Riser Coupling System Automation for Offshore Drilling Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of connecting riser sections in offshore well drilling or production is labor-intensive, risky for operators due to repetitive motion and heavy components, and prone to human error, necessitating an improvement in efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
A riser coupling system utilizing a spider assembly with RFID-based orientation and connector actuation tools that automate the alignment and locking of riser sections, reducing operator involvement and enhancing precision through sensors and hydraulic actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operator involvement is used in the riser section connecting process, then the process can be completed with simple equipment, but operator safety risks increase and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The riser coupling system performs alignment and locking operations autonomously without requiring manual operator intervention. The system uses its own sensors, actuators, and control mechanisms to complete the coupling process, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle heavy components and reducing safety risks while maintaining operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated electromechanical system. Sensors detect alignment requirements, hydraulic actuators perform positioning and locking, and control systems coordinate the entire process, substituting the need for manual mechanical handling with an integrated automated mechanism that improves safety and efficiency
2Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment and locking procedures are used, then equipment complexity is minimized, but manufacturing precision and alignment accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors and automated actuators to achieve precise alignment and locking of riser sections. The sensor system detects positional deviations and the control system coordinates actuator movements to achieve accurate alignment, replacing manual alignment procedures with an automated sensing and actuation system that ensures higher precision
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system uses sensors to continuously monitor the positional relationship between riser sections and provides feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables real-time adjustments through actuator control, ensuring accurate alignment and locking while maintaining a manageable system complexity through closed-loop control
3Productivity
If automated coupling systems are implemented, then productivity and safety are improved, but the complexity of the coupling device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions including alignment sensing, positioning actuation, locking, and control into a single integrated riser coupling system. By merging these previously separate operations into one coordinated system, the patent achieves improved productivity through automated sequential operations while managing overall device complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The riser coupling system is designed to perform multiple functions including detection, alignment, locking, and verification within a single system framework. This multi-functionality allows the system to complete the entire coupling process autonomously, improving productivity by eliminating the need for separate manual operations for each function
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for riser coupling are disclosed. A riser coupling system comprises a riser joint connector comprising a first tubular assembly coupled to a second tubular assembly. The riser coupling system further comprises a spider assembly which receives the riser joint connector and has a connector actuation tool. The connector actuation tool comprises a dog assembly, a clamping tool and a splined member. The dog assembly selectively extends a dog to engage the riser joint connector. The clamping tool couples the first tubular assembly and the second tubular assembly. Finally, the splined member actuates a locking member of the riser joint connector.