Subsea Pig Launcher Merging Platform and Launch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal scaling and deposits in seabed pipelines transporting oil and gas can lead to clogging, and existing pig launchers require complex deployment and separate loops, which are inefficient and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A seabed-mounted apparatus with a support frame, charging pipe, and remote-controlled valves to launch pigs into production flowlines, featuring a drive pig in sealing contact with the pipe wall and high-pressure fluid communication to advance a train of pigs, allowing for remote operation and simplified connection to the pipeline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate loop is deployed from the production platform to the subsea structure for pig launching, then pigs can be launched into the production pipeline, but the deployment becomes complex and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pig launcher with the production platform by integrating the charging pipe and launch mechanism directly into the platform structure. This eliminates the need for a separate deployment loop and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining pig launching capability into the production pipeline.
Solution Approach 2:
The production platform is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the production facility and the pig launching station. The charging pipe is integrated into the platform structure, allowing the same structure to handle both production operations and pipeline maintenance operations through pig launching.
2Ease of operation
If a separate loop is deployed for pig launching, then pigs can be launched, but space requirements and deployment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pig launching components (charging pipe, launcher mechanism) are merged into the existing production platform structure, eliminating the need for separate space allocation for a deployment loop. This integration significantly reduces the overall space footprint while maintaining full pig launching functionality.
3Productivity
If high pressure drive fluid is used to advance the train of pigs, then pigs can be efficiently launched, but complex valve control systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing high pressure production fluid already present in the pipeline to drive the pigs forward. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate high pressure fluid supply systems and complex valve control mechanisms, as the production flow itself provides the driving force.
4Reliability
If internal openings are provided in pigs for jetting, then deposits can be prevented from accumulating, but the pig structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pigs are designed with multi-functionality: they serve as both the cleaning element that scrapes deposits from the pipeline wall and as the vehicle that transports jetting equipment. The jetting system is integrated into the pig structure, allowing a single component to perform multiple functions rather than requiring separate devices.
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 efficient and remote-controlled launching of pigs to clean seabed pipelines, reducing the need for complex deployment and minimizing space requirements, while ensuring effective removal of deposits and preventing re-deposition, thus maintaining pipeline integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of valves, which on the one side are in fluid communication with the charging pipe, and on the other side are in fluid communication with a high pressure drive fluid different from the production flow
Implementation Method 2
an actuatable piston which is able to displace the train of pigs within the charging pipe
Implementation Method 3
the drive pig is in sealing contact with the internal wall of the charging pipe
Implementation Method 4
the drive pig is remote controlled actuatable by operation of said valves that apply drive fluid in predetermined volume when they open for advancement of the train of pigs
Implementation Method 5
the actuatable piston is influenced by a spring abutting a plate extending laterally of the charging pipe. This makes the piston to be single acting, i.e. that the piston returns to its position of origin by means of a return spring
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (10) for launching one or more pigs (5) for cleaning of production flow lines, or tubing, on the sea bed is shown. The apparatus includes a lifting frame (1) retaining a charging pipe (3) which is able to carry a train of pigs (51-510) resting stand-by in the charging pipe (3), a plurality of valves (V1-V4) which on the one side is in fluid communication with the charging pipe (3), and on the other side is in fluid communication with a high pressure drive fluid different from the production flow, a connecting means (2) for connecting of the apparatus (10) to a closable pipe sub leading to the production flow line to be pigged, and an actuatable piston (4) which is able to displace the train of pigs within the charging pipe (3).