EP2049765A1 - Procédé de conception d'un dispositif d'étanchéité d'obturateur anti-éruption à l'aide d'une analyse par éléments finis - Google Patents

Procédé de conception d'un dispositif d'étanchéité d'obturateur anti-éruption à l'aide d'une analyse par éléments finis

Info

Publication number
EP2049765A1
EP2049765A1 EP07813549A EP07813549A EP2049765A1 EP 2049765 A1 EP2049765 A1 EP 2049765A1 EP 07813549 A EP07813549 A EP 07813549A EP 07813549 A EP07813549 A EP 07813549A EP 2049765 A1 EP2049765 A1 EP 2049765A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
seal
finite element
element analysis
strain
model
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP07813549A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2049765A4 (fr
Inventor
Shafiq Khandoker
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Hydril USA Distribution LLC
Original Assignee
Hydril USA Manufacturing LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US11/829,811 external-priority patent/US7736556B2/en
Application filed by Hydril USA Manufacturing LLC filed Critical Hydril USA Manufacturing LLC
Publication of EP2049765A1 publication Critical patent/EP2049765A1/fr
Publication of EP2049765A4 publication Critical patent/EP2049765A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
    • E21B33/02—Surface sealing or packing
    • E21B33/03—Well heads; Setting-up thereof
    • E21B33/06—Blow-out preventers, i.e. apparatus closing around a drill pipe, e.g. annular blow-out preventers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C35/00—Heating, cooling or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanising; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C35/02—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould
    • B29C35/0222—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould the curing continuing after removal from the mould
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C35/00—Heating, cooling or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanising; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C35/02—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould
    • B29C35/0288—Controlling heating or curing of polymers during moulding, e.g. by measuring temperatures or properties of the polymer and regulating the process
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F30/00—Computer-aided design [CAD]
    • G06F30/20—Design optimisation, verification or simulation
    • G06F30/23—Design optimisation, verification or simulation using finite element methods [FEM] or finite difference methods [FDM]
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/26—Sealing devices, e.g. packaging for pistons or pipe joints
    • B29L2031/265—Packings, Gaskets
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F2111/00—Details relating to CAD techniques
    • G06F2111/10—Numerical modelling
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/598—With repair, tapping, assembly, or disassembly means
    • Y10T137/5983—Blow out preventer or choke valve device [e.g., oil well flow controlling device, etc.]
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49229—Prime mover or fluid pump making
    • Y10T29/49297—Seal or packing making

