A subsea control module

Abstract

A subsea control module for controlling one or more subsea devices is disclosed and comprises a housing having top and bottom sides. The housing comprises: a first connection interface with one or more connectors for connection to one or more supply lines outside the housing; a second connection interface with one or more connectors for connection to a respective subsea device outside the housing; at least one backup connector in a third connection interface for connection to a respective subsea device outside the housing; and one or more controllers inside the housing for controlling the respective subsea device outside the housing. The one or more controllers are connectable to the respective subsea device via at least one of: the connectors in the second connection interface; the backup connector in the third connection interface.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a National Stage Entry of WO 2024 / 023059, filed on Jul. 25, 2023, and titled “A SUBSEA CONTROL MODULE”, which claims priority of Norwegian patent application No. NO 20220837 A1. International Application WO 2024 / 023059 and Norwegian patent application No. NO 20220837 A1 are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.BACKGROUND

[0002] A subsea control module (SCM) is the interface between control lines, supplying hydraulic and electric power and signals from a host facility, and the subsea equipment, typically arranged within a X-mas tree, to be monitored and controlled. The SCM contains electronics, instrumentation, and hydraulics for safe and efficient operation of various valves. The A typical SCM has a housing containing control valves, sensors and electronic components that are used for control, communications and data-gathering. Existing SCMs have dedicated connectors at the top side of the housing for connection with incoming control lines. Connectors at the bottom side of the housing are for outgoing connection to the various valves of the X-mas tree. The connectors at the bottom side are typically configured so as to connect automatically with the outgoing lines once the SCM housing is installed on a base place of a X-mas tree. This type of connection is reliable, but repair or replacement is difficult.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The accompanying drawings illustrate example embodiments of the disclosure and serve to explain, by way of example, the principles of the disclosure.

[0004] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of subsea control module according to an example embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0005] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of a subsea control module according to another example embodiment of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONOverview

[0006] Existing subsea control modules only have dedicated connectors at the top side of the housing for incoming connection with one or more external supply lines, such as power, communication etc. Connectors at the bottom side of the housing are for outgoing connection to various actuators of the X-mas tree. It is less costly and more reliable to have outgoing connectors at the bottom side, but repair is difficult.

[0007] Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to a subsea control module for controlling one or more subsea devices. The subsea control module may include a housing, a first connection interface, a second connection interface and a third connection interface. The first connection interface may include one or more connectors coupled to one or more supply lines outside the housing. The second connection interface may include one or more connectors coupled to at least a first subsea device outside the housing. The third connection interface may include at least one backup connector coupled to at least a second subsea device outside the housing. The subsea control module may also include at least controllers inside the housing that control the first subsea device and the second subsea device outside the housing. The controller may be coupled to the first subsea device and the second subsea device using the connectors in the second connection interface and the backup connector in the third connection interface, respectively. Additionally, the subsea control module may include a switch arrangement configured to disconnect the controller from the connector in the second connection interface and connect the controller to the backup connector.

[0008] In embodiments, the one or more controllers may include a first controller coupled to the first subsea device via the connector in the second connection interface; and at least one second controller coupled to the second subsea device via the backup connector in the third connection interface.

[0009] In embodiments, the first connection interface may be located at a top side of the housing and the second connection interface may be located at a bottom side of the housing. The first connection interface and the second connection interface may be located spaced apart from each other. In some embodiments, the third connection interface may be located at any suitable location on the housing and spaced apart from the first connection interface and the second connection interface.

[0010] In embodiments, the one or more controllers may be an electric controller that includes an electric motor controller that further includes a motor driver board. In another embodiment, the one or more controllers may be a hydraulic controller that includes a hydraulic control valve.

[0011] In embodiments, the second subsea device may be a replacement for the first subsea device. In some embodiments, the subsea device may be an actuator that may include an electrical actuator and a hydraulic actuator. Additionally, the backup connector may be an ROV operated electrical connector or a hydraulic connector. In another embodiment, the electrical connector in the second connection interface and the backup connector may be wet mate electrical connectors. In one embodiment, the connectors in the second connection interface may be of stab plate type so as to connect automatically with mating connectors when the subsea control module is secured to a mounting base.

