ROV Hot-Stab Integrated Sensor Hydrate Remediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ROV hot-stab systems for hydrate remediation in subsea flowlines face challenges such as inefficiency due to remote placement of remediation equipment, potential leakage in long umbilicals, and inaccurate monitoring of pressure and temperature conditions, leading to prolonged remediation times and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
Integration of sensors within the ROV hot-stab allows for real-time monitoring of fluid parameters at the access point, reducing the need for remote equipment and minimizing leakage risks by positioning the sensors closer to the blockage, thereby improving monitoring accuracy and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned remotely in subsea equipment, then equipment complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inaccurate monitoring of pressure and temperature conditions at the blockage site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor assembly with the hot-stab tool by integrating pressure and temperature sensors directly into the tool body. This merging allows the sensors to be positioned at the exact location where remediation is performed, providing accurate real-time monitoring of pressure and temperature conditions at the blockage site without requiring separate remote sensing equipment or long umbilical connections.
2Reliability
If long umbilicals are used to connect remote equipment to the hot-stab, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to potential leakage in the umbilical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing function from remote equipment and integrates it directly into the hot-stab tool. By taking out the sensors and placing them within the tool body, the system eliminates the need for long umbilical connections that are prone to leakage, thereby improving reliability while reducing the complexity of external connections.
3Productivity
If remediation equipment is placed remotely, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to prolonged remediation times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the remediation functions (heating, pressure control) with the sensing functions in a single integrated tool. This combination allows operators to perform remediation and monitor conditions simultaneously at the blockage site, eliminating the delays associated with remote equipment and improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation through unified control.
4Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned closer to the blockage, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to integrated sensor assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the hot-stab tool as a multi-functional device that combines heating elements, pressure control mechanisms, and temperature/pressure sensors into a single universal tool. This multi-functionality allows the tool to perform both remediation and monitoring tasks without requiring separate specialized equipment, thereby improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through functional integration.
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 integrated sensor ROV hot-stab enhances the efficiency and accuracy of hydrate remediation by providing precise data on sublimation processes and reducing leakage, allowing for more effective and controlled pressure drawdown and fluid management.
Implementation Method 1
the hot stab body (102) having a flow bore adapted to receive a fluid
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor positioned at least partially within the housing wherein the sensor is adapted to sense a parameter of the fluid
Implementation Method 3
providing precise data on sublimation processes
Data Source
AI summary
An ROV hot-stab device (100) comprising a hot stab body (102) having a flow bore (102A) that is adapted to receive a fluid, a housing (104) that is operatively coupled to the hot stab body (102), and at least one fluid inlet/outlet (104A/104B) defined in the housing (104). The device (100) also includes an isolation valve (103) that is at least partially positioned within the housing (104) wherein the isolation valve (103) is adapted to, when actuated, establish fluid communication between the bore (102A) of the hot stab body (102) and the at least one fluid inlet/outlet (104A/104B) and at least one sensor (114) positioned at least partially within the housing (104) wherein the sensor (114) is adapted to sense a parameter of the fluid.