Adjustable Lifting Tool for Asymmetric Subsea Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting tools struggle with asymmetric loads in oil and gas production equipment and carbon storage equipment, leading to tilting and the need for additional materials and costs due to unbalanced centers of gravity.
Innovation Solution
A lifting tool with a continuously adjustable fixing device that aligns the lifting line with the center of gravity, allowing for precise adjustment and alignment using mechanisms like a threaded screw or linear actuator, remotely actuated by an ROV or diver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If additional weights are added to balance the asymmetric tree, then the centre of gravity is corrected, but stronger lowering wire or drill pipe is required and significant additional materials are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting tool incorporates a movable fixing device that can be continuously repositioned along the base to adjust the offset between the fixing device and the centre of gravity. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to different asymmetric load conditions without requiring additional balancing materials, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving balance and minimizing material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the positional parameter of the fixing device relative to the centre of gravity to achieve balance. By continuously adjusting the offset distance and position of the fixing device, the system can compensate for asymmetric loads without adding weights, thus avoiding the need for stronger lowering wire or drill pipe and reducing material requirements.
2Device complexity
If a standard lifting tool is used for asymmetric equipment, then the tool design is simplified, but the equipment may tilt during lowering preventing proper installation
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing continuous adjustment of its position along the base. This dynamic capability enables the lifting tool to maintain stability and prevent tilting during lowering of asymmetric equipment, while keeping the overall tool design relatively simple compared to custom-designed tools for each asymmetric load.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting tool with an adjustable fixing device can handle various asymmetric equipment configurations with different centre of gravity positions. This universal design allows a single standard lifting tool to perform multiple functions across different applications, eliminating the need for specialized tools for each asymmetric load scenario.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fixing device position is continuously adjustable, then any desired offset can be achieved, but the mechanism for adjustment becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical adjustment systems with simpler actuation mechanisms. The fixing device can be moved to desired positions and held in place using straightforward mechanical means such as friction-based holding, simple locks, or basic actuators, rather than requiring sophisticated continuous positioning mechanisms. This substitution maintains high adaptability while minimizing mechanism complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the use of a standard lifting tool for various shapes, sizes, and weights of equipment, reducing material costs and preventing tilting during installation and retrieval by ensuring balanced loads.
Implementation Method 1
the mechanism may comprise a threaded screw. In some examples, the lifting tool may further comprise a drive component having an internal threaded surface for engaging with the threaded screw such that rotation of the threaded screw moves the drive component along the threaded screw
Implementation Method 2
the mechanism may comprise a linear actuator
Implementation Method 3
the tree's centre of gravity is not coincident with the axis of a main annulus of the tree
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting tool for lifting, installing and/or retrieving oil and gas production equipment or carbon storage equipment. The lifting tool includes a base configured to be removably connected to the equipment, and a fixing device mounted to the base and configured to be connected to a lifting line extending to a lifting device, wherein the lifting tool is configured such that a position of the fixing device is continuously adjustable along a line extending across at least part of the base so as to adjust an offset between the fixing device and a centre of gravity of the lifting tool. A method of lifting, installing and/or retrieving oil and gas production equipment or carbon storage equipment using the lifting tool is also provided.