Drilling Riser Connection Testing with Full-Circle Buoyancy Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling riser systems face challenges in efficiently testing hydraulic connections during assembly and maintaining pressure integrity, with existing methods requiring separate testing steps and potentially lengthy leak detection processes.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a method to test multiple hydraulic connections simultaneously during mechanical assembly, recording and comparing pressure decline curves to determine connection acceptability, using full-circle buoyancy modules for enhanced structural strength and reduced gap size at joints, and a single-bolt clamp system with test ports for rapid connection verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple hydraulic connections are tested separately after assembly, then connection integrity can be verified, but assembly time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple hydraulic connection testing into a single simultaneous test operation. Multiple test ports on different hydraulic lines are connected to a common test manifold, allowing all connections to be pressurized and tested at the same time rather than sequentially, thereby maintaining reliability while significantly reducing assembly time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates test ports and test manifold connections during the assembly process itself, rather than requiring separate post-assembly testing. The test manifold is pre-positioned and connected to multiple hydraulic lines before final assembly completion, enabling immediate testing as part of the assembly operation
2Reliability
If separate testing steps are used for hydraulic connections, then connection verification is thorough, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The test manifold serves multiple functions simultaneously: it connects to multiple hydraulic lines, provides common pressure source distribution, collects leak detection data from all connections, and enables single-operator control. This multi-functional design simplifies the testing process while maintaining thorough verification of all hydraulic connections
3Strength
If full-circle buoyancy modules are used, then structural strength at joints is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs full-circle (360-degree) buoyancy modules instead of partial-circle modules, creating a complete circumferential buoyant force distribution around the riser joint. This spherical/curved geometry provides uniform structural strength and stress distribution at the joint, enhancing overall strength while the modular design keeps complexity manageable
4Productivity
If single-bolt clamp system with test ports is used, then connection verification is rapid, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single-bolt clamp system incorporates self-aligning and self-verifying features where the clamp mechanism itself provides the test port connections and sealing. The bolted clamp assembly automatically positions test ports and creates sealed connections through the clamping action, reducing the need for separate precision assembly steps while maintaining rapid verification capability
Data Source
AI summary
The method of providing flotation modules on subsea drilling riser joints comprising providing flotation modules as a full circle, installing said flotation modules sequentially onto the end of the central pipe of said drilling riser joints in a desired orientation, providing passageways through said flotation modules which extend from one end of said subsea drilling riser joints to the other end of said drilling riser joints.