Subsea Header Pipe Joint Assembly for Faster Pipeline Tie-In
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting subsea pipelines to subsea structures are time-consuming and costly, requiring numerous lifting procedures and underwater connections, especially when using separate jumpers or spools, which increase installation time and cost.
Innovation Solution
The method involves connecting a header pipe joint with a valve installed inline with a spool or pipeline before lowering it to the subsea structure, using a connection bridge for direct fluidic connection, reducing the need for additional components and underwater connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate jumpers or spools are used to connect subsea pipelines to subsea structures, then installation flexibility and tolerance accommodation are improved, but installation time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold and spool are merged into a single integrated subsea assembly, eliminating the need for separate installation of these components. The assembly is lowered as one unit and connected to the pipeline in a single operation, thereby maintaining installation flexibility while dramatically reducing installation time and the number of lifting procedures required.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold and spool are pre-assembled and configured on the installation vessel before lowering to the seabed. This preliminary assembly allows tolerance accommodation to be built into the design beforehand, eliminating the need for complex field adjustments and multiple connection operations during the actual installation process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate jumpers or spools are used, then connection adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold and spool functions are combined into a single integrated assembly, reducing the total number of separate components that need to be installed and connected. This maintains connection adaptability while simplifying the overall system complexity and reducing installation cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated manifold-spool assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the manifold distribution function, the spool flexibility and tolerance accommodation, and the connection interface to the pipeline. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple lifting procedures are used for installing foundation, manifold, and spool separately, then installation precision can be controlled, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold and spool are combined into a single pre-assembled unit that is lowered in one lifting operation rather than multiple separate lifts. This maintains installation precision through pre-assembly quality control while dramatically improving productivity by reducing the number of lifting procedures from three to one.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold and spool are pre-assembled and precision-aligned on the installation vessel before lowering. This preliminary precision work is performed in a controlled environment, ensuring installation precision is achieved without requiring multiple separate lifting and positioning operations during the actual installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of installing a header pipe joint 1 at a subsea structure 5 is provided, comprising providing a header pipe joint 1 having at least one valve 2 installed therein and connecting the header pipe joint 1 inline of a spool 15 or pipeline 18 prior to lowering the header pipe joint 1 to the subsea structure 5. The header pipe joint 1 is then lowered to the subsea structure 5, and the valve 2 is connected to the subsea structure (e.g. a subsea production system of the subsea structure such as a xmas tree) with a connection bridge e.g. a choke bridge 14. This provides a fluidic connection between the subsea structure and the header pipe joint. The subsea structure 5 comprises a foundation, e.g. suction anchors 11, which provide support for both a wellhead and the header pipe joint. A subsea assembly comprising a subsea structure 5, header pipe joint 1 and connection bridge 14 is also provided.