Quick-Vent Valve Assembly for Subsea Hydraulic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic control systems for subsea oilfield valves face limitations in controlling multiple valves over long distances due to increased umbilical size and latency issues caused by hydraulic friction, making rapid and precise control challenging, especially beyond 1.5 km.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of quick-vent valve assemblies that divert pressure to a hydraulic accumulator near the subsea valve when the signal pressure drops, allowing for rapid operation and reduced latency by venting locally, coupled with a modular valve carrier for efficient engagement and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If direct hydraulic control systems are used to control subsea valves from remote locations, then valve control capability is achieved, but latency increases and response speed decreases when the distance exceeds 1.5 km due to hydraulic friction
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the hydraulic control function into two segments: a remote hydraulic control unit that sends control signals, and a local quick-vent valve assembly that performs the actual rapid venting operation. This segmentation allows the control signal to travel remotely while the critical rapid response function is executed locally, resolving the latency issue over long distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-vent valve assembly acts as an intermediary between the remote hydraulic control system and the subsea valve. It receives control signals from the remote location and executes rapid venting locally, mediating the control function to overcome the limitations of long-distance hydraulic signal transmission.
2Speed
If the umbilical diameter is increased to reduce hydraulic friction over long distances, then response speed improves, but umbilical size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the control signal transmission function from the critical rapid response function. The umbilical only needs to transmit control signals at normal speed, while the quick-vent valve assembly handles the rapid response locally. This eliminates the need for large-diameter umbilicals to reduce friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-vent valve assembly provides self-service by having its own local venting capability. It can rapidly vent hydraulic fluid from the actuator chamber without requiring large-diameter umbilicals to facilitate rapid fluid return, making the system self-sufficient for rapid response operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hydraulic control systems are used, then valve control is achieved, but the system complexity increases when controlling multiple valves over long distances
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-vent valve assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a control signal receiver, a rapid venting device, and a local hydraulic power source. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle multiple valves and control operations, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Each quick-vent valve assembly is self-contained and self-sufficient, with its own venting capability and hydraulic accumulator. This self-service design eliminates the need for complex centralized control systems to manage multiple valves, as each valve can be controlled independently by its own local quick-vent assembly.
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
Enables rapid and precise control of subsea valves over long distances, reducing the size and cost of umbilicals while meeting safety standards for emergency shutdowns and improving production choke control, with the ability to quickly open and close valves within regulatory timeframes.
Implementation Method 1
the quick-vent valve assembly is configured to discharge fluid from the outlet to the vent when a pressure of the hydraulic source connected to the inlet drops below a threshold value
Implementation Method 2
a vent line connecting the vent port of the quick-vent valve assembly to a hydraulic accumulator
Implementation Method 3
a spring to bias the piston toward the first hydraulic chamber
Implementation Method 4
hydraulic control systems may be used to monitor and control the various valves of a subsea tree installation from a remote location
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, fixed or recoverable to control a remote device includes a valve assembly having a cylinder, a piston dividing the cylinder into a first hydraulic chamber and a second hydraulic chamber, a spring to bias the piston toward the first hydraulic chamber, and a linkage to connect the piston to the remote device, a quick-vent valve assembly comprising an inlet connected to a hydraulic source, an outlet connected to the first hydraulic chamber, and a vent port, wherein the quick-vent valve assembly is configured to discharge fluid from the outlet to the vent when a pressure of the hydraulic source connected to the inlet drops below a threshold value, and a vent line connecting the vent port of the quick-vent valve assembly to a hydraulic accumulator.