BACKGROUND
1. Field
[0001] The following description relates to blowout preventers used in the oil and gas industry
during well drilling. For example, a ram-type blowout preventer is used to prevent
escape of well bore pressure into the outside environment in the event of an unexpected
pressure due to the influx of formation fluid or in other uncontrolled situations.
2. Description of Related Art
[0002] Well control is an important aspect of oil and gas exploration. Typically, when drilling
a well, safety devices must be put in place to prevent damage to equipment and, most
importantly, to personnel resulting from unexpected events associated with drilling
operations. Because of safety conditions and risks of blowouts, devices known as blowout
preventers (BOPs) are installed above the wellhead at the surface or on the sea floor
in deep water situations to effectively seal a wellbore until measures can be taken
to control the kick.
[0003] Blowout preventers are specialized high-pressure valves typically installed in stacks
and used to seal and control downhole pressure and monitor oil and gas wells to ultimately
prevent the uncontrolled flow of liquids and gases during well drilling operations.
Additionally, blowout preventers are typically used to prevent tubing, tools and drilling
fluid from being blown out of the wellbore when a blowout threatens. Blowout preventers
come in a variety of styles, sizes and pressure ratings and several units serving
various functions are typically combined to compose a blowout preventer stack. Blowout
preventers may perform any of a variety of functions such as confining well fluid
to the wellbore, providing means to add fluid to the wellbore, allowing controlled
volumes of fluid to be withdrawn from the wellbore, regulating and monitoring wellbore
pressure, centering and hanging off the drill string in the wellbore, shutting in
the well, preventing the flow of formation fluid, and sealing the well.
[0004] Blowout preventers are critical to the safety of crew, rig and environment, and to
the monitoring and maintenance of well integrity. Thus, blowout preventers are intended
to be fail-safe devices. As recommend by authorities and required by various regulations,
blowout preventers must be regularly tested, inspected, and refurbished. Blowout preventers
typically include one set of corresponding ram blocks, and when the ram blocks need
to be replaced or refurbished, companies are required by law to retest the entire
blowout preventer stack. This may take long periods of time and may incur great expenses.
A number of blowout preventers, including different types of ram blocks, are typically
needed on the blowout preventer stack in order to serve a variety of different functions.
SUMMARY
[0005] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form
that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not
intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject
matter.
[0006] According to an example, a ram block carrier includes an opening, an upper shelf
within the opening configured to hold an upper ram block, and a lower shelf within
the opening configured to hold a lower ram block.
[0007] In another example, a housing of a blowout preventer includes a bore, a first cavity
on a side of the bore, a second cavity on another side of the bore, and inside walls,
adjacent to the first and second cavities, each comprising an opening which allows
a ram block to access the bore.
[0008] In another example, a blowout preventer includes a housing, a ram block carrier configured
to move within the housing, and one or more ram blocks configured to be placed within
the ram block carrier.
[0009] In another example, a method of operating a blowout preventer includes moving a ram
block carrier within the blowout preventer, and moving a ram block of the ram block
carrier towards a pipe going through a bore of the blowout preventer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description, will be better
understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of
illustration, certain examples of the present description are shown in the drawings.
It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise
arrangements and instrumentalities shown. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated
in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an implementation of system,
apparatuses, and methods consistent with the present description and, together with
the description, serve to explain advantages and principles consistent with the invention.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an example of a blowout preventer.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an example of a blowout preventer
in an open-door configuration.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an example of a housing of
a blowout preventer.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an example of a ram block carrier
of a blowout preventer.
FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating front and top cross-sectional views of an
example of a blowout preventer including a hydraulic actuator and mechanical override
mechanism for movement of the ram blocks.
FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating an example of a ram block including a T-slot for
connection to an actuating rod.
FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating side cross-sectional views of an example
of a blowout preventer including a hydraulic actuator for movement of the ram block
carrier into an upper and lower positions.
FIGS. 6C and 6D are diagrams illustrating an example of a blowout preventer including
a mechanical override for movement of the ram block carrier into an upper and lower
position.
