Subsea Auxiliary Control System for Umbilical Failure Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subsea control systems face challenges in maintaining control when the primary control system fails, particularly due to umbilical failures, which require lengthy and risky recovery and replacement operations, and lack continuous operational control solutions.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary control system with a subsea-installed power unit, data capture device, and movable control tools, supported by a surface buoy or subsea data carrier, providing both electrical and hydraulic power, and a robotized positioning system to operate subsea equipment independently of the umbilical.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If umbilical recovery and deployment operations are performed to replace failed control systems, then control system reliability is restored, but operational time is lost and operational risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary control system is installed and activated in advance before primary control system failure occurs. The system includes pre-positioned power units, data capture devices, and control tools that are ready for immediate operation, eliminating the need for time-consuming umbilical recovery and deployment operations when failure occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary control system acts as an intermediary between the subsea equipment and the surface facility. It provides a backup control pathway through alternative power sources and communication channels, allowing continuous operation without relying on the primary umbilical connection.
2Reliability
If umbilical recovery and deployment operations are performed to replace failed control systems, then control system reliability is restored, but operational risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary control system is installed and activated in advance before primary control system failure occurs. The system includes pre-positioned power units, data capture devices, and control tools that are ready for immediate operation, eliminating the need for time-consuming umbilical recovery and deployment operations when failure occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary control system acts as an intermediary between the subsea equipment and the surface facility. It provides a backup control pathway through alternative power sources and communication channels, allowing continuous operation without relying on the primary umbilical connection.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If auxiliary control measures are used during umbilical replacement, then continuous operational control is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary control system is divided into separate functional modules: power units with batteries, data capture devices, control tools, and positioning systems. Each module operates independently but coordinates through standardized interfaces, allowing the system to provide continuous control without requiring a single complex integrated system.
4Device complexity
If traditional subsea control systems are designed with integrated umbilical connections, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of repair worsens due to lengthy replacement operations
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary control system is divided into separate functional modules: power units with batteries, data capture devices, control tools, and positioning systems. Each module operates independently but coordinates through standardized interfaces, allowing the system to provide continuous control without requiring a single complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary control system is extracted from the primary control system architecture and operates as a separate, independent system. This allows the backup control functions to be maintained without modifying or replacing the failed primary system, enabling parallel operation and simplified repair procedures.
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 quick and safe restoration of control over subsea equipment without the need for umbilical operations, providing continuous operational control and simplifying retrofit or repair processes by using a separate backup device that can remain in place for extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
A power unit is installed subsea and then a control tool is coupled to the subsea equipment. The control tool is powered from the power unit... The power supply preferably comprises both an electrical power supply and a hydraulic power supply... An on-board battery and a power supply are provided in the power unit
Implementation Method 2
The power supply preferably comprises both an electrical power supply and a hydraulic power supply. The hydraulic power supply may be pressurised by a pump that is driven by a motor powered by the electric power supply
Implementation Method 3
A data capture device is connected to the power unit by a subsea communications link, the data capture device being arranged to capture control signals issued from a remote topside source and to transmit those signals to the power unit along the communications link
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary control system, having a method for controlling same, controls subsea equipment such as a tree or manifold, for example, in the event of failure of a control umbilical. A power unit is installed subsea, and then a control tool is coupled to the subsea equipment. Control signals from topside source are transmitted to the power unit, which powers and controls the control tool in response to the control signals to operate a control element of the subsea equipment, such as a valve.