Subsea Latch Tool Hydraulic Wedge Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea latch tools face challenges in achieving a structurally sound connection while allowing easy connection and disconnection, and often require subsea operations for release, lacking a reliable secondary disengagement mechanism and being prone to plastic deformation.
Innovation Solution
A subsea latch tool design featuring a latch tool body with a lock piston and lock ring that expands and contracts hydraulically, incorporating a wedge surface and split lock ring to ensure secure engagement and disengagement, along with a secondary mechanism for remote operation using hydraulic pressure to facilitate easy and repeated cycles without plastic deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch tool is designed to achieve a structurally sound seal, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of connection and disconnection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch tool employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the lock ring can expand and contract based on hydraulic pressure. During connection, hydraulic pressure expands the lock ring to engage with the component securely. During disconnection, reducing hydraulic pressure allows the lock ring to contract and disengage automatically, providing both reliable connection and easy disconnection without requiring complex manual operations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic pressure to control the expansion and contraction of the lock ring. Hydraulic fluid is directed to the interior of the lock ring to expand it for secure engagement, and pressure is released to allow contraction for easy disengagement. This hydraulic mechanism eliminates the need for complex mechanical override systems while maintaining both connection reliability and operational ease
2Reliability
If a latch tool requires subsea operations for release, then connection security is improved, but operational complexity and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The latch tool is designed with a self-release mechanism that automatically disengages the lock ring from the component when hydraulic pressure is reduced. The system serves itself by using the same hydraulic pressure that secures the connection to also control its release, eliminating the need for separate subsea intervention systems or complex override mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring additional subsea operations to release the latch, the system inverts the approach by designing the locking mechanism to automatically release when pressure is removed. The normal operational state (pressurized) provides security, while the relaxed state (depressurized) provides automatic release, reversing the conventional wisdom that release requires active intervention
3Productivity
If a latch tool is designed for easy disconnection, then operational efficiency is improved, but connection security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lock ring transitions between two distinct states based on hydraulic pressure: an expanded engaged state that provides secure connection with high reliability, and a contracted disengaged state that enables easy and rapid disconnection. The dynamic nature of the system allows it to optimize for security during operation and for efficiency during disconnection without compromising either state
4Ease of operation
If a latch tool uses hydraulic pressure for locking, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of plastic deformation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The lock ring is designed as a flexible elastic structure that can temporarily deform under hydraulic pressure to expand for engagement, then return to its original shape when pressure is released. The elastic properties of the lock ring allow it to withstand the hydraulic pressure cycles without permanent plastic deformation, maintaining its structural integrity and functionality over repeated operations
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
The design enables reliable, remote, and repeated engagement and disengagement of subsea components, maintaining a structurally sound seal and avoiding plastic deformation, thus enhancing operational safety and efficiency in subsea environments.
Implementation Method 1
A subsea latch tool design featuring a latch tool body with a lock piston and lock ring that expands and contracts hydraulically
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a wedge surface and split lock ring to ensure secure engagement and disengagement
Data Source
AI summary
A subsea latch tool has a latch tool body with an outer surface, a lock piston slidably mounted over the outer surface of the latch tool body and movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and a lock ring extending around the outer surface of the latch tool body. The lock piston has a wedge surface at an end thereof. The wedge surface of the lock piston is interposed between the outer surface of the latch tool body and an inner surface of the lock ring. The lock piston is movable from the retracted position to the extended position so as to expand an outer diameter of the lock ring.