Definitions

  • Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to blowout preventers used in the oil and gas industry. Specifically, embodiments selected relate to methods of designing and manufacturing seals for use in blowout preventers, in which the seals may include elastomer and a rigid material.
  • Well control is an important aspect of oil and gas exploration.
  • safety devices When drilling a well, for example, safety devices must be put in place to prevent injury to personnel and damage to equipment resulting from unexpected events associated with the drilling activities.
  • Drilling wells involves penetrating a variety of subsurface geologic structures, or "layers.” Occasionally, a wellbore will penetrate a layer having a formation pressure substantially higher than the pressure maintained in the wellbore. When this occurs, the well is said to have "taken a kick.”
  • the pressure increase associated with a kick is generally produced by an influx of formation fluids (which may be a liquid, a gas, or a combination thereof) into the wellbore.
  • the relatively high- pressure kick tends to propagate from a point of entry in the wellbore uphole (from a high-pressure region to a low-pressure region). If the kick is allowed to reach the surface, drilling fluid, well tools, and other drilling structures may be blown out of the wellbore. Such “blowouts” may result in catastrophic destruction of the drilling equipment (including, for example, the drilling rig) and substantial injury or death of rig personnel.
  • blowout preventers are installed above the wellhead at the surface or on the sea floor in deep water drilling arrangements to effectively seal a wellbore until active measures can be taken to control the kick. Blowout preventers may be activated so that kicks are adequately controlled and "circulated out" of the system.
  • blowout preventers There are several types of blowout preventers, the most common of which are annular blowout preventers (including spherical blowout preventers) and ram blowout preventers. Each of these types of blowout preventers will be discussed in more detail.
  • Annular blowout preventers typically use large annular, rubber or elastomeric seals having metal inserts, which are referred to as "packing units.”
  • the packing units may be activated within a blowout preventer to encapsulate drillpipe and well tools to completely seal an "annulus" between the pipe or tool and a wellbore.
  • the packing unit may be compressed such that its bore is entirely closed.
  • a completely closed packing unit of an annular blowout preventer acts like a shutoff valve.
  • packing units seal about a drillpipe, in which the packing unit may be quickly compressed, either manually or by machine, to affect a seal thereabout to prevent well pressure from causing a blowout.
  • the packing unit of Knox includes a plurality of metal inserts embedded in an elastomeric body, in which the metal inserts are completely bonded with the elastomeric body.
  • the metal inserts are spaced apart in radial planes in a generally circular fashion extending from a central axis of the packing unit and the wellbore. The inserts provide structural support for the elastomeric body when the packing unit is radially compressed to seal against the well pressure.
  • annular blowout preventer 101 including a housing 102 is shown.
  • Annular blowout preventer 101 has a bore 120 extending therethrough corresponding with a wellbore 103.
  • a packing unit 105 is then disposed within annular blowout preventer 101 about bore 120 and wellbore 103.
  • Packing unit 105 includes an elastomeric annular body 107 and a plurality of metal inserts 109.
  • Metal inserts 109 are disposed within elastomeric annular body 107 of packing unit 105, which are distributed in a generally circular fashion and spaced apart in radial planes extending from wellbore 103. Further, packing unit 105 includes a bore 111 concentric with bore 120 of blowout preventer 101.
  • Annular blowout preventer 101 is actuated by fluid pumped into opening 1 13 of a piston chamber 112. The fluid applies pressure to a piston 1 17, which moves piston 117 upward. As piston 1 17 moves upward, piston 117 translates force to packing unit 105 through a wedge face 1 18. The force translated to packing unit 105 from wedge face 1 18 is directed upward toward a removable head 119 of annular blowout preventer 101, and inward toward a central axis of wellbore 103 of annular blowout preventer 101. Because packing unit 105 is retained against removable head 119 of annular blowout preventer 101, packing unit 105 does not displace upward from the force translated to packing unit 105 from piston 1 17.
  • packing unit 105 does displace inward from the translated force, which compresses packing unit 105 toward central axis of wellbore 103 of the annular blowout preventer 101.
  • packing unit 105 will seal about the drillpipe into a "closed position.” The closed position is shown in Figure 5.
  • packing unit 105 With sufficient radial compression, will completely seal bore 11 1.
  • Annular blowout preventer 101 goes through an analogous reverse movement when fluid is pumped into opening 115 of piston chamber 1 12, instead of opening 113.
  • the fluid translates downward force to piston 117, such that wedge face 1 18 of piston 117 allows the packing unit 105 to radially expand to an 'Open position.' * The open position is shown in Figure 4.
  • removable head 1 19 of annular blowout preventer 101 enables access to packing unit 105, such that packing unit 105 may be serviced or changed if necessary.
  • packing unit 105 and metal inserts 109 used in annular blowout preventer 101 are shown in more detail.
  • packing unit 105 includes an elastomeric annular body 107 and a plurality of metal inserts 109.
  • Metal inserts 109 are distributed in a generally circular fashion and spaced apart in radial planes within elastomeric annular body 107 of packing unit 105.
  • Figures 3 A and 3B show examples of metal inserts 109 that may be disposed and embedded within elastomeric annular body 107 of packing unit 105.
  • metal inserts 109 are embedded and completely bonded to elastomeric annular body 107 to provide a structural support for packing unit 105.
  • packing unit 105 in the open position ( Figure 4) and closed position ( Figure 5) is shown.
  • packing unit 105 When in the open position, packing unit 105 is relaxed and not compressed to seal about drillpipe 151 such that a gap is formed therebetween, allowing fluids to pass through the annul us.
  • packing unit 105 when in the closed position, packing unit 105 is compressed to seal about drillpipe 151, such that fluids are not allowed to pass through the annulus. Therefore, the blowout preventer may close the packing unit 105 to seal against wellbore pressure from the blowout originating below.
  • spherical blowout preventers use large, semi-spherical, elastomeric seals having metal inserts as packing units.
  • FIG 6 an example of a spherical blowout preventer 301 disposed about a wellbore axis 103 is shown.
  • Figure 6 is taken from U.S. Patent No. 3,667,721 (issued to Vujasinovic and incorporated by reference in its entirety).
  • spherical blowout preventer 301 includes a lower housing 303 and an upper housing 304 releasably fastened together with a plurality of bolts 311, wherein housing members 303, 304 may have a curved, spherical inner surface.
  • a packing unit 305 is disposed within spherical blowout preventer 301 and typically includes a curved, elastomeric annular body 307 and a plurality of curved metal inserts 309 corresponding to the curved, spherical inner surface of housing members 303, 304.
  • Metal inserts 309 are thus disposed within annular body 307 in a generally circular fashion and spaced apart in radial planes extending from a central axis of wellbore 103.
  • ram blowout preventers may also include elastomeric seals having metal inserts.
  • the large seals are typically disposed on top of ram blocks or on a leading edge of ram blocks to provide a seal therebetween.
  • a ram blowout preventer 701 including a housing 703, a ram block 705, and a top seal 711 is shown. With respect to Figure 7, only one ram block 705 is shown; typically, though, two corresponding ram blocks 705 are located on opposite sides of a wellbore 103 from each other (shown in Figure 8).
  • Ram blowout preventer 701 includes a bore 720 extending therethrough, bonnets 707 secured to housing 703 and piston actuated rods 709, and is disposed about central axis of a wellbore 103.
  • Rods 709 are connected to ram blocks 705 and may be actuated to displace inwards towards wellbore 103.
  • Rams blocks 705 may either be pipe rams or variable bore rams, shear rams, or blind rams. Pipe and variable bore rams, when activated, move to engage and surround drillpipe and/or well tools to seal the wellbore.
  • ram blocks 705A, 705B and top seals 71 1 A, 71 1 B used in ram blowout preventer 701 are shown in more detail.
  • top seals 71 1 A, 71 IB are disposed within grooves 713 of ram blocks 705 A, 705B, respectively, and seal between the top of ram blocks 705 and housing 703 (shown in Figure 7).
  • ram block 705A is an upper shear ram block having top seal 705A
  • ram block 705B is a lower shear ram block having top seal 705B.
  • ram blocks 705 A, 705B When activated, ram blocks 705 A, 705B move to engage, in which shears 715 A engage above shears 715B to physically shear drillpipe 151. As ram blocks 705 A, 705B move, top seals 705A, 705B seal against housing 703 to prevent any pressure or flow leaking between housing 703 and ram blocks 705 A, 705B.
  • top seals 71 IA, 71 IB are shown in more detail.
  • top seais 71 I A, 71 IB comprise an elastomeric band 751, elastomeric segments 753 attached at each end of elastomeric band 751, and a metal insert 755 disposed within each elastomeric segment 753.
  • Top seal 705 A for ram block 705 A i.e., the upper shear ram block
  • metal insert 755 disposed within elastomeric segment 753 has an H-shaped cross-section.
  • top seals 71 IA, 71 IB may be used with either pipe rams, blind rams, or shear rams (shown in Figure 8).
  • Figure 10 a ram block 705A with a top seal and a ram packer 717A used in ram blowout preventer (e.g., 701 of Figure 7) are shown.
  • Figure 10 is taken from U.S. Publication No. US 2004/0066003 Al (issued to Griffen et al. and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). Instead of a shear " ' ' rams (shown in Figures 7 and 8), Figure 10 depicts a pipe ram assembly having a variable bore ram packer 717A comprised of elastomer and metal.
  • variable bore ram packer 717A comprises an elastomeric body 761 of a semi- elliptical shape having metal packer inserts 763 molded in elastomeric body 761.
  • Metal packer inserts 763 are arranged around a bore 765 of elastomeric body 761.
  • ram packer 717A (along with a corresponding ram packer oppositely located from ram packer 717A) moves to engage and surround drillpipe and/or well tools located in bore 765 to seal the wellbore.
  • blowout preventers e.g., packing units in the annular and spherical blowout preventers and top seals and ram packers in the ram blowout preventer
  • loads may be applied to contain pressures between various elements of the blowout preventers.
  • the fluid force is translated from piston 117 and wedge face 1 18 to packing unit 105 to close packing unit 105 towards central axis of wellbore 103, the fluid force generates stress and strain within packing unit 105 at areas and volumes thereof contacting sealing surfaces (e.g., wedge face 1 17 and drillpipe 151) to seal against wellbore pressure from below.
  • the stress occurring in packing unit 105 is approximately proportional to the fluid force translated to packing unit 105.
  • the material of the seals will strain to accommodate the stress and provide sealing engagement.
