Drilled-Block Manifold With Embedded Valves for Lighter Subsea Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional subsea manifolds are large, heavy, and complex, requiring numerous components and extensive welding, which complicates manufacturing, transportation, and installation, especially due to increased weight and dimensions resulting from higher working pressures and deeper subsea operations.
Innovation Solution
A unique block architecture manifold with drilled header and flow inlet holes, and integrated isolation valves, eliminating the need for extensive piping and metal supporting structures, allowing for a simpler and lighter design with reduced welding requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional subsea manifold design with extensive piping and structural members is used, then fluid flow control capability is achieved, but weight and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (manifold body, valves, piping, and structural support members) into a single integrated manifold assembly. The valves are positioned within the manifold body itself, and the structural members are configured to serve dual purposes as both support elements and flow path definitions, eliminating the need for separate extensive piping systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural members serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical support for the manifold, define the flow paths between wells, and serve as mounting structures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated support structures and piping, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining fluid flow control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional subsea manifold with numerous components is used, then flow control from multiple wells is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components are merged into the manifold body. The valves are positioned within the manifold body rather than being separate external components, and the structural members are configured to simultaneously provide support and define flow paths, reducing the total number of discrete parts while maintaining the ability to control flow from multiple wells.
3Strength
If traditional subsea manifold design is used, then structural support for piping loads is achieved, but manufacturing and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The structural support function is merged with the flow path definition function. The structural members are configured to simultaneously support the manifold assembly and define the flow paths between wells, eliminating the need for separate extensive piping systems and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural support capability.
Data Source
AI summary
In one illustrative embodiment, the manifold comprises a block with at least one drilled header hole formed within the block, a plurality of drilled flow inlet holes formed within the block, wherein the number of drilled flow inlet holes corresponds to the number of the plurality of external flow lines that supply fluid (e.g., oil/gas) to the manifold and a plurality of isolation valves coupled to the block wherein the valve element for each of the isolation valves is positioned within the block.