Hydrocarbon Recovery System Installation via Modular Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for installing hydrocarbon recovery systems at underwater installations are time-consuming, often requiring several months and sequential mobilization of multiple vessels, which is not satisfactory for quickly containing and recovering hydrocarbons to minimize environmental impact.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a quicker installation of a hydrocarbon recovery system comprising a rigid canopy-shaped lower assembly with ballast compartments and an upper assembly with flexible pipes and a buoy, allowing simultaneous assembly and towing steps to reduce overall installation time, enabling the system to be operational within a few days.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional sequential installation methods are used, then the system can be installed with traditional step-by-step procedures, but the installation time becomes excessively long (2-3 months)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lower assembly is prepared and deployed to the seabed in advance, establishing the foundational structure before the upper assembly is installed. This preliminary positioning allows subsequent connections to be made more efficiently, reducing overall installation time while maintaining systematic progression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The recovery system is divided into separate modular assemblies (lower assembly with canopy and upper assembly with pipes) that can be prepared, transported, and installed independently. This segmentation enables parallel preparation activities and reduces the critical path duration of the installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If multiple vessels are mobilized sequentially, then the installation can follow traditional procedures, but the overall deployment time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment efficiencyVSAvoidmobilization duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple vessels are mobilized and positioned at the installation site simultaneously rather than sequentially. The first vessel deploys the lower assembly while other vessels prepare and position the upper assembly components, enabling parallel work streams that reduce total mobilization duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The installation tasks are segmented and assigned to different vessels operating in parallel. Each vessel handles specific assembly components or installation tasks independently, allowing simultaneous progress on multiple fronts rather than sequential execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If traditional step-by-step assembly is followed, then installation procedures remain simple and manageable, but the time required for system operationalization extends to months

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation manageabilityVSAvoidtime to operational status

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into pre-assembled modular units (lower assembly with canopy, upper assembly with pipes and manifolds) that can be handled and installed as complete packages. This modular approach maintains operational simplicity while accelerating deployment through parallel preparation and installation of modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Complex sub-assemblies are pre-configured and tested onshore before deployment. The lower assembly is prepared with ballast tanks and canopy structures, while the upper assembly is pre-assembled with pipes and connection interfaces, reducing on-site assembly complexity and time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach significantly reduces the time required to deploy the hydrocarbon recovery system, allowing for rapid containment and recovery of hydrocarbons, thus minimizing environmental damage from leaks.

Implementation Method 1

A buoy (40) connected to the downstream end (35) of the first flexible pipe (30) and intended to be immersed under the surface of the water (12) to maintain the first flexible conduit (30) substantially in its position vertical

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

comprising ballast compartments (29) on the destination site (2) Deployment of the lower assembly towards the seabed (11)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy adjustment: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentEP2652204B1Method for installing a device for recovering hydrocarbons

Publication Date: 2017.09.13 TECH FRANCE SA

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AI summary

The invention relates to a novel method for installing an assembly (10) for recovering hydrocarbons escaping from an underwater facility (21), including a first bottom assembly (25) including a rigid canopy having a large surface area, and a second top assembly (26) for raising fluids up to a surface facility (13). The steps of towing the fluid-raising top assembly are carried out concurrently during the installation of the fluid-raising top assembly (26).