnell, David (Department: 3671)
Wells
Processes
With indicating, testing, measuring or locating
C166S053000, C166S065100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06305471
ABSTRACT:
The present invention provides a pressure control apparatus, a regulating device and a method, and more particularly relates to a wireline pressure control apparatus, and a method of controlling pressure equipment used in the exploration, production and/or exploitation of hydrocarbons.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventionally, when wireline pressure equipment, such as a wireline blow-out preventer (BOP), is installed as part of a drill or production string which extends downwardly from a drilling rig or the like, a standard wireline pressure skid is used to control such equipment. The wireline pressure skid is generally located on the floor of the drilling rig and has a number of valves which control the fluid pressure applied to such equipment. These controls need to be monitored and possibly changed at frequent intervals by an operator located at the skid. No-one else has control over the skid, unless they are adjacent to it.
In addition, existing systems do not allow automatic control of wireline grease injection pressure. This pressure requires adjustment when a wireline is being run into, or out of, a well. Any variations in cable speed or well pressure will result in the wireline grease injection pressure having to be adjusted.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pressure control apparatus comprising a first portion having at least one fluid pressure outlet and at least one controlling mechanism to facilitate control of the fluid pressure outlet, wherein the controlling mechanism is operable by a control system at least a portion of which is located remote from the first portion.
Typically, the control system comprises a first controller located remote from the first portion, a second controller located at the first portion, and a telemetry system for transmitting control signals from the first controller to the second controller.
Typically, the first portion comprises a frame and may further include any one, or combination, of pumps, tanks, control valves and/or hoses.
There is typically provided a plurality of controlling mechanisms to facilitate control of a plurality of fluid pressure outlets.
The first controller typically comprises a personal computer. The computer is typically pre-loaded with software which allows a user to change the settings of the controlling mechanisms.
The second controller typically comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC).
The software typically allows the settings to be adjusted manually. Alternatively, the settings may be adjusted automatically. Typically, the software instructs the computer to display analogue gauges on a visual display unit (VDU), where the analogue gauges relate to the settings of the control mechanism. Alternatively, the gauges may be displayed in digital form. In addition, the software may allow the readings on the gauges to be sampled periodically. The samples may be recorded either in electronic form or in nonelectronic form.
The telemetry system typically comprises a transmitter unit electrically connected to the controller, a receiver unit electrically connected to the controlling mechanisms, and a transmission medium for communicating signals between the transmitter and receiver.
The transmission medium typically comprises fibre-optic or copper cables. Alternatively, the transmission medium may be electromagnetic waves, such as radiowaves, microwaves or the like.
Typically, the controlling mechanisms operate using low power electronics. The electronics are preferably powered by at least one rechargeable battery. The battery may be recharged externally, such as by a solar cell, or typically a plurality of solar cells, or by an air powered generator. Preferably, the skid will operate for up to 6 days without changing the batteries.
The controlling mechanisms are typically actuated by at least one air valve. The air valves are preferably piezo electric air valves. These help reduce electrical power consumption. The air valves typically facilitate operation of a hydraulic circuit.
The fluid pressure outlets are typically coupled to pressure equipment. Such pressure equipment operated by the apparatus typically includes any of the following:
i) flow tube and BOP grease injection system;
ii) BOP, tool trap, tool catcher and line wiper;
iii) Stuffing box;
iv) Glycol inject;
v) Master valve; and
vi) Downhole safety valve.
The pressure equipment may be wireline pressure equipment.
Typically, the controlling mechanisms are divided into a plurality of channels. Each channel typically operates a single piece of pressure equipment. This allows the system to be modularised, thereby increasing the versatility of the apparatus. In addition, the apparatus may be tailored to suit specific requirements where certain pressure equipment is required, and other equipment not. Consequently, costs savings may be made.
The controller mechanisms are preferably provided with full manual control. This will allow the system to operate in the event of an electronic or communications failure.
Typically, the frame comprises a pressure control skid. Alternatively, the frame may be a diesel-driven intensifier skid. Preferably, the pressure control apparatus is a wireline pressure control apparatus, and typically, the pressure control skid is a wireline control skid.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a regulating means comprising an air inlet, an air outlet, and air flow control means between the inlet and the outlet to control the flow of air therebetween, characterised in that the air flow control means is operable by air pressure.
The air flow control means typically comprises a piston which is moveable between an inoperable and an operable state, to facilitate movement of a control device. The degree of operation of the piston is typically variable between the operative and non-operative state. Application of air pressure to the piston typically moves it to the operable state and thus facilitates movement of the control device. The piston is typically spring-loaded. Thus, when the air pressure is removed, the piston returns to the inoperable state.
The prevention device typically abuts against a shoulder, thus preventing passage of air between the inlet and the outlet, in the inoperable state. In the operable state, application of air pressure to the piston moves it thereby moving the prevention device away from the shoulder, thus allowing air to flow between the inlet and outlet.
In a preferred embodiment, the air flow control means typically comprises a spring loaded piston which acts against a spring loaded valve, both the piston and the valve typically being located in a housing. Typically, a diaphragm is positioned between the piston and the valve. The valve is typically coupled to the diaphragm.
Typically, the regulating means includes a second air inlet. The air pressure in the second air inlet typically exerts a force against the piston, which in turn exerts a force on the valve (typically via movement of the diaphragm), thus allowing air to flow through the regulator.
Typically, the pressure exerted by the air in the second inlet is sufficient to overcome the force exerted by the springs of the piston and the valve. Typically also, the force exerted by the air need not be constant and/or continuous.
Preferably, air pressure in the second inlet is directly proportional to the air pressure at the air outlet.
Thus, the regulating means provides continuous air pressure at the air outlet, the pressure of which is controllable by a pilot air pressure.
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patent: 4794534 (1988-12-01), Millheim
patent: 4916617 (1990-04-01), Norwood
patent: 5054995 (1991-10-01), Haseley et al.
patent: 5132904 (1992-07-01), Lamp
patent: 5172717 (1992-12-01), Boyle et al.
patent: 5191937 (1993-03-01), Cook, Sr.
patent: 5273112 (1993-12-01), Schultz
patent: 5385207 (1995-01-01), Cook, Sr.
patent: 5691712 (1997-11-01), Meek et al.
patent: 5721538 (1998-02-01), Tubel et al.
patent: 5941305 (1999-08-01), Thrasher et al.
patent: 595566
Bagnell David
Caserza Steven F.
Elmar Services, Ltd.
Flehr Hohbach Test Albritton & Herbert LLP
Mammen Nathan
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