  • the amount of strain occurring in the material of the seal is dependent on a modulus of elasticity of the material.
  • the modulus of elasticity is a measure of the ratio between stress and strain and may be described as a material's tendency to deform when force or pressure is applied thereto. For example, a material with a high modulus of elasticity will undergo less strain than a material with a low modulus of elasticity for any given stress.
  • the metal inserts have substantially larger moduli of elasticity than the elastomeric portions.
  • the modulus of elasticity for steel typically about 30,000,000 psi; 200 GPa
  • the moduli of elasticity for most elastomers typically about 1,500 psi; 0.01 GPa.
  • seals for blowout preventers are modeled with finite elements to determine the performance of the seal under various displacement conditions.
  • the packing unit of an annular blowout preventer may be simulated with a displacement condition to move into the closed position around a drillpipe, in which the packing unit would be compressed between the piston and the removable head from the annular blowout preventer and the drillpipe.
  • the FEA model may be used to produce a strain plot of the seal (packing unit in this example) to display the strain concentrations within the seal under that specific displacement condition.
  • this evaluation of the strain concentrations may not result in the most accurate prediction and representation of the performance of the seals used in blowout preventers.
  • the seals used in blowout preventers experience extremely high amounts of strain from the stresses that may be incurred.
  • an elastomeric body of the packing unit may experience strains in excess of 300% in the areas of the strain concentrations.
  • the packing unit may begin experiencing strains of about 400- 450% in sealing about itself.
  • the metal and elastomers used for seals in blowout preventers typically have large differences in their moduli of elasticity. Because of this difference between the moduli of elasticity, when bonded together, the metal will tend to control the "flow" and deformation of the elastomers in the seals when compressed in the blowout preventers. With the large amounts of strain, especially the strain resulting from repetitive and cyclic displacements, coupled with the significant difference between the moduli of elasticity of the seal's materials, FEA evaluating strain concentrations may not accurately represent the capabilities of the seals.
  • the seal comprising a rigid material and elastomer may be represented by a geometrically similar representation consisting of many finite elements ⁇ i.e. discrete regions), commonly referred to as a mesh.
  • the finite elements interact with one another to model the seal and provide simulated data and results for various displacement conditions.
  • the finite elements within areas of high stress and/or strain ⁇ i.e., stress and/or concentrations) with substantial differences between materials' moduli of elasticity may improperly deform.
  • Common improper deformations of the finite elements that may occur include the elements collapsing upon themselves, distorting without bound, or sustaining losses in stress, strain, and/or energy.
  • FIG. 1 1 a graph displaying strain (y-axis) versus number of iterations (x-axis) within FEA is shown.
  • the simulated strain displayed on the y-axis may be a magnitude of a principal strain occurring in a specific direction simulated across a finite element of a seal model for a given displacement condition.
  • the y-axis of the graph may display the magnitude of a principal strain (e.g., strain occurring in the direction of the z-axis; shear strain occurring in the plane of the y-axis and the z-axis) occurring within a finite element when the seal model is simulated with a displacement condition (e.g., closing of a packing unit about a drillpipe).
  • a displacement condition e.g., closing of a packing unit about a drillpipe.
  • the number of iterations displayed on the x-axis refers to the amount of simulations of FEA used when modeling the seal.
  • each "iteration” refers to a single execution of the FEA process to simulate a displacement of the seal for the blowout preventer, thus determining the magnitude of strain of the finite element of the seal model.
  • the resolution of the finite elements in the mesh is increased with each iteration.
  • such localized analysis may result in an FEA stress and/or strain output that fails to correlate to an experimentally observed solution.
  • the FEA stress and/or strain output may not even be capable of converging to a solution at all.
  • embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method of manufacturing a seal of a blowout preventer.
  • the method comprises selecting a seal design, generating a first finite element analysis seal model from the selected seal design, smoothing the first finite element analysis seal model, analyzing a strain plot of the smoothed first finite element analysis seal model based on a displacement condition, and manufacturing a seal.
  • embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method to certify a seal of a blowout preventer.
  • the method comprises generating a first finite element analysis seal model, smoothing the first finite element analysis seal model, analyzing a strain plot of the smoothed first finite element analysis seal model based upon a displacement condition, and comparing the strain plot of the smoothed first finite element analysis seal model against at least one specified criteria.
  • embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method of optimizing a seal of a blowout preventer.
  • the method comprises smoothing a first finite element analysis seal model, analyzing a strain plot of the smoothed first finite element analysis seal model based upon a displacement condition, generating a second finite element analysis seal model based on the analyzed strain plot of the smoothed first finite element analysis seal model, smoothing the second finite element analysis seal model, analyzing a strain plot of the second smoothed finite element analysis seal model based upon a displacement condition, and repeating the analyzing and generating of smoothed finite element analysis seal models until an optimized seal model is reached.
  • Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an annular blowout preventer.
  • Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a packing unit for an annular blowout preventer.
  • Figure 3A is a perspective view of a metal insert for a packing unit for an annular blowout preventer.
  • Figure 3 B is a side view of an alternative metal insert for a packing unit for an annular blowout preventer.
  • Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art packing unit for an annular blowout preventer shown in a relaxed position.
  • Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a packing unit for an annular blowout preventer in a closed position.
  • Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a spherical blowout preventer.
  • Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a ram blowout preventer.
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view of ram shears for a ram blowout preventer.
  • Figure 9A is a perspective view of a top seal for ram blocks of a ram blowout preventer.
  • Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view of a top seal for ram blocks of a ram blowout preventer.
  • Figure 10 is a perspective view of a variable bore ram packer for a ram block of a ram blowout preventer.
  • Figure 1 1 is a graphical representation of strain versus the number of FEA iterations.
  • Figure 12 is a flow chart depicting a method of manufacturing a seal for a blowout preventer in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
  • Figure 13 is a cross-sectional, axial profile of an annular packing unit in a two- dimensional plot (using x and z axes) in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
  • Figure 14 is a cross-sectional, radial profile of an annular packing unit in a two-dimensional plot (using x and y axes) in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
  • Figure 15 is a portion of a seal model of an annular packing unit in a three- dimensional plot (using x, y, and z axes) in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
  • Figure 16 is a portion of a seal mesh of an annular packing unit in a three- dimensional plot (using x, y, and z axes) in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
  • Figure 17A is an end view of a metal insert for a packing unit for an annular blowout preventer.
  • Figure 17B is an end view of a metal insert for a packing unit for an annular blowout preventer in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
  • Figure 18A is a top view of a metal insert for a packing unit for an annular blowout preventer.
  • Figure 18B is a top view of a metal insert for a packing unit for an annular blowout preventer.
  • Figure 19A is a strain plot of a seal model of an annular packing unit in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
  • Figure 19B is a strain plot of a seal model of an annular packing unit in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
  • Figure 2OA is a strain plot of a seal model of an annular packing unit in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
  • Figure 2OB is a strain plot of a seal model of an annular packing unit in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
  • Figure 21 A is a strain plot of a seal model of an annular packing unit in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
  • Figure 2 IB is a strain plot of a seal model of an annular packing unit in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
  • Figure 22 is a graphical representation of strain versus number of FEA iterations in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
  • Figure 23A is a strain plot of a seal model of an annular packing unit with selective de-bonding in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
  • Figure 23B is a strain plot of a seal model of an annular packing unit with selective de-bonding in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
  • Figure 24A is a strain plot of a seal model of an annular packing unit with selective de-bonding in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
  • Figure 24B is a strain plot of a seal model of an annular packing unit with selective de-bonding in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
  • Figure 25A is a strain plot of a seal model of an annular packing unit with selective de-bonding in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
  • Figure 25B is a strain plot of a seal model of an annular packing unit with selective de-bonding in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
  • Figure 26 depicts a computer system used to design seals for blowout preventers in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein,
  • FIG. 27A is a strain plot of a seal model of an annular packing unit in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
  • Figure 27B is a strain plot of a seal model of an annular packing unit in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.
  • Figure 28 is a seal model of an annular packing unit in accordance with embodiment disclosed herein.
  • embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method of manufacturing a seal for a blowout preventer. In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method of optimizing a seal for a blowout preventer that incorporates using a strain plot in the method. In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method of certifying a seal model for a blowout preventer using FEA to produce a strain plot after the model has been smoothed and bulk analyzed in response to a displacement condition.
