Modular Electro-Hydraulic Control System for Subsea Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subsea equipment control systems require substantial change-over time and are often too large for drilling rig operations, necessitating complex and time-consuming rig-up procedures in the moon pool area, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A modular electro-hydraulic control system designed to accommodate high axial loading and bending forces, allowing it to fit through a rotary table, thus enabling unified control of various subsea equipment types and reducing the need for multiple dedicated control systems, facilitating both open water and in-riser operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated control systems are used for each subsea tool, then control reliability is improved, but change-over time between operations increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control system that can control multiple different subsea tools (tree running tool, subsea test tree, tubing hanger running tool) through standardized interfaces and communication protocols. The control system includes a master control unit that can adapt to different tool types, eliminating the need for dedicated control systems for each tool and enabling rapid change-over between operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is divided into modular components including a master control unit, remote control units, and interchangeable tool interface modules. This segmentation allows the system to be reconfigured for different operations by swapping interface modules rather than replacing entire control systems, reducing change-over time while maintaining control reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If large control systems are used, then control capabilities are improved, but rig-up operations must be performed in the moon pool area increasing complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into compact modular units that can be assembled in sections. The master control unit and remote control units are designed as separate manageable modules that can be rigged up independently and then connected, allowing rig-up operations to be performed on the rig floor rather than requiring moon pool operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system architecture distributes control functions across multiple spatial locations with master and remote control units connected through the drill string. This dimensional distribution allows the control system to maintain comprehensive capabilities while having a compact footprint that fits through the rotary table and can be assembled on the rig floor.
3Ease of operation
If control systems are made compact to fit through rotary table, then deployment ease is improved, but control functionality may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system components are designed with nested configurations where remote control units and tool interface modules can be housed within or alongside the drill string and existing wellhead equipment. This nesting approach minimizes the external footprint of the control system, allowing it to pass through the rotary table while maintaining full control functionality through the distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The compact control system maintains full functionality through universal interfaces and communication protocols that enable a single compact unit to control multiple different subsea tools. The master control unit includes adaptive software that can interface with various tool types, ensuring comprehensive control capabilities are preserved despite the reduced physical size.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates control of subsea equipment by providing a modular electro-hydraulic control system which can be used with various types of subsea equipment. The modular system is constructed to accommodate high axial loading while also withstanding high bending forces. Additionally, the components of the modular system are constructed and arranged to enable the modular system to fit through a rotary table of a rig. Depending on the parameters of a given application, the modular control system may be utilized for open water operations and in-riser operations.