[0012] Advantageously, in the subsea control module of the present disclosure, if an actuator or the connector between the subsea control module and the actuator should fail, the subsea control module is equipped with a backup connector, which may be ROV operated, to be used if replacement actuators or connectors have to be installed. The backup connector may be an outgoing connector for connecting to actuators of the X-mas tree. In one embodiment, the backup connector may interface a dedicated spare controller in the housing. In another embodiment, the backup connector may interface a common controller which has switches to isolate the existing connector and engage the backup connector.Detail Description of Example Embodiments

[0013] In the drawings, a subsea control unit in accordance with the some embodiments of the disclosure is indicated generally using reference numerals 100, 200. Common features have been indicated using the same reference numeral for brevity.

[0014] The subsea control module 100, 200 comprises a housing 10 having a top side 12 and a bottom side 14. The housing 10 comprises a first connection interface 16 at the top side 12 of the housing 10 with connectors 18 for connection to one or more supply lines 20 outside the housing 10. The housing 10 comprises a second connection interface 22 at the bottom side 14 of the housing 10 with connectors 24 for connection to a respective subsea device 26, 46 outside the housing 10.

[0015] At least one backup connector 28 is provided in a third connection interface 17 for connection to a respective subsea device 26, 46 outside the housing 10. In the drawings, the third connection interface 17 is shown provided in the top side 12 of the housing 10. It will be appreciated that in other variations, the third connection interface 17 can be provided at the bottom side 14 of the housing 10 or at any other suitable location on the housing 10. Likewise, the first connection interface 16 and the second connection interface 22 are not limited to a particular position and can be provided at any other suitable location on the housing 10.

[0016] Controllers 30, 32, 34 are arranged inside the housing 10 for controlling the respective subsea device 26, 46 outside the housing 10. The controllers 30, 32, 34 are connectable to the respective subsea device 26, 46 via one or each of the connectors 24 in the second connection interface 22 or the backup connector 28 in the first connection interface 16 as will be described in more detail below.

[0017] In the subsea control unit 100 of FIG. 1, first controllers 30 are connectable to the respective subsea device 26 solely via the connectors 24 in the second connection interface 22; and a second controller 32 is connectable to the respective subsea device 46 solely via the backup connector 28 in the third connection interface 17.

[0018] In the subsea control unit 200 of FIG. 2, each controller 34 is connectable to the respective subsea device 26, 46 via the respective connector 24 in the second connection interface 22 or via the backup connector 28 in the third connection interface 17. A switch arrangement 36 is provided for disconnecting each controller 34 from the connector 24 in the second connection interface 22 and connecting said controller 34 to the backup connector 28.

[0019] The controllers 30, 32, 34 may comprise electric motor controllers.

[0020] The connectors 24 in the second connection interface 22 are connectable to respective first subsea devices 26 and the backup connector 28 is connectable to a second subsea device 46. The second subsea device 46 is used as a replacement for one of the first subsea devices 26 should any of the first subsea devices 26 fail.

[0021] In the arrangement of FIG. 1, in case any of the first subsea devices 26 fails, the controller 32 is used to operate the replacement subsea device 46 via the backup connector 28.

[0022] In the arrangement of FIG. 2, the controller 34 is common for the connector 24 and the backup connector 28. In case any of the first subsea devices 26 fails, the switch arrangement 36 is used to disconnect the relevant controller 34 from the connector 24 and connect it with the replacement subsea device 46 via the backup connector 28.

[0023] The subsea device 26, 46 may comprise an actuator which may be an electrical actuator.

[0024] The backup connector 28 may be an ROV operated electrical connector.

[0025] The connectors 24, 28 may be wet mate electrical connectors.

[0026] Although the drawings show electrical actuators 26, 46 with electric motor controllers 30, 32, 34 in the subsea control unit 100, 200, the principle is valid for hydraulics as well, with a hydraulic cylinder in the actuators and hydraulic control valves instead of electric motor controllers. The connectors 24, 28 may be hydraulic connectors.

[0027] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or process operations, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0013]In the drawings, a subsea control unit in accordance with the some embodiments of the disclosure is indicated generally using reference numerals 100, 200. Common features have been indicated using the same reference numeral for brevity.

