Blowout Preventer Leak Detection via Temperature Differential
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional leak detection in subsea blowout preventer (BOP) hydraulic systems is challenging due to difficulty in identifying the source of leaks when the BOP is submerged, often requiring time-consuming visual inspections or severe leak conditions for detection.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a temperature control device on the inlet line and multiple temperature sensors on delivery lines to create a temperature differential, allowing for quick detection of leaks by monitoring temperature changes along the hydraulic system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional surface monitoring is used for leak detection, then the BOP system can operate normally, but leak detection capability is insufficient and difficult to locate leak sources in subsea conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hydraulic system into multiple segments by placing temperature sensors at different locations along the delivery lines. This segmentation allows identification of the specific segment where a leak occurs by detecting temperature differentials at localized positions, thereby solving the problem of locating leak sources in subsea conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temperature as an intermediary parameter to detect leaks. By using temperature control devices to create intentional temperature differentials and temperature sensors to monitor these differentials, the system indirectly detects leaks without requiring direct observation or complex subsea inspection equipment.
2Measurement precision
If visual inspection using ROV is performed to identify leak sources, then leak location can be determined, but it takes significant time and may only be possible for severe leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing a temperature monitoring network with sensors at strategic locations before leaks occur. Temperature control devices create intentional temperature differentials in advance, so when a leak happens, the system can immediately detect and locate it by monitoring pre-positioned sensors, eliminating the need for time-consuming ROV inspections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs continuous feedback through temperature sensors that constantly monitor temperature differentials at various locations. When a leak occurs, the feedback mechanism immediately detects the temperature change and provides real-time information about the leak location, enabling rapid response without waiting for severe leak conditions or deploying ROVs.
3Measurement precision
If temperature control device creates temperature differential, then leak detection sensitivity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using temperature control devices only at specific strategic locations in the hydraulic system rather than throughout the entire system. This creates sufficient temperature differentials for effective leak detection while minimizing the total energy required, as only portions of the system need active temperature control rather than the whole system.
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 rapid and accurate identification of leaks in the hydraulic system, determining their location and severity, thereby improving BOP maintenance and performance.
Implementation Method 1
heating or cooling the fluid at a portion of the inlet line
Implementation Method 2
heating or cooling the fluid at a portion of the inlet line
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of temperature sensors located on the plurality of delivery lines at different locations, the plurality of temperature sensors configured to measure the temperature of the delivery line at the respective locations
Data Source
AI summary
A system for blowout prevention includes one or more components controlled at least in part by hydraulics, an inlet line fluidly coupled to receive a pressurized fluid from a hydraulic source, and a plurality of delivery lines fluidly coupled to the inlet line and providing hydraulic fluid to the one or more components. The blowout preventer further includes a temperature control device located on the inlet line, wherein the temperature control device creates a differential between the temperature of a fluid inside the inlet line at the location of the temperature control device and an ambient temperature. The blowout preventer further includes a plurality of temperature sensors located on the plurality of delivery lines at different positions, the plurality of temperature sensors configured to measure the temperature of the delivery line at the respective positions.