Parallel Subsea Manifolds to Cut Connectors and Leak Points
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional subsea equipment for connecting multiple flowlines is complex, heavy, and requires numerous components, leading to increased manufacturing time, transportation challenges, and potential fluid leakage, with existing solutions failing to efficiently reduce the number of seabed-installed equipment and installation time.
Innovation Solution
The equipment features two parallel manifolds with reduced components, interconnected by a spool or jumper, eliminating the need for inline manifolds and decreasing the number of connectors, valves, and welded components, allowing for a single-block machining process and fewer leak points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional subsea equipment with multiple manifolds and connectors is used, then fluid flow control capability is improved, but device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple manifolds and connectors into a single integrated manifold body with multiple outlets. Each outlet can be independently controlled by dedicated valves, maintaining fluid flow control capability while eliminating the need for separate connector components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a common fluid inlet, multiple independent outlet paths, mounting points for valves and sensors, and structural support. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves and connectors are installed, then fluid flow control is improved, but potential fluid leakage points increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple outlet ports directly into the manifold body rather than using separate connectors, the patent reduces the number of connection interfaces. Fewer connectors mean fewer potential leakage points, while the manifold design maintains independent flow control through dedicated valves for each outlet.
3Adaptability or versatility
If numerous components and welded sections are used, then equipment functionality is improved, but manufacturing time and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functional components into a single manufactured manifold body, eliminating the need for field welding of multiple pipe sections. This reduces manufacturing complexity and enables faster installation since the manifold arrives as a complete, pre-assembled unit requiring minimal on-site work.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold is manufactured and configured with all necessary outlets, valve mounting points, and internal passages before delivery to the installation site. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex on-site assembly and welding operations, significantly accelerating installation.
4Strength
If heavy-duty structure and multiple components are used, then equipment strength and reliability are improved, but weight and transportation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple separate components into a single integrated manifold structure. This integration maintains the necessary structural strength for withstanding operational pressures and mechanical loads while reducing the total weight compared to multiple separate components that would each require their own support structures and connections.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention deals with a subsea equipment comprising two manifolds (1a) and (1b) for fluid import and export from oil wells. Manifolds (1a) and (1b) are arranged in parallel and are interconnected by a jumper (8). Manifold (1a) comprises all equipment for field flow control, such as, for example, selection valves, actuators or robot for remote operations and mandrels for connection to the Christmas trees. Manifold (1b) comprises only block valves and mandrels for future interconnection or interconnection to manifold (1a).