Subsea Pump Barrier Fluid Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barrier fluid sealing systems for subsea pumps face challenges such as varying suction and delivery pressures, long response times, and high costs due to the need for individual pressure control systems for each pump, especially at greater depths where static pressure differences become significant.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic sealing system with a control unit and valve arrangement that adjusts barrier fluid pressure based on real-time working conditions, using a feed line with a first valve to supply maximum pressure and a second valve to bypass excess pressure, allowing for independent operation and reduced response time, and enabling shared barrier fluid supply for multiple pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate pressure control system with individual feed lines is provided for each subsea pump, then each pump can have independent and precise pressure control, but the system complexity and installation costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate pressure control systems into a single shared control system. One pressure control system serves multiple subsea pumps through a common feed line, eliminating the need for separate control systems at each pump location. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining pressure control capabilities through centralized management.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure control system is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple different pumps simultaneously. The single control system can dynamically adjust and maintain appropriate pressure levels for various pumps connected to the same feed line, making the system adaptable and multi-functional rather than dedicated to a single pump.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the barrier fluid source is located on a surface installation far from subsea pumps, then the system can operate at greater depths, but the response time for pressure adjustments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-pressurizes the barrier fluid in the feed line to the maximum required pressure before实际需要 occurs. This preliminary pressurization ensures that when pressure adjustments are needed at subsea pumps, the fluid is already at the correct pressure level, reducing the time required for pressure equalization and response.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed line acts as an intermediary medium that transmits pressurized barrier fluid from the surface installation to multiple subsea pumps. By maintaining the fluid under pressure throughout the feed line, the system bridges the distance between surface and subsea operations while minimizing response time delays.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the static pressure of the barrier fluid column at the pump is too high due to great depth, then the pump can operate at greater depths, but the pressure difference between produced fluid and barrier fluid becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the barrier fluid pressure to match the actual working conditions of each pump. Rather than maintaining a fixed high pressure throughout the system, the pressure control system continuously monitors and adjusts pressure levels to maintain an optimal pressure differential, allowing operation at various depths without excessive pressure differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter of the barrier fluid based on operating conditions. By adjusting the barrier fluid pressure to match the depth and working conditions of each pump, the system maintains appropriate pressure differentials for effective sealing while enabling operation at greater depths where static pressure would otherwise be excessively high.
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 system provides efficient and adaptive pressure control with reduced response time and cost, independent of water depth and static barrier fluid pressure, allowing for a single feed line to serve multiple subsea pumps, thus optimizing operational conditions and reducing installation and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
at greater depths the static pressure of the fluid barrier column on the pump will in some cases be too high
Implementation Method 2
A first valve is located in the part of the feed line that is above water. This first valve can be opened to initiate an increase in pressure in the barrier fluid system
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dynamic sealing system device for a submerged pump comprising at least one feed line running in towards the dynamic sealing system, with a first valve device arranged in the feed line and a second valve device arranged such that in an open position it opens a first bypass line that runs from a point on the feed line between the first valve device and the pump and a low-pressure source at the pump to reduce the pressure in a barrier fluid in the sealing system. The invention also comprises a method for reducing the barrier fluid pressure for a submerged pump.