Pipe-in-Pipe Apparatus Flow Redirection for Subsea Blockages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea and onshore hydrocarbon production systems face complexity and operational inflexibility in managing flow disruptions, such as blockages, which hinder production uptime and product recovery, despite existing methods like thermal insulation and chemical intervention.
Innovation Solution
A pipe-in-pipe apparatus with a controllable redirecting means allows fluid communication between the inner bore and annular space, enabling flow redirection and control through valves, sliding or rotating sleeves, or smart materials, actuated hydraulically, electrically, or remotely, to bypass blockages and manage flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing methodologies (thermal insulation, heating, pigging, chemicals, coiled tubing intervention) are used to maintain flow and mitigate blockages, then flow assurance and operational reliability are improved, but system complexity and operational inflexibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple flow management functions (flow redirection, blockage mitigation, fluid injection) into a single integrated pipe-in-pipe apparatus. The inner conduit and outer conduit are merged into one structure with a controllable redirecting means that can perform multiple operations, reducing the need for separate intervention systems and thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe-in-pipe apparatus is designed as a universal system that can perform multiple functions: redirecting flow between inner and annular conduits, mitigating blockages, injecting chemicals or hot fluids, and managing both planned and unplanned flow disruptions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized systems, reducing complexity while improving operational reliability.
2Productivity
If existing methodologies are employed to deal with flow disruptions, then production uptime is maintained, but operational flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The controllable redirecting means in the pipe-in-pipe apparatus is designed to be dynamic and adjustable, allowing real-time switching between different flow paths (inner conduit, annular space, or both simultaneously). This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to various operational scenarios and flow disruption types, enhancing operational flexibility while maintaining production uptime.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus segments the flow path into distinct controllable zones (inner conduit and annular space) that can be independently managed. The controllable redirecting means allows selective activation of different segments based on operational needs, providing versatility in dealing with different flow disruption scenarios while ensuring continuous production.
3Device complexity
If a single conduit system is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but ability to redirect flow and mitigate blockages is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested conduit structure where the inner conduit is placed within the outer conduit, creating an annular space. This nesting arrangement maintains relative structural simplicity while enabling flow redirection between the inner conduit and annular space through the controllable redirecting means, thereby providing flow management versatility without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is disclosed which provides fluid communication between the inner bore and the annular space in a pipe-in-pipe system. Other embodiments disclose an apparatus which provides fluid communication between adjacent segments of the annular space, between the inner bore or the annular space and an external source in a pipe-in-pipe type system. Methods and systems are disclosed utilizing the various apparatus embodiments to transport well fluids in an offshore or onshore hydrocarbon production operation.