Marine Riser Connection System Remote Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connection systems for marine drilling risers require manual intervention over the moon pool, posing safety risks and being mechanically complex and expensive, while existing machinery is cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
A connection system featuring a moveable coupling member with connectors that can be remotely engaged with auxiliary lines of a marine drilling riser using a control line and tailing line, allowing for safe and simple connection and disconnection without manual intervention above the moon pool, and can be retrofitted to existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual connection methods are used for drape hoses to auxiliary lines, then personnel can directly connect and disconnect connectors, but safety risks increase and operational limitations occur during inclement weather
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is designed to self-align and self-connect with the auxiliary line connector through guided engagement features. The coupling member includes alignment guides and engagement features that automatically orient and connect the drape hose connector to the auxiliary line connector without requiring manual positioning or intervention, enabling the system to service itself during connection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A remote operation system serves as an intermediary between the operator and the connection process. This intermediary system allows operators to control connection and disconnection operations from a safe distance, eliminating the need for personnel to physically work over the moon pool in hazardous conditions while maintaining operational capability during inclement weather.
2Reliability
If complex machinery with mechanical and hydraulic actuation systems is used for docking drape hoses, then manual intervention is eliminated, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex mechanical and hydraulic actuation systems from the connection system. By removing these complicated subsystems, the design achieves remote operation capability without the burden of maintaining complex machinery, reducing device complexity while preserving safety benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member incorporates self-actuating features including spring-loaded engagement mechanisms and automatic alignment systems that perform the connection function without external mechanical or hydraulic actuation. The system services itself through inherent mechanical properties rather than requiring complex external actuation systems.
3Reliability
If existing machinery for remote docking is implemented, then personnel safety is improved, but operating space requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member performs its own positioning and connection functions through self-aligning features and automatic engagement mechanisms. This eliminates the need for large, complex remote operation machinery that would require significant operating space, as the system services itself within the existing moon pool geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using large external machinery to perform remote docking operations, the invention inverts the approach by making the coupling member itself the active element that performs connection functions. This inversion eliminates the need for space-consuming external equipment while maintaining personnel safety.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a connection system 1 for a marine drilling riser 10 having one or more auxiliary lines 20, the connection system comprising: a moveable coupling member 30 having at least one first connector and at least one second connector coupled to the at least one first connector, wherein the at least one second connector is adapted for engaging with at least one connector of an auxiliary line of the marine drilling riser The connection system further comprising a control line support 18 for fixing at or adjacent an outer surface of the marine drilling riser; a control line supported by the control line support and for attachment to the moveable coupling member; and a tailing line for attachment to the moveable coupling member.