Seabed Conductor Suction Module for Vertical Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for establishing a borehole in the seabed face challenges such as difficulty in reaching the desired depth, partial collapse of the hollow, deviation of the conductor from a vertical position, and excessive equipment transportation and fluid connection processes, which complicate further drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system involving a conductor with a fixed base and a suction module, along with a pump module, where the conductor is lowered with a drill pipe, and the suction module is used for riserless mud recovery, allowing the conductor to maintain an upright position and facilitating efficient drilling fluid management, including the use of a ring-shaped drilling tool for penetrating difficult ground conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hollow flushing and conductor setting is used, then the conductor can be set in the seabed, but the hollow may fall in partially and the conductor may deviate from vertical position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical hollow flushing system with a jet pump system that uses high-velocity fluid jets to erode and remove seabed material. The jet pump creates a controlled cavity without requiring physical contact or mechanical excavation, thereby maintaining conductor vertical alignment and preventing hollow collapse.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs hydraulic jet pumps that utilize high-pressure fluid streams to erode the seabed and create the conductor hollow. The hydraulic system provides controlled material removal while supporting the conductor in a vertical position, eliminating the need for traditional mechanical excavation equipment.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional conductor setting method is used, then the hollow can be flushed out, but a large number of equipment transports and fluid connections are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hollow creation, conductor setting, and fluid management operations into an integrated system. The jet pump system performs both cavity excavation and fluid circulation functions, eliminating the need for separate equipment transports and multiple fluid connection operations required by traditional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The jet pump system serves multiple functions: it creates the conductor hollow, supports the conductor during installation, and manages drilling fluids. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized equipment and operations, reducing transportation time and simplifying the overall process.
3Productivity
If conventional drilling fluid management is used, then drilling cuttings can be removed, but pollution of the marine environment may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts drilling cuttings from the drilling fluid stream using the jet pump's suction capability. The cuttings are separated and removed from the circulation system, allowing the drilling fluid to be reused and preventing contamination of the marine environment while maintaining efficient cuttings removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention recycles drilling fluids by separating and removing cuttings through the jet pump system. The cleaned drilling fluid is returned to the circulation system for continued use, reducing the need for fresh drilling fluid and minimizing environmental discharge, while cuttings are disposed of in a controlled manner.
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 approach significantly reduces the time required for borehole establishment, ensures accurate positioning and direction of the conductor, minimizes pollution, and effectively handles shallow gas pockets, while enabling efficient drilling fluid management and monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
providing the conductor at its top end with a suction module; creating the borehole such that drilling fluids and drill cuttings are flowing back between the borehole or the conductor and the drill pipe, to the pump
Implementation Method 2
providing a pump module comprising a pump and a pipe coupling fitting onto a first pump pipe which communicates with the conductor, and where a pump outlet is connectable to a pipeline extending to a surface of the sea or to a waste disposal on the seabed
Implementation Method 3
providing a lower portion of the conductor, when in an operational position, with a ring-shaped drilling tool. When the conductor is connected to a drill string, or to some other suitable rotatable pipe string, the conductor may, during rotation about a longitudinal axis thereof, displace the conductor down into the seabed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A method and device for establishing a borehole (26) in the seabed (4), comprising setting of a conductor (1), wherein the method is characterized in that it comprises: - providing the conductor (1) with a suction module (6); - then lowering the conductor (1) down to the seabed (4); and - displacing the conductor (1) down into the seabed (4).