Breech Lock Connection for Drilling Riser Auxiliary Line Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling systems face challenges in efficiently managing pressure and fluid flow during drilling operations, particularly in softer seabed locations, which can lead to well expansion or collapse, and require complex maintenance procedures that are time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an integrated riser joint (IRJ) with a rotating control device (RCD), annular blowout preventer (BOP), and auxiliary lines, featuring a breech lock connection system that allows for easy maintenance by adjusting between locked and unlocked configurations, enabling efficient fluid management and access to components without disconnecting auxiliary lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex maintenance procedures are used to manage pressure and fluid flow during drilling operations, then pressure control is improved, but maintenance time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary line is divided into multiple sections that can be independently accessed and maintained. The breech lock connection enables segmentation of the auxiliary line into modular units, allowing maintenance personnel to access and repair specific sections without disconnecting the entire line, thus reducing maintenance time while maintaining pressure control reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The breech lock connection provides a dynamic maintenance system that transitions from fixed rigid connections to adjustable locked/unlocked states. This dynamic capability allows the auxiliary line to be quickly configured between operational and maintenance modes, reducing the time lost during maintenance operations while preserving pressure management capabilities
2Ease of operation
If auxiliary lines are fully disconnected for maintenance, then access to components is improved, but maintenance complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary line is segmented into modular sections with standardized breech lock connections. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access specific components by unlocking and separating only the necessary sections, rather than disconnecting the entire auxiliary line, thereby simplifying the maintenance procedure while improving component accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The breech lock connection is pre-configured with locking and unlocking mechanisms that are ready for quick engagement and disengagement. This preliminary preparation of the connection system allows maintenance personnel to rapidly access components without complex disconnection procedures, reducing both the complexity and time of maintenance operations
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary line system for a drilling riser includes a first auxiliary line portion configured to couple to a first section of the drilling riser, a second auxiliary line portion configured to couple to a second section of the drilling riser, and a breech lock connection. The breech lock connection includes a first portion configured to couple to the first auxiliary line portion and comprising a first engagement feature and a second portion configured to couple to the second auxiliary line portion and comprising a second engagement feature. The breech lock connection is configured to adjust between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration.