Integrated Subsea Block Manifold for Lighter Pipeline Connection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current subsea pipeline connection systems face issues with fluid leaks, high equipment weight, complex and costly integration processes, and prolonged installation times due to the need for extensive structural support and multiple components, which increase costs and delay production in offshore oil drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A simplified block architecture for connecting subsea pipelines that allows direct attachment to the valve block, eliminating the need for additional structural framing and using eyebolts for lifting, thereby reducing weight and complexity, and integrating stop valves within the block to withstand installation pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional PLET equipment with extensive structural framing is used, then the equipment can withstand installation pressures and line weights, but the equipment weight increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the manifold body and valve block into a single integrated block structure. The valve block is formed as an integral part of the manifold body, eliminating the need for separate structural framing to support the valves. This integration maintains the strength required to withstand installation pressures while significantly reducing equipment weight and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The block structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the manifold body, supports the valve assembly, provides structural strength to withstand pressures, and eliminates the need for separate framing. This multi-functionality reduces the overall equipment weight while maintaining required strength characteristics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional PLET equipment with multiple components is used, then the equipment can perform subsea line isolation and fluid transport, but the number of components increases and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the manifold, valve block, and support structure into a single integrated unit. This reduces the number of components that need to be assembled and installed, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining the capability for subsea line isolation through the integrated valve assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated block is designed as a modular unit that can be manufactured and tested separately, then installed as a complete assembly. This segmentation of the manufacturing process from the installation process allows for reduced on-site assembly time while maintaining all necessary functional capabilities.
3Ease of repair
If traditional PLET equipment with separate valve blocks is used, then the valves can be maintained and replaced, but the integration process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The valve block is integrated into the manifold body as a unified structure, simplifying the manufacturing and integration process. The valves are mounted on this integrated block, which maintains ease of valve replacement while eliminating complex welding and assembly operations between separate components.
4Force
If traditional PLET equipment with extensive framing is used, then the equipment can support kilometer-long production lines weighing over 600 tons, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the support function directly into the manifold body and valve block structure. The block is designed to withstand the forces from kilometer-long production lines weighing over 600 tons without requiring separate extensive framing, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining load-bearing capacity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The present invention is related to a equipment for connection of subsea pipelines for oil and gas field, which comprises one machined block manifold (13) provided of at least one fluid import spindle (11) of side input, one stop valves set (12) provided on surface of said machined block manifold (13), which also receives a header and branches, point for line support and device for subsea installation (16), subsea line or pipeline (14). This set is installed on a foundation frame in sea soil (15) and will be part of oil drilling system according to the invention.