  • a "rigid material” refers to any material that may provide structure to a seal of a blowout preventer, both metal and non-metal.
  • a rigid material may include, but are not limited to, steel, bronze, and high strength composites (e.g., carbon composites, epoxy composites, thermoplastics).
  • a "seal” refers to a device that is capable of separating zones of high pressure from zones of low pressure. Examples of blowout preventer seals include, but are not limited to, annular packing units, top seals, and variable bore rams.
  • a method including FEA of bulk strain and generating a strain plot may be used to yield more accurate convergent results under a given displacement condition.
  • This FEA method in addition to certain techniques for generating and modifying the seal models, may more accurately calculate the strain in the seal because it is tailored to accommodate the large amounts of stress and strain experienced by blowout preventer seals.
  • Suitable software to perform such FEA includes, but is not limited to, ABAQUS (available from ABAQUS, Inc.), MARC (available from MSC Software Corporation), and ANSYS (available from ANSYS, Inc.).
  • embodiments and methods disclosed herein may advantageously provide techniques for generating and analyzing seal models within FEA to determine the seal's response under displacement conditions characterized by large amounts of strain.
  • Methods disclosed herein may use a simplified seal design and/or model of a seal to assist in the analysis of the seal.
  • methods disclosed herein may avoid analyzing stress and strain concentrations of a complex seal design by "smoothing" that design.
  • the term “smoothing” refers to various techniques to simplify a complex geometry of a seal design for use with FEA. These techniques may allow the analysis of a smoothed model (i.e., a FEA model constructed from a smoothed design) to con-elate with experimentally observed conditions and to converge to a definitive result when analysis of a non-smoothed model may not. As such, a model constructed from a smoothed design may be analyzed within FEA to determine an overall, or "bulk", strain condition. By analyzing this bulk (i.e., non-localized) strain, the performance, and/or possibly failure, of a seal under various displacement conditions may be predicted with more accuracy. Following the analysis of the smoothed model for the bulk strain condition, knowledge obtained therefrom may be incorporated into a (non-smoothed) seal design that is to be manufactured.
  • a smoothed model i.e., a FEA model constructed from a smoothed design
  • a flow chart depicting a method of manufacturing a seal including an elastomer and a rigid material is shown.
  • properties of the seal's materials e.g., the elastomers and the rigid materials
  • the material properties may either be determined through empirical testing or, in the alternative, may be provided from commercially available material properties data.
  • a three-dimensional seal model i.e., a mesh
  • generating a seal model 1220 may also comprise importing a seal design 1221 and subsequently smoothing the imported seal design 1222 to simplify FEA analysis.
  • displacement conditions are simulated in FEA using the smoothed seal model 1230.
  • these simulated displacement conditions reflect the forces, load states, or strains that the seal may expect to experience in operation.
  • a strain plot showing the strain and deformation occurring in the seal model is generated and analyzed 1240.
  • the strain plot shows the location and amount of strain occurring in the seal model in response to the simulated displacement conditions.
  • the strain plot may be analyzed and reviewed 1240 to determine the performance characteristics of the seal model. If the seal model requires improvement, the method may loop back to 1210 to determine material properties of another material for the seal, or alternatively may loop back to 1220 for generation and analysis of another seal model. This loop allows the seal model to be further simulated in FEA to determine its performance after further modifications or models. Otherwise, if the seal model is considered acceptable and meets a specified criteria, the seal model may be used to manufacture a seal for a blowout preventer 1250.
  • the properties of the seal's materials are determined.
  • the elastomeric materials will have lower moduli of elasticity than the rigid materials.
  • the elastomeric portion of the seal will strain more than the rigid material portions.
  • the elastomeric body of the packing unit will strain significantly more than the metal inserts. Because elastomers strain significantly more than the rigid materials for any given stress input, it may be especially important to determine the material properties of an elastomer used in the seal, specifically the relationship between stress and strain across the elastomer.
  • Elongation of a material refers to the percentage change in length of a material.
  • the maximum amount of tensile strain to which a material may be subjected, or elongated to, before failure is referred to as the elongation at break.
  • a material may have a high or low modulus of elasticity, but may exhibit a low elongation at break such that the material will fail without experiencing much strain.
  • the tensile strength of a material is the maximum amount of stress (in tension) a material may be subjected to before failure. As stress is exerted upon the material, the material strains to accommodate the stress. Once the stress is too much for the material, it will no longer be able to strain, and the material fails. The failure point of the material is known as the ultimate tensile strength.
  • Hysteresis phase lag
  • Hysteresis may occur when there is softening induced by stress. This may be described as an instantaneous and irreversible softening for a material that occurs when an applied displacement increases beyond any prior maximum value, resulting in a shift of the stress-strain curve of the material.
  • This induced softening which may also be referred to as the Mullin's effect, is thought to be at least partially attributed to the microscopic breakage of links in a eiastomeric material. This weakens the eiastomeric material during an initial deformation so that the material is, in turn, weaker in subsequent deformations of the material.
  • empirical testing of the elastomer may be used. Specifically, tests may be performed to determine the properties of the eiastomeric material. Examples of tests that may be performed include, but are not limited to, a uniaxial tension test, a uniaxial compression test, a lap shear test, and a biaxial tension test.
  • a uniaxial tension test applies tensile load in one direction to a material and measures the corresponding strain induced in the material.
  • a uniaxial compression test applies compressive load in one direction to a material and measures the corresponding strain induced in the material.
  • a lap shear test applies shear loads to a material and measures the corresponding shear strain of the material.
  • a biaxial tension test applies tensile loads in two directions to a material and measures the corresponding strain of the material.
  • the use of these tests in addition to other tests commonly known in the art, may assist in analyzing and determining the material properties of the elastomer.
  • the performance of multiple tests at differing temperatures may be prudent to establish certain material properties.
  • a model i.e., a mesh
  • design features of the seal are chosen and applied to the model. For example, for a packing unit for an annular blowout preventer, the number of inserts used, the width of the rigid material inserts, and the specific material used for the rigid material inserts may be chosen when generating the seal model.
  • the seal models may be created in a computer aided design ("CAD") software package ⁇ e.g., AutoCAD available from Autodesk, Inc., and Pro/Engineer available from Parametric Technology Corporation) and imported into the FEA software package or, in the alternative, may be generated within the FEA packages (e.g., ABAQUS and PATRAN) themselves.
  • CAD computer aided design
  • a model of packing unit 105 of an annular blowout preventer may be generated from a seal design created using CAD software.
  • axial profiles 1301 of a seal design may be generated of annular packing unit 105 in a two-dimensional plot (using x and z axes).
  • Packing unit 105 includes elastomeric body 107 and rigid (e.g., metal) material insert 109 with bore 1 1 1.
  • Multiple radial and axial cross-sectional profiles may be generated to represent different sections of the seal. For example, profiles may be generated of the sections of a packing unit 105 that do or do not have metal inserts 109.
  • cross-sectional, radial profiles 1401 of the seal design may be generated to represent different radial sections of the seal in a two-dimensional plot (using x and y axes). Because of the symmetry of packing unit 105, only a radial portion of cross-sectional, radial profiles 1401 , as shown, may need to be generated. Then, as shown in Figure 15, by combining axial and radial profiles 1301, 1401, a three-dimensional seal design 1501 may be generated to represent at least a portion of packing unit 105 in a three-dimensional plot (using corresponding x, y, and z axes from Figures 13 and 14).
  • metal inserts 109 and elastomeric body 107 are generated as separate bodies which may interact with one another.
  • more profiles 1301, 1401 of the seal may be generated for more detail in seal design 1501.
  • seal design 1501 and model or mesh 1601 may only represent a radial portion of packing unit 105. However, the remainder of packing unit 105 may be easily generated by taking advantage of the symmetrical geometry of packing unit 105. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in the case of radially symmetric models, symmetric portions and profiles may be used and replicated to simplify the generation of the model.
  • seal design 1501 created using CAD software may be imported into FEA software to generate a model or mesh 1601 of numerous finite elements 1603.
  • Finite elements 1603 of mesh 1601 work together to simulate a seal and a packing unit when stresses and forces are applied.
  • Finite elements 1603 of elastomeric body 107 of packing unit 105 will simulate and respond to stress and forces ⁇ i.e., they will exhibit strain) corresponding to the material properties of the elastomeric material.
  • finite elements 1603 of metal inserts 109 of packing unit 105 will simulate and respond to stress and forces corresponding to the material properties of the metal inserts.
  • finite elements 1603 deform and strain to simulate the response of the different materials ⁇ e.g., elastomers and rigid materials) of the seal in accordance with their material properties. While finite elements 1603 are shown as eight-noded elements (i.e., brick elements), finite elements of any shape known in the art may be used.
  • a number of smoothing techniques may be used on the seal design 1222.
  • analyzing the actual manufactured geometry of the seal using FEA may lead to complications when large amounts of stress and strain are simulated.
  • the geometry of metal seal components include radiused corners and other stress-concentration reducing features to more evenly distribute stress across the component as it is loaded.
  • these techniques may adversely affect FEA models in FEA in that they increase the complexity of the model and may prevent the FEA from producing accurate results. Therefore, a seal model generated from a smoothed design may include removing as-manufactured stress concentration features in an effort to improve the results of FEA.
  • the seal design's rigid material may be modified (i.e., smoothed) to reduce their complexity.
