Abstract:
The present disclosure generally relates to an assembly and method for monitoring the position of one or more opposing rams in a ram-type blowout preventer (“BOP”) during opening and closing operations. In particular, a BOP includes a vertical bore extending through the body, a ram cavity intersecting the bore, and a port located below the ram cavity. A sensor assembly is locatable in the port and is configured to monitor the position of at least one opposing ram contained in the BOP. At least one of the rams includes a detection feature on a lower surface of the ram which is distinguishable from the rest of the ram body, other features of the BOP, and any debris in the bore of the BOP. The detection feature is detectable by the sensor assembly. The detection feature may include a visual indicator.
Abstract:
A subsea electronic information system for managing data related to a characteristic of subsea equipment locatable subsea. The system includes sensors locatable subsea and in communication with and capable of measuring a characteristic of the subsea equipment. A sensor interface box (SIB) separate from the sensors and locatable subsea includes a processor and a memory device capable of receiving and storing sensor measurement data. Additionally, the SIB is in data and power communication with the sensors.The system further includes a subsea retrievable data capsule capable of recording all system data over a long period. The capsule may be recovered from subsea (independently of the other elements of the information system) for forensic analysis of the recorded data.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to monitoring the condition of fluid extraction components associated with a subsea hydrocarbon drilling and production operation and, in an embodiment described herein, more particularly provides a sensor assembly for monitoring the extraction component which is easily installable and locally powered. The sensor assembly, in one embodiment, is contained on a patch. The assembly comprises a sensor, a power supply, and a communication device, all located on the patch. The patch can be easily coupled to fluid extraction components, such as a valve associated with a blowout preventer stack. The patch can include a coupling material on one side of the patch allowing the patch to adhere to the fluid extraction components. The patch can further include a power generator, such as a piezoelectric generator, thereby allowing for the sensor assembly to be locally powered.
Abstract:
An annular blowout preventer (BOP) includes a housing comprising a bore extending through the housing, an annular sealing element configured to be displaced inwardly into the housing bore, and an actuating member configured to be actuated radially or perpendicularly with respect to an axis of the annular sealing element to compress the annular sealing element inwardly into the housing bore.
Abstract:
The present disclosure generally relates to electrical power generation from a piezoelectric material. A piezoelectric power generator assembly is disclosed including a housing, a piezoelectric transducer located in the housing, and a piston located in the housing, wherein the piezoelectric transducer is configured to generate an electrical charge when contacted by the piston. A piezoelectric power generator assembly is also disclosed including a housing comprising a flowline located within the housing and a piezoelectric transducer located in the housing and disposed about a perimeter of the flowline, wherein the piezoelectric transducer is configured to generate an electrical charge when contacted by a fluid contained in the flowline. A subsea drilling system is disclosed including a subsea blowout preventer stack and a piezoelectric power generator assembly for powering sensors on the blowout preventer stack configured to monitor characteristics of the stack.
Abstract:
A measurement system including a container including an element moveable within an internal volume of the container. A sensor wirelessly measures the position of the element within the container and transmits the measured position information. Also included is an information system capable of reading the position information from the sensor.
Abstract:
An apparatus is used to dissipate heat. The apparatus includes a heat sink, an electronic component, and a coupler. The coupler includes a smart material movable into an engaged position such as to be engaged with the heat sink to dissipate heat from the electronic component to the heat sink through the coupler.
Abstract:
A subsea electronic information system for managing data related to a characteristic of subsea equipment locatable subsea. The system includes sensors locatable subsea and in communication with and capable of measuring a characteristic of the subsea equipment. A sensor interface box (SIB) separate from the sensors and locatable subsea includes a processor and a memory device capable of receiving and storing sensor measurement data. Additionally, the SIB is in data and power communication with the sensors.The system further includes a subsea retrievable data capsule capable of recording all system data over a long period. The capsule may be recovered from subsea (independently of the other elements of the information system) for forensic analysis of the recorded data.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for monitoring valve operation. In one embodiment, an apparatus for monitoring valve operation includes a first acoustic sensor and a monitoring system. The first acoustic sensor is to couple to a valve to detect vibration of the valve. The monitoring system is communicatively coupled to the first acoustic sensor. The monitoring system is configured to receive a signal generated by the first acoustic sensor. The signal is representative of vibration of the valve. The monitoring system is also configured to identify leakage in the valve based on the signal.
Abstract:
A system including a hydrocarbon extraction system (10), including a well boring apparatus (12) configured to drill through a subterranean formation without rotating a drill string, and a seabed support system (14) configured to support drilling operations of the well boring apparatus.