Subsea Connector Mechanical Actuation for Deep Water Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydraulic connector systems in deep water subsea applications are limited by ambient pressures, requiring alternative solutions for reliable and efficient connection and disconnection of subsea equipment.

Innovation Solution

A mechanically actuated subsea connector system utilizing a latch assembly, mandrel, and conveyance member for axial movement, combined with a subsea manipulator for rotational movement, allowing for a predefined relative movement sequence to establish and break connections without hydraulic power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hydraulic connector systems are used in deep water subsea applications, then reliable connections can be provided, but the system is adversely limited by significant ambient pressures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidambient pressure limitation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hydraulic actuation system with a purely mechanical actuation system. The connector uses a mandrel that can be rotated and axially moved relative to the latch assembly to operate the latch member, eliminating hydraulic components that are limited by ambient pressure in deep water applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuation function is segmented into two independent control sources: a conveyance member providing axial movement and a subsea manipulator providing rotational movement. This segmentation allows each control source to perform a simpler function, improving reliability while eliminating hydraulic systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If hydraulic systems are used, then connection actuation is achieved, but the system becomes vulnerable to water depth limitations and requires specialized vessels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection actuationVSAvoidwater depth adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic system is replaced with a mechanical system using a conveyance member (wire, rope, chain, or tubular member) for axial actuation and a subsea manipulator (ROV) for rotational actuation. This mechanical approach eliminates water depth limitations associated with hydraulic systems and allows operation from various vessel types including vessels of opportunity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If a conveyance member must provide both axial and rotational movement, then connection control is simplified, but the conveyance member requires high torsional stiffness and specialized control vessels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidconveyance member requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The control functions are segmented between two independent sources: the conveyance member provides axial movement and the subsea manipulator provides rotational movement. This segmentation allows the conveyance member to have low torsional stiffness requirements, enabling use of slender members, wire, rope, or chain, and eliminates the need for specialized high-cost vessels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If control functions are distributed between multiple sources, then safety is enhanced and accidental disconnection is minimized, but the control procedure becomes more involved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety against accidental disconnectionVSAvoidcontrol procedure simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection control is segmented into two independent sources: axial control via conveyance member and rotational control via subsea manipulator. This segmentation enhances safety by requiring coordinated action of both control sources, minimizing the risk of accidental disconnection while maintaining operational control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10322912B2Connector system

Publication Date: 2019.06.18 WEATHERFORD UK LIMITED

AI summary

A subsea connector system (10) for providing a connection with a subsea well component comprises a latch assembly (14) defining a through bore and a latch member (18) mounted on the latch assembly. A mandrel (20) extends through said bore of the latch assembly, wherein the mandrel and the latch assembly are axially and rotatably moveable relative to each other in a predefined relative movement sequence to operate the latch member and configure the connector system between connected and disconnected configurations. The connector system also comprises a conveyance connector (22) for providing a connection between a conveyance member (24) and the mandrel such that a conveyance member may permit an axial movement component of the predefined movement sequence. A rotation interface (26) is mounted on one of the mandrel and the latch assembly such that a subsea manipulator may permit a rotational movement component of the predefined relative movement sequence.