Hydraulic Extraction for Jammed Subsea Wet-Mate Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea wet-mate connectors become stuck due to sediment deposition, making disconnection difficult or impossible with conventional ROV manipulators, requiring costly and destructive vessel-based solutions.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing high-pressure hydraulic cylinders and an extractor base, which can be transported by an ROV, applies a disconnection force greater than the ROV manipulator, breaking sediment deposits and allowing safe disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional ROV manipulators are used to disconnect wet-mate connectors, then the operation can be performed remotely, but the disconnection force is insufficient to break stable sediment deposits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic cylinder to generate the necessary disconnection force. The hydraulic system provides high force output in a compact package, enabling the breaking of stable chalcomagnesian sediment deposits that mechanical manipulators cannot overcome. The hydraulic cylinder is integrated into the connector assembly, maintaining remote operability while dramatically increasing disconnection capability.
2Ease of operation
If destructive techniques are used to remove stuck connectors, then the connectors can be removed from the seabed, but the equipment integrity is compromised and failure analysis becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies preliminary action by first attempting to break the sediment deposits with controlled hydraulic force before resorting to any removal actions. The hydraulic cylinder progressively applies force to fracture the chalcomagnesian layer, and only if this fails would further actions be taken. This preliminary mechanical breaking action preserves connector integrity while enabling removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the stuck connector from the sediment-deposited state by applying targeted hydraulic force to break the bonding layer. The connector is then carefully extracted without destructive techniques, maintaining its structural integrity for subsequent failure analysis and potential reuse.
3Ease of operation
If large vessels are mobilized to lift subsea equipment, then stuck connectors can be removed on board, but operational costs and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service removal of stuck connectors directly at the subsea location. The hydraulic system is integrated into the connector assembly itself, allowing the connector to be freed and removed in situ without requiring recovery by large vessels. This eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming vessel mobilization while maintaining effective removal capability.
4Ease of operation
If the jumper is cut to separate subsea equipment, then the equipment can be freed, but the root cause of electrical system failure cannot be properly analyzed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of cutting the jumper, the invention extracts the stuck connector intact from its bonded state. The hydraulic cylinder breaks the sediment deposits holding the connector, allowing the entire connector assembly to be pulled out freely. This preserves the connector and jumper for detailed electrical and mechanical analysis, maintaining all failure diagnostic information.
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
Enables reliable disconnection of stuck subsea connectors without damaging equipment, eliminating the need for large vessels and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
high-pressure hydraulic cylinders and an extractor base, which can be transported by an ROV, applies a disconnection force greater than the ROV manipulator, breaking sediment deposits
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises a device and method for non-destructively disconnecting jammed subsea wet-mate connectors. Over time, the inadequate interaction of the housing of these connectors with the cathodic protection of other subsea equipment can promote the accumulation of sediments on the connectors, particularly chalcomagnesian sediments. This layer of sediments is very stable, which sticks the connector and prevents its usual disconnection by means of the mechanical arm of an ROV. The present invention provides a structure comprising hydraulic cylinders that are actuated to move an extractor base, which in turn exerts a force on the subsea connector until the sediment layer is broken and the connector is disconnected. Optionally, the device may actuate a hammer if the hydraulic cylinders fail to break the sediment layer. The hammer causes several impacts that weaken the sediment layer until it is broken, allowing the conventional disconnection of the connector. A method of using the device is also provided. Advantageously, the present invention prevents lifting of the subsea equipment and the destruction of the electrical connector, making disconnection of the jammed connector much faster, more efficient and cheaper.