WO2005079403A2 - System for controlling a hydraulic actuator, and methods of using same - Google Patents
System for controlling a hydraulic actuator, and methods of using same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2005079403A2 WO2005079403A2 PCT/US2005/004766 US2005004766W WO2005079403A2 WO 2005079403 A2 WO2005079403 A2 WO 2005079403A2 US 2005004766 W US2005004766 W US 2005004766W WO 2005079403 A2 WO2005079403 A2 WO 2005079403A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- hydraulic
- fluid
- hydraulic cylinder
- actuator
- pressure
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 20
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 149
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 claims description 34
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 12
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- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000013535 sea water Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 claims 4
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 8
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000002706 hydrostatic effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 4
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- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
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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
- E21B33/035—Well heads; Setting-up thereof specially adapted for underwater installations
- E21B33/0355—Control systems, e.g. hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, acoustic, for submerged well heads
-
- 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
- E21B34/00—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells
- E21B34/16—Control means therefor being outside the borehole
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F15B1/00—Installations or systems with accumulators; Supply reservoir or sump assemblies
- F15B1/02—Installations or systems with accumulators
- F15B1/024—Installations or systems with accumulators used as a supplementary power source, e.g. to store energy in idle periods to balance pump load
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F15B1/00—Installations or systems with accumulators; Supply reservoir or sump assemblies
- F15B1/02—Installations or systems with accumulators
- F15B1/027—Installations or systems with accumulators having accumulator charging devices
- F15B1/033—Installations or systems with accumulators having accumulator charging devices with electrical control means
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F15B1/00—Installations or systems with accumulators; Supply reservoir or sump assemblies
- F15B1/02—Installations or systems with accumulators
- F15B1/04—Accumulators
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F15B17/00—Combinations of telemotor and servomotor systems
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F15B3/00—Intensifiers or fluid-pressure converters, e.g. pressure exchangers; Conveying pressure from one fluid system to another, without contact between the fluids
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F15B7/00—Systems in which the movement produced is definitely related to the output of a volumetric pump; Telemotors
Definitions
- the present invention is generally directed to the field of hydraulic actuators, and more particularly to a system for controlling a hydraulic actuator, and various methods of using same.
- the present invention is directed to a system for controlling an actuator for a downhole safety valve in a subsea Christmas tree.
- SCSSN Surface Controlled Subsurface Safety Valve
- the present invention is directed to an apparatus for solving, or at least reducing the effects of, some or all of the aforementioned problems.
- the present invention is directed to a system for controlling a hydraulic actuator, and various methods of using same.
- the system comprises a first hydraulic cylinder, an isolated supply of fluid provided to the first hydraulic cylinder, the isolated supply of fluid positioned in an environment that is at a pressure other than atmospheric pressure, an actuator device coupled to the first hydraulic cylinder, the actuator device adapted to drive the first hydraulic cylinder to create a sufficient pressure in the fluid to operate the hydraulic actuator, and at least one hydraulic line operatively intermediate the first hydraulic cylinder and the hydraulic actuator, the hydraulic line supplying the sufficient pressure in the fluid to the hydraulic actuator in the remote locale.
- the system comprises a first hydraulic cylinder, an isolated subsea source of hydraulic fluid provided to the first hydraulic cylinder, an actuator device coupled to the first hydraulic cylinder, the actuator device adapted to drive the first hydraulic cylinder to pressurize the fluid, and at least one hydraulic line for supplying the pressurized fluid to the hydraulic actuator in the subsea well.
- the present invention is also directed to a method of controlling a hydraulic actuator wherein the method comprises providing an isolated supply of fluid, providing fluid from the isolated supply of fluid to a first hydraulic cylinder that is actuated to create a sufficient pressure in the fluid to operate the hydraulic actuator, creating the sufficient pressure with a first hydraulic cylinder, the first hydraulic cylinder being operatively connected to the hydraulic actuator by at least one hydraulic line, and communicating the sufficient pressure to the hydraulic actuator via the at least one hydraulic line.
- Figure 1 shows a schematic of a prior art subsea well completion system utilizing high- and low-pressure hydraulic umbilicals to the surface;
- Figure 2 shows a schematic of a prior art subsea well completion system utilizing a subsea HPU for high- and low-pressure hydraulic power
- Figures 3 a through 3 c show a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in various operating configurations
- Figure 4 shows a schematic of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS 5 a through 5 c show an alternate exemplary embodiment of a suitable hydraulic power unit for use in the inventive system.
