Subsea pressure relief devices and methods

Abstract

A device for relieving pressure in a subsea component comprises a housing including an inner cavity, an open end in fluid communication with the inner cavity, and a through bore extending from the inner cavity to an outer surface of the housing. In addition, the device comprises a connector coupled to the open end. The connector is configured to releasably engage a mating connector coupled to the subsea component. Further, the device comprises a burst disc assembly mounted to the housing within the through bore. The burst disc assembly is configured to rupture at a predetermined differential pressure between the inner cavity and the environment outside the housing.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61 / 493,752 filed Jun. 6, 2011, and entitled “Subsea Pressure Relief Device,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.BACKGROUND[0003]1. Field of the Invention[0004]The disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for managing over pressurization of subsea equipment. More particularly, the disclosure relates to burst disc assemblies and methods of using such assemblies to relieve excessive fluid pressure in subsea equipment such as conduits, pipelines, and fluid containment devices.[0005]2. Background of the Technology[0006]In producing oil and gas from offshore wells, an offshore production system includes flowing hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation through a production string to a wellhead at the sea floor. From the wellhead, hydrocarbons...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]These and other needs in the art are addressed in another embodiment by a device for relieving pressure in a subsea fluid conduit. In an embodiment, the device comprises a manifold including an inlet end and a plurality of outlet ends. In addition, the device comprises a connector coupled to the inlet end of the manifold. The connector is configured to releasably engage a mating connector coupled to the fluid conduit. Further, the device comprises a plurality of valve spools. Each valve spool is coupled to one of the outlet ends of the manifold. Each valve spool includes a valve configure to control a flow of fluids through the corresponding valve spool. Still further, the de

Problems solved by technology

However, such pressures may be erratic, resulting in unanticipated high fluid pressures entering the production system and possibly over pressurizing components of the pressure containment system.

Moreover, back pressure within the pressure containment system may be generated by closing valves or from other processes, which may lead to an over pressurization of equipment in the system.

Such an imbalance of pressures could also build up due to hydrate formation, sudden pressure changes in the well bore, or back pressure from valve closings or other processes performed on the system.

The reliance on operator intervention may be problema

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