Subsea Flow Interface Connection System with Two-Stage Landing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea well production systems often lack efficient means to process and boost well fluids before they exit the well, leading to unprocessed and unboosted fluid discharge, and existing connection methods risk damaging mating surfaces and the choke body during installation.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage connection system comprising a frame that lands on the manifold and a conduit system connecting to the choke body, with a processing apparatus that can be mounted on the frame or remotely, allowing for fluid processing and protection of mating surfaces and the choke body during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a single-stage connection method is used to connect the processing apparatus to the choke body, then the installation process is simplified and faster, but the mating surfaces and choke body are at risk of damage during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The connection process is divided into two distinct stages: first landing the frame on the manifold, then subsequently connecting the conduit means to the choke body. This segmentation allows the frame to be securely positioned before the delicate mating surfaces are engaged, eliminating damage risk while maintaining reasonable installation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is landed on the manifold in advance of connecting the conduit means to the choke body. This preliminary action establishes a stable base and proper positioning before the critical mating surface connection occurs, preventing damage during installation.
2Productivity
If heavy processing apparatus is mounted on the frame, then fluid processing capability is enhanced, but the risk of damage to mating surfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the heavy processing apparatus mounting (on the frame) from the delicate mating surface connection (conduit to choke body). The frame structure is designed to bear the weight of processing equipment, while the two-stage connection process ensures this weight is not transmitted to the mating surfaces during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame acts as an intermediary structure that supports heavy processing apparatus without transmitting its weight to the choke body or mating surfaces. The conduit means serves as another intermediary, connecting the frame-mounted processing equipment to the choke body through a protected two-stage process.
3Productivity
If the conduit means is brought into direct communication with the choke body during frame landing, then connection efficiency is improved, but the mating surfaces and choke are exposed to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The connection operation is segmented into two sequential steps: frame landing first, then conduit connection. This segmentation maintains operational efficiency by clearly defining separate actions rather than attempting a complex simultaneous operation, while protecting the choke body from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is landed and secured to the manifold before the conduit means is connected to the choke body. This preliminary framing step creates a stable platform and ensures proper alignment, making the subsequent conduit connection straightforward and safe without compromising efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection system for connecting flow interface equipment to a subsea manifold is disclosed. The connection system relates particularly to a connection apparatus adapted to land a conduit means on a subsea manifold in a first stage of the connection and to connect a conduit means of the connection apparatus to a choke body of the manifold in a second stage of the connection.