- Figure 6 depicts one illustrative embodiment of a latching mechanism that may be employed with the present invention.
- a typical subsea wellhead control system shown schematically in Fig. 1, includes a subsea tree 40 and tubing hanger 50.
- a high pressure hydraulic line 26 runs downhole to a surface-controlled subsea safety valve (SCSSV) actuator 46, which actuates an SCSSV.
- a subsea control module (SCM) 10 is disposed on or near the tree 40.
- the SCM includes an electrical controller 12, which communicates with a rig or vessel at the surface 32 via electrical umbilical 30.
- solenoid valve 20 When solenoid valve 20 is de-energized, either intentionally or due to a system failure, a spring in valve 20 returns the valve to a standby position, wherein line 26 no longer communicates with umbilical 28, and is instead vented to the sea through vent line 24.
- the SCSSV actuator 46 is de-energized, and the SCSSV closes.
- solenoid valves such as 20 are relatively large, complex, and expensive devices. Each such valve may include 10 or more extremely small-bore check valves (not shown), which are easily damaged or clogged with debris.
- controller 12 controls a number of solenoid valves such as 14, which in turn control the flow of low-pressure hydraulic fluid from hydraulic umbilical 16 to hydraulic line 44, and thus to actuator 42.
- Hydraulic fluid which is vented from actuators such as 42, is returned to solenoid valve 14 and vented to the sea through vent line 18.
- Actuator 42 may control any of a number of hydraulic functions on the tree or well, including operation of the production flow valves (not shown).
- a typical SCM may include 10-20 low-pressure solenoid valves such as 14.
- Fig. 2 For numerous reasons it is desirable to eliminate the need for hydraulic umbilicals extending from the surface to the well.
- one known method for accomplishing this is to provide a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid locally at the well.
- Such a system includes a SCM 10 essentially similar to that shown in Fig. 1.
- supplies of each high- and low-pressure hydraulic fluid are provided by independent subsea-deployed pumping systems.
- a storage reservoir 64 is provided at or near the tree, and is maintained at ambient hydrostatic pressure via vent 66.
- Low-pressure hydraulic fluid is provided to solenoid valves 14 through line 60 from a low-pressure accumulator 74, which is charged by pump 70 using fluid from storage reservoir 64.
- Pump 70 is driven by electric motor 72, which may be controlled and powered from the surface, or locally by a local controller and battery power source (either of which is not shown).
- the pressure in line 60 may be monitored by a pressure transducer 76 and fed back to the motor controller (not shown). Hydraulic fluid, which is vented from actuators such as 42, is returned to storage reservoir 64 via return line 62.
- High-pressure hydraulic fluid is provided to solenoid valve 20 through hydraulic line 68 from a high-pressure accumulator 84, which is charged by pump 80 using fluid from storage reservoir 64.
- Pump 80 is driven by electric motor 82, which may be controlled and powered from the surface or locally by a local controller and battery power source (either of which is not shown).
- the pressure in hydraulic line 68 may be monitored by a pressure transducer 86 and the pressure information fed back to the motor controller (not shown).
- the present invention is directed to a local subsea source of high- pressure hydraulic fluid that is small, reliable and will provide the necessary hydraulic power to operate an SCSSV or other hydraulically actuable valve in a safe manner.
- this is achieved by using a simple pressurising piston that can be actuated by an electric motor.
- the piston When actuated, the piston will pressurize hydraulic fluid, which is used to drive a downhole slave cylinder, which, in turn, actuates the valve.
- the pressure in a flowline is used to pressurize the hydraulic fluid. This arrangement has the added benefit that when pressure in the flowline drops the SCSSV will automatically close.
- a system for providing high-pressure fluid for controlling an SCSSV is shown schematically in Figs 3a through 3c.
- a subsea hydraulic power unit (HPU) is housed or otherwise contained in a unit 180 that is located near the Christmas tree.
- the source of hydraulic fluid gas or liquid
- the unit may either or both be packaged as a portable unit and releasably connected to a frame so that it can be easily retrieved for repair.
