Multi Capacity Riser Tensioners with Reversible Valve Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing riser tensioning systems for offshore platforms are limited by a fixed load capacity range, making them unsuitable for varying drilling rig requirements, which can lead to operational risks such as fatigue on the wellhead and riser due to large load variations.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic cylinder unit with a valve system that allows reversible switching between low and high tension configurations, enabling the system to adapt to different capacity requirements by altering fluid communication paths between pressure tanks and chambers, effectively changing between plunger and dual acting modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a large dimensional tensioner system is installed to meet maximum drilling requirements, then the system can handle wildcat drilling operations, but the system introduces large load variations that cause fatigue on the wellhead and riser during low capacity operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its load capacity by switching between different hydraulic cylinder configurations (single-acting and dual-acting modes) based on the actual drilling operation requirements, allowing the tensioning capacity to be optimized for each specific task rather than being fixed at maximum capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the hydraulic cylinders by altering fluid communication paths through valve elements, switching between single-acting and dual-acting modes to adjust the effective load capacity and match the actual tensioning requirements of different drilling operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different tensioner systems are installed to accommodate varying drilling requirements, then the system can adapt to different operations from wildcat drilling to workover, but the device complexity and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic cylinder assembly is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between single-acting and dual-acting modes, allowing a single universal system to handle the full range of drilling operations from wildcat drilling to workover and production testing without requiring multiple specialized systems
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system is segmented into controllable sections with valve elements that can independently switch fluid communication paths, allowing different portions of the system to be activated based on the specific operational requirements, effectively creating multiple capacity modes within a single integrated assembly
3Device complexity
If a single acting hydraulic cylinder configuration is used, then the system has simpler structure, but the load capacity is limited and cannot meet maximum drilling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures the hydraulic cylinder from a simple single-acting configuration to a more complex dual-acting configuration with feedback conduits, allowing the structural complexity to be adjusted based on the actual load capacity requirements of the current drilling operation
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic cylinder unit for connection to a wire line riser tensioner system includes a hydraulic cylinder comprising a cylinder piston separating a first cylinder chamber from a second cylinder chamber. A low pressure tank is arranged as a closed cylinder. A first conduit is inserted into the closed cylinder and provides a fluid communication between the low pressure tank and the first cylinder chamber. A second conduit provides a fluid communication between a high pressure fluid reservoir and the second cylinder chamber. A feedback conduit provides a fluid communication between the first cylinder chamber and the second cylinder chamber. A valve element comprising at least one valve is configured to be in a fluid communication with the at least one first conduit and the at least one feedback conduit. The valve element is configured to provide a reversible switching between a first alternative configuration and a second alternative configuration.