Subsea Pipeline Access Nodes for Flexible Utility Tie-Ins
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing subsea pipeline systems face inefficiencies in space utilization and production efficiency due to initial planning limitations, as the location and placement of subsea equipment are often suboptimal as more information about the reservoir becomes available during field development, and the use of large and expensive umbilicals for supplying utilities is costly and inflexible.
Innovation Solution
A novel subsea pipeline system with pre-fabricated and pre-positioned access nodes that can be accessed on an as-needed basis, allowing for the integration of additional wells and equipment, and utilizing strapped utility lines for flexible supply of utilities, reducing the need for traditional bundled umbilicals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bundled umbilicals are used to supply utilities to subsea equipment, then utilities can be supplied reliably, but the system becomes large, expensive, and inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the utility supply system into separate utility lines (electrical power, communication, chemicals) that can be independently routed and connected to access nodes along the pipeline, replacing the traditional bundled umbilical approach. This segmentation allows each utility to be supplied through dedicated pathways, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point umbilical connection to a distributed multi-point access system along the pipeline. By creating multiple access nodes at different locations along the pipeline, the system adds spatial dimensionality to utility distribution, enabling flexible connections at various points rather than requiring a single large umbilical bundle.
2Productivity
If subsea equipment location and placement are decided based on initial limited reservoir knowledge, then field development can begin, but the equipment placement becomes suboptimal as more reservoir information becomes available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-fabricated access nodes into the pipeline during manufacturing, before the pipeline is deployed subsea. These access nodes are prepared in advance at known locations, enabling future equipment to be connected at predetermined points without requiring pipeline modifications. This preliminary action allows the system to adapt to changing reservoir understanding while maintaining production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic field development system where equipment can be added, removed, or repositioned by connecting to different access nodes along the pipeline as reservoir knowledge evolves. The system transitions from a static initial placement to a dynamic configuration that can adapt over time, improving both productivity and adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If access nodes are pre-fabricated and pre-positioned in the pipeline, then field development flexibility improves, but the pipeline manufacturing and deployment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline is manufactured as modular sections, each containing predetermined access nodes at specific intervals. This segmentation allows access nodes to be integrated into standard pipeline modules during manufacturing, making the added complexity manageable through standardization. Each module can be independently fabricated and then assembled into the complete pipeline system.
Solution Approach 2:
The access nodes are designed with universal connection capabilities that can accommodate different types of equipment and utility connections. By creating a standardized multi-functional access node design, the pipeline can serve multiple purposes and connect to various equipment types, justifying the increased manufacturing complexity through enhanced versatility and reduced need for custom modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A system disclosed herein comprises a pipeline and a plurality of access node structures axially spaced apart from one another along the pipeline, wherein each of the plurality of access node structures comprises a substantially planar upper surface. Also disclosed is a method for deploying a pipeline that comprises a plurality of future access node structures, wherein, at the time the pipeline is deployed subsea, the future access node structures prevent access to an interior of the pipeline, and wherein the plurality of access node structures comprises at least one of a tapping structure, a pressure-barrier retaining structure that is adapted to receive a pressure-barrier device and a pressure-barrier retaining structure comprised of a recess with a scored pressure-retaining bottom.