Automated Riser Manifold Connection for Offshore Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing offshore drilling operations face challenges in efficiently connecting and managing flow and control lines between a floating rig and a riser, particularly due to the need for manual intervention and the requirement of suitable weather conditions, which increases rig time and operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A managed pressure drilling (MPD) system with a riser manifold and a rig manifold, featuring mechanical connectors, flow couplings, and control couplings that allow for remote and automated connection and disconnection of flow and control lines, including a controllable valve for managing flow communication between the rig and the riser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual connection of flow hoses and umbilicals is performed while the riser is being run, then operators can directly connect the lines, but a considerable amount of rig time is needed and suitable weather conditions are required for two or more days
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical connection operations with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm equipped with end effectors can automatically connect and disconnect flow hoses and umbilicals between the rig and riser, eliminating the need for operators to manually rig up connections while the riser is sitting in the spider. This automation significantly reduces rig time and removes the constraint of requiring two or more days of suitable weather conditions.
2Ease of operation
If operators hang in ride belts to connect flow hoses and umbilicals, then direct manual access is achieved, but operational safety risks increase and weather constraints are imposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes human operators hanging in ride belts with a robotic system that can safely perform connection operations. The robotic arm with specialized end effectors provides direct access to connection points without exposing human operators to safety risks associated with hanging from ride belts during riser operations. This eliminates the safety concerns while maintaining the ability to perform precise connection tasks.
3Stability of the object's composition
If connection operations are performed while the riser is sitting in the spider, then the riser is stationary and accessible, but a window of two or more days of suitable weather is required to avoid high loads on the riser
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses automated robotic systems to perform connection operations that can work more efficiently and reliably than manual operations. The robotic system can perform connections during the riser's stationary period in the spider without requiring extended weather windows. The automation enables faster, more precise operations that reduce the overall time required, thereby reducing the constraint of needing two or more days of suitable weather conditions while maintaining the necessary stability during the brief connection window.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A riser extending from a floating rig has a riser manifold. A rig manifold can be manipulated by an arm to couple in an automated manner to the riser manifold when running the riser from the rig. The riser and rig manifolds have mechanical connectors that mechanically connect them. Additionally, the manifolds have flow couplings mating together for conducting flow in at least one flow connection, and the manifolds control couplings mating together for conducting control in at least one flow connection. At least one of the manifolds has at least one valve controllable with the at least one control connection and configured to control fluid communication for the at least one flow connection between at least one rig flow line and an internal passage of the riser.