Subsea Insulation Monitoring Apparatus for Fault Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring line insulation properties in subsea equipment are inefficient and costly, often requiring manual disconnection and reconnection, which can lead to system shutdowns and damage, and lack the ability to accurately locate faults without electrical isolation.
Innovation Solution
A subsea apparatus with a voltage source, current measurement means, and processing unit that applies a test voltage to a wire to measure insulation properties, allowing for fault localization without electrical isolation, and also functions as a communication device, using AC or DC test signals to determine insulation resistance and leakage currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual disconnection and reconnection methods are used to measure insulation properties, then fault identification can be performed, but system shutdown is required and the process is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary insulation resistance measurements continuously during normal operation before faults actually occur. This allows the system to establish baseline insulation values and detect degradation trends proactively, enabling maintenance to be scheduled during planned shutdowns rather than requiring emergency shutdowns for fault diagnosis.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation monitoring system operates continuously during normal production without interruption. The measurement circuit is integrated into the live system, allowing insulation properties to be monitored in real-time while the system remains operational, eliminating the need to stop production for measurements.
2Measurement precision
If manual disconnection methods are used, then insulation measurements can be taken, but the process is inefficient and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically measuring insulation resistance of its own components and cables. The monitoring device is integrated into the system architecture, allowing it to measure insulation properties of connected equipment without requiring external intervention or disconnection of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical disconnection and reconnection operations with an electrical measurement system. Instead of physically disconnecting cables and components to access measurement points, the system uses integrated electrical circuits to measure insulation resistance through existing connectors and terminals.
3Measurement precision
If electrical isolation is used to locate faults, then measurement accuracy improves, but system shutdown is required and connectors may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary insulation resistance measurements continuously during normal operation before faults actually occur. This allows the system to establish baseline insulation values and detect degradation trends proactively, enabling maintenance to be scheduled during planned shutdowns rather than requiring emergency shutdowns for fault diagnosis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary measurement circuit that can measure insulation resistance through existing connectors without requiring disconnection. The measurement system is integrated into the live circuit architecture, allowing it to access measurement points through the normal operational connections rather than requiring physical separation of components.
4Measurement precision
If traditional insulation measurement methods are used, then insulation properties can be measured, but the system cannot communicate or collect data continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: insulation resistance measurement, capacitance measurement, polarisation index calculation, and digital communication. The monitoring device serves as both a measurement instrument and a communication node, capable of transmitting data wirelessly or through wired connections while simultaneously performing electrical measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously measures insulation properties and feeds this information back through communication interfaces to external monitoring systems or local displays. This feedback mechanism enables real-time tracking of insulation degradation, triggering alerts when thresholds are exceeded, and providing historical data for trend analysis and predictive maintenance.
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 rapid and accurate identification of insulation faults in subsea electrical lines, reducing downtime and costs by allowing fault localization without system shutdowns and enabling continuous communication and data collection.
Implementation Method 1
measuring insulation resistance, insulation capacitance or polarisation index
Implementation Method 2
the voltage measurement means connectable to the line to monitor the voltage between the line and earth
Implementation Method 3
a first current measurement means configured to measure a leakage current from the voltage source
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a voltage source, voltage measurement means and a processing means, and connects to a line to apply and monitor a voltage between the line and earth. The processing means controls the voltage source to transmit and receive communications from the line, via the voltage measurement means. The apparatus also has a first and second current measurement means. The voltage source is connectable to a wire under test to inject a predetermined test voltage on the wire. The wire extends in a first and second direction from the test location. The first current measurement means measures the leakage current from the voltage source flowing along the wire in a first direction, and the second current measurement means determines the leakage current along the wire in a second direction, and the processing means uses the current flows measured by both current measurement means to determine wire insulation properties.