Subsea Structure Angular Adjustment via Inclination Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea blowout preventers and wellheads often become angularly offset due to damage, making it difficult to install capping stacks, which requires complex and time-consuming underwater operations to achieve proper connection.
Innovation Solution
An inclination tool and process that uses a lifting mechanism with a ratchet lock and hydraulic actuator to adjust the angular orientation of a subsea structure, allowing it to mate with angularly inclined surfaces of blowout preventers or wellheads, facilitated by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for ease and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional underwater manual operations are used to adjust angular orientation of subsea structures, then connection can be achieved, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inclination tool as an intermediary device between the subsea structure and the connector. This tool includes a body with a main cylinder, ratchet rod with teeth, ratchet lock mechanism, and hydraulic actuator. The inclination tool mediates the angular adjustment by providing a mechanical system that can be controlled remotely, thereby simplifying the underwater operation while achieving the required angular orientation adjustment.
2Reliability
If complex underwater procedures are used to achieve proper connection, then angular misalignment can be corrected, but time is lost and environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual underwater mechanical operations with a automated mechanical system consisting of hydraulic actuators and ratchet mechanisms. The hydraulic actuator (204) automatically drives the ratchet rod (202) to adjust the angular orientation, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual operations. This mechanical substitution maintains connection reliability while significantly reducing the time required for the containment operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual angular adjustment is performed underwater, then connection can be made, but the procedure becomes costly and environmentally risky
Solution Approach 1:
The inclination tool is designed to be self-sufficient in performing angular adjustments. The ratchet lock mechanism (206) automatically locks the ratchet rod (202) in position once the desired angular orientation is achieved, without requiring continuous manual intervention. The hydraulic actuator system provides self-contained power and control, allowing the tool to independently adjust and maintain the angular orientation, thereby reducing the time subsea structures remain vulnerable and minimizing environmental impact.
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 easy and cost-effective angular adjustment of subsea structures for proper mating with damaged blowout preventers or wellheads, reducing the need for complex underwater procedures and minimizing environmental impact by facilitating quicker containment of hydrocarbon leaks.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic actuator affixed to the main body and to the yoke so as to move the yoke toward or away from the main body
Implementation Method 2
a ratchet rod extending into the main cylinder and having teeth formed thereon, a ratchet lock mechanism affixed to the main body and selectively engageable with the teeth and the ratchet rod so as to fix a position of the ratchet rod in the main cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for causing an indication of a connector of a subsea structure has a lifting structure pivotally affixed adjacent an upper end of the subsea structure, an extension extending outwardly adjacent a bottom of the subsea structure and an inclination tool cooperative with the extension so as to move the lower end of the subsea structure in an angular direction offset from horizontal. The inclination tool has a ratchet mechanism cooperative with a line extending from the lifting structure. Hydraulic actuators serve to draw the ratchet mechanism upwardly in a direction toward the lifting structure.