ECHOKE
OBJECTIVE
Research and produce electric operated chokes for more precision, accuracy, and dynamic control.
BACKGROUND
Chokes are used during well-control situations where fluids flow back up the well, and they control the amount that flows up. Current industry uses hydraulic chokes due to the high cost of electric motors, but now it is more feasible for the switch.
DESIGN
DEVELOPMENT PHASE
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This is the comparison chart (Table 1) based on manufacturer specifications considering the price, weight, torque rating, RPM, lead time, and operating temperature.
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Harmonic Drive provides rotary actuators.
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Bauer provides a permanent magnet synchronous motor with a gearbox.
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ABB provides AC induction motors with a gearbox.
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Based on the comparison report, the permanent magnet synchronous motor is the most viable option as it is more accurate than an induction motor and cost less than a rotary actuator.
DESIGN PHASE
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The simulation in Figure 21 is at a deformation scale of 1: 417.247 with gravity being the only acting force.
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The inner bracket is already used in standard Mi-Swaco hydraulic super choke systems. The other bracket is an 8x3x0.35 box channel. These brackets are used to support the lower section of the motor connector.
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These brackets will be bolted together so that people could assemble separate pieces first then bolt the brackets on to improve assembly accessibility.
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The simulation shows that the maximum stress location comes from the bracket to make maintenance cheaper and easier.
RESULTS
The preliminary design was created and tested under finite element analysis. A preliminary budget was created for the research and development project, and components have been ordered by the end of my internship. Thus, it is currently undergoing the testing phase and ready for further development and eventually integration into current oil rigs. The full report is available below with the detailed finite element analysis and design report.