Movable Deck Elements for Subsea Vessel Well Intervention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea vessels lack optimized deck layouts for efficient handling of well intervention equipment, requiring time-consuming piece-by-piece transportation and disrupting ongoing operations when equipment is moved to the drill floor.
Innovation Solution
A deck arrangement with movable deck elements at a different elevation than the main deck, allowing for preparation and storage of well intervention equipment near the drill floor without interrupting operations, using propulsion means like wheel assemblies and winch-and-cable systems to facilitate movement and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If equipment is transported piece-by-piece from the main deck to the drill floor using the deck crane, then the equipment can be positioned for well intervention operations, but the operation becomes time-consuming and disrupts ongoing well centre operations
Solution Approach 1:
The deck elements are positioned in advance at the elevated working station, allowing equipment to be prepared and assembled before being needed at the drill floor. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for time-consuming piece-by-piece transportation during critical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a third elevation level (the elevated working station above the main deck) where equipment can be handled and prepared. This vertical dimension allows equipment to be staged close to the drill floor without blocking the main deck operations, effectively adding a new spatial layer to the equipment handling process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the deck layout is optimized for drilling operations, then drilling functions are efficient, but well intervention equipment handling is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The elevated working station serves multiple functions: it provides a platform for well intervention equipment handling, a preparation area for coiled tubing and wireline equipment, and a staging zone that does not interfere with drilling operations. This multi-functional design allows the vessel to efficiently perform both drilling and well intervention operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The deck area is segmented into distinct functional zones: the main deck for drilling operations, the elevated working station for well intervention equipment handling, and the drill floor for subsea operations. This segmentation allows each function to operate independently without interfering with others, enhancing the vessel's overall versatility.
3Productivity
If equipment is moved to the drill floor during ongoing operations, then well intervention work can be performed, but operations in well centre must be stopped
Solution Approach 1:
Equipment is prepared and positioned on the elevated working station in advance, allowing well intervention operations to be staged before drilling operations need to pause. This eliminates the need to stop ongoing well centre operations for equipment handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable deck elements can be dynamically repositioned based on operational needs, allowing the system to adapt between drilling mode and well intervention mode without requiring permanent structural changes or operational interruptions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances operational efficiency by allowing offline preparation of well intervention equipment, increasing available deck area, and reducing the need for crane operations, thereby saving time and costs while extending the vessel's operational window.
Implementation Method 1
propulsion means adapted and arranged for interaction with the supports on the vessel or platform
Implementation Method 2
a wheel assembly having a driver wheel connected to the propulsion means and being rotatably connected to a first wheel and a second wheel which are spaced apart and configured for interaction with the supports
Data Source
AI summary
A deck arrangement for a vessel or platform (1) configured for performing subsea operations, the vessel or platform having a main deck (2) and a working station (4a) and facilities (9b, 6; 28) for supporting activities in the working station, the working station further comprising a working area (4b). One or more deck elements (14a,b, 15) are arranged at an elevation different from than of the main deck (2) and at an elevation where upper surfaces of the deck elements (14a,b, 15) and the upper surface of the working area (4b) are on the same, or substantially same, level. Preferably, the deck elements are arranged above the main deck (2) and above one or more of the facilities (9b, 6, 28). The facilities may be a riser storage compartment, a BOP area and/or a pipe deck.