Horizontal Manifold for Riser Kill Choke Line Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manual process for connecting kill- and choke hoses between a riser and their adjacent manifolds is insecure and hazardous due to vertical operation, which is complicated by the pendulum movement of the riser, requiring operators to hang in ride belts and face challenges in aligning and connecting the vertically directed pipe ends.
Innovation Solution
A remotely controlled, horizontally directed outer barrel kill- and choke manifold with horizontally directed receptacles and pipe ends, connected via a manipulator arm, allowing for safer and more stable horizontal operation, reducing the need for manual alignment and vertical movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual vertical connection operation is used, then operators can directly align and connect the pipe ends, but the operation becomes hazardous and insecure due to pendulum movement of the riser requiring operators to hang in ride belts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical alignment and connection operation with an automated robotic system. The robot executes pre-calculated trajectories to automatically align and connect the pipe ends, eliminating the need for operators to physically position themselves in hazardous locations and perform manual alignment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a robotic system as an intermediary between the operator and the hazardous connection operation. The operator remains in a safe location while the robot performs the physical connection task, acting as a mediator that transfers the connection function from human operators to an automated system.
2Manufacturing precision
If operators work close to the riser for manual connection, then precise alignment can be achieved, but the risk of injuries increases due to pendulum movement and proximity to moving equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual alignment operations with automated robotic positioning. The robot uses pre-calculated trajectories and automated control systems to achieve precise alignment without requiring operators to be in close proximity to the moving riser and equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the operator from the hazardous connection operation by dividing the system into a control portion (where the operator safely monitors and controls) and an execution portion (where the robot performs the physical connection). This segmentation allows precise operation to be maintained while eliminating operator exposure to hazards.
3Productivity
If vertical connection operation is performed, then the connection can be made between riser and manifold, but the pendulum movement complicates the alignment and slows down the connection process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations of the robot trajectory and connection parameters before the actual connection operation. By pre-calculating the optimal path and positioning requirements, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming manual alignment adjustments during the connection process, thereby increasing connection speed while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic robotic system that can adapt its movement and positioning in real-time during the connection operation. The robot executes calculated trajectories with dynamic adjustments to accommodate any movement or positioning variations, enabling fast and easy connection operations despite the challenging vertical connection environment.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector device for kill- and choke lines between a riser and a floating drilling platform includes a slip joint on top of the riser including an outer barrel, a kill- and choke manifold arranged on the platform and provided with flexible kill- and choke hoses to the slip joint's outer barrel, and wherein the slip joint's outer barrel is provided with a horizontally directed kill- and choke-manifold.