Modular Subsea Control System for Rapid Module Swapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing subsea operation control systems are complex, cumbersome, and require specialized personnel for maintenance, leading to time delays and high costs, as they need to be replaced entirely for different operations, which is inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A modular system with a control room structure and replaceable control modules that can be easily selected, connected, and swapped, reducing the need for heavy lifting and specialized offshore maintenance, allowing for efficient operation and quick adaptation to various subsea tasks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex specialized control systems are used for each subsea operation, then operational control capability is improved, but system complexity and handling time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational control capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is divided into separate functional modules (control unit, power unit, hydraulic unit, BOP control unit) that can be independently selected and assembled. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the system to be customized for different operations without requiring complete system replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized interface and modular architecture enable a single base control system to support multiple subsea operations by simply changing the control modules. The same hydraulic power unit and connection assembly can work with different control modules designed for various operations such as drilling, workover, or intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If large-sized specialized control units are used, then operational control capability is improved, but lifting and handling requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational control capabilityVSAvoidlifting and handling requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control modules are designed as separate, extractable units that can be independently handled and installed. This extraction principle allows smaller individual modules to be lifted and installed separately rather than moving large integrated control systems, reducing lifting equipment requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If specialized personnel are required for maintenance, then system reliability is improved, but response time and operational efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The modular design with standardized interfaces enables field personnel to perform maintenance and replacements without requiring specialized offshore expertise. The self-contained nature of each module allows for easy diagnostics and replacement by trained operators, reducing dependence on specialized service personnel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Control modules are designed to be pre-assembled and pre-tested onshore before deployment. This preliminary preparation ensures that when modules need maintenance or replacement, they can be quickly swapped out with pre-prepared units, minimizing downtime without requiring complex on-site repairs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If complete system replacement is performed for different operations, then operational adaptability is improved, but handling time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational adaptabilityVSAvoidhandling time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system configuration is made dynamic and adjustable by allowing different control modules to be installed based on operational requirements. The standardized interfaces enable quick reconfiguration of the system for different subsea operations, transitioning from static complete-system replacement to dynamic module-level adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10570682B2Modular system and method for controlling subsea operations

Publication Date: 2020.02.25 FMC KONGSBERG SUBSEA AS

AI summary

The invention concerns a modular system for controlling subsea operations. The modular system comprises a control room structure at a top side location, the control room structure is provided with a fixed modular connection assembly. The interior of the control room structure is prepared for accommodation f a set of replaceable control modules comprising at least one dedicated control module provided for controlling a corresponding operational well tool. The said set of replaceable control module(s) is selected in accordance with a chosen subsea operation for accommodation in the control room structure. The said set of replaceable control module(s) accommodated in the control room structure is connected to the fixed modular connection assembly for establishing communication between the at least one dedicated control module and its corresponding operational well tool. The invention also concerns a method for controlling subsea operations.