Offshore Reel Accelerometer Tension Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current offshore drilling operations require manual monitoring to maintain constant tension and slippage settings on umbilicals due to varying radii, which is labor-intensive and inefficient, with no effective automated solutions available to manage high safety slippage settings during umbilical payout and recovery.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting intelligent reel system utilizing dual accelerometers to determine the rotational direction of the spool, automatically maintaining constant tension and slippage by adjusting motor torque and slip clutch frictional load based on the umbilical's radius and deployment direction, allowing for automated control of umbilical tension and slippage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual monitoring is used to maintain constant tension and slippage settings, then tension control is achieved, but labor intensity increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors and adjusts umbilical tension and slippage settings without requiring manual intervention. The accelerometer detects spool rotation direction, and the control system autonomously adjusts motor torque and slip clutch frictional load to maintain constant tension, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for continuous manual monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses accelerometer data providing real-time feedback on spool rotation direction to automatically adjust motor torque and slip clutch settings. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures constant tension maintenance while eliminating manual monitoring, thereby improving both reliability and operational efficiency.
2Stability of the object's composition
If personnel monitoring is increased to manage varying radius tension, then tension stability is improved, but personnel requirements and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically compensates for radius variations by detecting spool rotation direction and adjusting motor torque accordingly. The control system maintains constant umbilical tension throughout the entire radius range without requiring personnel intervention, eliminating the need for additional monitoring staff while ensuring tension stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical monitoring and adjustment with an automated electronic control system using accelerometers and computer-controlled motor torque adjustment. This substitution eliminates the need for personnel to physically monitor and adjust tension settings, reducing personnel requirements while maintaining tension stability.
3Productivity
If automated control is implemented using accelerometers, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual monitoring and adjustment procedures with a relatively simple automated system using accelerometers, a direction detection algorithm, and computer-controlled motor torque adjustment. The accelerometer-based direction detection is a well-established technology that simplifies the control mechanism while significantly improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system serves multiple functions: it detects spool rotation direction, determines umbilical payout vs. recovery, adjusts motor torque, and controls slip clutch frictional load. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated system, the patent achieves high operational efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity.
4Reliability
If slip clutch settings are adjusted for high safety slippage, then safety is improved, but tension control accuracy deteriorates due to radius variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts slip clutch frictional load based on real-time accelerometer data indicating spool rotation direction and umbilical radius. Rather than using fixed high safety slippage settings, the control system continuously optimizes slip clutch settings to maintain accurate tension control while preserving safety margins throughout the entire operational range.
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 system reduces the need for manual monitoring by automatically maintaining constant tension and slippage settings, enhancing operational efficiency and safety by minimizing personnel requirements on offshore rigs.
Implementation Method 1
determining the rotational direction of a spool on a reel... by fixing the position of two or more accelerometers in or on the spool
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a reel apparatus, system and method of using same that may utilize accelerometers for determining the rotational direction of an offshore reel as a component of maintaining a constant tension and constant slippage setting on the umbilical of the offshore reel as the radius to the umbilical varies and the deployment direction is reversed.