Rotating Split Support for Surface BOP and High-Pressure Riser Loads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for deploying a surface blowout preventer and high-pressure marine riser onto a subsea wellhead face challenges with torsion and elongation tolerance, particularly with standard mechanical connections, which are inadequate for accommodating large surface loads and moments, necessitating innovative solutions for secure and flexible attachment.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising tensioners, a tensioner platform with upper and lower rotation bearings, a split support with quick-connect hydraulic lines, and flexible members, allowing for passive rotation and secure attachment of the marine riser and surface blowout preventer, enabling rotation and vertical movement of the vessel or rig relative to the platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If standard mechanical connections are used for the KT ring assembly, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the connection cannot accommodate large surface loads and moments generated by high-pressure marine risers
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple segments including a platform, a KT ring assembly, and a support structure with multiple legs. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while collectively handling the large moments and loads through distributed structural support
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic capabilities through the tensioners that allow vertical movement of the vessel relative to the platform, and the KT ring assembly that permits rotational movement. This dynamic design enables the structure to accommodate large surface loads and moments while maintaining operational flexibility
2Strength
If the KT ring assembly is designed to accommodate high-pressure risers with T&C connectors, then the moment capacity is sufficient, but the tensioners must be nearly vertical and the assembly requires complex mechanical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioners are designed to be nearly vertical to accommodate the high moment capacity requirements while the KT ring assembly provides rotational freedom. This dynamic configuration allows the system to handle T&C connectors while maintaining proper tensioner alignment through the rotational capability of the ring assembly
3Ease of operation
If the KT ring assembly includes fluid bearings for rotational movement, then the rotation is smoother, but the bearings must be activated prior to accommodating any rotational movement
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid bearings are pre-configured and positioned within the KT ring assembly, ready to be activated when needed. The bearing system is designed to be prepared in advance, with all necessary components in place, so that when activation occurs, rotational movement can begin smoothly without additional setup or complexity
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
The system facilitates secure and flexible deployment of the surface blowout preventer and marine riser, accommodating large moments and surface loads, while minimizing the need for complex reconnections and ensuring reliable operation under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The upper rotation bearing and/or the lower rotation bearing may be mechanical bearings, for example, roller bearings
Implementation Method 2
The KT ring assembly often includes fluid bearings that must be activated prior to accommodating any rotational movement
Data Source
AI summary
A mudline closure device is lowered between tensioners coupled to a deck of a vessel or rig onto a subsea wellhead. A tensioner platform is then attached to the tensioners. The tensioner platform includes a platform opening having an inner diameter through which an emergency disconnect system may pass. The tensioner platform also includes rotation bearings secured in the platform opening. A split support includes outer surfaces disposed along its circumference. The outer surfaces are seated on the rotation bearings. The split support includes a support opening having an inner diameter through which a marine riser may pass. The split support also includes a landing shoulder secured in the support opening to suspend a surface blowout preventer to the deck. As the vessel or rig changes direction, the split support rotates relative to the tensioner platform without imparting excessive torsion on the marine riser.