Subsea Multipiston Pump Parallel Serial Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea pump systems for closing blowout preventers (BOPs) are bulky, heavy, and have limited adaptability due to the need for multiple pumps to achieve high fluid flow and pressure, which exceeds the weight and size limits of subsea equipment and the power supply from remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).
Innovation Solution
A subsea multipiston pump module with at least two pistons that can operate in parallel or serial modes, controlled by a control means to adjust fluid flow and pressure, allowing for high fluid flow at low pressure or low fluid flow at high pressure, and can be combined into a multistage pump for enhanced adaptability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple pumps are used to provide high fluid flow and pressure for BOP closing, then the required flow and pressure conditions are reached, but the system size and weight become huge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pistons into a single integrated pump unit that can operate in different configurations. The first and second pistons are housed together in a common housing with shared drive mechanisms, allowing the system to achieve both high flow and high pressure capabilities within a single compact unit rather than requiring separate pump systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system incorporates variable configuration capability where the pistons can be switched between parallel operation mode for high flow and serial operation mode for high pressure. This dynamic reconfiguration allows a single pump unit to adapt its performance characteristics based on operational requirements, eliminating the need for multiple fixed pumps.
2Power
If multiple pumps are used to provide high fluid flow and pressure for BOP closing, then the required flow and pressure conditions are reached, but the system becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pistons into a single integrated pump unit that can operate in different configurations. The first and second pistons are housed together in a common housing with shared drive mechanisms, allowing the system to achieve both high flow and high pressure capabilities within a single compact unit rather than requiring separate pump systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system incorporates variable configuration capability where the pistons can be switched between parallel operation mode for high flow and serial operation mode for high pressure. This dynamic reconfiguration allows a single pump unit to adapt its performance characteristics based on operational requirements, eliminating the need for multiple fixed pumps.
3Productivity
If a pump provides high fluid flow under low fluid pressure, then the closing process can be activated, but when higher pressure is needed the fluid flow decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system incorporates variable configuration capability where the pistons can be switched between parallel operation mode for high flow and serial operation mode for high pressure. This dynamic reconfiguration allows a single pump unit to adapt its performance characteristics based on operational requirements, eliminating the need for multiple fixed pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters by switching between parallel and serial piston configurations. In parallel mode, the pistons operate simultaneously to maximize flow rate. In serial mode, the pistons operate sequentially to build higher pressure, effectively changing the pump's performance parameters to match operational needs.
4Stress or pressure
If a pump provides higher fluid pressure, then the closing force increases, but the fluid flow capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system incorporates variable configuration capability where the pistons can be switched between parallel operation mode for high flow and serial operation mode for high pressure. This dynamic reconfiguration allows a single pump unit to adapt its performance characteristics based on operational requirements, eliminating the need for multiple fixed pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters by switching between parallel and serial piston configurations. In parallel mode, the pistons operate simultaneously to maximize flow rate. In serial mode, the pistons operate sequentially to build higher pressure, effectively changing the pump's performance parameters to match operational needs.
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 multipiston pump module reduces the size and weight of subsea pump systems while providing flexible operation modes, enabling efficient fluid pumping under subsea conditions without the need for additional power sources, thus meeting the demands of subsea operations effectively.
Implementation Method 1
pumps are used in emergency situations to close the BOP by applying a media fluid under a specific hydraulic pressure to activate the closing process
Implementation Method 2
skids used for a subsea operations almost reached the upper limit of allowable weight and size range and further also the upper limit of hydraulic powers supply available from ROVs
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a subsea multipiston pump module, a subsea multistage pump and skid, having two reciprocating pistons controlled by a control means in such a way that the pistons can be driven either in a parallel mode, where the pistons are driven in phase with each other, or in a serial mode, where the pistons are driven out of phase with each other, wherein the pistons are fluidly connected with each other by a piston connection means in such a way that in parallel mode they are fluidly connected in parallel, and in serial mode, they are fluidly connected in serial. Further, the invention relates to a method of pumping a media fluid under subsea conditions.