Quick-Disconnect Multi-Coupler Assembly for Remote Utility Line Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
In offshore well operations, the existing methods for disconnecting utility lines between a floating support vessel and an offshore platform are often incomplete or unsafe due to reliance on hose or cable tension, which can lead to damage or safety hazards during sudden changes in weather or emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A quick-disconnect multi-coupler assembly is employed, featuring a fixed and removable mounting plate with a mechanical locking mechanism and a decoupling cylinder, allowing for rapid and controlled disconnection of utility lines, including fluid hoses and electrical cables, via a forced decoupling mechanism that can be remotely activated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hose or cable tension is used for disconnection, then disconnection can occur without additional mechanisms, but the disconnection may be incomplete and unsafe due to component misalignment and non-optimal force direction
Solution Approach 1:
A decoupling cylinder is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the mounting plates to provide controlled forced decoupling. The cylinder's piston rod extends through an aperture in the fixed mounting plate to impart a decoupling force against the removable mounting plate, ensuring complete and reliable disconnection without relying on hose or cable tension alone.
2Device complexity
If hose or cable tension is used for disconnection, then no additional decoupling mechanism is needed, but accumulated tension forces can result in rapid movement of hoses or cables upon disconnection, posing a danger to nearby personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The decoupling cylinder applies a controlled force in advance to gradually separate the mounting plates before the accumulated tension forces in the hoses and cables can cause rapid, uncontrolled movement. This preliminary action neutralizes the harmful effect of accumulated tension by managing the decoupling process in a controlled manner, preventing dangerous rapid movement that could harm personnel.
3Reliability
If remote disconnection is implemented, then safety and timing are improved, but a complex decoupling mechanism with decoupling cylinder and piston rod must be introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The manual or tension-based mechanical disconnection system is replaced with a controlled mechanical system using a decoupling cylinder and piston rod. This substitution allows remote activation of the disconnection process, improving safety by removing personnel from proximity to the disconnecting lines, while the structured mechanical design provides reliable and complete decoupling.
4Manufacturing precision
If forced decoupling mechanism is added, then complete and controlled disconnection is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate assembly is segmented into a fixed mounting plate and a removable mounting plate, allowing independent movement and controlled decoupling. The fixed mounting plate remains attached to the support framework while the removable mounting plate can be separated, enabling precise control over the disconnection process without requiring complete disassembly of the entire assembly.
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
The solution enables safe and timely disconnection of utility lines, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring personnel safety by providing a reliable and controlled mechanism for disconnecting lines during adverse weather conditions or emergencies.
Implementation Method 1
a decoupling mechanism including a decoupling cylinder having a piston rod that is extendable through an aperture in the fixed mounting plate to impart a decoupling force against the removable mounting plate
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-disconnect multi-coupler assembly for disconnecting utility lines connecting well equipment to power sources. The utility lines may be hoses or electrical cables. The power sources may be pressurized fluid or electrical energy sources. The well equipment may be located on an offshore platform and the power sources may be located on a floating support vessel. A fixed mounting plate located on the floating support vessel may be connected to the power sources by vessel-side utility lines. A removable mounting plate may be connected to the well equipment by well-side utility lines, and can be releasably coupled to the fixed mounting plate to provide a pressurized fluid or electrical energy pathway from the power sources to the well equipment. Rapid disconnection of the well-side utility lines from the power sources may be performed by decoupling the mounting plates using a decoupling cylinder that can be activated from a remote location.