[0014]The subsea control module 100, 200 comprises a housing 10 having a top side 12 and a bottom side 14. The housing 10 comprises a first connection interface 16 at the top side 12 of the housing 10 with connectors 18 for connection to one or more supply lines 20 outside the housing 10. The housing 10 comprises a second connection interface 22 at the bottom side 14 of the housing 10 with connectors 24 for connection to a respective subsea device 26, 46 outside the housing 10.

[0015]At least one backup connector 28 is provided in a third connection interface 17 for connection to a respective subsea device 26, 46 outside the housing 10. In the drawings, the third connection interface 17 is shown provided in the top side 12 of the housing 10. It w...

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a National Stage Entry of WO 2024 / 023059, filed on Jul. 25, 2023, and titled “A SUBSEA CONTROL MODULE”, which claims priority of Norwegian patent application No. NO 20220837 A1. International Application WO 2024 / 023059 and Norwegian patent application No. NO 20220837 A1 are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.BACKGROUND

[0002] A subsea control module (SCM) is the interface between control lines, supplying hydraulic and electric power and signals from a host facility, and the subsea equipment, typically arranged within a X-mas tree, to be monitored and controlled. The SCM contains electronics, instrumentation, and hydraulics for safe and efficient operation of various valves. The A typical SCM has a housing containing control valves, sensors and electronic components that are used for control, communications and data-gathering. Existing SCMs have dedicated connectors at the top side of the housing for connection with incoming control lines. Connectors at the bottom side of the housing are for outgoing connection to the various valves of the X-mas tree. The connectors at the bottom side are typically configured so as to connect automatically with the outgoing lines once the SCM housing is installed on a base place of a X-mas tree. This type of connection is reliable, but repair or replacement is difficult.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The accompanying drawings illustrate example embodiments of the disclosure and serve to explain, by way of example, the principles of the disclosure.

[0004] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of subsea control module according to an example embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0005] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of a subsea control module according to another example embodiment of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONOverview

[0006] Existing subsea control modules only have dedicated connectors at the top side of the housing for incoming connection with one or more external supply lines, such as power, communication etc. Connectors at the bottom side of the housing are for outgoing connection to various actuators of the X-mas tree. It is less costly and more reliable to have outgoing connectors at the bottom side, but repair is difficult.

[0007] Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to a subsea control module for controlling one or more subsea devices. The subsea control module may include a housing, a first connection interface, a second connection interface and a third connection interface. The first connection interface may include one or more connectors coupled to one or more supply lines outside the housing. The second connection interface may include one or more connectors coupled to at least a first subsea device outside the housing. The third connection interface may include at least one backup connector coupled to at least a second subsea device outside the housing. The subsea control module may also include at least controllers inside the housing that control the first subsea device and the second subsea device outside the housing. The controller may be coupled to the first subsea device and the second subsea device using the connectors in the second connection interface and the backup connector in the third connection interface, respectively. Additionally, the subsea control module may include a switch arrangement configured to disconnect the controller from the connector in the second connection interface and connect the controller to the backup connector.

[0008] In embodiments, the one or more controllers may include a first controller coupled to the first subsea device via the connector in the second connection interface; and at least one second controller coupled to the second subsea device via the backup connector in the third connection interface.

[0009] In embodiments, the first connection interface may be located at a top side of the housing and the second connection interface may be located at a bottom side of the housing. The first connection interface and the second connection interface may be located spaced apart from each other. In some embodiments, the third connection interface may be located at any suitable location on the housing and spaced apart from the first connection interface and the second connection interface.

[0010] In embodiments, the one or more controllers may be an electric controller that includes an electric motor controller that further includes a motor driver board. In another embodiment, the one or more controllers may be a hydraulic controller that includes a hydraulic control valve.

[0011] In embodiments, the second subsea device may be a replacement for the first subsea device. In some embodiments, the subsea device may be an actuator that may include an electrical actuator and a hydraulic actuator. Additionally, the backup connector may be an ROV operated electrical connector or a hydraulic connector. In another embodiment, the electrical connector in the second connection interface and the backup connector may be wet mate electrical connectors. In one embodiment, the connectors in the second connection interface may be of stab plate type so as to connect automatically with mating connectors when the subsea control module is secured to a mounting base.

