Autonomous Subsea BOP with Predictive Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blowout preventers (BOPs) are designed as Operation-Aids rather than Blowout-Arrestors, lacking real-time monitoring and adaptive control capabilities, which leads to inadequate performance during well blowouts, resulting in environmental disasters and loss of life.
Innovation Solution
A subsea BOP monitoring system equipped with computers, sensors, and predictive-intelligence software that monitors critical parameters to recognize a well blowout early and adjust BOP sequencing and timing to arrest the event, featuring sensors to detect pipe position, pressure, and material properties, and a pressure intensifier to vary force applied to pistons for effective cutting of drill pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If BOP is designed as Operation-Aid with static control, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability during blowout deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The BOP system transitions from static control to dynamic adaptive control through real-time monitoring of critical parameters (pressure, temperature, flow rate) and automatic adjustment of BOP element sequencing and positioning. The system adapts its control strategy based on detected kick conditions and blowout dynamics, optimizing performance for emergency arrest scenarios while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback loops that continuously monitor critical parameters including wellbore pressure, temperature, and fluid flow rate. This feedback enables the control system to detect kicks early, assess blowout conditions, and automatically adjust BOP element activation sequencing and positioning, thereby improving reliability during dynamic blowout events without compromising ease of operation.
2Reliability
If real-time monitoring of critical parameters is added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system uses multi-functional sensors that simultaneously measure multiple critical parameters (pressure, temperature, flow rate) to detect kicks and characterize blowout conditions. This universal approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate monitoring systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high reliability through comprehensive real-time data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates autonomous control capabilities that automatically process monitoring data and execute BOP element sequencing without requiring complex external control systems or constant human intervention. The self-service automation handles the complexity of real-time decision-making, allowing the system to maintain high reliability while keeping the control architecture relatively simple.
3Productivity
If adaptive control sequencing is implemented, then productivity in arresting blowout is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-programs multiple BOP element sequences based on different kick and blowout scenarios detected through real-time monitoring. When a blowout is detected, the system automatically selects and executes the appropriate pre-planned sequence, enabling rapid adaptive response that improves productivity in arresting blowouts without requiring complex real-time decision algorithms or increasing device 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 early intervention and effective control of well blowouts, reducing the risk of environmental disasters and improving safety by providing real-time feedback and adaptive response to dynamic conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure intensifier to vary a force applied to the two pistons responsive to the estimate of the shear force required to cut the string of pipe
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous BOP system is provided for stopping an uncontrolled flow of formation hydrocarbons comprising two or more sensors distributed along a length of a subsea blowout preventer to monitor a drill pipe inside a blowout preventer and measure critical parameters. A computer using predictive-software monitors a blowout preventer along with material critical parameters and calculates a blowout preventer configuration and sequence to arrest a well blowout. Blowout preventer components are fine-tuned and operational modes are added to aid an arrest of a well blowout under realistic conditions.