Subsea Hot Tap Flowpaths for High-Pressure Blockage Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional subsea intervention systems are limited in their ability to intervene in high-pressure subsea fluid conduits due to the need for pre-installed hot stab connections, which restricts their flexibility and effectiveness in addressing blockages in offshore production systems.
Innovation Solution
A hot tap system connected to the outer surface of subsea fluid conduits that allows for the injection of a first fluid and reception of a second fluid through separate flowpaths, enabling circulation and recirculation of fluids without relying on pre-installed connections, and capable of sealing high pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pre-installed hot stab connections are used for subsea intervention, then the system can intervene in subsea fluid conduits, but the flexibility and adaptability are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by installing the hot tap system on the subsea fluid conduit before intervention operations. The hot tap system includes pre-configured flowpaths and sealing mechanisms that are ready for immediate use, eliminating the need for pre-installed hot stab connections while maintaining intervention capability
Solution Approach 2:
The hot tap system acts as an intermediary device between the intervention system and the subsea fluid conduit. It provides a temporary but effective connection point that enables fluid circulation and remediation operations without requiring permanent pre-installed connections, thereby increasing flexibility
2Ease of operation
If separate flowpaths are used for fluid injection and reception, then fluid circulation is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hot tap system is segmented into distinct functional components: an injection flowpath for introducing remediation fluids and a reception flowpath for removing blockage materials. This segmentation enables independent control of fluid injection and reception operations, simplifying the overall operation despite the increased structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The separate flowpaths serve multiple functions: the injection flowpath introduces remediation fluids, the reception flowpath removes blockages, and both work together to enable fluid circulation. This multi-functionality justifies the structural complexity by providing comprehensive intervention capabilities in a single integrated system
3Reliability
If hot tap system seals high pressures without pre-installed connections, then intervention effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hot tap system employs parameter changes in its sealing mechanism, adjusting sealing pressure and contact force dynamically to maintain reliable seals under high-pressure conditions. The sealing elements are designed to adapt their physical parameters (pressure, temperature resistance) to match the operating conditions of the subsea fluid conduit
Solution Approach 2:
The hot tap system utilizes composite materials in its construction, combining materials with different properties to achieve both high-pressure sealing capability and ease of manufacture. The composite structure allows for simplified manufacturing while maintaining the necessary mechanical strength and sealing performance under high-pressure subsea conditions
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
Enhances the flexibility and effectiveness of subsea intervention systems by allowing fluid circulation and recirculation in high-pressure applications, including infield subsea fluid conduits, without the need for pre-installed connections, effectively addressing blockages.
Implementation Method 1
capable of sealing high pressures
Implementation Method 2
the first coil tubing is configured to inject a first fluid into the fluid conduit along the first flowpath
Implementation Method 3
the second coil tubing is configured to transport the second fluid received from the jumper along the second flowpath
Data Source
AI summary
A system for remediating a blockage in a subsea a subsea fluid system includes a hot tap system connected to an outer surface of a subsea fluid conduit of the subsea fluid system, a first flowpath extending from a fluid source, through the first coiled tubing and the hot tap system, and into the subsea fluid conduit, and a second flowpath extending from the subsea fluid conduit and through the hot tap system, wherein the second flowpath is separate from the first flowpath, wherein the hot tap system is configured to inject a first fluid into the subsea fluid conduit along the first flowpath and receive a second fluid from the subsea fluid conduit along the second flowpath.