FIG. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating an example of a blowout preventer having
a ram block carrier in a lower position and upper ram blocks in a retracted position
and an engaged position.
FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating an example of a blowout preventer having
a ram block carrier in an upper position and lower ram blocks in a retracted position
and an engaged position.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of another example of a blowout
preventer including a circular rear door.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of another example of a blowout
preventer including circular ram doors.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a top cross-sectional view of another example of
a blowout preventer including a hydraulic actuator and mechanical actuating mechanism
for movement of the ram block carrier.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a side cross-sectional view of another example of
a blowout preventer including a hydraulic actuator and mechanical actuating mechanism
for movement of the ram block carrier.
[0011] Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, unless otherwise described,
the same drawing reference numerals will be understood to refer to the same elements,
features, and structures. The relative size and depiction of these elements may be
exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in gaining a
comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatuses, and/or systems described
herein. Accordingly, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the systems,
apparatuses and/or methods described herein will be suggested to those of ordinary
skill in the art. Also, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may
be omitted for increased clarity and conciseness.
[0013] In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed
herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
For example, the use of a singular term, such as, "a" is not intended as limiting
of the number of items. Also the use of relational terms, such as but not limited
to, "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," "down," "up," "side," are
used in the description for clarity and are not intended to limit the scope of the
invention or the appended claims. Further, it should be understood that any one of
the features can be used separately or in combination with other features. Other systems,
methods, features, and advantages of the invention will be or become apparent to one
with skill in the art upon examination of the detailed description. It is intended
that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within
this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by
the accompanying claims.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a blowout preventer
100, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a blowout preventer
100 in an open-door configuration.
[0015] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a blowout preventer
100 includes a housing
110, a bore
120 going through a center of the housing
110, a rear door
130, ram doors
140 on two sides of the housing
110, hydraulic actuators
170 attached to the sides of the blowout preventer
100, and mechanical override stems
190 on the ends of the hydraulic actuators
170. As shown in FIG. 2, the housing
100 includes two cavities
124 for receiving ram block carriers
160.
[0016] The housing
110 includes a rear door
130 which is shown in a closed position in FIG. 1. In this example, the rear door
130 is attached to the housing
110 using fasteners
132 which bolt the rear door
130 to the housing
110 in a number of positions around the rear door
130. For example, the rear door
130 may be bolted to the housing
110 using six fasteners
132 but may be attached to the housing
110 using a variety of fasteners
132 in a variety of positions. The rear door
130 is in a closed configuration while the blowout preventer
100 is in use, but may be opened by removing the fasteners
132 and opening the rear door
130. The rear door
130 may be attached to the housing
110 by a door hinge or without a door hinge.
[0017] The housing
110 includes ram doors
140 which may be opened for inspecting, replacing, or removing components within the
blowout preventer
100 such as ram block carriers, ram blocks, or other components. In this example, two
ram doors
140 are attached to the body of the housing
110 using fasteners (not shown) similar to the fasteners
132 used for bolting the rear door
130. The ram doors
140 may include a number of holes
144 arranged around the doors
140 and configured to receive fasteners which are to be bolted to holes
112 formed within the housing
110. The ram doors
140 may be attached to the housing
110 using door hinges
142 so that the doors may be swung to an open position about the hinges
142 once the fasteners are removed.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the housing
110 and displaying an interior of the housing
110.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 3, the housing
110 includes cavities
124 for receiving ram block carriers
160. The interior walls of the housing
110, which are formed around the cavities
124, include openings for allowing ram blocks
182, 184, discussed below, installed within the ram block carriers
160 to be pushed towards and close in on the bore
