Electric Modular Subsea Test Tree for Fast Disconnect and Anti-Crystallization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea test trees face challenges with slow response times and reliability due to hydraulic control systems, which are prone to leaks, pressure loss, and pipeline deformation, and are unsuitable for remote control, and also suffer from ice-like crystalline substance accumulation affecting operation efficiency and safety in deep-sea environments.
Innovation Solution
A pure electric modular subsea test tree with electrically connected connect-disconnect and shear-seal assemblies, featuring a heating device to prevent crystallization of oil-gas mixtures, enabling faster and safer operations by improving response speed and preventing ice-like substance formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If hydraulic direct control is used in existing subsea test trees, then the system can operate in deep-sea environments, but the response time is slow and evacuation efficiency is greatly affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic control system with an electrical control system. The electromagnetic drive assembly uses electrical signals to directly drive the ball valve, eliminating the need for hydraulic pipelines and hydraulic pressure transmission. This substitution of mechanical/hydraulic system with an electrical system achieves faster response time and improves evacuation efficiency during emergency situations.
2Reliability
If hydraulic transmission is used for remote control, then the subsea test tree can be controlled, but hydraulic oil leaks and pollution may lead to system failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates hydraulic oil by replacing the hydraulic transmission system with an electrical control system. The electromagnetic drive assembly uses electrical fields to actuate the ball valve directly, removing the hydraulic fluid that causes leakage and pollution problems. This improves system reliability by eliminating the harmful effects of hydraulic oil in the deep-sea environment.
3Ease of operation
If long hydraulic pipelines are used for control, then remote control is possible, but pressure loss increases and power transfer efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces long hydraulic pipelines with electrical wiring for remote control. The electromagnetic drive assembly receives electrical signals through connection plugs, eliminating the need for extensive hydraulic piping. Electrical signals have minimal energy loss over distance compared to hydraulic pressure transmission, thus reducing pressure loss and improving power transfer efficiency while maintaining remote control capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the subsea test tree operates in low temperature and high pressure environments, then deep-sea exploration is enabled, but oil-gas mixture crystallizes and accumulates in pipelines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter by introducing a heating assembly that heats the oil-gas mixture in the pipeline. By raising the temperature of the fluid, the heating assembly prevents the oil-gas mixture from crystallizing under low temperature and high pressure conditions, thus eliminating the harmful accumulation of crystalline substances while maintaining deep-sea operation capability.
5Ease of operation
If hydraulic oil is used for control, then the system can function in various conditions, but the oil is not easy to maintain load movement speed stability when environment changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic oil-based control with an electrical electromagnetic control system. The electromagnetic drive assembly responds directly to electrical signals, providing precise and stable control of the ball valve's movement speed. Electrical systems are not susceptible to the environmental limitations of hydraulic oil, maintaining stable load movement speed control across varying temperature and pressure conditions in deep-sea environments.
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
The electric modular subsea test tree enhances operational efficiency and safety by reducing response times and preventing crystallization, ensuring reliable and efficient connection and disconnection processes even in harsh deep-sea conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device configured for heating the oil-gas mixture
Data Source
AI summary
A pure electric modular subsea test tree is provided, which includes a connect-disconnect device, wherein the first channel is formed in the connect-disconnect device; the connect-disconnect device is provided with a locking assembly and a connection drive mechanism for driving the locking assembly, and the first electrical connection plug is embedded in the connect-disconnect device, and the connection drive mechanism is electrically connected with the first electrical connection plug; a shear-seal assembly, wherein a second channel communicated with the first channel is formed in the shear-seal assembly; the shear-seal assembly includes at least one shear-seal device capable of plugging the second channel; a connection part is formed on the shear-seal assembly; a heating device is arranged at one end of the shear-seal device far from the connection part. The disclosure relates to a pure electric modular subsea test tree, which has fast response speed and high operation safety.