Subsea BOP Tether Tensioning via Centralized Hydraulic Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea blowout preventer tethering systems require time-consuming and costly adjustments of pile-top assemblies, posing safety risks due to the need for multiple iterations and prolonged installation times in dynamic marine environments.
Innovation Solution
A system with multiple anchors and hydraulic cylinders connected via a centralized interface, allowing for simultaneous adjustment of tether tension individually or in groups, facilitated by a control panel and fluid circuit assembly, enabling efficient and safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing tethering systems use individual pile-top assemblies that must be adjusted in turn, then the system can be configured for operation, but the installation time increases substantially and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual pile-top assemblies into a single integrated tethering system where multiple anchors are connected to a common interface. This allows simultaneous adjustment of all anchors through one centralized interface rather than adjusting each pile-top assembly separately, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining safety through coordinated tensioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The common interface serves multiple functions by providing a single point of control for adjusting tension in multiple anchors simultaneously. This universal interface can adjust all anchors in the system through a single operation, eliminating the need for multiple separate adjustment operations required by traditional individual pile-top assemblies.
2Manufacturing precision
If existing tethering systems require multiple iterations of adjustment, then the system can achieve proper tension configuration, but installation costs increase and the window for safe installation is extended
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple anchor adjustments into a single integrated system controlled through one common interface, the patent enables simultaneous coordination of all anchors. This reduces the number of iterative adjustments needed compared to individual pile-top assemblies, thereby lowering installation costs while achieving precise tension configuration through centralized control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing tethering systems operate in dynamic marine environments with prolonged installation time, then the system can be deployed, but safety risks increase due to extended exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated tethering system with common interface allows for preliminary coordination of all anchor tensions before final deployment. By pre-configuring the tension distribution across all anchors through the centralized interface, the system reduces the time required during actual deployment in dynamic marine environments, thereby minimizing safety risks while maintaining adaptability to environmental conditions.
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
This system reduces installation time and costs while enhancing safety by allowing centralized tension adjustment, improving the efficiency and safety of subsea operations.
Implementation Method 1
configured in hydraulic association with one another by way of a hydraulic circuit assembly arranged to allow hydraulic fluid to be transferable to and from the ROV
Data Source
AI summary
A system for tethering a subsea blowout preventer (BOP) or well head is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the system comprises an interface associable with the BOP, and more than one anchors disposed about the BOP. Each anchor is configured to carry or support a tensioning system arranged in operable association with a respective tether. Each tether is arranged so as to link a respective anchor with a respective operable means associated with the BOP. Furthermore, each of the respective operable means are configured in operable association with the interface such that tension in the tethers can be adjustable either individually or together as a group of two or more tethers, by way of the interface.