120. Outer walls of the housing
110, also adjacent to the cavities
124, include grooves
114, 115 for interacting with the ram block carriers
160, side openings
116 for receiving components of the hydraulic actuators
170. The bottom walls formed adjacent to the cavities
124 include drain holes
119 for draining residue fluids which enter the housing
110 during the drilling process. The interactions between the grooves
114, 115 of the housing
110 and the ram block carriers
160 will be explained in more detail below in reference to the components of the ram
block carriers
160 and their movement within the cavities
124.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a ram block carrier
160 which is capable of holding more than one ram block
182, 184, as discussed below. In one aspect, this provides a versatility in the types, sizes,
and numbers of ram blocks used within a single blowout preventer, and allows an operator
to efficiently switch between ram blocks without the burden of accessing the interior
cavities of the blowout preventer and needing to retest the blowout preventer stack.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 4, the ram block carrier
160 includes detent button holders
166 and detent buttons
167, a extension tab
163 for use in the hydraulic actuation of the carrier
160, and a rack
162 for use in the mechanical override actuation of the carrier
160. Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 3, the blowout preventer
100 includes two ram block carriers
160, each placed within one of the two cavities
124 of the housing
110. The carriers
160 are moved up and down within the cavities
124 of the housing
110. When the ram block carriers
160 are in the lower position, the detent buttons
167 are engaged with the lower grooves
114 of the housing
110, whereas ram block carriers
160 in the upper position have detent buttons
167 engaged with the upper grooves of the housing
110. Accordingly, the detent buttons
167 slide along the interior walls of the cavities
124 as the carriers
160 are moved up and down. For example, the detent buttons
167 may include springs which support the buttons
167 within the button holders
166 and allow the buttons
167 to be pushed inwardly for disengaging from the grooves
114, 115 upon up and down movement of the carriers
160.
[0022] In an example, the ram block carrier
160 includes an upper shelf
165 and a lower shelf
164 for receiving an upper ram block
182 and a lower ram block
184. The carrier
160, including the ram blocks
182, 184 installed therein, can be seen in FIG. 5A. The ram block carriers
160 are configured to carry one or more ram blocks
182, 184. In this example, the ram block carriers
160 carry two ram blocks
182, 184 each, the upper ram block
182 and the lower ram block
184, but it should be appreciated that the number of ram blocks carried by the ram block
carrier
160 is not limited thereto. For example, the ram block carriers
160 may carry three or more ram blocks.
[0023] Further, the ram block carriers
160 may be smaller in height, width, and length than the cavities
124 of the housing
110. This allows the ram block carriers
160 to move up and down within the housing
110. It should be appreciated that the ram block carriers
160 may be formed according to a variety of different sizes based on the types and sizes
of the ram blocks
182, 184 used within the ram block carriers
160. In an example, the carriers
160 may accommodate 3 inch thick or 5 inch thick ram blocks on the upper and lower shelves
164, 165. The height of the ram block cavities
124 of the housing
110 may be at least two times the height of the openings formed within the interior wall
of the housing
110. The upper and lower ram blocks
182, 184 may have the same size or may have different sizes. Also, the upper and lower ram
blocks
182, 184 may be of the same type or may be of different types. For example, the upper ram
blocks
182 and the lower ram blocks
184, or three or more ram blocks installed within the blowout preventer
100, may include any one or more of pipe, blind, shear, and blind shear ram blocks.
[0024] For purposes of understanding the movements within the blowout preventer
100, the actuation of the ram blocks
183, 184 into an open, retracted position and closed, engaged position, and the actuation
of the ram block carriers
160 into an upper and lower position will be described below. Regarding the movement
of the ram blocks
183, 184, the blocks
183, 184 are moved between a retracted position and an engaged position about the pipe of
the bore
120 using a hydraulic actuator
170 or a mechanical override stem
190 which will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5A-5B. Regarding the movement
of the ram block carriers
160, the carriers
160 move up and down within the cavities
124 of the housing
110 using a separate hydraulic actuating mechanism
150 or mechanical override mechanism
155, 162 which will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6A-6D. Different positions
of the ram blocks
183, 184 and ram block carriers
160 will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 7A-7B and 8A-8B.
[0025] FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating front and top cross-sectional view of an
example of the blowout preventer
160 including hydraulic actuators
170 and mechanical override stems
190.
