Riser Support Upper Cone With Integral Slips for Diver-Free Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing support systems for risers in FPSO units face challenges such as the need for shallow diving to install slips, misalignment during rigid riser installation, and complexity in the multifunction bell mouth design, which are not adaptable to replicant FPSOs due to incompatible dimensions and excessive moving parts.
Innovation Solution
A new Top Termination of the Riser (TTR) geometry with an integral locking mechanism and automated slip retraction mechanism, where slips are an integral part of the upper cone, reducing the number of moving parts and eliminating the need for shallow diving, and incorporating a simplified design compatible with diving operations and flexible riser support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If slips are installed by shallow diving, then the locking mechanism can be installed, but the diver's hand is positioned between the MFBM and the riser creating unacceptable safety risk
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be pre-installed on the MFBM structure before riser installation. The slips are integrated into the upper cone assembly during manufacturing, eliminating the need for diver intervention during field installation and removing the safety hazard of hand positioning between components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the multifunction bell mouth design is used, then it can support both rigid and flexible risers, but the design becomes incompatible with replicant FPSOs due to excessive moving parts and incompatible dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The upper cone assembly incorporates a universal locking mechanism that can accommodate both rigid risers with TTR and flexible risers with bend stiffeners. The integrated slip design with standardized dimensions provides adaptability across different FPSO types including replicants, while reducing the number of separate moving parts through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism and slip assembly are merged into a single integrated upper cone assembly that functions as one unified component. This consolidation reduces the number of separate moving parts while maintaining the ability to support both rigid and flexible riser types through standardized interface design.
3Reliability
If the traditional slip installation method is used, then the locking mechanism can be installed, but misalignment occurs during rigid riser installation
Solution Approach 1:
The slips are pre-positioned and integrated into the upper cone assembly during manufacturing with precise alignment features. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment is maintained during field installation, eliminating misalignment issues that occur with traditional post-installation slip placement methods.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention addresses to a system for supporting the tension load of the riser, this component with the primary function of supporting the risers, where the riser support mechanism is an integral part of the upper cone, thus eliminating the need to install slips by the shallow dive, and, also avoiding that the locking mechanism is an integral part of the Top Termination of the Riser (L). There is a minimal number of moving parts, which favors the maintainability of the system. In addition, if maintenance is required, the size and weight of the components are compatible with diving operations. For pull-in operations, it is anticipated that the slips will return to their working position only by the action of the force of gravity. In the case of pull-out, the concept of automated slip retraction mechanism was developed. A new Top Termination of the Riser (TTR) (L) geometry is also proposed, aiming at its simplification, in which, in addition to considering the locking mechanism as an integral part of the upper cone of the Support Pipe, there is the elimination of moving components for stabilization of its side movement (a function formerly performed by the locking ring or by the gap compensator).