Modular Subsea Well Fluid Processing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional subsea well fluid processing systems are bulky and obstruct the well bore, requiring removal of treatment apparatus for intervention operations, which is cumbersome and risky.
Innovation Solution
A modular system with a manifold and processing modules that allow fluid diversion and processing without obstructing the well bore, using a flow diverter and processing device that can be easily attached and detached from the existing choke body, enabling continuous access and processing without disconnecting existing pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If treatment apparatus is located locally on the tree, then fluid processing efficiency is improved, but the apparatus becomes bulky and obstructs the well bore
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment apparatus is divided into separate processing modules that can be detached from the tree. Each module contains specific treatment functions (e.g., heating, chemical injection) and can be independently installed or removed, allowing the system to maintain processing capability while reducing overall bulk when modules are detached.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing modules are designed to be installed in the annulus space around the production tubing rather than blocking the central well bore. This spatial reconfiguration allows treatment functions to be added without obstructing fluid flow through the production bore.
2Productivity
If treatment apparatus is located locally on the tree, then localized treatment is achieved, but intervention operations require removal of the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment modules are designed with detachable connections to the tree, transitioning from a fixed state during production to a removable state during intervention. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between production mode (modules attached) and intervention mode (modules removed), solving both contradictory requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the treatment system into separate, modular units with standardized connections, the apparatus can be easily attached or detached without complex reconfiguration. This modular design enables quick installation/removal during intervention operations while maintaining localized treatment capability during production.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing pipes are disconnected for processing, then treatment apparatus can be installed, but fluid leaks and operational risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processing modules utilize existing tree components (choke bodies, flowlines) as mounting points and fluid pathways. The modules are designed to connect to standard tree interfaces without requiring custom pipe disconnection or reconfiguration, thereby maintaining system integrity and reducing leak risks while achieving treatment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The modules use intermediate connection components (flanges, quick-connect couplings) that bridge the treatment apparatus to existing tree infrastructure. These intermediaries provide sealed, standardized interfaces that eliminate the need to disconnect existing pipes, thus preventing fluid leaks while enabling module installation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Provided is a system, including a first module (35b) configured to process fluid from a well, wherein the first module (35b) has an extension conduit (5b), having a connection that is coupleable to a central mandrel of a manifold (5), a processing device arranged in a region surrounding the extension conduit (5b), a processing input (18a), and a processing output (19a). Further provided is a method of processing well fluids, including diverting fluids from a bore of a manifold (1 ) to a processing module (35b), wherein the processing module (35b) is coupled to a mandrel of the manifold (5), processing the fluids in the processing module (35b), and returning the fluids to a flowpath (19a) for recovery.