Subsea Gasket Removal Tool With Hydraulic Alignment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The removal and installation of subsea gaskets from wellheads is challenging due to high pressures, harsh conditions, and the risk of gaskets becoming stuck, which current methods often damage the sealing profile and lack effective force application and alignment control.
Innovation Solution
A subsea tool with hydraulically driven engagement mechanisms, featuring a frame with first and second engagement members that allow for controlled application of high forces to remove stuck gaskets and precise alignment, using a combination of first and second engagement mechanisms that extend and retract to disengage or engage gaskets from wellheads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If remotely operated vehicles with grab arms are used to remove gaskets, then the gasket can be physically attached and removed from subsea equipment, but the sealing profile of the subsea equipment is damaged and the forces that can be exerted are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulically driven engagement members that extend and retract to apply controlled high forces to the gasket. The hydraulic system allows for significant force multiplication compared to manual ROV grab arms, enabling the removal of stuck gaskets while maintaining control over the application of force to prevent damage to the sealing profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by using hydraulically actuated engagement members with controlled extension and retraction. This allows dynamic adjustment of force application parameters, enabling the system to adapt to different gasket conditions (stuck, loose, corroded) and apply appropriate force levels without damaging the wellhead sealing profile.
2Ease of operation
If remotely operated vehicles with grab arms are used to remove gaskets, then gasket removal is possible, but the ability to control alignment during installation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the position and alignment of the engagement members relative to the gasket and wellhead. This feedback allows the system to adjust the engagement members' extension and retraction in real-time, ensuring precise alignment during installation while maintaining control during removal operations.
3Productivity
If high forces are applied to remove stuck gaskets, then removal effectiveness is improved, but the risk of damaging the sealing profile increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement members are designed with localized contact surfaces that concentrate force application at specific points on the gasket rather than applying force uniformly across the entire sealing profile. This local quality approach allows high forces to be applied where needed to break adhesive bonds and corrosion connections while protecting the broader sealing profile from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic engagement members are designed with controlled compliance and staged force application. Before full force is applied, the system performs preliminary engagement and alignment, cushioning the impact by gradually increasing force levels. This prevents sudden high-impact damage to the sealing profile while still achieving effective gasket removal.
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
The tool effectively releases stuck gaskets while minimizing damage to subsea equipment and ensures precise installation, providing enhanced control and stability during the removal and installation process.
Implementation Method 1
the second engagement members being configured for extending and retracting relative to the frame to thereby force away from or lower against the second member; wherein the second engagement members are hydraulically driven
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a subsea tool for engaging and/or disengaging a first member that is configured to be in contact with a second member. The tool may include a frame configured for fitting around or on top of a peripheral surface of the first member, the frame having mounted thereon one or more first engagement mechanisms having one or more first engagement members configured for moving into and out of engagement with the peripheral surface of the first member, and one or more second engagement mechanisms having one or more second engagement members for engaging the second member. The second engagement members may extend and retract relative to the frame and may be hydraulically driven. Provided also is a method of disengaging the first subsea member that is in contact with the subsea second member, and a method of engaging the first member into contact with the subsea second member.