Subsea In-Line Manifold Layout Using Bridging Pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing subsea manifolds are large and heavy, making them challenging to install and requiring expensive and complex operations, especially when connecting multiple pipelines with different pressures, which complicates the installation process and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves replacing the traditional large manifold with two or more structurally separate in-line manifold structures that can be installed separately and connected using bridging pipes, allowing for fluid communication between them, which are lighter and easier to install, and can be incorporated into pipelines as accessories during surface operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional large subsea manifold is used to connect multiple pipelines, then fluid management capability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traditional single large manifold into multiple separate in-line manifold structures distributed along the pipeline. Each in-line manifold performs a portion of the fluid management function, and collectively they achieve the same overall capability as the traditional manifold while being easier to install individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces bridging pipes as intermediary elements to connect the separate in-line manifold structures. These bridging pipes enable fluid communication between the distributed manifolds, allowing them to work together as an integrated system without requiring a single large centralized structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional large subsea manifold is used, then fluid management between multiple pipelines is achieved, but weight and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heavy traditional manifold into multiple lighter in-line manifold structures that can be installed separately. This segmentation reduces the weight of each individual component, making them suitable for standard installation procedures without requiring heavy-lift vessels.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional large subsea manifold is used, then comprehensive fluid control is achieved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the comprehensive fluid control function across multiple in-line manifold structures that can be installed independently and in parallel. This segmentation allows for concurrent installation activities and reduces the overall installation time compared to installing a single large manifold.
Solution Approach 2:
The in-line manifold structures can be pre-assembled with pipeline sections at the surface before being deployed to the subsea environment. This preliminary assembly reduces the complexity and time required for subsea installation operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A subsea manifold layout interconnects subsea pipelines that extend beside each other to convey hydrocarbon production fluids in use. Each of the pipelines has an in-line manifold portion that is apt to be installed with the pipeline as an in-line accessory structure lowered with the pipeline from the surface, for example using S-lay, J-lay or reel-lay techniques. Thus, the in-line manifold portions of the respective pipelines are structurally separate from each other. Bridging pipes complete a subsea manifold structure comprising two or more of the in-line manifold portions, providing for production fluids to flow between the pipelines via the manifold portions of the respective pipelines.