Riser Spool Swivel Valve Eliminates Gooseneck Leak Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing riser gas handling systems in offshore drilling face issues with potential leak points and non-negligible weight due to goosenecks, which require periodic inspection and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A riser fluid handling system with a spool having radially extending fluid conduits and axially-facing orifices, allowing drape hoses to swivel and connect directly to valves without goosenecks, reducing weight and potential leak points by eliminating the need for gooseneck structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If goosenecks are used to connect hoses to valves, then the hoses are prevented from turning and erosion effects are mitigated, but potential leak points increase and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the gooseneck component from the system entirely. Instead of using goosenecks to connect drape hoses to valves, the invention employs a spool with radially extending conduits that directly interface with the hoses, eliminating the intermediate gooseneck structure that created leak points and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than bending the hose path through goosenecks to prevent turning, the invention inverts the approach by allowing the drape hoses to swivel freely at the valve connection while the spool structure itself manages the fluid direction. The swivel connection is positioned at the valve, not through a gooseneck bend.
2Strength
If goosenecks are used to connect hoses to valves, then structural robustness is provided, but weight increases and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gooseneck component is extracted and removed from the system. The spool with its radially extending conduits provides the necessary structural support and fluid direction without requiring the additional weight of gooseneck structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions previously performed by separate gooseneck structures are merged into the spool assembly. The spool integrates fluid direction, structural support, and valve connection functions into a single unified component, reducing overall weight while maintaining robustness.
3Ease of operation
If goosenecks are used for dual 90-degree bends, then hose turning is prevented, but the number of potential leak points increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of preventing hose turning through rigid gooseneck bends, the invention inverts the approach by providing a swivel connection that allows controlled rotation. The drape hose can swivel at the valve connection, providing operational flexibility without creating rigid bend points that could leak.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from static rigid gooseneck bends to a dynamic swivel connection. The drape hose is enabled to rotate and adjust its position dynamically while maintaining a secure, leak-free connection at the valve interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A riser fluid handling system for managed pressure drilling includes a tubular portion having a lower end configured to be connected to a riser and an upper end, a spool connected to the upper end of the tubular portion, the spool having a base and a fluid conduit extending radially outward from the base and defining an axially-facing orifice. The fluid conduit is configured to provide fluid communication between the orifice and an interior of the spool. The system includes a valve connected to the fluid conduit and extending parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the tubular portion, the valve being configured to connect to a drape hose such that the drape hose extends axially therefrom and is able to swivel with respect to the spool.