Ring Network BOP Control for Subsea Communication Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks between topside controllers and subsea control pods in offshore well construction and mineral extraction systems are susceptible to communication interruptions, leading to unreliable control of blowout preventers (BOPs).
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control system with a ring network architecture that provides redundant connections between topside and subsea controllers to enhance communication reliability, using ring networks to maintain communication pathways even when individual connections fail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional communication networks are used between topside controllers and subsea control pods, then the system structure is simple, but communication reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The communication network is segmented into multiple independent pathways forming a ring topology. Each controller is connected to two neighboring controllers, creating separate communication channels that can operate independently. This segmentation allows the system to maintain communication reliability by routing signals through alternative paths when one segment fails, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring network architecture pre-establishes redundant communication pathways before failures occur. When a communication interruption is detected in one path, the system can immediately switch to the alternative path without waiting for failure to manifest. This beforehand cushioning approach ensures continuous reliable communication while maintaining a manageable network structure.
2Reliability
If redundant connections are implemented to prevent communication interruptions, then communication reliability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple communication pathways are merged into a unified ring network structure where controllers serve dual purposes as both endpoints and relay nodes. This merging allows redundant connections to be implemented efficiently by utilizing existing controller resources for both primary and backup communication functions, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each controller in the ring network is designed with multi-functionality, serving as a communication node for both primary and backup pathways simultaneously. This universal design allows a single controller to handle multiple communication responsibilities, reducing the need for dedicated redundant hardware and thereby controlling system complexity while achieving reliable control.
3Stability of the object's composition
If ring network architecture is used to ensure continuous communication, then communication stability improves, but the system requires more components
Solution Approach 1:
The communication network transitions from a linear one-dimensional structure to a two-dimensional ring topology. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve enhanced stability by distributing communication pathways across multiple dimensions, where each controller connects to two neighbors in the ring. The ring structure provides stability through geometric redundancy without requiring proportionally more components, as the same number of lines create both the primary and backup pathways simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling a subsea blowout preventor (BOP) includes a control system for controlling a subsea BOP of a subsea stack assembly installed over a subsea oil and gas well. The control system includes a first topside control device and a second topside control device, and a first subsea control device and a second subsea control device. The first topside control device, the second topside control device, the first subsea control device, and the second subsea control device are each communicatively connected with the BOP and operable to control operation of the BOP. The first subsea control device is a portion of a first control pod of the subsea stack assembly. The second subsea control device is a portion of a second control pod of the subsea stack assembly. The first topside control device is communicatively connected with the second topside control device via a ring communication network.