  • Figure 17A an end view of a metal insert 1701 including flanges 1703 connected by a web 1705 is shown.
  • Metal insert 1701 typically includes radiused internal corners 1707 and squared external corners 1709.
  • the corners of the metal insert may be modified.
  • Figure 17B an end view of a metal insert 171 1 design including flanges 1713 connected by a web 1715 in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein is shown.
  • internal corners 1717 may be modified to reduce or eliminate their radii (as shown) in an attempt to simplify a subsequently constructed model.
  • external corners 1719 may be modified to add or increase their radii (also shown) in an attempt to simplify a subsequently constructed model.
  • a seal model constructed in this manner may be analyzed for bulk strains such that the FEA may produce more accurate and definitive results than would be possible using the former, more "localized” approach.
  • the smoothing may include modifying the shape of the rigid material insert and its position within the elastomeric body.
  • FIG 18 A a top view of a metal insert 1801 disposed within a portion of an elastomeric body 1802 of an annular packing unit is shown.
  • Flange 1803 and web 1805 (outline shown) of metal insert 1801 shown has a rectangular outline, in which flange ends 1804A, 1804B of flange 1803 and web ends 1806A, 1806B of web 1805 are defined by straight edges. Ends 1804A 3 1806A are radially closer to central axis 103 than ends 1804B, 1806B.
  • FIG. 18B a top view of a metal insert 1811 disposed within a portion of an elastomeric body 1802 of an annular packing unit in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein is shown.
  • flange 1813 and web 1815 (outline shown) of metal insert 1811 have arcuate ends to define a radial outline centered about central axis 103.
  • sides 1814C, 1814D of flange 1813 may follow along radial lines 1817 extending radially out from central axis 103.
  • Sides 1816C, 1816D of web 1815 may similarly follow along radial lines (not shown).
  • flange ends 1814A, 1814B disposed between flange sides 1814C, 1814D and web ends 1816A, 1816B disposed between web sides 1816C, 1816D may then follow an arcuate path to have an arc, bow, or bend, as shown.
  • arcuate ends 1814A, 1814B, 1816A 5 1816B follow radial paths 1818 defined about central axis 103.
  • a width of flange 1813 and web 1815 increases when following along their sides 1814C, 1814D, 1816C, 1816D from ends 1814A 3 1816A to ends 1814B, 1816B.
  • a seal model constructed in this manner may be able to more accurately simulate strain during FEA to produce more accurate and definitive results.
  • the elastomeric body of the seal design may be smoothed as well.
  • elastomeric body 107 includes a compression face 108 corresponding to wedge face 1 18 of piston (117 of Figure 1).
  • piston 117 When piston 117 is activated, wedge face 118 contacts and compresses packing unit 105 to seal the well.
  • the seal design may be smoothed by modifying the compression face to have approximately the same angle as the wedge face of the piston.
  • the wedge and compression faces may be modified to increase a contact region therebetween.
  • a seal model constructed therefrom may be able to more accurately simulate strain for the strain plots during FEA.
  • the output of the FEA may be simplified to produce more accurate or definitive results when displaced.
  • the web of the rigid material insert may be modified, such as hollowing the web of the insert, as long as the rigid material insert provides sufficient structural support for the seal to sustain the forces applied thereto when under any and all displacement conditions.
  • the volume of the elastomeric body and the rigid material inserts of the seal model remains substantially constant. If the volume does not remain constant, the results and simulated strain from the strain plots created by the FEA may not be accurate or consistent.
  • the force upon the element will stress the element, causing the element to strain to accommodate the stress.
  • the stress applied to the element is directly proportional to the force applied to the element and inversely proportional to the area or volume of the element.
  • the stress applied to the element increases and/or the volume of the element decreases, the stress will correspondingly increase in the element.
  • the respective volumes of the elastomeric body and the rigid material inserts preferably remain substantially constant to provide accurate results. For example, if the volume of the overall seal model has substantially changed from the actual seal, the strain plots of the seal model may show an increase in strain in the elastomeric body with corresponding displacement conditions. Further, if the volume of the seal model changes from the smoothing techniques applied to the seal design of the seal model, such as increasing the volume of the elastomeric body of the seal model during the smoothing process, the strain plots of the smoothed model may show a decrease in simulated strain with corresponding displacement conditions.
  • the simulated strain in the model would inherently change, independent, if the seal model was modified for any improvements. Furthermore, if the overall volume of the seal remains consistent between non-smoothed and smoothed models but the relative volumes of the elastomeric body and the rigid inserts change, the strain plots may be similarly compromised.
  • displacement conditions are simulated upon a seal for a blowout preventer in FEA using the generated seal model.
  • the simulated displacement conditions are loads and strains the seal may expect to experience in service.
  • a model of a packing unit of an annular blowout preventer may require a simulated displacement condition correlating to compressing into a closed position to seal about a section of drillpipe. Further, if no drillpipe is present, the model may experience a simulated displacement condition correlating to compressing to close about itself to seal the bore.
  • a strain plot showing strain and deformation occurring in the seal model in response to displacement conditions may be analyzed and reviewed to determine the performance of the modeled seal.
  • the seal model is of a packing unit for an annular blowout preventer, in which packing unit model is initially simulated with a displacement condition as closed about a drillpipe 151. Then, the packing unit is shown in an original condition before the packing unit is simulated with the displacement condition, but the strain from the simulated displacement condition is superimposed across the non-displaced packing unit.
  • This technique may be performed by calculating the strain from each element of the seal model with the displacement condition and showing the strain upon each corresponding element of the seal model in the original condition. This may allow the strain occurring in the packing unit under the simulated displacement condition to be "mapped " ' back to its original location in the packing unit.
  • a strain plot of the packing unit model shows the maximum principal log strain occurring in the seal model with a simulated displacement condition of closing the packing unit about drillpipe 151 .
  • a strain plot of the seal model shows the packing unit originally before the displacement condition is simulated across the seal model in Figure 19A, but the maximum principal log strain plot from Figure 19A is superimposed across the undistorted seal model.
  • the strain of each element in the seal model in the displacement condition in Figure 19A is added to each element in the undistorted seal model in Figure 19B. This allows the strain plot to show where the strain concentrations will be located when in an undisplaced condition.
  • a strain plot of the packing unit model shows the axial log strain occurring in the seal model with a simulated displacement condition of closing the packing unit about drillpipe 151.
  • a strain plot of the seal model shows the packing unit originally before the displacement condition is simulated across the seal model in Figure 2OA, but the axial log strain plot from Figure 2OA is superimposed across the undistorted seal model.
  • a strain plot of the packing unit model shows the shear log strain occurring in the seal model with a simulated displacement condition of closing the packing unit about drillpipe 151.
  • a strain plot of the seal model shows the packing unit originally before the displacement condition is simulated across the seal model in Figure 21 A, but the shear log strain plot from Figure 21 A is superimposed across the undistorted seal model.
  • the packing unit experiences large amounts of strain to accommodate the closed position simulated displacement condition simulated with the seal model. Because of these large strains, the finite elements of the model or mesh may not deform properly to converge to an accurate or definitive result. However, by analyzing a bulk strain plot of a smoothed mode! in step 1240, a definitive result may be found. FEA focusing on the evaluation of bulk strain may be used to produce more accurate results.
  • FIG. 22 a graph displaying strain (y-axis) versus number of iterations (x-axis) within FEA in is shown.
  • the simulated strain on the y-axis is a magnitude of the principal strain in a specific direction simulated across a finite element of the seal model for a given displacement condition.
  • the number of iterations on the x-axis refers to the amount of simulations of FEA used when modeling the seal.
  • each iteration of Figure 22 may incrementally smooth the analyzed model (while maintaining consistent volume) to make such analysis less complex in nature.
  • the solution converges and is contained within a tolerance band of about ⁇ 1 %.
  • the FEA solution may be seen to converge in Figure 11 because when the simulated strain solution reaches a solution within the tolerance band, the solution continues to stay within the tolerance band even as more iterations are continued.
  • the simulated strain of the seal model may converge within a tolerance of at least about 0.5% of the theoretical strain.
  • a simplified, smoothed model may produce a more convergent and accurate FEA solution than more complex, detailed models.
  • the simulated strain produced using FEA correlates with experimentally observed solutions and converges to a definitive and correct result about the theoretical strain and within the tolerance band limitations.
  • the simulated strain solution produced by the FEA corresponds to the strain found in the seal through empirical testing.
  • strain that a seal model will sustain when simulated with a displacement condition may be shown on a strain plot when still in an undisplaced condition.
  • This technique allows strains to be determined within areas and elements of the seal model while still in the undisplaced condition.
  • FIG 27A an enlarged view of a strain plot of a packing unit model shows the maximum principal log strain occurring in the seal model with a simulated displacement condition of closing the packing unit about drillpipe 151.
  • Three finite elements 2711, 2713, 2715 experiencing strain when simulated with the closed displacement condition have been marked and identified.
  • FIG 27B an enlarged view of a strain plot of the seal model shows the packing unit originally before the displacement condition is simulated across the seal model in Figure 27A, but the maximum principal log strain occurring in the seal model from the displacement condition in Figure 27A is superimposed across the seal model.
  • elements 2711 , 2713, 2715 were marked when in the displacement condition in Figure 27A, elements 271 1, 2713, 2715 may be followed back in Figure 27B to determine their original location within the seal model to graphically represent the magnitude and direction of the strains they experience.