[0026] Referring to the example illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, each hydraulic actuator
170 includes a hydraulic cavity
171, an interior actuating rod
173, an exterior actuating rod
172, a piston
174, fasteners
175 for securing the actuating rods
172, 173 to the piston
174, and ram open/close hydraulic fluid ports
176, 177. As shown in the figures, when the ram blocks
182, 184 are in the retracted position, the piston
174 is furthest away from the housing
110. To move the ram blocks
182, 184 to the engaged position, hydraulic fluid is injected into the hydraulic cavity
171 through the ram-closed fluid port
177 and the piston
174 is pushed towards the housing
110. This in turn pushes the interior actuating rod
173 into the ram block
182 and closes the ram block
182 in on the pipe of the bore
120. Similarly, to move the ram blocks
182, 184 back to the retracted position, hydraulic fluid is injected into the cavity
171 through the ram-open fluid port
176 and the piston
174 is pushed away from the housing
110.
[0027] In the event of failure of the hydraulic actuator
170 or as an alternative to hydraulic actuation, blowout preventer
100 includes override mechanical actuator stem
190 for mechanical actuation of the ram blocks
182, 184. Mechanical actuator stem
190 is placed on the end of a stem protector
192 using roller bearings
194 which allow the stem
190 to be twisted for initiating mechanical actuation. When the stem
190 is twisted manually by an operator or using a machine, rotation of the stem
190 causes a threaded push rod
196 within the stem to pull away from the stem
190 and to be pushed inwardly towards the housing
110. This in turn pushes the entire actuating system, including the exterior actuating
rod
172, the piston
174, and the interior actuating rod
173, into the ram block
182 for actuating into an engagement position. It should be appreciated that the length
of the actuator stem
190 and push rod
196 is at least sufficient to extend the ram block
182 into an entirely engaged position, however, a number of lengths and sizes may be
adopted and are appreciated to a person having ordinary skill in the art.
[0028] The stem protector
192 may include windows
193 which allow an operator to monitor the hydraulic and mechanical actuation of the
ram blocks
182, 184. For example, the push rod
196 includes an end holder
197 which receives the exterior actuating rod
172. The end holder
197 includes one or more holes showing the position of the exterior actuating rod
172 with respect to the end holder
197. When the hydraulic actuator
170 is in the retracted position, an operator is able to see that the exterior actuating
rod
172 is fully inserted within the end holder
197. When the hydraulic actuator
170 is in the engaged position, an operator is able to see that the exterior actuating
rod
172 has separated from the end holder
197. Similarly, by monitoring the position of the end holder
197 with respect to the windows
192 of the stem protector
193, an operator may determine whether the mechanical actuator stem
190 has been engaged and whether the push rod
196 is fully inserted within the mechanical actuator stem
190. Indicators or markings may be added to any one or more of these components to allow
the operator to determine the degree of hydraulic or mechanical actuation. Additionally,
sensors may be used to detect the relative positions of these components for notifying
an operator.
[0029] FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating an example of a ram block
182 including a T-slot
183 connection to an actuating rod
173.
[0030] Ram blocks
182, 184 are engaged one at a time with the interior actuating rod
173 through a T-block connector
180 which is attached at the end of the interior actuating rod
173. The T-block connector
180 is configured to be received by each of the ram blocks
182, 184 through a T-slot
183. When the ram block carrier
160 is in the lower position, the T-block connector
180 is engaged with the T-slot
183 of the upper ram block
182, and when the ram block carrier
160 is in the upper position, the T-block connector
180 is engaged with the T-slot
183 of the lower ram block
184. Accordingly, due to the shape and size of the T-slot
183, the up and down movement of the ram block carrier
160 simply allows the T-block connector
180 to slide between the T-slots
183 of the different ram blocks
182, 184. It should be appreciated that the size of the components of the ram block carrier
160 and carrier actuating mechanisms
150, 155, 162 allow the T-block connector
180 to move to an engagement position with each T-slot
183 of the ram blocks
182, 184. Additionally, a programmable actuator may be utilized to position the T-block connector
180 within the T-slots
183 of each ram block
182, 184.
[0031] FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating side cross-sectional views of an example
of a blowout preventer including a hydraulic actuator
150 for movement of the ram block carrier
160 into an upper position and a lower position.