- the unit 180 includes a master cylinder 181 with a piston 182 reciprocally movable axially in the cylinder, thus dividing the cylinder into two chambers 183 and 184.
- the two chambers 183 and 184 are interconnected through a bypass line 191, the flow through the bypass being controlled by a bypass control valve 190.
- the actuator that moves piston 182 may be of the same type as used in the device of Fig 2, described above, consisting of an electric motor with a gearbox and transmission.
- an electric motor 185 is operatively connected to a shaft 186 by a suitable gearbox 175, such that operation of motor 185 may precisely control the motion of piston 182.
- Examples of a suitable motor 185 and gearbox 175 combination include a Model Number TPM 050 sold by the German company Wittenstein.
- the motor may alternatively be a linear electric motor.
- a controllable downhole safety valve 146 known in the art as an SCSSV (Surface Controlled Subsurface Safety Valve).
- the SCSSV includes a hydraulic cylinder including a "slave" chamber 193.
- chamber 193 is pressurized, pushing a piston 194 against the biasing force of a spring 195 to open the valve 146.
- a fluid line 187 is connected between the slave chamber 193 with an outlet port 198 of an operation control valve 188.
- a first inlet port 196 of operation control valve 188 is connected to fluid line 189, which is connected to cylinder chamber 183.
- This arrangement controls the flow of fluid from master cylinder 181 to the SCSSV actuator 174.
- a check valve 199 is mounted in line 189, between the operation control valve 188 and the chamber 183. The check valve 199 allows fluid to flow from chamber 183 to chamber 193, but not the reverse.
- An accumulator 200 containing a supply of hydraulic fluid, is connected to the fluid line 187 via line 201, at a point between operation control valve 188 and check valve 199.
- the accumulator 200 provides a buffer for the high pressure hydraulic fluid, and ensures that the SCSSV will stay open under normal operating conditions.
- a pressure balanced compensator 205 is connected to a second inlet port 197 of operation control valve 188 via line 206.
- a fluid line 208 connects compensator 205 with chamber 184 of master cylinder 181.
- a fluid line 209 connects compensator 205 with a hydraulic coupling 211.
- the coupling 211 allows hydraulic fluid to be supplied from an external source (not shown) so that fluid can be added to the hydraulic system.
- bypass control valve 190 is shifted to a second, or open position, as shown in Fig. 3c. In the second position, bypass control valve 190 allows fluid to flow through the bypass line between the two chambers 183 and 184 of the master cylinder. The electric motor 185 may then be run in reverse in order to move the piston 12 back to the upper starting position.
- the operation control valve 188 when it is desired to recharge the accumulator 200, the operation control valve 188 is shifted to its second position and the motor 185 is energized to drive the piston 182 downward in master cylinder 181.
- a pressure sensor 213 in line 201 monitors the pressure in the accumulator 200, making it possible to stop the motor 185 when desired pressure is reached.
- an external source (not shown) of hydraulic fluid may be coupled to the hydraulic coupler 211. Fluid from the external source fills the compensator 205 and first chamber 184 of master cylinder 181. By shifting the bypass control valve 190 to its open position (Fig. 3 c), fluid may also flow into second chamber 183. Bypass control valve 190 may then be moved to the closed position (Fig. 3b), and piston 182 may be moved downwards to recharge the accumulator 200, as previously described.
- the exemplary embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 3a through 3c includes a high-pressure section, including accumulator 200, which is maintained at a pressure which is sufficient to operate the SCSSV.
- This embodiment also includes a low-pressure section, including compensator 205, which is maintained at a second pressure which is less than the pressure required to operate the SCSSV.
- the compensator 205 may be partly filled with an inert gas such as nitrogen, which compensates for pressure differences due to operation of the SCSSV, and which also primes the system for use at various water depths.
- a standard, hydraulically actuated downhole safety-valve can be used while eliminating the need for a high-pressure hydraulic fluid supply from the surface.
- Standard downhole safety valves have a spring failsafe feature so that the valve will close when pressure is relieved in the system. The valve will therefore also close in the event of a hydraulic system failure.
- the SCSSV can quickly be closed by shifting operation control valve 188 to its second position, thus venting the high-pressure fluid from line 187.
- FIG. 4 An alternative exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 4.