  • Figure 28 also shows the packing unit seal model and mesh from Figures 27A, 27B with elements 271 1 , 2713, 2715. Using this and similar techniques, the areas of the seal model with the strain concentrations may be more easily determined to further improve the design of the seal model as necessary.
  • the strain plots may be used to certify the seal model for use in a blowout preventer. Specifically, the strain plots may be compared against one or more specified criteria to determine if the performance of the seal model meets necessary requirements. Specified criteria, for example, may include performance requirements, customer's requirements, or even industry requirements for seals. Furthermore, such criteria may be compared against the strain plots of an analyzed seal model to determine if a seal manufactured in accordance with the model would be in compliance with such requirements. For example, a customer may require packing units of annular blowout preventers to be capable of experiencing strains in excess of 300%. A strain plot of the seal model packing unit in a closed position displacement conditions may then be compared against the specified criteria to determine if the seal model is capable of satisfying such requirements.
  • industry requirements such as API 16A / ISO
  • API 16A 3 Section 5.7.2 references a "closure test" for ram-type blowout preventers
  • API 16A, Section 5.7.3 references a closure test for annular-type blowout preventers.
  • a packing unit may be required to undergo six closures about the drill pipe and, on a seventh closure, be capable of effectively sealing against pressure of about 200-300 psi (1.4- 2.1 MPa).
  • displacement conditions from industry requirements may be used in conjunction with a simulation to determine if a seal is capable of satisfying such requirements.
  • the seal model may then be certified by comparing the strain plots of the seal model against these specified criteria.
  • the method may loop back to step 1210 to determine material properties for another material of the seal, or the method may loop back to step 1220 to have the seal model regenerated or modified as necessary. This loop of generating the seal model 1220 and analyzing the seal model 1240 may be repeated several times until an "optimized" seal model is reached.
  • selected portions of an elastomeric body of a packing unit may be de-bonded from the rigid material inserts when looping back and regenerating the seal model 1220 to reduce to reduce the amount and location of strain.
  • the elastomeric body is completely bonded to metallic inserts for the packing unit to maintain maximum rigidity, as discussed above with respect to the prior art.
  • this may reduce strain in the elastomer of the packing unit when the packing unit is modeled in FEA to show the strain plots.
  • the seal model is of a packing unit for an annular blowout preventer, in which packing unit model is initially simulated with a displacement condition as closed about a drillpipe 151. Then, the packing unit is shown in an original condition before the packing unit is simulated with the displacement condition, but the strain from the simulated displacement condition is superimposed across packing unit.
  • This technique is similar to Figures 19-21 from above.
  • the elastomeric body of the seal model in Figures 23- 25 zs additionally de-bonded from a back surface 109B behind a head 109A of metal insert 109.
  • a strain plot of the packing unit model with such a "selectively de-bonded" elastomeric body shows the maximum principal log strain occurring in the seal model with a simulated displacement condition of closing the packing unit about drillpipe 151 .
  • a strain plot of the seal model shows the selectively de-bonded packing unit model originally before the displacement condition is simulated across the seal model in Figure 23A, but the maximum principal log strain plot from Figure 23 A is superimposed across the undistorted seal model. This allows the strain plot to show where the strain concentrations will be located when in an undisplaced condition.
  • a strain plot of the packing unit model with a selectively de-bonded elastomeric body shows the axial log strain occurring in the seal model with a simulated displacement condition of closing the packing unit about drillpipe 151.
  • a strain plot of the seal model shows the selectively de-bonded packing unit model originally before the displacement condition is simulated across the seal model in Figure 24A, but the axial log strain plot from Figure 24A is superimposed across the undistorted seal model.
  • a strain plot of the packing unit model with a selectively de-bonded elastomeric body shows the shear log strain occurring in the seal model with a simulated displacement condition of closing the packing unit about drillpipe 151.
  • a strain plot of the seal model shows the selectively de-bonded packing unit model originally before the displacement condition is simulated across the seal model in Figure 25A, but the shear log strain plot from Figure 25A is superimposed across the undistorted seal model
  • each of the strain plots of the packing unit model with a selectively de-bonded elastomeric body indicates less strain than the strain plots of the packing unit model without selective de-bonding of the elastomeric body (i.e., Figures 19-21).
  • the volume of the elastomeric body adjacent to the back surface of the head of the rigid material insert indicates less strain in the strain plots of the seal model when the elastomeric body is de-bonded from the rigid material insert.
  • the seal model may be modified and re-generated to produce an optimized seal model that reduces the location and amount of strain occurring in the seal model.
  • the volumes of the seal model and its components may remain substantially constant. If the volumes do not remain constant, the results of the strain plots and simulated strain in FEA may not correlate with experimentally observed results or with one another, thereby providing inaccurate results. For example, if the volume of the seal models of the packing units shown in the strain plots of Figures 19-21 changes from the volume of the seal models of the packing units shown in the strain plots of Figures 23-25, it would be difficult to compare the strain plots because of the added factor of the changing volume. As the volume of the seal model of the packing unit increases or decreases, the simulated strain in the packing unit inherently changes, independent if the seal model was modified for any improvements.
  • the seal model may be used to manufacture a seal for a blowout preventer 1250.
  • a seal based upon the three-dimensional seal model may be manufactured for use in a blowout preventer, such as a packing unit for an annular blowout preventer or a top seal or variable bore ram packer a ram blowout preventer.
  • the seal model of the packing unit for the annular blowout preventer having selective de-bonding may be manufactured for use in the industry.
  • the selective de-bonding packing unit generated in FEA reduced the strain concentrations in the packing unit when in the closed position, as compared to the packing unit shown in Figures 19-21.
  • This selective de-bonding seal model may then be manufactured for use or testing within a blowout preventer because of its improved performance over the other packing unit shown from the FEA.
  • a networked computer system 3060 that may be used in accordance with an embodiment disclosed herein includes a processor 3062, associated memory 3064, a storage device 3066, and numerous other elements and functionalities typical of today's computers (not shown).
  • Networked computer 3060 may also include input means, such as a keyboard 3068 and a mouse 3070, and output means, such as a monitor 3072.
  • Networked computer system 3060 is connected to a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (e.g., the Internet) (not shown) via a network interface connection (not shown).
  • LAN local area network
  • wide area network e.g., the Internet
  • network interface connection not shown
  • these input and output means may take many other forms.
  • the computer system may not be connected to a network.
  • one or more elements of aforementioned computer 3060 may be located at a remote location and connected to the other elements over a network.
  • methods and embodiments disclosed herein may provide improved and more accurate results when using FEA.
  • Methods and embodiments disclosed herein use strain within FEA to determine the performance characteristics of seals for blowout preventers under simulated displacement conditions. This allows the finite elements within the seal model to displace when accommodating large amounts of strain.
  • methods and embodiments disclosed herein may provide techniques for analyzing, smoothing, simplifying, and modifying seal models for use in FEA. Using these techniques, the accuracy of the results of the strain plots created using FEA may be improved. Additionally, using these techniques, the seal model may be modified to reduce the amount and location of strain (e.g., strain concentrations) occurring in the seal model from the simulated strain plots. [00121] Furthermore, methods and embodiments disclosed herein may provide for a seal for a blowout preventer with an increased working lifespan.
  • the packing unit may be modeled with simulated displacement conditions of repeated closures (i.e., repeatably closing the seal about a drillpipe or itself) to determine design features that may extend the working lifespan (i.e., number of closures) of the packing unit.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Geometry (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Evolutionary Computation (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Gasket Seals (AREA)
  • Moulds For Moulding Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Casting Or Compression Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Heating, Cooling, Or Curing Plastics Or The Like In General (AREA)
  • Sealing Devices (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Investigating Strength Of Materials By Application Of Mechanical Stress (AREA)
  • Aerodynamic Tests, Hydrodynamic Tests, Wind Tunnels, And Water Tanks (AREA)
  • Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un procédé de fabrication, de certification, et d'optimisation d'un dispositif d'étanchéité pour un obturateur anti-éruption. Le procédé comprend les étapes consistant à générer un modèle de dispositif d'étanchéité d'analyse par éléments finis, à polir un modèle de dispositif d'étanchéité d'analyse par éléments finis, et à analyser un tracé de déformation du modèle de dispositif d'étanchéité de l'analyse par éléments finis basé sur une condition de déplacement.
EP07813549.8A 2006-07-28 2007-07-30 Procédé de conception d'un dispositif d'étanchéité d'obturateur anti-éruption à l'aide d'une analyse par éléments finis Withdrawn EP2049765A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (9)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US82072306P 2006-07-28 2006-07-28
US84776006P 2006-09-28 2006-09-28
US86239206P 2006-10-20 2006-10-20
US91280907P 2007-04-19 2007-04-19
US11/829,811 US7736556B2 (en) 2006-07-28 2007-07-27 Revised cure cycle for annular packing units
US11/829,752 US20080027693A1 (en) 2006-07-28 2007-07-27 Method of designing blowout preventer seal using finite element analysis
US11/829,697 US20080023917A1 (en) 2006-07-28 2007-07-27 Seal for blowout preventer with selective debonding
US11/829,707 US8176933B2 (en) 2006-07-28 2007-07-27 Annular BOP packing unit
PCT/US2007/074762 WO2008014517A1 (fr) 2006-07-28 2007-07-30 Procédé de conception d'un dispositif d'étanchéité d'obturateur anti-éruption à l'aide d'une analyse par éléments finis

