Subsea Fluid Storage Bladder Pressure Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea fluid storage systems face challenges with lengthy umbilicals that require high maintenance and repair due to varying pressures, making long-term use and refilling in subsea environments difficult and costly.
Innovation Solution
The development of subsea fluid storage units with passive pressure compensation, utilizing a deformable bladder system that adjusts volume based on fluid levels, allowing for easy identification and repair of leaks, and enabling continuous operation by connecting the bladder to both the top and bottom ports of the vessel for fluid exchange with seawater.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If lengthy umbilicals are used to transport fluid from remote storage to subsea well tree, then fluid transport capability is improved, but maintenance difficulty and repair cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid storage function from the remote location and places it directly at the subsea well tree location. This eliminates the need for lengthy umbilicals by removing the intermediate transport component, thereby solving the repair difficulty issue while maintaining fluid supply capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated storage system performs multiple functions: it stores chemical fluid, compensates for pressure changes, and provides direct supply to the well tree without requiring separate umbilical infrastructure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for long umbilicals
2Ease of operation
If subsea storage systems are deployed, then on-site fluid availability is improved, but pressure damage and servicing frequency increase due to varying subsea pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a deformable bladder that changes its volume parameter in response to pressure variations. As external pressure increases, the bladder compresses; as pressure decreases, it expands. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain operational reliability under varying subsea pressures
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system incorporates a dynamic pressure compensation mechanism where the bladder volume automatically adjusts to match external pressure conditions. This dynamic adaptation prevents pressure damage and eliminates the need for frequent servicing
3Duration of action of stationary object
If passive pressure compensation with deformable bladder is used, then maintenance needs are reduced and long-term storage is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable bladder system is self-regulating and requires no external control or power source. It automatically compensates for pressure changes through its inherent deformability, eliminating the need for complex active control systems while enabling long-term autonomous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible bladder made of deformable material that passively responds to pressure changes. This simple yet effective approach provides pressure compensation without requiring complex mechanical or electronic systems, balancing durability with manageable complexity
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
This solution reduces maintenance needs, allows for long-term subsea storage, and facilitates convenient refilling and replacement of units without disrupting the overall system, thereby enhancing operational reliability and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
subsea fluid storage units with passive pressure compensation which comprises a deformable bladder
Implementation Method 2
The bladder may be configured to receive seawater or to dispense seawater at will
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~3A
AI summary
The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to subsea fluid storage systems that may automatically and/or continuously compensate for subsea pressure changes. A subsea fluid storage unit with passive pressure compensation may comprise a vessel and a deformable bladder disposed within the vessel. A vessel may comprise a top port, a bottom port, and an internal vessel volume. A deformable bladder may comprise a first end and a second end. A second end may comprise a bladder opening that may be fluidically connected to a top port or a bottom port of a vessel. A deformable bladder may define an internal bladder volume that may be suitable for storage of fluids and/or chemicals.