High-temperature sealing performance and structure optimization of rubber core for conical blowout preventer

Abstract

Conical blowout preventer is a vital sealing component in the process of petroleum and gas development, if it were to malfunction, which will result in extremely severe consequences. In order to investigate sealing performance of conical blowout preventer at high temperature and reduce failure rate of rubber core. Firstly, high-temperature tensile and compression experiments for the rubber were conducted, then the constitutive model parameters for rubber core material was confirmed. A numerical model for wellhead sealing of conical blowout preventer was established. Stress distribution and sealing performance of rubber core at different temperatures were investigated. Finally, structural optimization was performed of rubber core, support rib and piston. The results show that the lower end of rubber core is the primary sealing area. Stress concentration on rubber core and significant deformations are the primary reasons for the cracking and detachment of rubber core. As the temperature increases, sealing performance of rubber core gradually decreases. After optimizing structures of rubber core, support ribs and piston, sealing performance of rubber core has been improved. Those results hold significant importance in improving sealing performance of conical blowout preventer and ensuring the safety of operational processes, providing theoretical guidance for the optimization of blowout preventer structures.