- the piston shaft 186 of master cylinder 181 is connected a second piston 222 housed in a low-pressure cylinder 221.
- This embodiment may be used with water injection wells, in which case the low-pressure cylinder 221 is connected to the water injection flowline via line 223.
- the area of the second piston 222 is selected such that the force of the injection water acting on piston 222 is sufficient to pressurize the fluid in chamber 183 to a level sufficient to actuate the safety valve 146. As long as injection water is pumped through the flowline, it will maintain the pressure on piston 222, and thus maintain the SCSSV in the open position.
- the piston 222 will move back in the cylinder 221, thus relieving the high-pressure in the downhole actuator 174, and allowing the SCSSV 146 to move to the closed position.
- the HPU 300 comprises a housing 310 and cap 320, which cooperate to define a piston chamber 314.
- Piston 330 is disposed within chamber 314, and is slidably sealed thereto via seal assembly 332.
- Stem 334 is attached to piston 330, and extends through an opening in cap 320.
- Stem packing 326 seals between cap 320 and stem 334.
- housing 310 and cap 320 could be formed as one integral component, with an opening at the bottom of the housing, which could be sealed by a blind endcap member.
- Electric motor 380 may be mounted to cap 320 via mounting flange 360 and bolts 362, or by any other suitable mounting means.
- the motor 380 may be connected to a motor controller and a power source via connector 382.
- the motor controller may be deployed subsea and may communicate with a surface rig or vessel via an electrical umbilical or by acoustic signals. Alternatively the motor could be controlled directly from the surface.
- the motor may be powered by a subsea deployed power source, such as batteries, or the motor could be powered directly from the surface.
- the motor 380 is connected to stem 334 via planetary gearbox 390 and roller screw assembly 370.
- motor 380 when motor 380 is energized, the rotational motion of the motor is converted into axial motion of the stem 334, thereby also moving piston 330 axially within piston chamber 314.
- gearbox 390 or roller screw assembly 370, or both could be omitted or replaced by any other suitable transmission devices.
- the motor 380 could comprise a linear motor.
- any suitable flow control device could be used which (a) allows only flow in the first direction, e.g., downward flow, through the piston 330 when the piston is more than a distance B from the cap, and (b) allows flow in a second direction, e.g., upward flow, when the piston is less than a distance B from the cap.
- hydraulic reservoir 352 could become overcharged with fluid, such that the pressure in the reservoir 352 and line 350 becomes too high, and cannot be equalized with the ambient hydrostatic pressure through vent 353. In this case, excess fluid in line 350 would be discharged to the sea through check valve 356, thus maintaining the desired ambient pressure in line 350. Under other circumstances, such as a hydraulic leak, hydraulic reservoir 352 could become depleted of fluid, such that the pressure in the reservoir 352 and line 350 falls below the desired ambient hydrostatic pressure. In this case, seawater may be drawn into line 350 through check valve 358, in order to maintain the desired ambient pressure in line 350.
- SCSSV actuator 48 and/or downhole hydraulic line 26 could be pre-filled with a fluid which is denser than either the hydraulic fluid used in the rest of the system, or seawater.
- a fluid which is denser than either the hydraulic fluid used in the rest of the system, or seawater could be pre-filled with a fluid which is denser than either the hydraulic fluid used in the rest of the system, or seawater.
- Cap 320 is provided with a one-way check valve 322, which normally allows flow from bottom to top only, as viewed in Fig. 5.
- Cap 320 is also provided with a plunger 324 extending downwardly therefrom, which is arranged to open the check valve 322 to two-way flow when the plunger is depressed.
- the plunger 324 extends a known distance A below the bottom of the cap 320, such that when the top of piston 330 is less than distance A from the bottom of cap 320, plunger 324 is depressed and check valve 322 is opened. Note that distance A is greater than distance B.
- any suitable flow control device could be used which (a) allows flow in only one direction through the cap 320 when the piston 330 is more than a distance A from the cap, and (b) allows flow in the other direction through the cap when the piston is less than a distance A from the cap.
- Flow passage 328 in the cap extends from below the check valve 322 and communicates with passage 312 in the housing 310. Passage 312 communicates with the portion of chamber 314 below the piston 330. Flow passage 327 in the cap extends from above the check valve 322 to hydraulic line 340, which in turn extends to the SCSSV actuator (not shown).