[0012] Advantageously, in the subsea control module of the present disclosure, if an actuator or the connector between the subsea control module and the actuator should fail, the subsea control module is equipped with a backup connector, which may be ROV operated, to be used if replacement actuators or connectors have to be installed. The backup connector may be an outgoing connector for connecting to actuators of the X-mas tree. In one embodiment, the backup connector may interface a dedicated spare controller in the housing. In another embodiment, the backup connector may interface a common controller which has switches to isolate the existing connector and engage the backup connector.Detail Description of Example Embodiments

[0013] In the drawings, a subsea control unit in accordance with the some embodiments of the disclosure is indicated generally using reference numerals 100, 200. Common features have been indicated using the same reference numeral for brevity.

[0014] The subsea control module 100, 200 comprises a housing 10 having a top side 12 and a bottom side 14. The housing 10 comprises a first connection interface 16 at the top side 12 of the housing 10 with connectors 18 for connection to one or more supply lines 20 outside the housing 10. The housing 10 comprises a second connection interface 22 at the bottom side 14 of the housing 10 with connectors 24 for connection to a respective subsea device 26, 46 outside the housing 10.

[0015] At least one backup connector 28 is provided in a third connection interface 17 for connection to a respective subsea device 26, 46 outside the housing 10. In the drawings, the third connection interface 17 is shown provided in the top side 12 of the housing 10. It will be appreciated that in other variations, the third connection interface 17 can be provided at the bottom side 14 of the housing 10 or at any other suitable location on the housing 10. Likewise, the first connection interface 16 and the second connection interface 22 are not limited to a particular position and can be provided at any other suitable location on the housing 10.

[0016] Controllers 30, 32, 34 are arranged inside the housing 10 for controlling the respective subsea device 26, 46 outside the housing 10. The controllers 30, 32, 34 are connectable to the respective subsea device 26, 46 via one or each of the connectors 24 in the second connection interface 22 or the backup connector 28 in the first connection interface 16 as will be described in more detail below.

[0017] In the subsea control unit 100 of FIG. 1, first controllers 30 are connectable to the respective subsea device 26 solely via the connectors 24 in the second connection interface 22; and a second controller 32 is connectable to the respective subsea device 46 solely via the backup connector 28 in the third connection interface 17.

[0018] In the subsea control unit 200 of FIG. 2, each controller 34 is connectable to the respective subsea device 26, 46 via the respective connector 24 in the second connection interface 22 or via the backup connector 28 in the third connection interface 17. A switch arrangement 36 is provided for disconnecting each controller 34 from the connector 24 in the second connection interface 22 and connecting said controller 34 to the backup connector 28.

[0019] The controllers 30, 32, 34 may comprise electric motor controllers.

[0020] The connectors 24 in the second connection interface 22 are connectable to respective first subsea devices 26 and the backup connector 28 is connectable to a second subsea device 46. The second subsea device 46 is used as a replacement for one of the first subsea devices 26 should any of the first subsea devices 26 fail.

[0021] In the arrangement of FIG. 1, in case any of the first subsea devices 26 fails, the controller 32 is used to operate the replacement subsea device 46 via the backup connector 28.

[0022] In the arrangement of FIG. 2, the controller 34 is common for the connector 24 and the backup connector 28. In case any of the first subsea devices 26 fails, the switch arrangement 36 is used to disconnect the relevant controller 34 from the connector 24 and connect it with the replacement subsea device 46 via the backup connector 28.

[0023] The subsea device 26, 46 may comprise an actuator which may be an electrical actuator.

[0024] The backup connector 28 may be an ROV operated electrical connector.

[0025] The connectors 24, 28 may be wet mate electrical connectors.

[0026] Although the drawings show electrical actuators 26, 46 with electric motor controllers 30, 32, 34 in the subsea control unit 100, 200, the principle is valid for hydraulics as well, with a hydraulic cylinder in the actuators and hydraulic control valves instead of electric motor controllers. The connectors 24, 28 may be hydraulic connectors.

[0027] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or process operations, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0013]In the drawings, a subsea control unit in accordance with the some embodiments of the disclosure is indicated generally using reference numerals 100, 200. Common features have been indicated using the same reference numeral for brevity.

[0014]The subsea control module 100, 200 comprises a housing 10 having a top side 12 and a bottom side 14. The housing 10 comprises a first connection interface 16 at the top side 12 of the housing 10 with connectors 18 for connection to one or more supply lines 20 outside the housing 10. The housing 10 comprises a second connection interface 22 at the bottom side 14 of the housing 10 with connectors 24 for connection to a respective subsea device 26, 46 outside the housing 10.

