Riser Running Tool Liquid Fill and Test System

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing systems for marine drilling risers are inefficient in filling and pressure testing external auxiliary lines, as these processes are time-consuming and typically only performed after a predetermined number of riser joints have been installed, leading to potential damage from seawater pressure and delayed leak detection.

Innovation Solution

A drilling riser running tool that includes a liquid filling system and pressure testing capability, allowing for simultaneous filling and testing of auxiliary lines while running riser joints, utilizing a top drive system to connect and lower riser joints and a fluid line to fill and test auxiliary lines during the installation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If liquid filling and pressure testing are performed after a predetermined number of riser joints are installed, then the process is simpler to manage, but the risk of damage from seawater pressure increases and leak detection is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverisk of damage from seawater pressureVSAvoidtime for connection, filling and testing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by enabling liquid filling and pressure testing to be performed during the riser joint installation process itself, rather than waiting until a predetermined number of joints are installed. The running tool is equipped with fluid delivery systems that can fill auxiliary lines and test for leaks immediately after each joint is connected, preventing potential damage from seawater pressure before it occurs and detecting leaks at the earliest possible moment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If liquid filling and pressure testing are performed frequently during riser joint installation, then leak detection is earlier and risk of damage is reduced, but the process becomes more time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak detection timingVSAvoidinstallation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the liquid filling and pressure testing operations with the riser joint installation process. The running tool is designed to perform filling and testing functions simultaneously with the mechanical connection and lowering of joints. By integrating these operations into a single coordinated process rather than performing them as separate sequential steps, the system achieves frequent leak detection without significantly impacting installation productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If hoses are moved across the drill floor and connected for each filling and testing operation, then the system is flexible and adaptable, but the process becomes more complex and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of connection processVSAvoidcomplexity of connection, filling and testing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing the running tool with integrated fluid delivery systems that combine multiple functions into a single device. The tool includes fluid lines, pumps, and control systems that can deliver liquid to auxiliary lines and perform pressure testing without requiring separate hose connections for each operation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need to move and reconnect hoses for each filling and testing cycle, reducing process complexity while maintaining adaptability to different riser configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution enables more frequent filling and testing of auxiliary lines, reducing the risk of damage and earlier detection of leaks, resulting in cost savings and improved operational efficiency during marine drilling operations.

Implementation Method 1

filling of the first auxiliary tube with liquid (e.g. sea water) while the first and second riser joints are being run

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

pressure tested to detect possible leaks after a number of riser joints have been run

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11639635B2Riser running tool with liquid fill and test

Publication Date: 2023.05.02 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A system includes a top drive system; a drilling riser running tool configured to be deployed by the top drive system; a fluid line configured to run from the top drive system to the drilling riser running tool; and a liquid filing system. The drilling riser running tool includes a tool head module configured to engage and hold a first riser joint at a top end such that with the top drive system above the drilling riser running tool, the first riser joint can be lowered towards a second riser joint being held near a drill floor. The first riser joint includes a central tube and a first auxiliary line. The liquid filling system is configured to provide liquid filling of the first auxiliary line via the fluid line after connection of the first and second riser joints and while the first and second riser joints are being run.