Obtaining data from an underwater component
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for identifying and obtaining data from underwater components, such as subsea control modules, face challenges in visibility and accessibility, especially during power failures, as visual labels are difficult to read and maintain, particularly in storage and underwater environments.
Innovation Solution
The use of a wireless identification tag, like a passive RFID tag, which stores and transmits data wirelessly to a reader device without the need for a battery, allowing for data retrieval regardless of visibility conditions, and can be used in conjunction with visual labels for backup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If visual labels are used to identify components, then component identification is possible, but the labels become difficult to locate and read in storage and underwater environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual labeling system with an electromagnetic field-based RFID system. Instead of relying on visual labels that require line-of-sight and manual reading, the invention uses RFID tags that store component data and can be read wirelessly through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the visibility and accessibility problems of traditional labels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an RFID tag as an intermediary carrier of component information. Rather than directly reading visual labels on components, the system uses RFID tags that can be read by interrogators, providing an intermediate step that solves the visibility problem. The tag acts as a mediator between the component and the identification system.
2Ease of operation
If RFID tags are used for component identification, then data accessibility is improved, but additional components and system complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs low-cost RFID tags that can be easily attached to components. These tags are inexpensive enough that their addition does not significantly impact overall system cost, while providing substantial improvements in data accessibility and ease of operation throughout the component lifecycle.
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
Enables efficient and reliable data retrieval and resetting of communications parameters for subsea control modules, even in unpowered states, reducing the need for costly retrievals and improving data accessibility in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
RFID is an available technology that permits data to be read from a tag using an interrogator or reader device in a wireless manner using radio frequency communication... passive tags do not require a battery, since they use some of the radio frequency energy received from the interrogator during interrogation for power
Data Source
AI summary
A method of obtaining data from a subsea control module of an underwater well facility is provided. The method comprises: providing a tag which stores data relating to the module, the tag being operable to wirelessly transmit the data to a reader device; locating the tag at the module; providing a reader device; and interrogating the tag using the reader device, such that the tag is caused to wirelessly transmit the data to the reader device, wherein the tag is communicatively connected to a subsea electronics module for receiving information therefrom.