Propellant Actuation for Subsea Emergency Shutdown
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea well control systems rely on hydraulic or electric actuation, which may not provide sufficient force or rapid response in emergency shutdowns, especially in situations where hydraulic systems fail or are insufficient.
Innovation Solution
The use of propellant-powered systems to actuate components, such as valves and shear rams, by igniting a pyrotechnic device to generate pressure, which can be used independently or in conjunction with hydraulic and electrical systems, offering a more rapid and forceful response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If hydraulic systems are used to actuate subsea components, then sufficient force can be provided, but the system size increases and response time is insufficient for emergency shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical-chemical parameters of the energy storage medium from hydraulic fluid to propellant charge. The propellant undergoes chemical transformation upon ignition, generating high-pressure gas that provides the necessary actuation force. This parameter change allows for a more compact system design while maintaining sufficient force output for emergency shutdown operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical hydraulic accumulator system with a propellant-based pressure generation system. Instead of storing mechanical energy in compressed hydraulic fluid, the system uses chemical energy from propellant combustion to generate the required pressure. This substitution enables rapid energy release and reduces the volume of energy storage components.
2Reliability
If hydraulic systems are used for subsea well control, then reliable operation can be achieved, but the response time is too slow for emergency shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The propellant charge is pre-prepared and primed within the actuator, ready for immediate ignition. When an emergency shutdown signal is received, the propellant ignites instantly, generating high-pressure gas that rapidly actuates the control components. This preliminary preparation eliminates the time required to build pressure from scratch, enabling response times measured in seconds rather than minutes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the hydraulic pressure transmission system with a direct propellant-driven pressure generation system. The chemical energy conversion from propellant combustion provides instantaneous pressure generation, eliminating the delays associated with hydraulic pump operation and fluid compression. This substitution maintains system reliability through proven propellant technology while achieving the rapid response required for emergency shutdowns.
3Speed
If propellant systems are used to actuate components, then rapid and forceful response is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the propellant storage, ignition system, and pressure actuation functions into a single integrated actuator assembly. The propellant charge, ignition initiator, and hydraulic actuator components are combined in one compact unit, eliminating the need for separate pressure generation and transmission systems. This integration reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the rapid response capabilities of propellant-based actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The propellant actuator system is designed to be self-contained and self-activating. The propellant charge automatically ignites upon receiving an electrical signal, and the resulting pressure directly actuates the control components without requiring external hydraulic infrastructure or complex control mechanisms. This self-service design simplifies the overall system architecture while enabling rapid actuation.
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
This approach provides a more rapid and forceful actuation capability, enabling effective emergency shutdowns and space savings by replacing large hydraulic accumulators with smaller propellant systems, ensuring reliable operation even in failure scenarios of hydraulic systems.
Implementation Method 1
igniting a pyrotechnic device to generate pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Systems and methods for using propellant as a force generator in component actuation are disclosed. One embodiment may take the form of a method including deploying at least one component to a subsea location, controlling operation of the at least one component using a control system, and igniting a propellant. The ignition of the propellant actuates the at least one component. Another embodiment may take the form of a subsea system including a control system, a propellant system in communication with the control system, and a component in communication with the propellant system. The propellant system is ignitable by the control system upon receipt of a ignite signal and upon losing communication with the control system after being placed in an armed state by the control system. The component is actuatable by the propellant system after ignition of the propellant system.