Autonomous Subsea Hydrostatic Test Tool for ROV Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subsea connector seal testing requires continuous ROV support for pressurization and monitoring, leading to prolonged operational times and limited vessel efficiency, as the process is time-consuming and restricts simultaneous activities.
Innovation Solution
A hydrostatic test tool system that includes a pressurizer, connection system, control system, and data communicator, allowing for autonomous operation and reduced reliance on ROVs, enabling simultaneous activities during testing and optimizing operational time and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous ROV support is used for pressurization and monitoring during seal testing, then testing reliability is ensured, but operational time increases and vessel efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The test tool autonomously performs pressurization, pressure holding, and monitoring functions using its own integrated pump, pressure sensor, and control system, eliminating the need for continuous ROV support during testing while maintaining full testing capability and data accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the testing function from the ROV by integrating all necessary testing components (pressurizer, sensors, control system) directly into the test tool, allowing the ROV to complete deployment and retrieval tasks while the tool independently executes the seal testing sequence
2Measurement precision
If ROV remains on standby for pressure control and monitoring, then testing accuracy is maintained, but vessel productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The test tool's integrated control system autonomously manages the complete testing sequence including pressurization to test pressure, pressure holding, stabilization monitoring, and data recording, eliminating the need for ROV standby while maintaining full measurement capability through onboard pressure sensors and control logic
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the ROV-based mechanical control and monitoring approach with an autonomous electronic control system that uses onboard sensors, microprocessor control, and automated sequencing to manage the entire testing process, enabling simultaneous vessel operations
3Reliability
If sequential operations are performed after seal testing, then operational thoroughness is ensured, but total operational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ROV continues performing useful tasks such as deployment, retrieval, and other subsea operations while the test tool independently executes the seal testing sequence, eliminating idle standby time and enabling continuous productive utilization of the ROV without compromising testing completeness
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
Enables efficient in situ hydrostatic testing of subsea connectors with minimal ROV support, allowing the ROV to perform other tasks during testing, thereby reducing operational costs and increasing vessel efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
pressurizes hydraulic fluid into subsea connectors' test chambers
Data Source
AI summary
Hydrostatic test tool 100 comprises frame 161; pressurizer 120; connection system 110; control system 130; data communicator 140; power supply 150; device handler 162; and buoyancy unit 163. Hydrostatic test tool 100 can be used to perform an in situ seal test of subsea equipment connectors with limited support from external systems, allowing optimization of subsea operations by not requiring constant support from underwater vehicle 5, which could be used to perform other tasks while the test is being carried out, optimizing the total time of support vessel 6 and reducing operational cost. Hydrostatic test tool 100 typically requires interfacing with underwater vehicle 5, e.g., an ROV or AUV, only for deployment/installation and data communication, if at all.