- the housing 310 and cap 320 could be formed as one integral component. In such an embodiment, all of the features described above with respect to the housing 310 and cap 320 would be incorporated into the combined integral component.
- High-pressure hydraulic accumulator 342 is provided on or near the tree, and communicates with line 340.
- the pressure in line 340 may be monitored by pressure transducer 344, and the pressure information communicated to the surface and/or fed back to the motor controller.
- the high-pressure hydraulic accumulator 342 may be omitted.
- the operation of the HPU 300 is as follows:
- the present invention may be employed to provide a pressurized fluid to a hydraulically actuable device.
- the device disclosed herein may be employed in connection with subsea wells having a hydraulically actuable SCSSV valve.
- the present invention will now be described with respect to its use to actuate and control the operation of a subsea SCSSV valve.
- the present invention is not so limited and has broad applicability.
- the present invention should not be considered as limited to use with subsea wells or controlling SCSSV valves.
- the SCSSV supply line 340 and high-pressure accumulator 342 are charged to the desired pressure by stroking piston 330.
- the piston is stroked downward.
- Check valve 336 prevents hydraulic fluid from flowing upwardly through piston 330. Therefore, hydraulic fluid is forced from chamber 314 through passages 312 and 328, through check valve 322, through passage 327 and into line 340 and accumulator 342.
- Piston 330 is then stroked upwards. However, piston 330 is not moved all the way to the top of chamber 314. Rather, through precise control of the motor 380, the piston 330 is stopped on the upstroke before contacting plunger 324.
- check valve 322 remains closed, and pressure is maintained in accumulator 342 and line 340.
- a pressure differential develops across the piston, which forces check valve 336 to open. This allows the portion of chamber 314 below the piston to be refilled with fluid from reservoir 352.
- the piston 330 is then downstroked again, and this process is repeated until the desired pressure is achieved in accumulator 342 and line 340. This can be considered the pumping mode of operation of the HPU 300.
- the position of piston 330 may also be precisely controlled to maintain the desired working pressure in line 340.
- the SCSSV is now maintained in the open position by the pressure in line 340.
- the desired working pressure can be achieved by repeated stroking of the piston 330, the minimum volume of the piston chamber 314 is independent of the total amount of fluid which actually needs to be pumped.
- the total required pumping volume does not constrain the minimum size of the housing 310 and piston 330.
- the HPU 300 does not include any failsafe return spring(s), which are typically quite large and heavy. This allows for further reduction in the size of the unit.
- the HPU 300 is placed in the "armed", or stand-by position.
- the piston 330 is upstroked until the distance between the piston 330 and the cap 320 is less than distance A, but greater than distance B.
- piston 330 contacts and depresses plunger 324, thus opening check valve 322 to two-way flow.
- plunger 338 is not depressed, and thus check valve 336 remains closed to upward flow.
- check valve 322 is opened, the pressure in line 340, i.e., the working pressure, is communicated through check valve 322, passages 328 and 312, and into the portion of chamber 314 below the piston 330.
- the pressure from line 340 acts exerts an upward pressure force on the piston 330.
- the present invention comprises means for resisting this pressure force.
- the means for resisting the pressure force comprises at least the motor 380.
- the means for resisting the pressure force may comprise an electric latching mechanism that may be employed to hold the stem and piston in position, thus removing the load from the motor 180.
- Figure 6 schematically depicts an illustrative latching mechanism 700 that may be employed with the present invention.
- the latching mechanism 700 comprises an electrically powered solenoid 702, a pin 704 and a return biasing spring 706. When the latching mechanism is energized, the pin 704 engages a recess or groove 134A formed on the shaft 134.
- the latching mechanism 700 would be arranged to release the stem and piston 130 upon a loss of electrical power. This can be considered the armed mode of operation of the HPU 100.
- the motor and/or latching mechanism When the motor 380 and/or the latching mechanism are de-energized, either intentionally or due to an electrical system failure, the motor and/or latching mechanism will no longer maintain the piston 330 in the armed position.
- the motor 380, gearbox 390, and roller screw 370 are selected and arranged such that the pressure acting on the piston 330 is sufficient to backdrive the motor and transmission assembly and raise the piston to the top of chamber 314.
- the cap 320 contacts and depresses plunger 338, thus opening check valve 336 to two-way flow.
