Hinge-Over Riser Assembly Subsea Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing subsea flowlines and risers are labor-intensive and require multiple time-consuming steps, including separate installations of flowlines, riser foundations, risers, subsea jumpers, and floating production units, which complicate the process of conveying hydrocarbons from subsea wells to floating production units at the surface.
Innovation Solution
The use of a hinge-over joint device that connects the flowline and riser, allowing them to be installed with their axes initially parallel, then rotated to be perpendicular, facilitating a more streamlined installation process where the riser can be rotated about the hinge-over joint to become vertical, and a subsea jumper can be connected between the flowline and riser for fluid communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate installation steps are used for flowline, riser foundation, riser, and subsea jumper, then each component can be installed independently, but the installation process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate installation steps into a single integrated operation. The flowline, riser, and subsea jumper are installed simultaneously using one vessel, eliminating the need for separate installation crews and multiple vessels. This merging of operations directly addresses the contradiction by maintaining independent component installation capabilities while dramatically improving installation productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-assembling the flowline, riser, and subsea jumper into a coordinated configuration before deployment. The riser is positioned alongside the flowline during flowline installation, and the subsea jumper is pre-routed through the riser, allowing all connections to be made in a single operation rather than requiring sequential installation of each component.
2Manufacturing precision
If subsea jumper is fabricated pursuant to on-site measurements, then the jumper fits the specific installation location, but the process becomes timely and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates on-site measurement and fabrication by pre-determining the subsea jumper dimensions during the design phase. Standardized jumper lengths and configurations are selected based on anticipated installation scenarios, allowing the jumper to be pre-fabricated to exact specifications before deployment. This preliminary action maintains manufacturing precision while eliminating time-consuming on-site measurements and fabrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of jumper specification from custom-made-to-order to pre-selected standard configurations. By establishing standardized jumper parameters during the design phase, the system transitions from a make-to-order approach to a pre-configured approach, reducing fabrication time while maintaining adequate fit for the application.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple installation vessels and crews are used for separate installations, then each component can be installed by specialized equipment, but the overall process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single multi-functional installation vessel capable of performing all installation operations. The vessel is equipped with capabilities to deploy and install the flowline, position the riser, and install the subsea jumper in one coordinated operation. This universal vessel replaces multiple specialized vessels, reducing overall process complexity while maintaining the ability to install each component with appropriate equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple installation vessels into a single integrated installation platform. By combining the flowline installation, riser positioning, and subsea jumper installation operations into one vessel operation, the system reduces the number of vessels and coordination requirements while maintaining specialized installation capabilities through integrated equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for installing a subsea flowline and riser assembly on a sea floor includes providing a flowline having an axis and an end connected to a hinge-over joint, and a riser having an axis and an end connected to the joint such that the axes of the riser and flowline extend substantially parallel. An end of the flowline opposite the joint is lowered to the sea floor. The end of the flowline connected to the joint is lowered to the sea floor. The joint is connected to a foundation that is installed in the sea floor. The riser is rotated about the hinge-over joint such that the riser axis is substantially perpendicular to the flowline axis. A subsea jumper is connected between an opening formed in the flowline and an opening formed in the riser so that the riser is in fluid communication with the flowline.