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2049765A1 true EP2049765A1 (fr) 2009-04-22
EP2049765A4 EP2049765A4 (fr) 2014-10-15

Family

ID=38985395

Family Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07799921.7A Withdrawn EP2049764A4 (fr) 2006-07-28 2007-07-30 Cycle de durcissement révisé pour garnitures d'étanchéité annulaires
EP07799925.8A Not-in-force EP2049763B1 (fr) 2006-07-28 2007-07-30 Unité de conditionnement d'obturateur de puits annulaire
EP07813549.8A Withdrawn EP2049765A4 (fr) 2006-07-28 2007-07-30 Procédé de conception d'un dispositif d'étanchéité d'obturateur anti-éruption à l'aide d'une analyse par éléments finis

Family Applications Before (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07799921.7A Withdrawn EP2049764A4 (fr) 2006-07-28 2007-07-30 Cycle de durcissement révisé pour garnitures d'étanchéité annulaires
EP07799925.8A Not-in-force EP2049763B1 (fr) 2006-07-28 2007-07-30 Unité de conditionnement d'obturateur de puits annulaire

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US20080023917A1 (fr)
EP (3) EP2049764A4 (fr)
JP (3) JP5011476B2 (fr)
CN (2) CN101517284B (fr)
BR (2) BRPI0713811A2 (fr)
CA (4) CA2658997C (fr)
MX (3) MX2009001111A (fr)
WO (4) WO2008014514A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (35)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8176933B2 (en) * 2006-07-28 2012-05-15 Hydril Usa Manufacturing Llc Annular BOP packing unit
EP2128551A1 (fr) 2008-05-29 2009-12-02 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Surveillance d'échangeurs thermiques dans des systèmes de conduites de processus
US20100140516A1 (en) * 2008-12-10 2010-06-10 Stefan Butuc Bop packing units selectively treated with electron beam radiation and related methods
US9109421B2 (en) 2008-12-18 2015-08-18 Hydril USA Distribution LLC Deformation resistant opening chamber head and method
US8083001B2 (en) * 2009-08-27 2011-12-27 Baker Hughes Incorporated Expandable gage ring
US8485261B2 (en) 2010-07-15 2013-07-16 Deep Sea Innovations, Llc Apparatuses and methods for closing and reopening a pipe
US8826990B2 (en) 2010-07-15 2014-09-09 Deep Sea Innovations, Llc Apparatuses and methods for closing and reopening a pipe
JP5478408B2 (ja) * 2010-07-29 2014-04-23 原工業株式会社 穿孔ロッド挿入口元の止水装置
US20130124151A1 (en) * 2011-08-26 2013-05-16 Radomir Mech Methods and Apparatus for Printability of Three-Dimensional Objects
US8688418B2 (en) * 2011-09-01 2014-04-01 Mcmoran Oil & Gas, Llc Engineered methodology for design verification and validation of ultra-deep high pressure high temperature oil and gas well control equipment
US9777546B2 (en) * 2011-10-20 2017-10-03 Cameron International Corporation Ram packer extraction tool
US9080427B2 (en) 2011-12-02 2015-07-14 General Electric Company Seabed well influx control system
CN103470201B (zh) 2012-06-07 2017-05-10 通用电气公司 流体控制系统
GB201315216D0 (en) * 2013-08-27 2013-10-09 Enovate Systems Ltd Improved annular blow out preventer
DE102013217383A1 (de) 2013-08-30 2015-03-19 Klaus Biester Blowout-Preventer Stack und Versorgungssystem
JP6718816B2 (ja) 2013-12-20 2020-07-08 フレニー ブレンボ ソシエテ ペル アチオニ モータ及び車両制動デバイスを備えるホイール組立体
CN104343407A (zh) * 2014-06-19 2015-02-11 克拉玛依胜利高原机械有限公司 一种加布盘根及其制造方法
CN104314507A (zh) * 2014-10-13 2015-01-28 重庆中重石油机械有限公司 一种变径闸板总成
US10132133B2 (en) 2014-12-05 2018-11-20 National Oilwell Varco, L.P. Method of closing a blowout preventer seal based on seal erosion
US10316607B2 (en) * 2014-12-17 2019-06-11 Managed Pressure Operations Pte. Ltd. Pressure containment devices
US9970254B2 (en) 2015-08-31 2018-05-15 Cameron International Corporation Blowout preventer with inflatable element
US10161212B2 (en) * 2015-11-24 2018-12-25 Cameron International Corporation Packer assembly with multiple different inserts for blowout preventer
US9938793B2 (en) 2015-11-24 2018-04-10 Freudenberg Oil & Gas, Llc Spherical blow out preventer annular seal
US20170204695A1 (en) * 2016-01-20 2017-07-20 General Electric Company Self healing blowout preventer seals and packers
US10233715B2 (en) * 2016-07-25 2019-03-19 Cameron International Corporation Packer assembly with multi-material inserts for blowout preventer
WO2018029725A1 (fr) * 2016-08-12 2018-02-15 東洋ゴム工業株式会社 Dispositif de vulcanisation de pneumatique et procédé d'assemblage de dispositif de vulcanisation de pneumatique
DE102016216469A1 (de) 2016-08-31 2018-03-01 Klaus Biester Blowout-Preventer Stack
US10590728B2 (en) 2017-05-19 2020-03-17 Cameron International Corporation Annular blowout preventer packer assembly
CN107044268B (zh) * 2017-06-21 2023-05-26 四川新为橡塑有限公司 一种防扭裂抗磨的防喷器胶芯
RO134333A2 (ro) * 2018-01-11 2020-07-30 Abu Dhabi National Oil Company Ansamblu de prevenitor de erupţie cu pacher cu bacuri
CN110823425B (zh) * 2018-08-10 2021-04-02 厦门港湾咨询监理有限公司 利用水下天然岩体构建非金属水底水封油库的建造方法及系统
US11441383B2 (en) * 2020-07-14 2022-09-13 Hughes Tool Company LLC Annular pressure control diverter
RU2744288C1 (ru) * 2020-09-15 2021-03-04 Юрий Иванович Князев Герметизатор длинномерных безмуфтовых труб
CN113510902B (zh) * 2021-09-14 2021-11-23 四川新为橡塑有限公司 一种旋转胶芯及其注塑用模具
WO2023224774A1 (fr) * 2022-05-17 2023-11-23 Grant Prideco, Inc. Modélisation d'usure prédictive pour élément d'étanchéité à commande active

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5230520A (en) * 1992-03-13 1993-07-27 Kalsi Engineering, Inc. Hydrodynamically lubricated rotary shaft seal having twist resistant geometry
EP1679629A2 (fr) * 2004-12-29 2006-07-12 Seat, S.A. Procédé de simulation de placement d'un joint à l'aide d'un calcul d'éléments finis

Family Cites Families (53)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2609836A (en) * 1946-08-16 1952-09-09 Hydril Corp Control head and blow-out preventer
US2593793A (en) * 1947-04-21 1952-04-22 Laurence L Rector Ram-type tubing head
US3004783A (en) * 1957-08-12 1961-10-17 Houston Engineers Inc High pressure packing means
US3667721A (en) * 1970-04-13 1972-06-06 Rucker Co Blowout preventer
US3762725A (en) * 1971-05-20 1973-10-02 Otis Eng Corp Wireline stuffing box and sheave
US3897071A (en) * 1972-04-27 1975-07-29 Hydril Co Annular blowout preventer with variable inside diameter
US4344142A (en) * 1974-05-23 1982-08-10 Federal-Mogul Corporation Direct digital control of rubber molding presses
US4007904A (en) * 1975-03-28 1977-02-15 Cameron Iron Works, Inc. Annular blowout preventer
US4098341A (en) * 1977-02-28 1978-07-04 Hydril Company Rotating blowout preventer apparatus
US4229012A (en) * 1978-04-28 1980-10-21 Cameron Iron Works, Inc. Variable bore packer assembly for ram-type blowout preventers
US4310139A (en) * 1980-04-04 1982-01-12 Cameron Iron Works, Inc. Annular blowout preventer
US4461448A (en) * 1981-06-25 1984-07-24 Hydril Company Well blowout preventer, and packing element
US4452421A (en) * 1981-06-25 1984-06-05 Hydril Company Well blowout preventer, and packing element
US4447037A (en) * 1981-06-25 1984-05-08 Hydril Company Well blowout preventer, and packing element
US4371483A (en) * 1982-01-11 1983-02-01 The B. F. Goodrich Company Apparatus and process for vulcanizing, adjusted for variable location of point of least cure
US4485719A (en) * 1982-04-08 1984-12-04 Westinghouse Electric Corp. Resilient high modulus polyurethane elastomer
US4458876A (en) * 1982-09-16 1984-07-10 Ventre Corporation Annular blowout preventer
US4657263A (en) * 1983-04-18 1987-04-14 Hydril Company Annular packing unit and insert
EP0139724B1 (fr) * 1983-04-18 1987-07-22 Hydril Company Unite d'anneau de garnissage et piece rapportee
GB8401704D0 (en) * 1984-01-23 1984-02-22 Dunlop Ltd Curing article
US4550895A (en) * 1984-09-24 1985-11-05 Shaffer Donald U Ram construction for oil well blow out preventer apparatus
US4614348A (en) * 1985-10-04 1986-09-30 Aeroquip Corporation Anti-blowout seal
US4819177A (en) * 1987-06-19 1989-04-04 Systran Corporation Method for curing rubber articles
US4930745A (en) * 1988-04-29 1990-06-05 Granger Stanley W Variable bore ram rubber
US4986511A (en) * 1989-12-14 1991-01-22 Dresser Industries, Inc. Seal structure for elevated temperature service
US5116017A (en) * 1990-10-18 1992-05-26 Granger Stanley W Annular sealing element with self-pivoting inserts for blowout preventers
US5224557A (en) * 1991-07-22 1993-07-06 Folsom Metal Products, Inc. Rotary blowout preventer adaptable for use with both kelly and overhead drive mechanisms
US5207956A (en) * 1992-02-05 1993-05-04 The Board Of Regents Of The University Of Oklahoma Computer-controlled method for composite curing
US5213339A (en) * 1992-02-13 1993-05-25 Reeves Rubber, Inc. Pipe joint gasket
US5297805A (en) * 1992-10-01 1994-03-29 J.M. Clipper Corp. Sealing ring
USRE36452E (en) * 1992-10-21 1999-12-21 Smith International, Inc. Composite seal for rotary cone rock bits
US5361832A (en) * 1993-06-17 1994-11-08 Drexel Oilfield Services, Inc. Annular packer and insert
JP3549552B2 (ja) * 1993-06-29 2004-08-04 株式会社ブリヂストン 加硫制御方法及び加硫システム
US5680315A (en) * 1995-03-20 1997-10-21 Pirelli Coordinamento Pneumatici S.P.A. System for optimizing cure and assuring quality of reversion susceptible rubber articles
US5729463A (en) * 1995-09-01 1998-03-17 Ulsab Trust Designing and producing lightweight automobile bodies
US6345834B1 (en) * 1995-09-29 2002-02-12 Active Control Experts, Inc. Recreational snowboard
US5738358A (en) * 1996-01-02 1998-04-14 Kalsi Engineering, Inc. Extrusion resistant hydrodynamically lubricated multiple modulus rotary shaft seal
US5851013A (en) * 1997-07-03 1998-12-22 Hydril Company Blowout preventer packing element with metallic inserts
EP0949496B1 (fr) * 1998-04-07 2007-12-12 Pirelli Tyre S.p.A. Méthode de détermination de la condition de circulation des pneumatiques de véhicules
WO2000070509A1 (fr) * 1999-05-13 2000-11-23 Rolls- Royce Corporation Procede de conception de structure a symetrie cyclique
ATE274409T1 (de) * 1999-07-14 2004-09-15 Pirelli Verfahren zum vulkanisieren eines reifens durch bestimmung seines vulkanisationsgrades
JP4272317B2 (ja) * 1999-10-25 2009-06-03 株式会社ブリヂストン タイヤ設計方法、タイヤ用加硫金型設計方法、タイヤ用加硫金型製造方法、空気入りタイヤの製造方法、タイヤ設計プログラムを記録した記録媒体
CN2416229Y (zh) * 1999-11-19 2001-01-24 张子芳 多功能防喷装置
US6612657B1 (en) * 2000-11-01 2003-09-02 Gunite Corporation Outboard ribbed wheel hub
US6554247B2 (en) * 2001-05-04 2003-04-29 Hydril Company Quick release blowout preventer bonnet
US6607220B2 (en) * 2001-10-09 2003-08-19 Hydril Company Radially expandable tubular connection
US6955357B2 (en) * 2002-10-07 2005-10-18 Cooper Cameron Corporation Extended range variable bore ram packer for a ram type blowout preventer
CN100439734C (zh) * 2003-05-02 2008-12-03 株式会社小松制作所 轴承密封以及转动装置
US20050267613A1 (en) * 2004-03-05 2005-12-01 Anast John M Method to quantitativley analyze a model
US20060186601A1 (en) * 2005-02-18 2006-08-24 Jean-Marc Lopez Fluid seals
WO2006102349A2 (fr) * 2005-03-22 2006-09-28 Kalsi Engineering, Inc. Geometrie de levre hydrodynamique a faible couple pour des joints a rotation bidirectionnelle
US7623807B2 (en) * 2005-12-15 2009-11-24 Lexmark International, Inc. Dynamic seal for component surfaces
US8176933B2 (en) * 2006-07-28 2012-05-15 Hydril Usa Manufacturing Llc Annular BOP packing unit

