Subsea Flowline Connector Assembly with Pivot Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea flowline connection systems are ineffective for large bore applications due to inability to withstand high pressures and efficiently connect flowlines to subsea structures, particularly in deep waters where ROV intervention is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A subsea flowline connector assembly featuring a fly-in connector with a metal seal and elastomeric seals, actuating device, and bracing mechanism that securely engages with a flowline connector to form a fluid-tight connection, allowing for alignment tolerance and distribution of bending moments to a fixed subsea structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional flying leads (hydraulic or steel) are used for large bore connections, then small bore connections can be made, but they cannot withstand high pressures in large bore applications
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two main parts: a stationary flowline connector assembly mounted to the subsea structure and a mobile fly-in connector lowered from the surface. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function - the stationary part provides structural support and pressure containment, while the mobile part enables flexible installation and connection
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates a pivot arrangement that enables dimensional transformation during installation. The fly-in connector is lowered vertically and then pivoted to achieve horizontal alignment with the flowline connector, allowing connection from a different spatial dimension rather than requiring direct horizontal approach
2Ease of operation
If flowline ends are lowered vertically and positioned horizontally on seabed, then connections can be made, but the process is time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flowline connector assembly is pre-mounted to the subsea structure at the desired location before the flowline is installed. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need to manually position and align connectors on the seabed during installation, significantly reducing installation time and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A pivot arrangement acts as an intermediary mechanism between the vertically lowered fly-in connector and the horizontally positioned flowline connector. This intermediary device automatically guides the connector through the necessary angular transition, simplifying the connection process compared to manual alignment methods
3Productivity
If multiple flowlines are interconnected on ocean floor, then fluid communication is established, but installation becomes increasingly time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flowline connector assembly serves multiple functions: it provides a mounting interface for the flowline, a pivot mechanism for alignment, and a connection interface for the fly-in connector. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and operations needed when interconnecting multiple flowlines
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot arrangement automatically guides the fly-in connector into proper alignment with the flowline connector during the lowering and connection process. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for complex external alignment equipment or extensive manual intervention when installing multiple connections
Data Source
AI summary
A subsea structure flowline connector assembly for a subsea structure having a flowline connector assembly adapted to be mountable to the subsea structure, the flowline connector assembly having a junction plate having a flowline connector therein; an receiver affixed to or adjacent to said junction plate, said receiver having an interior exposed to said flowline connector of said junction plate; a fly-in connector assembly adapted to be connectable to the flowline connector, said fly-in connector assembly having a connector thereon, said connector of said fly-in connector assembly adapted to engage said flowline connector of said junction plate to establish fluid communication, said fly-in connector assembly having a conduit in communication with said connector of said fly-in connector assembly, said conduit adapted to connect to a flowline; an actuating device coupled to the connector for actuating the connector to engage the flowline connector, a brace extending from the actuating device to the conduit for bracing the conduit to the actuating device.