[0032] Ram block carrier
160 is configured to be in a lower position, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the upper ram
block
182 is active and the lower ram block
184 is idle. Also, ram block carrier
160 is configured to be in an upper position, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the lower ram
block
184 is active and the upper ram block
182 is idle. Referring to the examples illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the movement of
the ram block carrier
160 into the upper and lower positions may be controlled by a hydraulic actuator
150. The hydraulic actuator
150 includes an actuating piston
151, an actuating stem
152, an extend port
153, and a retract port
154. The upper end of the actuating stem
152 may be attached to the ram block carrier
160 using an extension tab
163 of the ram block carrier
160 for receiving the actuating stem
152.
[0033] In an example, hydraulic fluid controlled by an operator is injected into the extend
port
153 and into a cavity of the hydraulic actuator
150. This causes the actuating piston
151 to rise which in turn pushes the actuating stem
152 and the attached ram block carrier
160 into the upward position shown in FIG. 6B. A retract port
154 may be controlled by an operator to withdraw hydraulic fluid from the cavity of the
hydraulic actuator
150. This causes the actuating piston
151 to drop and in turn pulls the actuating stem
152 and the attached ram block carrier
160 into the downward position shown in FIG. 6A.
[0034] Hydraulic fluid which operates the hydraulic actuator
150 of the ram block carrier
160, and hydraulic fluid which operates the hydraulic actuator
170 of the ram blocks
182, 184 may be stored in a hydraulic panel which is formed within or outside the blowout
preventer
100. Additionally, control of the hydraulic actuators
150, 170 may be operated manually by an operator, or may be operated according to a programmable
control unit and in response to sensors which detect conditions of the carrier
160 and ram blocks
182, 184. For example, a sensor may detect that a ram block
182 is in a worn condition and programmable control unit may operate hydraulic actuator
150 to move the ram block carrier
160 into the upward position.
[0035] FIGS. 6C and 6D are diagrams illustrating an example of a blowout preventer
100 including a mechanical override mechanism
155, 162 for movement of the ram block carrier
160 into an upper position and a lower position.
[0036] Ram block carrier
160 is configured to be in a lower position, as shown in FIG. 6C, when the upper ram
block
182 is active and the lower ram block
184 is idle. Also, ram block carrier
160 is configured to be in an upper position, as shown in FIG. 6D, when the lower ram
block
184 is active and the upper ram block
182 is idle. As shown more clearly in FIG. 6D, when the ram block carrier
160 is in the upper position, the detent button
167 of the ram block carrier
160 is in the upper groove
115 of the housing
110 and when the ram block carrier
160 is in the lower position, the detent button
167 is in the lower groove
114. Accordingly, as the carrier
160 is actuated into an upward or downward position, detent button
167 is depressed inwardly against a supporting spring and slides against the wall until
it reaches the corresponding groove
114, 115. The detent button
167 is then pushed out by its supporting spring once it reaches the corresponding groove
114, 115. The detent button
167 may have the same size or a smaller size than the openings of the groove
114, 115 such that it fits fully within the groove
114, 115 in its rest position. In this example, the detent button
167 is larger such that it protrudes from the groove
114, 115 in its rest position within the groove
114, 115. In this example, two grooves
114, 115 and two detent buttons
167 are shown, but it should be appreciated that the number of grooves may vary according
to the number of ram block
182, 184 used or may be different than the number of ram blocks
182, 184. Also, one or more detent buttons
167 may be used on each ram block carrier
160.
[0037] Referring to the examples illustrated in FIGS. 6C and 6D, the movement of the ram
block carrier
160 into the upper and lower positions may be controlled by a mechanical override mechanism
155, 162 in the event that hydraulic actuation fails or as an alternative to hydraulic actuation.
The mechanical mechanism includes a pinion
155, a rotating pin
156, and a pin retractor
157. The pinion
155 may be engaged with the rack
162 of the ram block carrier
160 so that the ram block carrier
160 moves up and down based on the rotation of the pinion
155.
