Subsea Barrier Valve Testing Using MEG Line Pressure Boosting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current barrier testing methods for X-mas tree production systems in the oil and gas industry require a separate service line for pressure manipulation, which is costly and complex, and must function subsea without failure, while maintaining continuous MEG injection, and be easy to use and reliable.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a pressure increasing unit and fluid lines to manipulate pressure for barrier testing without a separate service line, using existing MEG lines, with a retrievable pump and valve setup to create differential pressures for testing subsea valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate service line is used for barrier testing, then barrier testing can be performed, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the barrier testing function with the existing MEG injection service line by equipping it with a pressure increasing unit. This eliminates the need for a separate service line for barrier testing, reducing system complexity while maintaining testing capability. The same fluid line serves dual purposes: continuous MEG injection and barrier testing when pressure is increased.
Solution Approach 2:
The MEG service line is designed to perform multiple functions: continuous hydrate inhibition through MEG injection and barrier testing through pressure manipulation. The pressure increasing unit enables the line to temporarily function as a testing line without requiring dedicated infrastructure, making the system more versatile and less complex.
2Reliability
If pressure is manipulated in the main MEG line, then barrier testing is enabled, but continuous injection is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the fluid flow paths using valves. When barrier testing is required, the pressure increasing unit is connected to the MEG line and can isolate the testing operation from the continuous injection function. This allows pressure manipulation for testing without disrupting the overall continuous injection capability of the MEG system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between continuous injection mode and barrier testing mode using controllable valves and the pressure increasing unit. The MEG line can transition from its primary function of continuous hydrate inhibition to a testing function when needed, and back again, allowing both functions to coexist without permanent disruption to either.
3Reliability
If a separate service line is implemented, then barrier testing can be performed, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the barrier testing infrastructure with the existing MEG injection service line, eliminating the need to manufacture and install a completely separate service line. This significantly reduces manufacturing and assembly costs while maintaining full barrier testing capability through the pressure increasing unit and valve assembly.
4Reliability
If complex arrangements are used for barrier testing, then testing functionality is achieved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure increasing unit is designed to be self-contained and automatically integrated with the MEG service line. The system performs barrier testing functions autonomously when activated, reducing the need for complex manual operations. The pressure increase mechanism handles the testing process with minimal intervention, simplifying operation while maintaining testing reliability.
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
Eliminates the need for a separate service line, allows for reliable and efficient barrier testing of subsea valves, and supports various operational challenges like well startup and hydrate management, while being cost-effective and easy to use.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure increasing unit (160) to increase the pressure of fluid from the fluid source (200) to a higher pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A system and methods for barrier testing of a X-mas tree production system (300) are disclosed. The X-mas tree is subsea and comprises a fluid line (330) between a set of two barrier valves (310,320), one of the barrier valves of the set of two barrier valves being an upstream barrier valve (320) closer to a reservoir (400) and the other barrier valve being a downstream barrier valve (310) closer to an environment, and pressure monitoring devices (180, 380) in the fluid line (330) and downstream of the downstream barrier valve (310). The system provides fluid at different test pressures to the fluid line (330) between the downstream barrier valve (310) and the upstream barrier valve (320). The system comprises a first fluid connection line (101) from a fluid source (200) to a pressure increasing unit (160), with a first valve (110) positioned in the first fluid connection line (101); a second fluid connection line (102) from the pressure increasing unit (160) to a first connection point (332) on the fluid line (330) between the downstream barrier valve (310) and the upstream barrier valve (320), with a second valve (120) positioned in the second fluid connection line (102); and a third fluid connection line (103) from a fluid receiving unit (170) to a second connection point (122) on the second fluid connection line (102), the second connection point (122) being between the second valve (120) and the first connection point (332), with a third valve (130) positioned in the third fluid connection line (103), such that fluid at the different test pressures may be provided to the fluid line (330) between the barrier valves (310, 320) for testing of the barrier valves (310, 320).