Modular Well Manifold Header for Faster Custom Subsea Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional manifolds for hydrocarbon wells are bespoke, leading to long delivery times and high costs due to the high number of custom parts required for varying configurations, which complicates subsea installations and increases project risks.

Innovation Solution

A modular manifold system composed of standardized modules with interchangeable components, including a T-shaped bore design with actuated cut-off valves and standardized connections, allowing for flexible assembly and reduced part count, enabling quicker production and assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If bespoke manifolds are designed for specific requirements, then adaptability to specific needs is improved, but device complexity and production time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to specific needsVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manifold is divided into multiple identical modular units, each containing a standardized set of components including inlets, outlets, and double cut off valves. Each module can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability through configurable arrangements of standard modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A universal module design is created that can serve multiple well configurations through standardized interfaces and interchangeable components. The same module type can be used across different manifold sizes and configurations, eliminating the need for custom-designed manifolds for each specific application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If bespoke manifolds are designed for specific requirements, then adaptability to specific needs is improved, but delivery time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to specific needsVSAvoiddelivery time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Standardized manifold modules are pre-manufactured and pre-assembled with all necessary components including double cut off valves and actuators before project deployment. This preliminary preparation of modular units eliminates on-site customization time and enables rapid assembly to meet specific project requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By segmenting the manifold into pre-fabricated modular units with standardized interfaces, the system enables rapid assembly through simple module combination rather than custom manufacturing, significantly reducing delivery time while maintaining adaptability through configurable module arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If double cut off valves with redundant actuators are installed, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefailsafe systemVSAvoidnumber of actuators

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Two double cut off valve assemblies are integrated into a single standardized module housing, sharing common structural support and control systems. This merging approach maintains the required redundancy and failsafe functionality while reducing overall actuator count and simplifying the control architecture compared to separate valve installations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If standardized modules are used, then productivity is improved, but adaptability to specific configurations decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The manifold system is segmented into standardized modular units with configurable arrangements. Different numbers and configurations of identical modules can be assembled to meet specific project requirements, maintaining high assembly productivity through standardization while preserving adaptability through flexible module composition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design enables dynamic reconfiguration of manifold systems by adding, removing, or rearranging identical module units based on specific project needs. This dynamic adaptability is achieved without compromising assembly productivity, as all modules use standardized interfaces and assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11396895B2Modular single header manifold

Publication Date: 2022.07.26 VETCO GRAY SCANDINAVIA

AI summary

The present invention relates to hydrocarbon well fluid manifold module (1) with a manifold module housing (9) having a transversal bore terminating in a longitudinal bore (3) in fluid connection with the transversal bore (6). One or more cut off valves are located (7) in the transversal bore (6). The longitudinal bore (3) extend through the module housing (9) and form a first flow port (11) and a second flow port (12) aligned with the first flow port (11). Plane, connecting surfaces surround the two flow ports (11,12). The two flow ports and connecting surfaces are identical. The first connecting surface (13) and the second connecting surface (14) are adapted to be connected to at least one further similar manifold module (20). The invention also concerns a manifold for a hydrocarbon well assembled of such modules.