[0038] The rotation of the pinion
155 is controlled by the twisting or rotation of the pin
156. Rotating the pin
156 in one direction causes it to move in one direction against the rack
162 and causes the carrier
160 to move up. Rotating the pin
156 in another direction causes it to move in another direction against the rack
162 and causes the carrier
160 to move down. Accordingly, indicators may be added on the outside of the pin
156 or the pin retractor
157 which allow an operator to monitor the rotational position of the pin
156 to determine the position of the pinion
155 with respect to the rack
162 and the overall position of the ram block carrier
160. Additionally, sensors may detect the rotation of the pin
156 for notifying an operator.
[0039] In an example, pin
156 may be rotated manually by an operator using a wrench or automatically. Pin
156 may be rotated using a number of different machines or tools which are known to a
person having ordinary skill in the art. For example, pin
156 may be rotated using a variety of electrical motors, hydraulic motors or other rotating
devices. When the blowout preventer
100 is used in deep water situations, the mechanical actuator
156 of the ram block carrier
160 or the mechanical actuator
190 of the ram blocks
182, 184 may be operated using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The ROV could be used to
supply hydraulic fluid to operate a motor or could be used to directly rotate the
mechanical actuators
156, 190.
[0040] FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating a side cross-sectional view of the blowout
preventer
100 with the ram block carriers
160 being in the lower position. When the ram block carriers
160 are in the lower position, the upper ram blocks
182 may be engaged and closed around the pipe within the bore
120, while the lower ram blocks
184 are in an idle position. In FIG. 7A, the hydraulic actuator
170 is connected to upper ram block
182 by the T-block connector
180, and the upper ram block
182 is in the retracted position. In FIG. 7B, the hydraulic actuator
170 is operated to push the upper ram block
182 into the engaged position about the bore
120. As previously described, an operator of the blowout preventer
100 is able to determine that the hydraulic actuator
170 is in the ram-closed position by detecting that the exterior actuating rod
172 is separated from the end holder
197. One or more sensor may be used in any of the components, such as the exterior actuating
rods
172, the end holder
197, the stem protector
192, the pinion
155, the rack
162, and the hydraulic actuators
150 to sense relative positions of the components and notify an operator of a status
of the hydraulic actuators
170, 150 or mechanical actuators
190, 162, 155 of the ram blocks
182, 184 and ram block carriers
160.
[0041] FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating a side cross-sectional view of the blowout
preventer
100 with the ram block carriers
160 being in the upper position. When the ram block carriers
160 are in the upper position, the lower ram blocks
184 may be engaged and closed around the pipe within the bore
120, while the upper ram blocks
182 are in an idle position. In FIG. 8A, the hydraulic actuator
170 is connected to the lower ram block
184 by the T-block connector
180, and the lower ram block
184 is in the retracted position. In FIG. 8B, the hydraulic actuator
170 is operated to push the lower ram block
184 into the engaged position about the bore
120. As discussed previously, an operator of the blowout preventer
100 may be able to determine that the hydraulic actuator
170 is in the ram-closed position by seeing that the exterior actuating rod
172 is separated from the end holder
197 or by a signal from one or more sensors.
[0042] FIGS. 9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating a perspective view of another example of
a blowout preventer
200. All features previously described in reference to blowout preventer
100 and accompanying figures may be used for blowout preventer
200. Accordingly, the descriptions provided above for blowout preventer
100, though not limiting in scope, are fully applicable for understanding the blowout
preventer
200. In this example, the blowout preventer
200 includes circular rear door
230 and circular ram doors
240. Also, the mechanical actuator
255, 262 of the ram block carrier
260 is on the same side as the hydraulic actuator
250 for the ram block carrier
260.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the blowout preventer
200 includes a hydraulic actuator
250 for moving the ram block carrier
260. Also, a mechanical actuating system includes a rack
262 installed on the ram block carrier
260, a pinion
255, a rotating pin
256, and a pin retractor
257. The hydraulic actuator
250 and the mechanical actuating system
255, 262 may operate like the hydraulic actuator
150 and the mechanical actuating system
155, 162 of the blowout preventer
100. In this example, the hydraulic actuator
250 and the mechanical actuating system
255, 262 are installed on the same side of the blowout preventer
200 as shown in FIG. 11.
