Modular Electrohydraulic Manifold for Subsea Well Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrohydraulic manifold systems in subsea well operations are inflexible and require redesigning the entire system for different applications, making it inefficient and costly to replace or repair specific components.
Innovation Solution
A modular electrohydraulic manifold system composed of self-contained rings that can be prefabricated for various functions, allowing for easy replacement and combination of rings to form a complete system without affecting the entire setup, enabling flexible configuration and application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional hard-built electrohydraulic manifold system is used, then the system provides stable hydraulic and electrical control lines, but the entire system must be redesigned for different applications, making repairs and replacements inefficient and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold system is divided into separate modular components: hydraulic manifold modules with internal hydraulic passages and electrical manifold modules with internal electrical conduits. These modules can be independently configured, assembled, and replaced based on specific application requirements, eliminating the need to redesign the entire system for different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular manifold modules are designed with standardized interfaces and configurations that can serve multiple functions across different applications. The same basic module design can be adapted for various hydraulic and electrical control needs by changing the internal passage or conduit arrangements, providing universal applicability.
2Ease of repair
If a traditional hard-built electrohydraulic manifold system is used, then the system provides integrated control, but replacing or repairing components requires affecting the entire system
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is segmented into independent replaceable modules. When a component fails, only the specific hydraulic or electrical manifold module containing the defective component needs to be removed and replaced, not the entire manifold system. This significantly reduces repair time and minimizes system downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The defective manifold module can be extracted from the system independently. The modular design with standardized connections allows the problematic module to be removed without disturbing other functional modules, enabling quick replacement and reducing the impact on overall system operation.
3Reliability
If a traditional hard-built electrohydraulic manifold system is used, then the system provides complete control coverage, but the exposed control lines across the entire manifold increase vulnerability
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic passages and electrical conduits are nested within the manifold modules themselves. The hydraulic manifold modules contain internal passages that route hydraulic lines, and electrical manifold modules contain internal conduits for electrical wiring. This nested configuration protects the control lines from external environmental factors while maintaining complete control coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic control lines and electrical control lines are merged into integrated manifold modules where both types of passages/conduits coexist within the same modular structure. This consolidation protects both hydraulic and electrical systems within unified housings, reducing their exposure to harmful environmental factors while maintaining full control functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular manifold system includes a first manifold ring which comprises a first tubular body defined by an inner wall, an outer wall, a first end, and a second end. The inner wall and the outer wall extend between the first end and the second end. The first manifold ring also includes a first path formed between the inner wall and the outer wall and extending to at least one of the first end and the second end. At least one of the first end and second end comprises a coupling feature configured to couple the first manifold ring to a second manifold ring or well equipment. The first path is put in fluid communication or electrical communication with the second manifold ring or well equipment when the first manifold ring is coupled to the second manifold ring.