Subsea Header Pipe Joint Assembly for Faster Pipeline Tie-In
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 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 costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a header pipe joint with a valve installed, connected inline with a spool or pipeline before lowering to the subsea structure, using a connection bridge for fluidic connection, reducing the number of components and connections needed, and allowing for direct fluidic connection between the subsea structure and the pipeline.
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 due to multiple lifting procedures and underwater connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the jumper/spool component with the pipeline end section to create an integrated tie-in assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate installation of jumpers and spools, reducing the number of lifting procedures from three to one, and minimizing underwater connections while maintaining the ability to accommodate installation tolerances through the integrated flexible section.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate jumpers or spools are used, then installation flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components and procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (pipeline end, jumper, spool) into a single integrated tie-in assembly. This reduces the total number of components that need to be handled and installed separately, simplifying the overall system while retaining the functional benefits of flexibility and tolerance accommodation through the integrated flexible section.
3Device complexity
If direct pull-in method is used to connect pipeline to subsea structure, then fewer components are required, but considerable time and effort are still needed for winch operations and ROV alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary alignment and connection actions on the surface before lowering the integrated tie-in assembly to the seabed. The pipeline end is pre-connected to the flexible section and spool on the laying vessel, so that when lowered, the assembly arrives pre-assembled and requires minimal underwater manipulation, significantly reducing ROV intervention time and effort compared to traditional direct pull-in methods.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple lifting procedures are used for spool installation, then proper positioning is achieved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spool with the pipeline end section to create an integrated assembly that is lowered in a single operation. This eliminates two of the three separate lifting procedures required when installing spools separately, reducing vessel operational time and fuel consumption while maintaining proper positioning through the integrated design that accommodates seabed topography and structure location.
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.