Subsea Pump Inlet Pressure Control via Adaptive Fill Choke
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control methods for fluid driven positive displacement pumps in subsea operations are not adaptive and struggle to maintain a consistent pump inlet pressure, leading to variations and spikes, which can result in unstable drilling conditions and slow drilling processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling subsea fluid driven positive displacement pumps by using sensors to monitor inlet pressure and flow rate, and adjusting fill choke positions based on calculated flow coefficients and fill volume equations to regulate pump inlet pressure and flow rate, allowing for adaptive control without the need for PID calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional control methods are used for subsea pumps, then the system is simple to operate, but the pump inlet pressure becomes unstable with variations and spikes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor pump inlet pressure and flow rate, and the control algorithm adjusts fill choke positions based on real-time measurements to maintain stable pressure despite disturbances
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses real-time sensor data to automatically adjust fill choke positions without external intervention, allowing the system to self-regulate and maintain stable pump inlet pressure through adaptive control
2Reliability
If adaptive control is implemented to maintain consistent pump inlet pressure, then pressure stability improves, but the control algorithm becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control algorithm dynamically adjusts fill choke positions based on real-time pressure and flow rate measurements, changing system parameters adaptively to maintain consistent pump inlet pressure under varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The control system transitions from static to dynamic operation by continuously monitoring sensor data and adjusting fill choke positions in real-time, enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain pressure consistency
3Stability of the object's composition
If fill choke positions are adjusted based on real-time sensor data, then drilling stability improves, but the system requires more sophisticated monitoring and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors monitor pump inlet pressure and flow rate in real-time, providing feedback to the control algorithm which adjusts fill choke positions to maintain stable drilling conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses sensors and algorithms to adjust fill choke positions, reducing mechanical complexity while improving control precision and drilling stability
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
This approach enables precise control of pump operations, maintaining a consistent pressure range and improving drilling stability by synchronizing filling and pumping sequences, thus enhancing drilling efficiency and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
solving a flow coefficient equation for a fill choke to regulate a pump inlet pressure
Implementation Method 2
sensors to monitor inlet pressure and flow rate
Implementation Method 3
The diaphragm moves in response to a pressure differential between the chambers
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for controlling the timing of a fluid driven positive displacement pump (FDPDP) are disclosed using pump inlet pressure, flow rate and time domain control. Pressure is thus controlled at various flow rates of fluids to be pumped in subsea environments. The FDPDP includes a plurality of pressure vessels connected by piping, each vessel having two chambers. One chamber is connected to a source of fluid to be pumped and the other chamber is connected to a source of driving fluid. The methods synchronize pumping chambers that have no mechanical means to control timing between each pumping chamber. The control methods described utilize algorithms which receive feedback from the pumping system to control the pumping sequence and adapt to any parameter changes to maintain a constant range of desired pressure.