RFID Orientation for Subsea Conductor Pipe Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for locating and orienting the conductor pipe string in subsea well construction are inaccurate, relying on visual inspection by an ROV in murky conditions, making it difficult to reposition the pipe once jetting or spudding has started.
Innovation Solution
The use of an RFID-based orientation system that includes RFID tags on the riser joint connector and an RFID reader on the spider assembly, allowing for accurate detection of the rotational position of the riser joint connector relative to the spider assembly, facilitating precise alignment and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection by ROV is used to locate and orient conductor pipe string, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the measurement precision and reliability are poor due to murky conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection system with an electromagnetic field-based RFID detection system. RFID tags attached to the conductor pipe string and reader devices on the ROV enable precise localization and orientation detection through electromagnetic signals, eliminating dependence on visual conditions and achieving accurate alignment without manual inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RFID tags as intermediary objects that carry identification and orientation information. These tags serve as mediators between the conductor pipe string and the ROV detection system, enabling the ROV to accurately determine the pipe's position and orientation through electromagnetic signal interaction rather than direct visual inspection.
2Reliability
If manual visual inspection is used in murky conditions, then the operation is simple, but the reliability and accuracy of conductor pipe positioning deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes manual visual inspection with an automated RFID-based detection system. The ROV equipped with RFID readers automatically detects and processes signals from RFID tags on the conductor pipe, providing reliable positioning information independent of water clarity, while the system automates the complex tasks of localization and orientation determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tags on the conductor pipe string provide self-identification and orientation information automatically. The tags continuously emit electromagnetic signals that contain encoded position and orientation data, enabling the system to self-determine its location without requiring manual intervention or visual assessment by operators.
3Manufacturing precision
If RFID-based orientation system is implemented, then the alignment precision and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential functionality needed for alignment - attaching RFID tags to the conductor pipe string and equipping the ROV with RFID readers. By taking out only the necessary components for orientation detection rather than implementing a complete complex navigation system, the patent achieves precise alignment with minimized added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tags serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide identification, position information, and orientation data. This multi-functionality allows a single simple component to replace multiple specialized sensors and detection devices, achieving precise alignment capabilities without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes: a conductor pipe running tool configured to be coupled with an upper end of a conductor pipe, and the conductor pipe running tool is configured to support and lower the conductor pipe from a surface location toward a sea floor location. The conductor pipe running tool further includes: one or more sensors disposed on the conductor pipe running tool for measuring one or more properties associated with the conductor pipe; and a communication system disposed on the conductor pipe running tool and coupled to the one or more sensors, wherein the communication system is configured to communicate data indicative of the one or more measured properties to: a monitoring system proximate the surface location, a remote operated vehicle (ROV), or both.