[0044] Still referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the blowout preventer
200 includes a circular rear door
230 and circular ram doors
240. In this example, the circular rear door
230 and circular ram doors
240 include the same components and operate in the same way; however, a variety of different
doors may be used with the blowout preventer
200. Circular ram doors
230 include a covering member
241, a top plate
242, a bottom plate
243, four through holes
244 going through the top plate
242, and four fasteners
245 extending through the through holes
244 and into the bottom plate
243. The bottom plate
243 has an opening in the center, thus allowing a user to inspect or access the interior
of the blowout preventer
200. In this example, the circular ram doors
240 may be opened by removing the four fasteners
245 and subsequently removing the top plate
242 from the bottom plate
243.
[0045] Additionally, the covering member
241 includes a threaded hole
247 for receiving a threaded screw
248 extending from the bottom plate
243 through the top plate
242 and into the threaded hole
247. In this example, a flange
246 is placed between the covering member
241 and the top plate
242. For example, a user may rotate the covering member
241 thereby unscrewing the threaded hole
247 from the threaded screw
248, and allowing an opening within the top plate
242 to be exposed. This allows inspecting of the interior of the blowout preventer
200 and releasing pressure build up within the blowout preventer
200.
[0046] One of skill in the art will recognize that the described examples are not limited
to any particular size. Further one of skill in the art will recognize that the blowout
preventer
100, 200 is not limited to any type of material. As a non-limiting example, the blowout preventer
100, 200 is formed primarily from low alloy steel. In another example, metal components utilized
in manufacture, when possible and not restricted by pressure constraints or other
operational reasons, may be manufactured and machined from commercially available
4130 steel. One skilled in the art will recognize that other diameters, types and
thicknesses of steel or preferred materials can be utilized when taking into consideration
safety and the high pressure functioning capacity which can range in operation from
3,000 psi to 20,000 psi. In an example, a housing of the blowout preventer
100, 200 may be machined and ram block carriers may be cast; however, a number of manufacturing
techniques may be used such as the machining or casting of any component of the blowout
preventer
100, 200.
[0047] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to
the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept
thereof. It is understood, therefore, that the invention disclosed herein is not limited
to the particular embodiments disclosed, and is intended to cover modifications within
the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0048] Further embodiments of the invention are described by the following examples:
Examples
1. A ram block carrier, comprising:
an opening;
an upper shelf within the opening configured to hold an upper ram block; and
a lower shelf within the opening configured to hold a lower ram block.
2. The ram block carrier of example 1, further comprising an extension tab configured
to be attached to a carrier hydraulic actuator for moving the ram block carrier.
3. The ram block carrier of example 1, further comprising a rack configured to contact
a pinion for moving the ram block carrier.
4. The ram block carrier of example 1, further comprising a detent button configured
to be pressed in response to the ram block carrier moving, inserted into an upper
groove in response to the ram block carrier being in an upper position, and inserted
into a lower groove in response to the ram block carrier being in a lower position.
5. A housing of a blowout preventer, comprising:
a bore;
a first cavity on a side of the bore;
a second cavity on another side of the bore; and
inside walls, adjacent to the first and second cavities, each comprising an opening
which allows a ram block to access the bore,
wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are each configured to receive a ram
block carrier that is movable within the housing.
6. The housing of example 5, further comprising outside walls, adjacent to the first
and second cavities, each comprising:
a pinion which is configured to contact the ram block carrier and to move the ram
block carrier within each cavity; and
an indicator which is configured to indicate a position of the ram block carrier.
7. The housing of example 5, wherein a length of each of the cavities is at least
two times greater than a length of each of the openings.
8. The housing of example 5, further comprising outside walls, adjacent to the first
and second cavities, each comprising:
an upper detent groove; and
a lower detent groove,
wherein the upper detent groove is configured to receive a detent button of the ram
block carrier in response to the ram block carrier being in an upper position and
the lower detent groove is configured to receive the detent button of the ram block
carrier in response to the ram block carrier being in a lower position.
9. The housing of example 5, further comprising outside walls, adjacent to the first
and second cavities, each comprising a hole configured to receive a ram block hydraulic
actuator for moving one or more ram blocks towards the bore.
