Lateral Riser Clamping Module for Diverless Remote Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for locking rigid risers during pull-in operations in deepwater environments are costly, time-consuming, and risky for divers.

Innovation Solution

A lateral locking module (LTM) that remotely locks rigid risers, supporting bending and shear loads, and can be activated by a ROV or remotely, eliminating the need for diving.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If divers are used to operate riser locking modules during pull in operation, then the locking function can be achieved, but the operation becomes costly and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking operation speedVSAvoidtime required for locking operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation by divers with an automated hydraulic actuation system. The hydraulic cylinder receives fluid through a control umbilical, enabling remote activation of the locking mechanism without human intervention in the deepwater environment, thus significantly reducing operation time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control umbilical as an intermediary medium that transmits hydraulic fluid from the surface control system to the hydraulic cylinder in the water. This allows the locking operation to be initiated remotely from the production unit, eliminating the need for divers to manually operate the locking module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If divers operate the locking module, then the locking function is achieved, but the operation becomes risky for the divers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking operation reliabilityVSAvoidrisk to divers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the harmful factor of human exposure to deepwater risks by replacing diver operation with an automated hydraulic system. The hydraulic cylinder and control umbilical enable the locking function to be performed remotely from the production unit, completely removing the risk to divers while maintaining operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking module is designed to be self-actuating through the hydraulic system. Once the hydraulic fluid is supplied through the control umbilical, the system automatically performs the locking operation without requiring human presence in the hazardous environment, making the process both safe and reliable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the LTM is remotely activated from the production unit, then the need for diving is eliminated, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control umbilical serves multiple functions: it provides hydraulic fluid supply for actuation, contains control mechanisms for remote operation, and enables both locking and unlocking operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex systems, making the remote operation straightforward despite the added complexity of the hydraulic integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4656837A1Lateral clamping module for rigid risers

Publication Date: 2025.12.03 PETROLEO BRASILEIRO SA PETROBRAS

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1E
Figure 2A~2B

AI summary

The Lateral Locking Module (LTM) is a device designed to support the bending and shear loads of the rigid riser termination, preventing fatigue, wear, and internal shock to the support pipe. The LTM is activated remotely from the production unit during the final pull in stage, without the need for diving, or directly from a ROV. The LTM also allows for lateral unlocking of the riser without diving.