Modular Block Platform with Snap Connectors for Offshore Fields

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The development of marginal offshore oil and gas fields is hindered by high capital expenditure costs and complex production scenarios, leading to increased drilling and platform design costs, which often result in these reserves being left dormant due to high risks and extended construction times.

Innovation Solution

A universal block platform system comprising modular blocks with 'snap' connectors that can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing for flexible configuration and redeployment without heavy construction equipment, capable of handling various well fluids and conditions, and enabling the decoupling of drilling and installation processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional customized and engineered platform structures are used, then the platform can handle complex production scenarios, but the capital expenditure cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatform configuration flexibilityVSAvoidplatform design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The platform is divided into modular blocks (jacket blocks, deck blocks, production blocks) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each block contains standardized conductor tubes and connectors, allowing flexible configuration without custom engineering for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular blocks are designed with universal interfaces and standardized conductor tube arrangements that can accommodate multiple production scenarios. The same basic block types can be configured differently to handle various well fluids and production requirements without requiring custom-designed structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex platform design is implemented to manage raw product, then the platform can handle various well fluids, but the installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewell fluid handling capabilityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The conductor tubes are pre-installed within the modular blocks during manufacturing, and the blocks are pre-configured with appropriate connectors and interfaces. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid on-site assembly without requiring complex installation procedures or specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses standardized conductor tube dimensions, connector types, and block interfaces that can be adapted to different well fluid requirements through configuration rather than redesign. Parameters such as conductor tube material, insulation, and routing can be modified within the standardized framework to handle specific fluids.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If customized platform structures are engineered for specific scenarios, then the platform can manage complex production requirements, but the time to build and deliver increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction scenario specificityVSAvoidconstruction time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the platform into standardized modular blocks, each block can be manufactured independently in parallel at different locations and then assembled on-site. This eliminates the sequential construction process required for customized platforms, significantly reducing total build time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

All conductor tubes, connectors, and internal configurations are pre-installed and tested during block manufacturing before shipping to the installation site. This preliminary preparation eliminates time-consuming on-site construction activities and allows for rapid assembly of the complete platform structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If high multi-contract and multi-interface risks are accepted, then the platform can be customized for specific needs, but the overall project risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidproject risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The standardized modular blocks with universal interfaces reduce the number of different contracts and interfaces required compared to fully customized designs. The same block types can serve multiple functions and be used across different production scenarios, simplifying the procurement and integration process while maintaining customization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11713654B2Universal block platform

Publication Date: 2023.08.01 FMC TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A method includes providing a lower platform block (300) including a first frame (315), a plurality of docking tubes (305) connected to the first frame, and a plurality of first conductor tubes (310) connected to the first frame. At least a first jacket connector block (400) including a second frame (415) and a plurality of second conductor tubes (405) connected to the second frame is releasably coupled to the lower platform block to align the second conductor tubes with the first conductor tubes. A platform deck block (500) including a third frame (515) defining a deck and a plurality of third conductor tubes (505) connected to the third frame is releasably coupled to the first jacket connector to align the third conductor tubes with the first conductor tubes.