Reusable Solid Lid for ROV-Free Suction Anchor Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suction anchor deployment methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and resource-heavy, particularly due to the need for a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to manage valve operation and sealing during installation and retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A reusable, solid lid system is used to create a mechanical and fluidic connection with the subsea tubular, allowing for the deployment and retrieval of suction anchors without an ROV, utilizing selectively activated valves and seals to control pressure differentials for seabed embedment or retrieval, and featuring a control panel for remote operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) is used to operate valves and seal the suction anchor during deployment, then the installation process can be controlled precisely, but the deployment time increases significantly and resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction anchor is pre-assembled with the lid, seals, and valve system on the vessel deck before deployment. The lid is already positioned and sealed to the anchor body, so when deployed, the anchor is ready for immediate installation without requiring an ROV to assemble or seal components at the seabed. This preliminary preparation eliminates the time-consuming ROV operations while maintaining installation precision through the pre-configured valve and seal system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple functions into the lid assembly: the lid serves as both the sealing element and the valve housing, integrating the sealing function and valve operation into a single pre-assembled unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate ROV operations to apply seals and operate valves separately, reducing deployment time while maintaining the precision control needed for proper installation.
2Ease of operation
If a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) is deployed to manage suction anchor installation, then valve operation and sealing can be controlled, but manpower requirements and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lid assembly is designed to be self-contained with all necessary sealing and valve control components integrated into the lid itself. The lid can be manually positioned and secured to the anchor body, and the valve system is pre-configured to operate automatically or through simple manual activation. This self-service design eliminates the need for complex ROV systems while maintaining ease of valve control and sealing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid serves multiple functions: it seals the anchor body, houses the valve system, provides structural support, and enables both installation and retrieval operations. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems and operations, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining operational ease for valve control and sealing.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional suction anchor deployment methods are used with ROV, then precise installation can be achieved, but the process is labor-intensive and resource-heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor assembly including the lid and sealing components is prepared in advance on the vessel deck. All components are pre-positioned and pre-assembled, allowing the anchor to be deployed as a complete unit. This preliminary preparation maintains installation precision through proper pre-configuration while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating the need for time-consuming ROV operations at the seabed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention divides the suction anchor system into distinct modular components: the anchor body, the lid assembly with integrated valves, and the sealing elements. This segmentation allows each component to be independently prepared and quality-checked before final assembly, ensuring manufacturing precision. Simultaneously, the modular design improves productivity by allowing parallel preparation of components and simplifying deployment operations.
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
Enables faster, more efficient deployment and retrieval of suction anchors by eliminating the need for an ROV, reducing time and manpower requirements while maintaining control over the installation process.
Implementation Method 1
a seal disposed about a lower portion of the substantially solid upper surface wherein the seal is configured to engage an internal wall of the subsea tubular and create a seal between the substantially solid upper surface and the internal wall of the subsea tubular
Implementation Method 2
utilizing selectively activated valves and seals to control pressure differentials for seabed embedment or retrieval
Implementation Method 3
The remainder of embedment is achieved through suction: a remote-operated vehicle (ROV) pumps water out of the top suction port after sealing anchor top valves
Data Source
AI summary
A temporary mechanical and fluidic connection with an anchor wall of a subsea tubular may use a substantially solid, reusable lid for a subsea tubular, which comprises a substantially solid upper surface, a predetermined set of lid anchors (20), a predetermined set of selectively activated valves (30), a seal (40) configured to engage an internal wall (101) of the subsea tubular and create a seal between substantially solid upper surface and the internal wall of the subsea tubular, a connector (50), and a controller (60) by maneuvering the substantially solid, reusable lid proximate an open end (102) of a subsea tubular (100), attaching the substantially solid, reusable lid to the open end of the subsea tubular, using the lid anchors (20) to secure the substantially solid, reusable lid to the open end of the subsea tubular, and operatively engaging the seal (40) to create an occlusive seal between substantially solid upper surface and an internal wall (101) of the subsea tubular.