External Tubular Interconnection for Flexible Conduit Annulus Gas Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
In offshore oil and gas extraction systems, gas permeation into the annular region of flexible conduit segments leads to pressure buildup and corrosion, causing potential conduit failure, as existing solutions like check valves discharge gas directly into the marine environment, which is inefficient and costly to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A method to modernize flexible conduit lines by establishing fluid interconnection between annular regions of adjacent segments using an externally positioned tubular line, allowing gas to be discharged through a fluid interconnection rather than check valves, eliminating the need for new end fittings and reducing downtime and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If check valves are used to discharge gas from the annular region, then gas pressure buildup is prevented, but gas is discharged directly into the marine environment causing corrosion and operational issues
Solution Approach 1:
A tubular line is introduced as an intermediary component to establish fluid communication between the annular regions of adjacent flexible conduit segments. This tubular line acts as a mediator that redirects gas discharge away from the marine environment to a designated collection point, preventing direct harmful discharge while maintaining pressure relief functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The gas that would otherwise be harmfully discharged into the marine environment is now redirected through the tubular line to a collection system. The harmful gas discharge is converted into a beneficial situation where gas can be properly managed, flared, or stored, transforming an environmental hazard into a controlled process
2Reliability
If new end fittings with integrated gas discharge paths are installed, then gas management is improved, but installation time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gas management system is segmented into independent components: the existing end fittings remain in place, and a separate tubular line is added to provide fluid communication between annular regions. This segmentation allows the gas discharge function to be improved without replacing the entire end fitting assembly, reducing installation time
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular line is pre-configured to connect to the outlet ports of existing end fittings. By preparing this intermediate gas collection path in advance and installing it as a separate component, the modernization process avoids the need for complex integration work that would require extended downtime
3Object-generated harmful factors
If check valves are removed and tubular lines are installed, then gas can be directed to flaring systems, but the system configuration changes require modification work
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular line serves multiple functions: it provides fluid communication between annular regions, collects gas from multiple segments, and directs it to a centralized discharge point. This multi-functional component simplifies the overall system by consolidating gas collection and redirection without requiring complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes natural pressure differentials and fluid flow principles to move gas through the tubular line. By relying on pneumatic and hydraulic forces rather than active pumping or complex control systems, the gas is automatically directed to the flaring system based on pressure gradients, reducing operational complexity
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
This solution effectively manages gas discharge from the annular regions, preventing pressure buildup and corrosion, while reducing operational disruptions and financial burdens by enabling gas to be directed to a flaring system or storage, thus enhancing the longevity and efficiency of the flexible conduit lines.
Implementation Method 1
the gas contained in the production or injection fluid slowly permeates through the inner retention layer and enters the annular region
Data Source
AI summary
The invention proposes a method of modernizing a flexible conduit line (50), wherein the modernization method comprises the following steps performed in at least one end fittings joint (11, 12, 13), namely, removing a check valve (16) or a plug (17) from at least one outlet port (15) of an end fitting (111, 121, 131), removing a check valve (16′) or a plug (17′) of at least one outlet port (15′) of an adjacent end fitting (111′, 121′, 131′), installing a tubular line (90) in an external position to provide fluid communication between said at least one outlet port (15) of the end fitting (111, 121, 131) and said at least one outlet port (15′) of the adjacent end fitting (111′, 121′, 131′). The invention further proposes an end fittings joint (12) comprising an end fitting (121) and an adjacent end fitting (121′), the end fittings joint (12) comprising a tubular line (90) positioned externally to the end fittings (121, 121′) in order to establish fluid communication between at least one outlet port (15) of the end fitting and at least one outlet port (15′) of the adjacent end fitting (121′). The invention further proposes an interconnection module (80) connectable to a first end fitting (121) suitable to be installed in a first flexible conduit segment (52) and connectable to a second end fitting (121′) suitable to be installed in a second flexible conduit segment (53). The interconnection module (80) further comprises a tubular line (90) in an external position configured to provide fluid communication between at least one outlet port (15) of the first end fitting (121) and at least one port (15′) of the second end fitting (121′).