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5230520A (en) * 1992-03-13 1993-07-27 Kalsi Engineering, Inc. Hydrodynamically lubricated rotary shaft seal having twist resistant geometry
EP1679629A2 (fr) * 2004-12-29 2006-07-12 Seat, S.A. Procédé de simulation de placement d'un joint à l'aide d'un calcul d'éléments finis

Non-Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
David Roylance: "Finite Element Analysis", Department of Materials Science and Engineering Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA , 28 February 2001 (2001-02-28), XP055138243, Retrieved from the Internet: URL:http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/materials-science-and-engineering/3-11-mechanics-of-materials-fall-1999/modules/fea.pdf [retrieved on 2014-09-02] *
HUGHES T J R ET AL: "Isogeometric analysis: CAD, finite elements, NURBS, exact geometry and mesh refinement", COMPUTER METHODS IN APPLIED MECHANICS AND ENGINEERING, NORTH-HOLLAND, AMSTERDAM, NL, vol. 194, no. 39-41, 1 October 2005 (2005-10-01), pages 4135-4195, XP027615741, ISSN: 0045-7825 [retrieved on 2005-10-01] *
PARKER SEALS ET AL: "ENGINEERED SEALING SOLUTIONS FOR THE ENERGY, OIL & GAS INDUSTRIES", INTERNET CITATION, 1 May 2003 (2003-05-01), pages 1-5, XP002728940, Cleveland, OH, USA Retrieved from the Internet: URL:http://www.darcoid.com/images/uploads/pdfs/PSG5003.pdf [retrieved on 2014-08-26] *
See also references of WO2008014517A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN101523010B (zh) 2013-05-08
WO2008014515A1 (fr) 2008-01-31
EP2049764A1 (fr) 2009-04-22
JP2009544877A (ja) 2009-12-17
CN101523010A (zh) 2009-09-02
EP2049763B1 (fr) 2017-11-29
JP5011476B2 (ja) 2012-08-29
CA2658997C (fr) 2016-09-13
MX2009001111A (es) 2009-10-12
CA2658994A1 (fr) 2008-01-31
MX2009001065A (es) 2009-05-20
CA2658708A1 (fr) 2008-04-03
CN101517284A (zh) 2009-08-26
EP2049765A4 (fr) 2014-10-15
CA2659000A1 (fr) 2008-01-31
JP2009544875A (ja) 2009-12-17
WO2008014517A1 (fr) 2008-01-31
WO2008014514A1 (fr) 2008-01-31
BRPI0713825A2 (pt) 2012-12-04
US20080023917A1 (en) 2008-01-31
CA2658994C (fr) 2012-01-10
BRPI0713811A2 (pt) 2012-11-06
CA2658708C (fr) 2014-12-02
EP2049763A1 (fr) 2009-04-22
MX2009001112A (es) 2009-07-22
WO2008039589A1 (fr) 2008-04-03
CN101517284B (zh) 2012-06-20
JP2009544876A (ja) 2009-12-17
EP2049763A4 (fr) 2014-10-01
CA2658997A1 (fr) 2008-01-31
EP2049764A4 (fr) 2014-10-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2658997C (fr) Joint d'etancheite pour bloc d'obturation de puits avec decollage selectif
US20080027693A1 (en) Method of designing blowout preventer seal using finite element analysis
Wu et al. The performance optimization of the stripper rubber for the rotating blowout preventer based on experiments and simulation
CA2664622C (fr) Renforcement de vaisseaux a pression irreguliere
He et al. Fatigue life optimization towards rubber core sealing surface of under-balanced drilling rotating blowout preventer
Dong et al. Sealing performance analysis of rubber core of annular BOP: FEM simulation and optimization to prevent the SBZ
Tekin et al. Estimation of shear force for blind shear ram blowout preventers
Zhang et al. High-temperature sealing performance and structure optimization of rubber core for conical blowout preventer
Cheng et al. Matching analysis and experimental study of mechanical properties of cement sheath interface
Achuthan et al. Stress analysis of variable ram blowout prevention valves
US11429766B2 (en) Method to simulate bop shearing
Podgórski Influence exerted by strength criterion on the direction of crack propagation in the elastic-brittle material
Zhu et al. High Temperature and High Pressure Sealing Performance Analysis and Optimization of Small Diameter Tubing Bridge Plug Rubber Tube
Kaculi Next generation HPHT subsea wellhead systems design challenges and opportunities
Xie Analysis of Oil Well Casing Connections Subjected to Non-axisymmetric Loads
Lin et al. Connection Fatigue Evaluation for Cyclic Dogleg Bending Events Using Fatigue Crack Growth Method
Pathak et al. Validation of Cost-Effective Design Methods Using Hydrostatic Head for High Pressure High Temperature Applications
Mirasdar et al. RCD Element Design Optimization for MPD Operations
Wang et al. Test-Free Simulation Method for Blowout Preventer Pipe Shearing Powered by Data
Dzhus et al. The use of simulation modeling in the design of elements of annular preventers
Ghosh et al. Uncertainty Quantification of Drill Collar Fatigue Performance Due to Manufacturing Tolerances
Eide Numerical simulation of extended leak-off tests

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20090302

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA HR MK RS

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20140915

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: E21B 33/06 20060101ALI20140909BHEP

Ipc: E21B 33/03 20060101AFI20140909BHEP

Ipc: B29C 35/02 20060101ALI20140909BHEP

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20150203