Rotatable Multi-Bore Jumper Interface for Subsea Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of aligning and securing multi-bore jumpers in subsea oilfields is complicated due to their rigidity and the need for precise orientation of multiple bores, making vertical installation impractical and leading to the use of massive, costly horizontal corkscrew-type jumpers to accommodate misalignment, which increases installation challenges and costs.
Innovation Solution
A multi-bore interface with a rotatable hub that allows independent rotation of perimeter bores relative to the central bore, utilizing alignment pins and funnel-shaped orifices to achieve precise alignment without excessive torque, enabling a compact, vertical jumper design that minimizes misalignment issues and reduces installation complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-bore jumper is used to provide additional hydraulics for chemical injection and hydraulic control, then the functionality and versatility of the system is improved, but the complexity of aligning and securing the jumper ends increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The jumper is divided into a rigid central bore section and a flexible perimeter bore section. The flexible section is segmented into multiple layers that can independently deform, allowing the perimeter bores to align with coupling locations while the central bore maintains its structural integrity. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling multi-bore functionality without requiring precise alignment of all bores simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the jumper from completely rigid to having flexible characteristics. The flexible section is designed to deform under controlled conditions, changing its geometric parameters to achieve alignment. This parameter change allows the system to maintain both the multi-bore functionality and reduced alignment complexity, as the flexible section can adapt its shape during installation.
2Strength
If the jumper is made rigid to maintain structural integrity over long distances, then the strength and stability are improved, but the ability to correct misalignment becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The jumper is segmented into a rigid central bore portion and a flexible perimeter bore portion. The rigid section maintains structural integrity over the 22.9-meter span, while the flexible section allows for alignment correction through controlled deformation. This segmentation enables both strong structural performance and ease of alignment operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the jumper by making the perimeter bore section flexible rather than rigid. This flexible section can dynamically adjust its configuration during installation to achieve proper alignment, while the rigid central section provides stable structural support. The dynamic flexibility resolves the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a massive corkscrew-type horizontal jumper is used to accommodate misalignment, then the adaptability to misalignment is improved, but the weight and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating a massive corkscrew-type jumper, the patent segments the flexibility function into a specific flexible section that only the perimeter bores require. This localized flexibility provides misalignment accommodation without the need for excessive jumper mass or complex corkscrew geometry, significantly reducing weight while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach to misalignment accommodation from global structural deformation (massive corkscrew shape) to localized flexible deformation (flexible section with layered construction). This parameter change enables misalignment adaptation with minimal additional weight, as only a specific section of the jumper requires flexibility rather than the entire structure.
4Manufacturing precision
If the perimeter bores are fixed relative to the central bore, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of installation and orientation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The jumper is segmented into fixed and flexible sections. The perimeter bores are fixed relative to the central bore in the rigid section, ensuring manufacturing precision. The flexible section allows these bores to move relative to each other during installation, providing ease of operation. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining precision where needed while enabling flexibility where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the perimeter bore section flexible while keeping the central bore section rigid. This allows the perimeter bores to maintain precise positioning relative to the central bore during manufacturing, yet become dynamically adjustable during installation. The dynamic flexibility in the perimeter section enables easy orientation and alignment without compromising manufacturing precision.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
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AI summary
A vertical multi-bore jumper (200). The jumper is outfitted with interfaces that include rotatable hubs (125) accommodating perimeter bore (160) terminations that are rotatable about a central production bore (175). In this manner, the multiple bores may be flexibly aligned with corresponding couplers at equipment located on the seabed. As a result, undue torque is not placed on the jumper in attempting to align multiple bores at the interfaces which may be frequently misaligned at the outset of such installations.