- the pressure in chamber 314, accumulator 342, and line 340 is exhausted to the ambient pressure reservoir 352 through check valve 336 and passage 329.
- the SCSSV actuator is now de-energized, and the SCSSV is closed. This may be considered the shutdown mode of operation of the HPU 300.
- the current invention permits resupply of the isolated supply of fluid that the system uses to hold and transmit hydraulic pressure from a variety of transfer systems.
- the external source of fluid may be a hose from the surface.
- ROV remotely operated vehicle
- the system may also use seawater as the hydraulic fluid, since the current HPU's 180 and 300 (in Fig. 5) eliminate the prior art solenoid valve 20 (in Fig. 1 and 2) that was prone to plugging from contaminants.
- the present invention is directed to a system for controlling a hydraulic actuator, and various methods of using same.
- the system comprises a first hydraulic cylinder, an isolated supply of fluid provided to the first hydraulic cylinder, the isolated supply of fluid positioned in an environment that is at a pressure other than atmospheric pressure, an actuator device coupled to the first hydraulic cylinder, the actuator device adapted to drive the first hydraulic cylinder to create a sufficient pressure in the fluid to operate the hydraulic actuator, and at least one hydraulic line operatively intermediate the first hydraulic cylinder and the hydraulic actuator, the hydraulic line supplying the sufficient pressure in the fluid to the hydraulic actuator in the remote locale.
- the system comprises a first hydraulic cylinder, an isolated subsea source of hydraulic fluid provided to the first hydraulic cylinder, an actuator device coupled to the first hydraulic cylinder, the actuator device adapted to drive the first hydraulic cylinder to pressurize the fluid, and at least one hydraulic line for supplying the pressurized fluid to the hydraulic actuator in the subsea well.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Fluid-Pressure Circuits (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0617439A GB2426291B (en) | 2004-02-18 | 2005-02-15 | System for controlling a hydraulic actuator, and methods of using same |
BRPI0507562-9A BRPI0507562A (en) | 2004-02-18 | 2005-02-15 | system for controlling a hydraulic actuator, and methods for using the same |
AU2005214910A AU2005214910B2 (en) | 2004-02-18 | 2005-02-15 | System for controlling a hydraulic actuator, and methods of using same |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/780,969 | 2004-02-18 | ||
US10/780,969 US7159662B2 (en) | 2004-02-18 | 2004-02-18 | System for controlling a hydraulic actuator, and methods of using same |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO2005079403A2 true WO2005079403A2 (en) | 2005-09-01 |
WO2005079403A3 WO2005079403A3 (en) | 2006-06-08 |
Family
ID=34838655
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2005/004766 WO2005079403A2 (en) | 2004-02-18 | 2005-02-15 | System for controlling a hydraulic actuator, and methods of using same |
Country Status (5)
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US (1) | US7159662B2 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2005214910B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0507562A (en) |
GB (1) | GB2426291B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005079403A2 (en) |
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EP3045737B1 (en) * | 2015-01-14 | 2021-11-17 | BAE Systems PLC | Hydraulic actuators |
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2004
- 2004-02-18 US US10/780,969 patent/US7159662B2/en active Active
-
2005
- 2005-02-15 AU AU2005214910A patent/AU2005214910B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2005-02-15 BR BRPI0507562-9A patent/BRPI0507562A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2005-02-15 WO PCT/US2005/004766 patent/WO2005079403A2/en active Application Filing
- 2005-02-15 GB GB0617439A patent/GB2426291B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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US4095421A (en) * | 1976-01-26 | 1978-06-20 | Chevron Research Company | Subsea energy power supply |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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EP3045737B1 (en) * | 2015-01-14 | 2021-11-17 | BAE Systems PLC | Hydraulic actuators |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2426291A (en) | 2006-11-22 |
GB2426291B (en) | 2008-02-06 |
AU2005214910B2 (en) | 2008-11-20 |
US7159662B2 (en) | 2007-01-09 |
WO2005079403A3 (en) | 2006-06-08 |
US20050178560A1 (en) | 2005-08-18 |
BRPI0507562A (en) | 2007-07-03 |
GB0617439D0 (en) | 2006-10-18 |
AU2005214910A1 (en) | 2005-09-01 |
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