Hydraulic Actuation Assembly Bypass Valve System
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hydrocarbon extraction, existing systems lack a reliable method to maintain hydraulic pressure for equipment like subsea safety valves in case of pump device failure, especially in emergency situations where continuous operation is critical.
Innovation Solution
An assembly with a bypass pipe and valve system, along with a remotely controlled vehicle for actuation, ensures hydraulic fluid can be fed from multiple sources, including a pressure accumulator and inhibitor feed line, to maintain pressure for safety equipment, even if the primary pump device fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pump device is used to supply hydraulic fluid to safety equipment, then hydraulic pressure can be maintained for equipment operation, but the system becomes vulnerable to pump failure and electrical interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
A bypass line with bypass valve is pre-installed in the hydraulic system, allowing alternative fluid supply path to be activated immediately when pump failure occurs, without requiring complex emergency response procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass line acts as an intermediary pathway that connects the inhibitor feed line directly to the supply line, enabling hydraulic fluid to reach safety equipment through an intermediate route when the primary pump path is blocked
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pump device is bypassed using a bypass line and valve, then alternative hydraulic fluid supply path is created, but the system requires additional valves and piping
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass valve is designed to work with the existing inhibitor feed line infrastructure, allowing the same line to serve both its original function and as an alternative hydraulic supply path, reducing the need for completely separate dedicated bypass piping
3Reliability
If the bypass valve is opened to allow direct fluid flow from feed line to supply line, then hydraulic pressure can be maintained during pump failure, but the fluid pressure within the feed line must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with the understanding that increased feed line pressure is necessary for bypass operation, and appropriate pressure ratings and safety margins are built into the feed line and bypass valve assembly to cushion against the additional stress
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 allows for continuous operation of safety equipment by providing alternative means to maintain hydraulic pressure, ensuring the safety valve can be actuated even during pump device failures or electrical interruptions, enhancing reliability and operational resilience.
Implementation Method 1
an pressure accumulator that can be connected to the pump device and that can feed into the supply line
Implementation Method 2
a bypass valve that is adjustable between open and closed positions is arranged
Implementation Method 3
a pump device that includes a piston/cylinder unit and an electrical drive device which is movably connected to a piston of the piston/cylinder unit for intermittent pump movement
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for the hydraulic actuation of safety equipment includes a hydraulic pump disposed between a fluid feed line and a supply line in fluid communication with the safety equipment. A pump valve in the supply line downstream of the hydraulic pump is adjustable between open and closed positions for providing hydraulic fluid to supply line. A fluid source communicates with a bypass line in fluid communication with the supply line. A bypass valve is disposed between the fluid source and the supply line and is lockable between open and closed positions for providing other hydraulic fluid to supply line.