Subsea Induction Heater for Localized Component Heating
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea heating methods, such as direct electrical heating (DEH), are inadequate for heating smaller subsea components and specific parts of pipelines efficiently, as they often require extensive lengths and cannot provide localized or extensive heating beyond their capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A subsea heating assembly utilizing an induction coupler with core rings and a winding cable, where the core rings can be adjusted by separating and reassembling sections to alter the magnetic flux and induce current in a winding cable, which is connected to a component interface cable to heat subsea components through induction and resistive losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If direct electrical heating (DEH) cables are used to heat subsea components, then heating capability is provided, but the cables require extensive lengths and cannot provide localized or extensive heating to smaller components efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the direct electrical heating cable system with an induction heating system that uses electromagnetic fields to induce currents directly in the component to be heated. The induction heater generates a magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the metallic subsea component, producing heat internally within the component rather than through external cable contact. This eliminates the need for extensive heating cables while providing versatile heating capability for components of various sizes including smaller components like valve bodies and pipe spools.
2Temperature
If induction coils are wound around subsea components for localized heating, then specific parts can be heated extensively, but the device complexity increases and installation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heating function from complex wound induction coils and implements it through a simplified induction heater that generates magnetic fields to induce currents directly in the component. Instead of winding cables around the component to create induction coils, the system uses a portable induction heater unit that can be positioned near the component and generates the necessary magnetic field without requiring physical contact or complex winding configurations. This reduces device complexity while maintaining localized heating capability.
3Ease of operation
If heating assemblies are designed for easy installation, then deployment time is reduced, but the ability to provide extensive heating to various component types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the induction heater as a universal heating device that can heat various types of subsea components including valve bodies, pipe spools, and other metallic structures. The induction heater uses electromagnetic induction which works on any electrically conductive material, making it universally applicable to different component types without requiring different heating assemblies. The system can be easily installed by positioning the heater near the target component and activating it, providing both ease of operation and extensive versatility for heating different component sizes and shapes.
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
This solution allows for efficient heating of various subsea components, including wellheads, Xmas trees, and pipe spools, by inducing current in the winding cable to generate heat, overcoming the limitations of existing methods in heating smaller components and localized areas.
Implementation Method 1
The induction coupler comprises an upper section with a first number of first core parts and a lower section with a second number of second core parts. The winding cable is arranged in the upper section. The first core parts are aligned with second core parts when the upper section is installed with the lower section.
Implementation Method 2
a) arranging a component interface cable in association with the subsea component to be heated. The component interface cable is adapted to, as current is fed through it, cause induction losses or resistive losses in the component interface cable or in the subsea component, thereby heating the subsea component
Implementation Method 3
The core ring is of a material capable of conducting magnetic flux. The term ring shall be broadly interpreted, as the function of the core ring is to guide magnetic flux around the source cable.
Data Source
AI summary
Subsea heating assembly, comprising a component interface cable (9) in association with a subsea component (7′) to be heated. The component interface cable receives power from an electric power source. The power source comprises an induction coupler (100) with core rings which surround an alternating current carrying source cable (5), and a winding cable (107) wound around the core ring The winding cable connects to the component interface cable. The induction coupler comprises an upper section (100a) with first core parts (101a) and a lower section (100b) with second core parts (101b). The winding cable is arranged in the upper section. The first core parts are aligned with second core parts when the upper section is landed on the lower section. The upper section is removable from the lower section.