[0015]At least one backup connector 28 is provided in a third connection interface 17 for connection to a respective subsea device 26, 46 outside the housing 10. In the drawings, the third connection interface 17 is shown provided in the top side 12 of the housing 10. It w...

Claims

1-16. (canceled)17. A subsea control module for controlling one or more subsea devices, the subsea control module comprising:a housing that includes a first connection interface with one or more first connectors for connecting to one or more supply lines outside the housing;a second connection interface that includes one or more second connectors for connecting to at least one first subsea device outside the housing;at least one backup connector in a third connection interface for connecting to a second subsea device outside the housing; andone or more controllers inside the housing for controlling the first subsea device and second subsea device outside the housing, the one or more controllers configured to connect to the first subsea device and second subsea device via at least one of:the one or more second connectors in the second connection interface; andthe backup connector in the third connection interface.

18. The subsea control module as recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more controllers comprise a plurality of controllers, the plurality of controllers including at least one first controller connectable to at least one first subsea device solely via the second connector in the second connection interface; and at least one second controller connectable to the second subsea device solely via the backup connector in the third connection interface.

19. The subsea control module as recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more controllers comprise at least one controller connectable to the first subsea device and the second subsea device via at least one of:the second connector in the second connection interface, orthe backup connector in the third connection interface; anda switch arrangement configured to disconnect the at least one controller from the second connector in the second connection interface and connecting the at least one controller to the backup connector.

20. The subsea control module as recited in claim 17, wherein the housing further includes a top side and a bottom side, and the first connection interface is located at the top side of the housing.

21. The subsea control module as recited in claim 20, wherein the second connection interface is located at the bottom side of the housing.

22. The subsea control module as recited in claim 17, wherein the first connection interface and the second connection interface are located spaced apart from each other.

23. The subsea control module as recited in claim 17, wherein the third connection interface is spaced apart from the first connection interface and the second connection interface.

24. The subsea control module as recited in claim 17, wherein the one or more controllers is an electric controller or a hydraulic controller.

25. The subsea control module as recited in claim 17, wherein the one or more second connectors in the second connection interface are connectable to one or more first subsea devices and the backup connector is connectable to a second subsea device.

26. The subsea control module as recited in claim 25, wherein the second subsea device is a replacement for the first subsea device.

27. The subsea control module as recited in claim 17, wherein the first subsea device and the second subsea device is an actuator.

28. The subsea control module as recited in claim 17, wherein the backup connector is an ROV operated electrical connector or a hydraulic connector.

29. The subsea control module as recited in claim 17, wherein the one or more second connectors in the second connection interface and the backup connector are wet mate electrical connectors.

30. A method of controlling one or more subsea devices, the method comprising:providing a subsea control module that includes a housing, the housing comprising:a first connection interface that includes one or more first connectors for connecting to one or more supply lines outside the housing;a second connection interface that includes one or more second connectors for connecting to at least one first subsea device outside the housing;at least one backup connector in a third connection interface for connecting to at least one second subsea device outside the housing; andone or more controllers inside the housing for controlling the at least one first subsea device outside the housing,the one or more controllers configured to connect to the at least one first subsea device and second subsea device via at least one of:the one or more second connectors in the second connection interface;the backup connector in the third connection interface;connecting the one or more first connectors in the first connection interface to one or more supply lines outside the housing;connecting the one or more second connectors in second connection interface to at least one first subsea device outside the housing;connecting the at least one backup connector in the third connection interface to a second subsea device outside the housing;connecting the one or more controllers to the first subsea device and second subsea device via at least one ofthe second connectors in the second connection interface; andthe backup connector in the third connection interface; andusing the one or more controllers inside the housing to control the first subsea device and second subsea device outside the housing.

31. The method as recited in claim 30, further comprising:connecting the one or more controllers inside the housing to the first subsea device via the second connector in the second connection interface;installing the second subsea device; andconnecting the one or more controllers inside the housing to the second subsea device via the backup connector in the third connection interface.

32. A method as recited in claim 31, wherein the second subsea device comprises a replacement for the first subsea device.

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