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, leading to potential injuries and increased human error.
Innovation Solution
A riser coupling system utilizing a spider assembly with connector actuation tools and sensors that facilitate hands-free, remote operation, reducing operator involvement and using hydraulic and motor-driven mechanisms to align and lock tubular assemblies with minimal manual intervention.
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 coupling system performs alignment and locking functions automatically through sensor detection and motor-driven actuation. The system detects the position of the upper riser section relative to the lower section and autonomously executes the coupling sequence without requiring manual operator intervention, thereby eliminating safety risks while maintaining functional simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated system that uses sensors for detection and motor-driven mechanisms for actuation. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to physically handle heavy components while achieving the same coupling function through automated mechanical operations.
2Productivity
If manual alignment and locking procedures are used, then equipment requirements are minimal, but the process is time-intensive and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the upper riser section's position and orientation before executing the coupling operation. Sensors detect alignment status in advance, and the automated system prepares the locking mechanism accordingly, enabling faster execution of the coupling process without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the actual connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual alignment and locking operations with motor-driven automated mechanisms. The system uses sensors to detect position and motor actuators to perform alignment and locking operations automatically, significantly reducing the time required for coupling while eliminating the need for manual labor.
3Strength
If heavy components are used in the coupling system, then structural strength is sufficient, but operator exposure to injury risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system performs all heavy lifting, alignment, and locking operations autonomously without requiring operators to physically handle heavy components. The automated motor-driven mechanisms execute the coupling sequence independently, eliminating operator exposure to injury risks from heavy components while maintaining the necessary structural strength for secure coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual handling of heavy components with motor-driven automated mechanisms. The system uses sensors to detect component positions and motor actuators to manipulate heavy riser sections, thereby maintaining the strength required for secure coupling while eliminating the harmful factor of operator exposure to heavy components.
4Reliability
If repetitive manual operations are performed, then the coupling process can be completed with simple tools, but operator fatigue increases and human error potential increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system performs all alignment and locking operations autonomously through sensor detection and motor actuation. The system automatically detects the position of the upper riser section, executes the coupling sequence, and confirms successful connection without requiring repeated manual operations, thereby eliminating human error potential while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces repetitive manual operations with an automated control system that uses sensors for detection and motor actuators for execution. This substitution eliminates the repetitive nature of manual tasks that lead to fatigue and errors, while the automated system performs the same functions with consistent precision and reliability.
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 enables safer, faster, and more efficient riser section coupling with reduced operator exposure to injury and fatigue, while minimizing the need for heavy components, thus enhancing operational speed and material efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A connector actuation tool may include a hydraulic line adapted to receive hydraulic pressure to move an actuation piston
Implementation Method 2
A connector actuation tool may include a motor operably coupled to the actuation piston
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.