Subsea Pump Power Module Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea pumping operations are limited by the available power from remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), which restricts pump flowrates, flooding speeds, and pressurization rates, making it difficult to achieve desired outcomes in operations like pipeline flooding, chemical injection, and hydrotesting.
Innovation Solution
A subsea pump and power system comprising a base unit on the seabed with a detachably mounted power module tethered to a surface power source via an electrical or hydraulic umbilical, allowing for higher power delivery and independent operation of pumps, including high-pressure and low-pressure pumps, and water treatment systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power is supplied from ROV to subsea pumps, then pumps can be operated remotely, but pump flowrates and pressurization rates are limited by available ROV power
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a base unit containing pumps and a power module containing the power source. The power module can be independently deployed and connected to the base unit, allowing the power capacity to be significantly larger than what an ROV can provide while maintaining remote operation capability through the tether connection.
Solution Approach 2:
A tether serves as an intermediary between the surface power source and the subsea pump system. This tether transmits both electrical power and control signals, enabling the pump system to access high power from the surface while maintaining remote subsea operation. The tether acts as the mediating link that resolves the contradiction between remote operation and high power availability.
2Productivity
If higher pump flowrates are achieved, then operational timescales are reduced, but more power is required
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the power module from the pump base unit and deploying the power module independently via ROV, the system can access significantly higher power levels than ROV-only operation. This enables the pumps to operate at higher flowrates and pressures, directly increasing productivity while the power module handles the increased power requirements through its connection to surface power sources.
3Power
If detachable power module is used, then power delivery is increased, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit is designed with universal connection interfaces that can accept different power module configurations. The engagement mechanisms are standardized, allowing the same base unit to work with various power module types and sizes. This modularity increases power availability while managing system complexity through standardized, multi-functional connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The power module and base unit are equipped with self-aligning engagement mechanisms that automatically connect electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical interfaces when brought together. This self-service connection capability reduces the complexity of deployment and operation, as the system configures itself without requiring complex external wiring or manual setup during deployment.
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 increased power for higher pump flowrates and pressures, reducing operational timescales and enabling more efficient subsea pumping operations such as hydrostatic testing, pigging, and chemical injection without relying on ROV power limitations.
Implementation Method 1
an umbilical for driving the motor
Implementation Method 2
the power module having a motor
Implementation Method 3
at least one hydraulic pump driven by the motor
Data Source
AI summary
A subsea pump and power system having a base unit positioned on the seabed to which is detachably mounted a power module tethered to a surface power source via a power umbilical. The base unit includes process pumps for carrying out subsea pumping operations and is lowered by a heavy lift cable into position on the seabed adjacent a hydrocarbon production facility prior to lowering of the power module on a tether. The power module includes a power unit which may include an electrical motor, or a hydraulic pump or both, one or more of which are driven by the umbilical extending from the surface. The tether supports the weight of the power module as it is lowered to the base unit and includes an electrical umbilical, a hydraulic umbilical or both.