Orientation Spool Adaptor for Subsea Tubing Hanger Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wellhead systems rely on passive mechanical features for aligning tubing hangers and subsea assemblies, which provide limited feedback to operators regarding the location, speed, and orientation during installation, leading to potential misalignment and inefficiencies in drilling and completion operations.
Innovation Solution
The integration of optical sensors within an orientation spool adaptor that guides the alignment of tubing hangers and subsea assemblies, providing real-time feedback and enabling active orientation, ensuring precise alignment and communication of positional information to the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If passive mechanical orientation mechanisms are used, then the structure is simple, but the feedback to operators about location, speed, and orientation is minimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors (optical, magnetic, or other detection devices) within the orientation spool adaptor to detect the position, orientation, and movement of the tubing hanger. This detected information is transmitted to operators in real-time, providing continuous feedback about location, speed, and orientation during the landing process, thereby resolving the information loss problem without requiring complete redesign of the mechanical system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely passive mechanical orientation mechanisms with an active system that uses optical or magnetic fields for detection and positioning. The sensors detect positional information through electromagnetic or optical fields rather than relying solely on mechanical contacts, reducing mechanical complexity while improving information availability
2Manufacturing precision
If passive orientation mechanisms are used, then the device complexity is low, but the alignment precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensors provide real-time detection of the tubing hanger's position and orientation relative to the wellhead assembly. This feedback enables operators to make precise adjustments during installation, achieving superior alignment precision compared to passive mechanical systems that rely solely on fixed mechanical features
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses optical or magnetic detection fields to measure position and orientation with high precision, replacing less accurate mechanical measurement methods. This allows for sub-millimeter or even micrometer-level alignment precision without proportionally increasing mechanical complexity
3Productivity
If real-time feedback is implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system transmits detected information about tubing hanger position, orientation, and movement speed to operators in real-time through communication systems. This enables operators to monitor and control the installation process dynamically, significantly improving operational efficiency by reducing installation time and minimizing the need for rework
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation spool adaptor integrates multiple functions: it provides the mechanical orientation guidance, houses the sensor system for detection, and serves as a communication interface. By combining these functions in a single integrated component rather than separate systems, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining real-time feedback capabilities
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 ensures precise alignment of tubing hangers and subsea assemblies, enhancing operational efficiency by providing real-time feedback and reducing the risk of misalignment, thus improving the accuracy and speed of drilling and completion operations.
Implementation Method 1
optical sensors that ensure proper alignment of the compatible connections of a tubing hanger and a subsea assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for proper orientation of the connections of a tubing hanger and a subsea assembly in a wellhead or tree are provided. The alignment is accomplished with the use of an orientation spool adaptor equipped with positional sensors and an orientation helix. Calibration of the positional sensors at the surface allows for orientation with simple vertical deployment. Positional sensors may provide real time data such as location, speed of installation and orientation back to the surface.