Subsea Jumper Termination Stacking for Manifold Tie-In Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea manifolds often run out of connectors when new hydrocarbon discoveries are made or further tie-ins are required, necessitating additional subsea infrastructure installation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allows for the connection of multiple subsea flowlines to a single subsea manifold using vertically stacked jumper termination apparatus with access interfaces, enabling flexible and increased connection capabilities without the need for additional infrastructure, utilizing ROV-operated clamping and guide funnels for efficient fluid and mechanical intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a subsea manifold has a fixed number of connectors, then the initial flow system can be established, but the manifold cannot accommodate additional tie-ins when new hydrocarbon discoveries are made
Solution Approach 1:
The jumper termination apparatus enables nested connections where multiple jumper flowlines can be stacked vertically on a single manifold connector. The first jumper flowline connects directly to the manifold connector, while subsequent jumper flowlines connect to the access interface of the previous jumper termination apparatus, creating a nested daisy-chain configuration that allows multiple tie-ins without additional manifold connectors
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a planar two-dimensional connector arrangement on the manifold to a three-dimensional vertical stacking configuration. By utilizing the vertical dimension with stacked jumper termination apparatus and access interfaces oriented at different elevations, the system accommodates multiple flowlines in the vertical axis rather than requiring additional horizontal connector positions on the manifold
2Adaptability or versatility
If new subsea infrastructure is installed to accommodate additional tie-ins, then connector availability increases, but the complexity and cost of subsea installations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jumper termination apparatus serves multiple functions: it provides a connection point for jumper flowlines to the manifold, creates an access interface for subsequent tie-ins, and enables vertical stacking of multiple flowlines. This multi-functional design allows a single apparatus to fulfill the role of multiple connectors, eliminating the need for additional manifold infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into modular jumper termination apparatus units that can be independently installed and stacked. Each apparatus is a self-contained module with coupling means for the jumper flowline, connector coupling means for the manifold, and an access interface, allowing incremental expansion of tie-in capacity without requiring comprehensive infrastructure replacement
3Quantity of substance
If multiple jumper flowlines are connected to a single manifold connector, then connection capacity increases, but the load on the existing infrastructure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested stacking configuration distributes mechanical loads vertically through the stacked jumper termination apparatus. Each apparatus in the stack supports its own jumper flowline while being mechanically supported by the apparatus below it, creating a distributed load path that reduces the concentrated force on any single manifold connector
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a jumper termination apparatus for a subsea jumper flowline, a flow system incorporating a jumper termination apparatus, and a method of use. The jumper termination apparatus comprises a body, a jumper coupling means configured to couple the body to a jumper flowline, a connector coupling means configured to couple the body to a subsea manifold connector, and an access interface disposed on the body, arranged above the connector coupling means and vertically oriented to enable access from above. The body defines a first flow path from a coupled jumper flowline to a coupled subsea manifold connector, and a second flow path from the access interface to the first flow path or the subsea manifold connector. The access interface is configured to be connected to a termination apparatus of a second jumper flowline in a vertically stacked arrangement.