Remotely Actuated Gooseneck Connector for Subsea Riser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual removal of gooseneck connections in subsea drilling operations poses risks to personnel and equipment due to their size and weight, especially when raising the riser section through the drill floor.
Innovation Solution
A subsea drilling riser system with a gooseneck assembly that includes a remotely actuatable connector assembly, allowing for the gooseneck assembly to be selectively and remotely moved from the flowline, reducing the need for manual handling through the use of a pull line connected to a latch mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual removal of gooseneck connections is used, then the connection can be detached from the flowline, but personnel safety is compromised and equipment damage risk increases due to the size and weight of the connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical removal operations with an automated remotely actuated release mechanism. The release line connected to the latch allows the gooseneck assembly to be detached from the flowline without manual intervention, eliminating the safety risks associated with manual handling of heavy connections while maintaining the ability to perform the removal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a release line as an intermediary element that transmits the release signal from the remotely actuated latch to the gooseneck assembly. This intermediary mechanism enables the detachment operation to be performed remotely without requiring personnel to be in close proximity to the heavy connection components, thereby improving safety while maintaining operational capability.
2Reliability
If remotely actuatable connector assembly is used, then personnel safety is improved by eliminating manual handling, but device complexity increases due to the latch mechanism and release line
Solution Approach 1:
The remotely actuated latch mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage the gooseneck assembly from the flowline without requiring complex control systems or multiple actuation stages. The latch mechanism self-locks when engaged and can be easily released by pulling the release line, providing a simple self-contained solution that improves safety while adding minimal complexity to the connector assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A riser for use in boring a subsea wellbore having a gooseneck assembly connected onto the riser. The gooseneck assembly has an outlet that couples with a flowline on the riser and a connector assembly that selectively decouples the gooseneck assembly from the flowline. A release member, such as a wire, cable, or rod, is attached to the connector so the connector assembly can be actuated by manipulating the release member from a remote location.