Subsea Pilot Regulator with Remote Selection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea pilot regulator systems face significant downtime and increased costs due to single-point failures, requiring a solution to quickly switch between regulators and enable remote control to minimize downtime and expenses.
Innovation Solution
A pilot regulator system with a housing, valve, and extension portion that allows for remote selection among multiple regulators, utilizing a selection member to direct fluid flow to one of several regulator outputs, and includes a design that accommodates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for actuation, ensuring seamless switching between regulators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pilot control valve is employed to regulate a single pressure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to single point failure requiring well plugging and BOP/LMRP replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the single pressure regulation function into multiple independent regulator units (first regulator, second regulator, third regulator), each capable of operating autonomously. This segmentation eliminates the single point of failure by distributing the regulatory function across multiple components, allowing the system to continue operating with reduced capacity if one regulator fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a selector valve that can switch between multiple pressure regulation outputs (first, second, and third regulated pressures), allowing the system to change operational parameters dynamically. This enables flexibility in selecting which regulator remains active based on operational needs, thereby maintaining reliability while managing complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple regulators are employed to eliminate single point failure, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases requiring selector valves and multiple fluid pathways
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple regulator units and a selector valve into an integrated assembly where all components work together as a unified system. The fluid pathways are merged through common inlet and outlet structures, reducing the overall complexity compared to having completely separate regulatory systems. The selector valve acts as a central control point that manages flow distribution to multiple regulators.
Solution Approach 2:
The selector valve serves multiple functions: it directs fluid flow to different regulators, selects which regulated pressure output is active, and enables switching between backup regulators. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high reliability through redundant regulatory capacity.
3Device complexity
If manual switching between regulators is required, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of time increases due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical switching with an automated actuator system that can be controlled remotely. The actuator mechanically operates the selector valve based on control signals, eliminating the need for manual intervention. This substitution of manual operation with automated control reduces response time while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
4Loss of time
If remote control capability is added to enable quick switching, then the loss of time is reduced, but the device complexity increases requiring actuators and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator serves as an intermediary component between the control system and the selector valve. It translates control signals into mechanical motion to operate the valve, thereby enabling remote control without requiring complex direct actuation mechanisms. This intermediary approach reduces response time while keeping the control architecture manageable through a clear separation of control and execution functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A pilot regulator system includes a housing having a fluid inflow port, a ball valve to regulate fluid flow among two fluid outflow ports, two regulator outputs each associated with one of said two fluid outflow ports, and a regulator selection aperture. An extension portion, generally horizontal to the regulator outputs, is connected to the regulator selection aperture, and includes an open end for access to a selection member that can be moved between two positions to select fluid flow to one of two regulator outputs. The extension portion also has a groove and the selection member has an extension extending through the groove so as to be movable by either the extension or the selection member itself. The extension portion has an expansive cross-sectional element to guide a remote vehicle to the selection member for movement thereof.