Subsea Connector U-Shape Parallel Cable Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of large diameter high-voltage cables in subsea environments is hindered by their large minimum bending radius, making it difficult to lay them in a U-shaped pattern or piggyback fashion, especially when starting from the near end location, as existing methods require starting from the far end, which is cumbersome and often impossible in hydrocarbon exploration fields.
Innovation Solution
A subsea connector with a conductive member in a U-shape configuration that allows for the connection of cables with large minimum bending radii, enabling them to be positioned in a side-by-side or parallel layout, and a method for installing flowlines with piggyback cables starting from the near end, using a subsea connector with joint devices for reliable mechanical and electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If large diameter high-voltage cables are used in subsea installation, then electrical energy supply capability is improved, but minimum bending radius increases making U-shaped laying impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional U-shaped cable layout (requiring lateral space) to a parallel side-by-side cable arrangement. This dimensional change in layout strategy allows cables with large minimum bending radii to be installed without requiring tight bends, thereby resolving the contradiction between power supply capability and bending radius constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of bending the cable into a U-shape to connect near-end and far-end locations, the patent inverts the approach by using two parallel cables running side-by-side from the near end to the far end. This inversion of the traditional connection method eliminates the need for tight bends while maintaining electrical connectivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cables are laid in traditional U-shaped pattern, then installation flexibility is maintained, but installation becomes impossible when starting from near end location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional installation approach by enabling near-end starting point installation instead of requiring far-end starting point. This is achieved through the parallel side-by-side cable arrangement that eliminates the need for U-shaped bending, thereby making installation from the near end location feasible and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel cable arrangement allows both cables to be laid simultaneously or in sequence from the near end location without requiring complex intermediate connections or bends. This preliminary positioning strategy simplifies the installation process and enhances installation flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If minimum bending radius is reduced to enable U-shaped laying, then cable installation becomes feasible, but cable damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the laying pattern from U-shaped (requiring tight bends) to parallel side-by-side arrangement. This dimensional change in layout allows cables to maintain their large minimum bending radii without compromising installation feasibility, thereby eliminating cable damage risk while maintaining installation ease.
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 solution facilitates the efficient installation of large diameter cables in restricted areas, allowing for side-by-side or parallel laying patterns, and enables the starting point of flowline installation to be moved from the far end to the near end, simplifying and increasing the efficiency of the installation process.
Implementation Method 1
The subsea connector comprises a conductive member for transfer of electric power between the first and the second cable
Data Source
AI summary
A subsea connector (20) is provided for joining a first cable (2) having a first minimum bending radius (MBR) and a second cable (3) having a second minimum bending radius (MBR). The subsea connector is arranged with a first joint device (21, 53) for connection with the first cable and a second joint device (22, 54) for connection with the second cable (3). The subsea connector comprises a conductive member (25, 57) for transfer of electric power between the first and the second cable (2,3), the conductive member having, in an installed position, a U-shape configuration and the radius of curvature of the subsea connector is less than or equal to the first and second minimum bending radii such that at least a portion of the first cable (2) extending from connection with the first joining device (21,53) is arranged essentially parallel with at least a portion of the second cable (3) extending from connection with the second joint device (22,54). The invention also concerns a cable arrangement, a junction box and a method for assembly and installation of a flowline arrangement.