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Compact Electric Autocatcher for Lubricator (GLOBAL project with Shanghai Jaio Tong University)

Company: Well Master Corporation

Major(s):
Primary: ME
Secondary: EE

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Description: - As the world transitions to emissions free, there is an increased need for solutions in the oil and gas industry that adhere to these regulations. Well Master provides its customers with the option of an electric autocatcher to catch and hold plungers in the lubricator as needed. The current Well Master autocatcher is large, heavy, and outdated. We are looking to offer a smaller more efficient autocatcher to the market. - The autocatcher must be controlled electronically and respond to a signal from a controller. It must supply 45 psi of pressure to catch and hold a plunger. Automated actuation should be approximately ¼” in each direction. - Well Master would like ideas and concepts on an autocatcher that fits within a 6”x6”x6” envelope, weighs less than 20lbs and provides 24 lbf (~106N) of force through electronic actuation. - Actuator should fail in the open/retracted position Success Criteria (Goals): - Design an autocatcher body that fits within a 6”x6”x6” envelope and weighs less than 20lbs. test bench that can hold 2 or more lubricators with enough space around them to allow work to be done one or more of them while one or more of them are undergoing the testing process. - The autocatcher must be able to mate to all existing Well Master lubricators - Be able to electronically actuate the bullet in and out reliably 10,000 times with a minimum force of 24 lbf (~106N) throughout its life. - Must be able to catch solid, dart, and sleeve style plungers for both 2-3/8” and 2-7/8” applications. Catch testing can be performed by dropping a plunger into the top of a lubricator with the catch fully engaged. Tests should be performed a minimum of 50 times. - Research into competitors (Tally, PCS, Flowco) current offerings should be investigated and used as comparison - Integration into all current customer field setups Deliverables: - 2+ initial designs including 2D and 3D CAD drawings for each - Features and benefits for each design as well as any negatives or issues - Test data (lifecycle, functionality, etc.) - Force verification - Functional prototype - Estimated product cost - List of next steps and recommendations