Marine Drilling Riser Cable Clamping With Robotic Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for attaching multiplex (MUX) electrical cables to drilling riser joints in marine drilling applications are time-consuming and rely heavily on manual human intervention due to the nature of the umbilical cords and bolting/pin-type connections used in the clamps.
Innovation Solution
A drilling riser cable management system featuring pre-installed clamping mechanisms and a robotic arm with a mechanical cable handling mechanism, including a video imaging system, spring-biased cam-cleat members, and elastomeric friction to securely install MUX cables without human manipulation, utilizing a robotic arm to automate the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual clamping methods are used to attach cables to drilling riser joints, then the clamping connection can be established, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires human intervention in hazardous environments
Solution Approach 1:
The cable clamping mechanism is designed to automatically secure the cable to the drilling riser joint without requiring manual intervention. The system uses a robotic arm to position and activate the clamping mechanism, which then self-secures the cable through automated actuation, eliminating the need for human operators to manually manipulate cables in hazardous moonpool environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic system. A robotic arm equipped with positioning sensors and automated clamping actuators substitutes human hands and tools, enabling precise cable placement and secure attachment through programmed mechanical sequences rather than manual dexterity and judgment
2Ease of operation
If manual clamping methods are used to attach cables to drilling riser joints, then the clamping connection can be established, but human intervention is required in hazardous environments reducing safety
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs cable clamping operations autonomously without requiring human presence in the moonpool area. The robotic system positions, secures, and verifies cable attachments independently, eliminating exposure to hazardous conditions such as falling objects, extreme temperatures, and confined space risks that would affect human operators working manually
3Loss of time
If pre-installed clamping mechanisms are used with automated handling, then cable attachment time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management system is divided into distinct functional modules: pre-installed clamping mechanisms on riser joints, a separate robotic arm assembly for positioning, and an automated actuation system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance while achieving rapid automated cable attachment
Solution Approach 2:
Clamping mechanisms are pre-installed on drilling riser joints before deployment to the wellsite. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need to install clamping hardware during the time-critical cable attachment operation, reducing on-site complexity while enabling rapid automated securing when the robotic system activates the pre-positioned mechanisms
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 significantly reduces the time required for cable attachment and minimizes human involvement, enhancing efficiency and safety by automating the secure installation of electrical cables to drilling riser joints during marine drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
each clamping mechanism includes a spring biased hinged member that is actuated at least in part by engagement of a shaped surface on the handling mechanism such as a cam surface
Implementation Method 2
an elastomeric material configured to provide friction that resists longitudinal slipping of the electrical cable
Data Source
AI summary
A drilling riser cable management system includes a plurality of clamping mechanisms pre-installed on riser joints and a robotic arm. The robotic arm has a cable handling mechanism that is configured to securely install the cable on each clamping mechanism without relying on human manipulation of the cable during installation.