10. A blowout preventer, comprising:
a housing;
a ram block carrier configured to move within the housing; and
one or more ram blocks configured to be placed within the ram block carrier.
11. The blowout preventer of example 10, further comprising a carrier hydraulic actuator
for moving the ram block carrier within the housing.
12. The blowout preventer of example 10, further comprising:
a piston; and
an actuating stem attached to the piston,
wherein the ram block carrier comprises an extension tab which is attached to the
actuating stem for moving the ram block carrier.
13. The blowout preventer of example 10, further comprising a carrier mechanical actuator
for moving the ram block carrier within the housing.
14. The blowout preventer of example 10, further comprising:
a pinion installed on the housing;
a rotating pin for rotating the pinion; and
a rack installed on the ram block carrier and contacting the pinion,
wherein the ram block carrier moves within the housing in response to the pinion rotating.
15. The blowout preventer of example 10, further comprising an indicator for monitoring
a position of the ram block carrier.
16. The blowout preventer of example 10, wherein the one or more ram blocks comprises
a plurality of ram blocks.
17. The blowout preventer of example 10, further comprising:
a central bore extending through the housing;
another ram block carrier configured to move within the housing; and
one or more ram blocks configured to be placed within the other ram block carrier,
wherein the ram block carrier is on one side of the central bore and the other ram
block carrier is on another side of the central bore.
18. The blowout preventer of example 17, wherein the one or more ram blocks of the
ram block carrier comprises a plurality of ram blocks, and the one or more ram blocks
of the other ram block carrier comprises another plurality of ram blocks.
19. The blowout preventer of example 18, wherein each of the plurality of ram blocks
of the ram block carrier corresponds to one of the other plurality of ram blocks of
the other ram block carrier.
20. The blowout preventer of example 10, further comprising a ram block hydraulic
actuator configured to move the one or more ram blocks.
21. The blowout preventer of example 10, further comprising:
a piston;
an exterior actuating rod attached to the piston;
an interior actuating rod attached to the piston; and
a connector on an end of the interior actuating rod for making contact with and
moving the one or more ram blocks.
22. The blowout preventer of example 10, further comprising a ram block mechanical
actuator configured to move the one or more ram blocks.
23. The blowout preventer of example 21, further comprising:
a mechanical actuator stem; and
a push rod threadedly engaged to the mechanical actuator stem,
wherein in response to rotating the mechanical actuator stem, the push rod pushes
the exterior actuating rod into the piston and the interior actuating rod, and the
one or more ram blocks are moved.
24. The blowout preventer of example 10, further comprising one or more doors attached
to the housing by fasteners.
25. The blowout preventer of example 10, wherein the one or more doors are circular
doors configured to be opened by removing the fasteners.
26. The blowout preventer of example 25, wherein the one or more circular doors comprise
a covering member, a top plate, and a bottom plate, and pressure within the blowout
preventer is released in response to an opening of the covering member.
27. A method of operating a blowout preventer, the method comprising:
moving a ram block carrier within the blowout preventer; and
moving a ram block of the ram block carrier towards a bore of the blowout preventer.
28. The method of example 27, wherein the moving of the ram block carrier comprises
injecting hydraulic fluid into a carrier hydraulic actuator, and the moving of the
ram block comprises injecting hydraulic fluid into a ram block hydraulic actuator.
29. The method of example 26, wherein the moving of the ram block carrier comprises
rotating a pin on an outside of the blowout preventer and attached to a pinion on
an inside the blowout preventer, and moving the ram block comprises rotating an actuator
stem on an outside of the blowout preventer.
28. The method of example 26, wherein the moving of the ram block carrier comprises
moving the ram block carrier into an upper position in order to use a lower ram block
installed on a lower shelf of the ram block carrier.
29. The method of example 28, wherein the moving of the ram block carrier comprises
moving the ram block carrier into a lower position in order to use an upper ram block
installed on an upper shelf of the ram block carrier.
30. The method of example 29, wherein the moving of the ram block carrier into the
upper position causes a connector of a ram block actuator to engage with the lower
ram block, and the moving of the ram block carrier into the lower position causes
a connector of a ram block actuator to engage with the upper ram block.