Subsea Manifold Header Alignment Without Jumpers or Spools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for connecting subsea pipelines to structures are time-consuming, costly, and require complex procedures due to the need for separate jumpers or spools, which increase installation complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a header pipe joint with valves, connected inline with a spool or pipeline, is lowered to the subsea structure, allowing for axial adjustment via deliberate curvature in the conduit, enabling precise alignment and connection without additional components, such as jumpers or spools, by using residual curvature sections or counteracts on the seabed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate jumpers or spools are used to connect pipelines to subsea structures, then connection flexibility and tolerance accommodation are improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the manifold header and spool functions into a single integrated manifold assembly. The manifold header is directly connected to the pipeline without requiring separate jumpers or spools, eliminating multiple components while maintaining connection flexibility through the manifold's inherent design that can accommodate installation tolerances and thermal expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold header serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the connection point for multiple wellheads and the flexible element that accommodates installation tolerances and pipeline expansion. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate spools or jumpers that would otherwise be required for each function.
2Measurement precision
If multiple lifting procedures and ROV connection processes are used for spool installation, then precise positioning and connection are achieved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold header is pre-positioned and connected to the pipeline at the surface before being lowered to the subsea structure. This preliminary connection eliminates the need for complex underwater assembly operations, reducing both installation time and the number of required lifting procedures while maintaining positioning precision through pre-established alignment features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex underwater connection operations from the installation process by completing the manifold header-to-pipeline connection at the surface. This removes the time-consuming ROV connection processes and multiple lifting procedures from the subsea installation phase, significantly reducing overall installation time.
3Strength
If rigid spools are used to accommodate installation tolerances, then structural strength is maintained, but adaptability to alignment variations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold header incorporates dynamic elements such as expansion joints or flexible connection features that allow it to adapt to alignment variations and thermal expansion while maintaining structural strength. This dynamic design enables the rigid manifold body to accommodate movement and misalignment without compromising its load-bearing capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method of interconnecting a conduit and a plurality of subsea structures. The method comprises providing a first manifold header in-line of the conduit, where the first manifold header has at least one valve installed therein, A portion of the conduit is lowered to the sea bed such that the first manifold header is engaged with a first subsea structure, and a further portion of the conduit is lowered to the sea bed. A second manifold header, having at least one valve installed therein, is provided in-line of the conduit and engaged with a second subsea structure. The length of conduit provided on the sea bed between the first subsea structure and the second subsea structure is significantly greater than the distance between the first and second subsea structures.