Modular Capping Stack for Rapid Air-Freight Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capping stack systems for subsea wells are heavy, difficult to transport, and require extensive reassembly at the incident site, leading to delays in responding to offshore oil well blowouts, with existing solutions failing to meet regulatory expectations for timely response and efficient containment of hydrocarbon leaks.
Innovation Solution
A modular capping stack system comprising a capping stack spool, connector body, and diverter leg, designed to be transported in lightweight components on aircraft, with minimal reassembly required, capable of isolating pressures up to 15,000 p.s.i. and installed at depths of up to 10,000 feet, utilizing skids for easy handling and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If capping stack systems are designed with heavy-duty components for high-pressure containment, then pressure resistance is improved, but weight increases making air transport difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The capping stack system is divided into multiple modular components (capping stack, lower marine riser package, support modules) that can be transported separately and assembled at the incident site. Each module is designed to fit within aircraft cargo constraints while maintaining structural integrity for high-pressure containment when assembled together.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes pressure-resistant materials and design configurations that maintain containment capability at 15,000 PSI while optimizing weight through parameter adjustments in material selection, wall thickness, and structural geometry to enable air freightability.
2Ease of operation
If complete capping stack systems are transported as single units, then assembly simplicity is improved, but transport capability deteriorates due to size and weight constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into transportable modules that can be loaded into aircraft cargo holds. The modular design allows each component to meet dimensional constraints for air transport while incorporating quick-connect interfaces that enable rapid assembly at the incident location without requiring extensive reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed with standardized interfaces and universal connection mechanisms that work across different deployment scenarios, allowing the same modules to be assembled in various configurations depending on the specific incident requirements while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Productivity
If extensive reassembly is required at incident site, then transport efficiency is improved, but response time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
All necessary assembly components, connection interfaces, and installation equipment are pre-configured and pre-positioned within each module before transport. The modules arrive at the incident site ready for rapid deployment with no additional preparation required, enabling immediate assembly and containment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular system incorporates self-contained features including integrated lifting points, self-aligning connection mechanisms, and built-in installation guides that enable the system to be assembled and deployed with minimal external assistance, reducing dependency on complex on-site assembly operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for transporting a capping stack for use in a subsea structure includes a capping stack having a capping stack spool, a connector body connectable to the capping stack spool and at least one diverter leg connectable to the capping stack spool. A first skid receives the capping stack spool on a floor thereof. A second skid receives the connector body on a floor thereof. A third skid receives the diverter leg thereon. The first, second and third skids are adapted to be received within an interior of an aircraft. The skids and the connected components can then be flown by the aircraft to a desired location so as to be assembled at a location near a wellhead.