Subsea Interface Module for Auxiliary Line Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional auxiliary lines coupled to subsea well control risers increase weight and complexity, leading to higher deployment times and costs due to their parallel extension with the riser.
Innovation Solution
The development of subsea interface modules that allow for flexible and detachable auxiliary lines, with valves to control fluid communication between different lines, and a releasable riser connector that permits fluid communication between the riser and BOP assembly, enabling decoupling of auxiliary lines without affecting the riser connection, and flexible retaining members to manage line tension and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If auxiliary lines are coupled to and extend parallel with the riser, then fluid communication between the rig and subsea well is established, but weight and complexity of the riser system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary lines are segmented from the riser system, allowing them to be independently deployed and managed. The auxiliary lines are coupled to the BOP assembly rather than extending parallel with the riser, creating separate functional pathways that reduce overall system complexity and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary lines are extracted from the traditional parallel riser configuration and repositioned to couple directly to the BOP assembly. This extraction removes the unnecessary weight and complexity of having auxiliary lines extend the full length of the riser while maintaining their essential function of providing fluid communication.
2Reliability
If auxiliary lines are coupled to and extend parallel with the riser, then fluid communication is maintained, but deployment time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the auxiliary lines from the riser system and coupling them to the BOP assembly, deployment can occur in optimized sequences. The riser and auxiliary lines can be deployed independently and connected at the BOP assembly, reducing overall deployment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary lines are pre-configured to couple with the BOP assembly, allowing for preliminary preparation and testing before actual deployment. This preliminary configuration enables faster integration during the deployment process, reducing overall deployment time and cost.
3Reliability
If auxiliary lines are coupled to the riser, then fluid communication is established, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the riser for primary well control and the auxiliary lines for secondary functions. This segmentation simplifies the overall system architecture by clearly defining the role and connection point of each component, reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The BOP assembly serves as an intermediary structure that receives both the riser and auxiliary lines. This intermediary configuration simplifies the system by providing a centralized connection point, eliminating the need for complex parallel routing and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure includes apparatuses and methods for coupling one or more auxiliary lines to a subsea well control assembly.