Subsea Buoyancy Module Positioning Without Umbilical Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for changing the position of buoyancy modules on subsea cables, umbilicals, or pipelines require manual or ROV intervention, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A two-part split design buoyancy module positioner with a buoyancy module holder and parking frame that allows for subsea adjustment of buoyancy modules by spooling out and locking umbilical, enabling precise positioning without recovering the umbilical to the topside.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If buoyancy module position is changed using traditional methods (ROV or manual intervention), then positioning capability is achieved, but operational efficiency decreases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyancy module positioner enables self-positioning through automated spooling mechanisms. The system can adjust the buoyancy module position along the umbilical automatically without requiring external ROV intervention or manual operations, thereby maintaining positioning capability while dramatically improving operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate positioning mechanism (spooling device with payout and reel-in capabilities) that mediates between the fixed umbilical and the movable buoyancy module. This intermediary system enables efficient position changes by allowing the buoyancy module to be paid out or reeled in along the umbilical length
2Ease of operation
If buoyancy module position is changed by recovering umbilical to topside, then positioning capability is achieved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from the topside recovery process and relocates it to a subsea positioner. The positioner can adjust buoyancy module position along the umbilical in situ without requiring the umbilical to be recovered to the topside, thereby achieving positioning capability while eliminating the time-consuming recovery operation
Solution Approach 2:
The positioner is pre-installed on the umbilical at a convenient location, enabling position adjustments to be made in advance or as needed without waiting for topside recovery operations. This preliminary positioning capability significantly reduces the time required for position changes
3Ease of operation
If traditional positioning methods are used, then positioning capability is achieved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated spooling mechanism enables the buoyancy module to be repositioned using the system's own resources without requiring expensive ROV deployment or manual intervention. This self-service capability maintains full positioning functionality while eliminating the high operational costs associated with traditional methods
Data Source
AI summary
Buoyancy module 102 may be positioned and adjusted on umbilical 402 without needing to recover umbilical 402 to topside for removing or setting the position of the buoyancy module. Buoyancy module positioner 100 is deployed and buoyancy module 102 positioned into a predetermined position within parking frame 108 by using buoyancy module holder 104 to selectively spool out umbilical 402 until buoyancy module 102 reaches a predetermined position along umbilical 402 relative to parking frame 108. Buoyancy module 102 can then be locked inside parking frame 108.