Subsea Pumping Platform Independence via Electric Motor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea pipeline commissioning methods require a subsea vehicle to power pumping skids, limiting independence and flexibility, especially in deep water operations where weight and buoyancy become significant issues.
Innovation Solution
A Geometric Universal Pumping Platform (GUPP) with an electric motor driven hydraulic pump, suspended by an umbilical from a vessel, providing power to one or more pumps for commissioning operations like hydrostatic testing, flooding, and dewatering, independent of any subsea vehicle or ROV.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a subsea vehicle powers pumping skids, then the system can perform commissioning operations, but the system loses independence and flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into independent functional modules: the GUPP platform with its own electric motor and hydraulic pump, separate from any subsea vehicle. This segmentation allows the pumping system to operate independently without being integrated into the subsea vehicle's power and control systems, thereby improving system independence while maintaining operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The GUPP platform is designed as a universal system that can perform multiple commissioning operations (hydrostatic testing, flooding, dewatering, chemical treating, pigging) using its own power source. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for vehicle-specific power integration, providing both independence and versatility across different operational scenarios
2Productivity
If ROV-powered pumps are used, then pumping operations can be performed, but vessel deck space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pumping capability is extracted from the vessel environment and relocated to the subsea GUPP platform. The platform carries its own electric motor and hydraulic pump system, eliminating the need to store and deploy large pumping equipment on vessel deck space. This extraction maintains full pumping capability while reducing the footprint required on the vessel
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions pumping operations from the vessel deck (surface dimension) to the subsea environment (depth dimension). By suspending the GUPP platform from the vessel via umbilical and deploying it to subsea locations, the pumping functionality moves to another spatial dimension, preserving capability while freeing up deck space
3Length of moving object
If deep water operations are conducted, then extended depth range is achieved, but weight and buoyancy become significant issues
Solution Approach 1:
The GUPP platform uses a hydraulic system where an electric motor drives a hydraulic pump to generate high-pressure hydraulic fluid that powers the commissioning pumps. This hydraulic transmission allows efficient power delivery to subsea equipment while keeping the platform structure compact and weight-optimized for deep water deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with parameters optimized for deep water operations, including the use of compact, high-density components that maintain structural integrity under pressure while minimizing weight. The hydraulic system operates at high pressures suitable for deep water, and the platform's geometric design allows for weight optimization without compromising buoyancy or structural strength
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 GUPP offers flexibility, cost savings, and extended depth range capabilities by eliminating the need for ROV-powered pumps, allowing for independent operation and reduced vessel deck space requirements, with improved accessibility and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor that drives a hydraulic pump
Implementation Method 2
drives a hydraulic pump for producing high pressure hydraulic fluid
Implementation Method 3
an umbilical that provides the electric current for the electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a Geometric Universal Pumping Platform (GUPP) that comprises a platform containing an electric motor that drives a hydraulic pump for producing high pressure hydraulic fluid and one or more pumps powered by the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump. The pump is selected for the desired commissioning method to be carried out, such as flooding, chemical treating, pigging, hydrostatic testing or dewatering the pipeline. The GUPP is suspended from a vessel by an umbilical that provides the electric current for the electric motor supported by the GUPP.