Modular Valve Block Manifold for Flexible Subsea Flow Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional subsea manifolds face challenges such as high cost, weight, complexity in design and fabrication, and limited versatility in routing fluid flows due to bespoke requirements, leading to long lead times and increased engineering efforts, as well as issues with weld points and maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
A compact and modular manifold scheme using modular block branch assemblies with a rigid valve block body featuring V-shaped fluid communication passageways and external headers, allowing for flexible fluid flow direction control and connection of multiple inlet flowlines to outlets, reducing the need for extensive welding and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional bespoke manifold designs are used to meet specific application requirements, then the manifold can be customized to exact specifications, but significant repeat engineering effort is required resulting in long lead times
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is divided into modular components including a manifold body, multiple interchangeable headers, and standardized connection interfaces. Each header can be independently selected and configured to meet specific application requirements, eliminating the need for complete bespoke design while maintaining customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold body is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different headers with varying configurations. The standardized interfaces allow the same manifold body to serve multiple functions and applications by simply changing the headers, reducing repeat engineering effort.
2Reliability
If manifold headers are sized to meet pipeline internal bore requirements with pigging capabilities, then the headers can be maintained in satisfactory condition, but the size and bore are dictated by pipeline requirements adding engineering complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The pigging function is separated from the header structure by providing dedicated pig launchers and receivers as independent modular components. This allows the headers to be optimized for their primary fluid transport function while pigging capabilities are provided through attached specialized modules.
Solution Approach 2:
Dedicated pig launchers and receivers act as intermediary components that provide pigging functionality without requiring the headers themselves to be oversized or specially configured. These intermediary devices interface with the headers to enable pigging operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If many weld points are used to connect inlets and outlets to headers, then the manifold can be assembled from separate components, but the process is time consuming and costly creating potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The headers are designed to be integral with or directly coupled to the manifold body through minimized connection interfaces. This merging of components reduces the number of separate weld joints required while maintaining assembly capability through modular design of the connection zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex welded connections are extracted and replaced with standardized mechanical coupling interfaces. The connection details are taken out as separate standardized components that can be assembled without extensive welding, reducing both time and potential failure points.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional manifold structures are designed to handle multiple outlets, then they can serve various fluid distribution needs, but they become physically heavy making them difficult to manoeuvre and lower to seabed
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold system is segmented into the main manifold body and interchangeable headers. This allows the core structure to remain relatively lightweight while the specific outlet configurations are provided through modular headers that can be selected based on the required number and arrangement of outlets.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold configuration is made dynamic through the ability to interchange headers on the manifold body. Rather than a fixed heavy structure designed for all possible configurations, the system adapts to specific outlet requirements by swapping headers, maintaining minimal weight for each specific application.
Data Source
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AI summary
A rigid valve block body (210) and a method for determining fluid flow direction are disclosed. The valve block body (210) includes a first fluid inlet (300) and a further fluid inlet (310) at opposed sides of a rigid valve block body (210). A first fluid outlet (400) of the valve block body and a further fluid outlet (410) of the valve block body are disposed in a spaced apart relationship. A first V-shaped fluid communication passageway (420) comprises two passageway portions (432, 434) each extending within the valve block body from a first common root region proximate to the first fluid inlet. A further V-shaped fluid communication passageway comprises two further passageway portions each extending within the valve block body away from a further common root region proximate to the further fluid port. An end region of each passageway portion of the first V-shaped fluid communication passageway meets an end region of a respective passageway portion of the further V-shaped fluid communication passageway proximate to a respective fluid outlet.