Subsea Landing String Autonomous Emergency Shut-In
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subsea well systems lack an efficient and autonomous mechanism for emergency shut-in and disconnect of landing strings, particularly in response to events like overpull or lock-up of Active Heave-motion Drawworks, which can lead to hydrocarbon release and require manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A subsea landing string system equipped with a latch assembly and instrumentation module that measures parameters such as tension, torque, and pressure to autonomously initiate shut-in and disconnect, utilizing a weakened region for controlled separation and electro-hydraulic actuation to ensure rapid and safe disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual intervention is used for shut-in and disconnect operations, then operational control is maintained, but response time is delayed and hydrocarbon release risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs autonomous detection and response mechanisms where the landing string itself detects overpull conditions and triggers shut-in and disconnect operations without requiring manual intervention. The instrumentation module continuously monitors tension and automatically initiates safety protocols when predetermined thresholds are exceeded, enabling the system to serve itself in emergency situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-positions shutdown valves and disconnect mechanisms in readiness before emergencies occur. The instrumentation module continuously monitors parameters and has pre-programmed response protocols that automatically execute when threshold conditions are met, eliminating the time lag associated with manual decision-making and action during critical events.
2Reliability
If autonomous emergency shut-in and disconnect systems are implemented, then response time is reduced and safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrumentation module serves multiple functions: it monitors tension, detects overpull conditions, triggers shut-in sequences, and initiates disconnect operations. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional device rather than separate systems, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive autonomous emergency response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the detection, control, and execution functions into an integrated autonomous response system. The instrumentation module merges sensing, processing, and actuation capabilities, while the shutdown valves and disconnect mechanisms are coordinated through a unified control logic, reducing the number of independent complex subsystems required.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If instrumentation modules are added to measure parameters autonomously, then emergency detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The instrumentation module is designed as a multi-functional device that performs parameter measurement, threshold comparison, and trigger initiation within a single integrated unit. This consolidates what could be separate complex subsystems into one cohesive instrument, improving detection capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
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 controlled autonomous shut-in and disconnect of the landing string, limiting hydrocarbon release and ensuring safety by detecting predetermined conditions and applying a predetermined tensile load to separate the latch assembly, thereby preventing unwanted fluid release and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
separates upon application of a predetermined tensile load
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A technique facilitates automatic shut-in of a well and disconnect of a corresponding landing string. The landing string is employed in a well application and comprises a landing string module which measures a parameter or a variety of parameters. Those parameters may be used to determine the occurrence of an event which initiates shut-in of the well and disconnect of the landing string. The subsea landing string system is constructed to enable autonomous shut-in and disconnect.