Riser Gas Handling System Tension Ring Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing riser gas handling systems face challenges in dynamic sea conditions, particularly in deep water applications, due to space constraints and accessibility issues, which limit their deployment range and increase maintenance complexity, especially when transitioning between conventional and managed pressure drilling operations.

Innovation Solution

A riser gas handling system with a riser flow spool and isolation device located below the tension ring and an upper riser disconnect assembly positioned above the tension ring, allowing for compact and reliable operation, enabling quick installation and removal of components like the rotating control device without disrupting the riser string or wellhead connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the flowspool, riser isolation device, and rotating control device are installed above the tension ring (ATR configuration), then the equipment can be positioned with lower tension rating, but the telescopic joint stroke is reduced and geographic deployment is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment positioningVSAvoidtelescopic joint stroke
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The riser assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones: equipment (flowspool, isolation device, RCD) is positioned above the tension ring while the telescopic joint is positioned below it. This spatial segmentation allows each component to operate independently without interfering with the other, resolving the conflict between equipment accessibility and telescopic joint movement range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Length of moving object

If the flowspool, riser isolation device, and rotating control device are installed below the tension ring (BTR configuration), then the telescopic joint can fully extend and contract, but access to key components is limited and maintenance becomes time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetelescopic joint strokeVSAvoidcomponent accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The riser assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones: equipment (flowspool, isolation device, RCD) is positioned above the tension ring while the telescopic joint is positioned below it. This spatial segmentation allows each component to operate independently without interfering with the other, resolving the conflict between equipment accessibility and telescopic joint movement range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of repair

If equipment is installed above the tension ring, then component accessibility is improved, but space that would normally be used by the telescopic joint is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent accessibilityVSAvoidtelescopic joint space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The solution transitions from a vertical stacking conflict to a spatial separation along the riser length dimension. By positioning equipment above the tension ring and the telescopic joint below it, the system utilizes the longitudinal dimension of the riser assembly to accommodate both components without spatial conflict, thereby improving accessibility while preserving telescopic joint functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3507444B1Riser gas handling system and method of use
Publication Date: 2020.10.21 DEEP BLUE OIL & GAS LTD
  • EP3507444B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3507444B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3507444B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention provides a system for handling gas in a riser. The system comprises a riser flow spool, a riser isolation device and an upper riser disconnect assembly wherein at least the riser flow spool is connected to the riser below a riser tension ring and the upper riser disconnect assembly is located above the riser tension ring.