Subsea Fiberoptic Logging Through a Dual-Valve Tree Bore
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea tree injection modules lack a clear path for deploying fiberoptic logging tools, hindering data acquisition and monitoring capabilities in subsea environments.
Innovation Solution
A system and process for subsea fiberoptic logging that allows for the deployment and operation of a fiberoptic well logging tool through a subsea structure, enabling real-time data logging and sensing, adaptable to subsea tree injection modules, and facilitating distributed pressure, temperature, and acoustic sensing without recovering the subsea structure to the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a subsea tree injection module is used for chemical injection, then chemical delivery capability is improved, but the module lacks a clear path for deploying fiberoptic logging tools
Solution Approach 1:
The subsea tree injection module is designed with a central bore that serves multiple functions: it accommodates chemical injection operations and simultaneously provides a clear deployment path for fiberoptic logging tools. This multi-functional design allows a single structure to perform both chemical delivery and data acquisition operations without requiring separate equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The module incorporates a detachable housing assembly that can be separated from the main body. This segmentation allows the housing to be removed to create an unobstructed central bore for fiberoptic tool deployment, while the main body retains its chemical injection functionality. The segmented design enables versatile operation modes.
2Ease of operation
If coiled tubing is used for chemical delivery, then flexibility in deployment is improved, but damage risk under extreme forces increases
Solution Approach 1:
A housing assembly acts as an intermediary protective structure between the fragile fiberoptic tools and the harsh subsea environment. The housing provides mechanical protection during deployment and operation, reducing the risk of damage from extreme forces while maintaining the flexibility benefits of coiled tubing-based delivery systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing assembly is designed to be attached beforehand to protect the fiberoptic tools before they are exposed to extreme forces. This pre-protective measure ensures that the tools are shielded from potential damage during the entire deployment process, including handling, installation, and operation in the subsea environment.
3Loss of information
If fiberoptic tools are deployed through existing subsea structures, then data acquisition capability is improved, but the structure must be recovered to the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The subsea tree injection module is designed with an integrated clear path through its central bore that allows fiberoptic logging tools to be deployed and retrieved without requiring the module itself to be recovered to the surface. The module's own structure serves the dual purpose of chemical injection and tool deployment, enabling independent tool retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable housing assembly can be dynamically removed and reattached based on operational needs. During fiberoptic tool deployment, the housing is removed to create a clear path, and after tool retrieval, it can be reattached to restore the chemical injection functionality. This dynamic configuration allows flexible operation modes without surface recovery.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and process for subsea fiberoptic logging of a well has a subsea structure having a central bore, an upper valve positioned in the central bore, a lower valve positioned on the central bore below the upper valve, and a subsea probe releasably connected to an upper connector of the subsea structure. The subsea structure has at least one channel adapted to connect to a downline. The upper valve is movable between an open position and a closed position. The lower valve is movable between an open position at a lower position. The channel opens to the central bore in an area between the upper valve and a lower valve. The subsea probe has a fiberoptic line connected thereto. The fiberoptic line is adapted to extend to a portion of the central bore of the subsea structure and into the well so as to sense parameters within the well.