Subsea Induction Coupler Assembly for Reduced Cable Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of subsea heating systems for heating subsea components like pipelines is challenging due to difficulties in positioning electrical conductors through successive induction couplers without excessive bending.
Innovation Solution
A subsea heating apparatus with an induction coupler featuring multiple windings around second core parts and a second section with core parts arranged in distinct radial positions, allowing easier positioning of electrical conductors along the longitudinal direction and accommodating radial offsets between subsea components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrical conductors are positioned through successive induction couplers, then heating function is achieved, but excessive cable bending is required making installation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-plane conductor arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial distribution of core parts. By arranging core parts in distinct radial positions around the longitudinal axis, the conductor can follow a more direct path through space, reducing bending requirements while still engaging with all necessary induction couplers for heating successive subsea components.
Solution Approach 2:
The induction coupler is segmented into multiple core parts distributed in radial positions rather than a single centralized core. This segmentation allows electrical conductors to be positioned more independently and directly to each core part, simplifying the overall cable routing and reducing the complexity of positioning through successive couplers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If core parts are arranged in distinct radial positions, then radial offsets between subsea components are accommodated, but induction coupler structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The induction coupler with radially distributed core parts serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electromagnetic induction for heating, accommodates radial misalignments between subsea components, and simplifies cable positioning. This multi-functionality justifies the increased structural complexity by eliminating the need for separate alignment adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial arrangement of core parts creates a dynamic configuration that can adapt to varying radial offsets between subsea components. Rather than requiring precise fixed alignment, the distributed core parts can engage with conductors even when components are radially displaced, providing flexibility in the installation configuration.
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
Facilitates easier installation of subsea heating systems by reducing the need for excessive cable bending and accommodating radial misalignments between subsea components, while enabling efficient heat transfer and scalable heating capacities up to 500W/m and 1000 km.
Implementation Method 1
The invention concerns particularly the field of subsea oil and gas production... a subsea heating apparatus for heating a subsea component... comprising an induction coupler
Implementation Method 2
The component electrical cable(s) arranged in association with the subsea component and adapted to receive power from the electric power source via the induction coupler
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a subsea heating apparatus (34) for heating a subsea component (22) extending along a longitudinal direction (X), comprising: - an induction coupler (40) including a first section (42) with first core part(s) (44) and a second section (46) with second core parts (48), a respective first magnetic core part being coupled with a second magnetic core part to form a magnetic core ring (50) adapted to surround an electrical conductor (38) to be connected to a power source, - at least one component electrical cable (52) associated with the subsea component to be heated and adapted to receive power via the induction coupler for heating the subsea component. The coupler includes several windings (54) each wound around a respective second core part and connected to respective component electrical cable(s). The second section is adapted to be attached to the subsea component and several second core parts are arranged in distinct radial positions around the longitudinal direction.