Subsea Feedthrough Cap for Horizontal Tree Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea tree systems, particularly horizontal tree systems, face challenges in making feedthrough connections between the tree and the tubing hanger, which complicates the introduction of feedthrough connections and communications in subsea well systems.
Innovation Solution
A feedthrough cap system is introduced, featuring a top that extends across the axial opening of a tree body, with a landing body that can move between retracted and extended positions. This system includes one or more feedthrough lines, such as fiber optic or electrical lines, allowing for direct connections through the tubing hanger, bypassing the tree body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If feedthrough connections are made in horizontal tree systems, then signal transmission is achieved, but the connection process becomes complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the feedthrough connection function from the tree body by using a standalone cap assembly that attaches to the tree. This segmentation allows the complex feedthrough connections to be made externally rather than within the tree body, simplifying the overall connection process while maintaining signal transmission reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cap assembly as an intermediary component between the tree and the feedthrough lines. This cap serves as a mediator that provides the necessary connection interface without requiring modifications to the tree structure itself, thereby achieving signal transmission while avoiding complex internal tree modifications
2Adaptability or versatility
If feedthrough connections are installed in existing subsea completion systems, then monitoring capability is improved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly is pre-configured with all necessary feedthrough connection components and interfaces before installation. This preliminary preparation allows the cap to be installed as a complete unit on existing subsea completion systems, enabling monitoring capability enhancement without requiring time-consuming on-site assembly or tree modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the feedthrough connection functionality from the tree structure and places it in a separate, removable cap assembly. This extraction allows existing subsea completion systems to be retrofitted with monitoring capabilities by simply attaching the cap, avoiding the need to modify or disturb the original tree structure and reducing installation time
3Reliability
If the landing body is extended into the tree body, then feedthrough connections are established, but the tree structure is disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly acts as an intermediary that establishes feedthrough connections externally without requiring the landing body to penetrate or disturb the tree structure. The cap provides the necessary interface and connection points while leaving the tree intact, thereby achieving reliable feedthrough connections without structural disturbance
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a feedthrough cap having a guide funnel configured to extend about a tree body of a well system. The feedthrough cap includes a landing body configured to extend into the tree body and land on a hanger. The feedthrough cap includes a feedthrough line configured to extend through the feedthrough cap to the hanger.