Subsea Control Module RFID Tagging for Unpowered Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for identifying components at underwater well facilities, such as subsea control modules, face challenges in poor visibility and label readability, especially during storage or when deployed underwater, leading to difficulties in accessing vital information, particularly during power failures.
Innovation Solution
Employing a wireless identification tag, like a passive RFID tag, that stores and transmits data wirelessly to a reader device, allowing for non-contact data retrieval regardless of visibility conditions, and can be reprogrammed with operational data from a subsea electronics module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If visual labels are used for component identification, then component data can be read, but readability is poor in underwater environments and when items are in protected packages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an RFID tag as an intermediary carrier for component identification data. Instead of relying on visual labels that are difficult to read in underwater environments or when packaged, the RFID tag stores component data and enables wireless communication with interrogators, serving as a mediator that bridges the gap between the component and the data retrieval system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual label reading system with an electromagnetic field-based RFID system. The visual label requires physical proximity and line-of-sight reading, while the RFID tag uses electromagnetic fields to transmit data wirelessly, eliminating the need for direct visual contact and enabling data retrieval in previously inaccessible conditions.
2Loss of information
If RFID tags are used for wireless data transmission, then data accessibility is improved, but additional device components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag is designed as a passive device that does not require its own power source. It harvests energy from the electromagnetic field generated by the interrogator during the interrogation process, enabling it to transmit data without requiring a battery or power management circuitry, thus minimizing the addition of complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag system is designed to be universally applicable to various underwater components and equipment. The same tag and interrogator system can be used across different components, eliminating the need for component-specific identification systems and reducing overall system complexity through standardization.
3Ease of manufacture
If passive RFID tags are used, then no battery is required, but transmission power is limited by received RF energy
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the interrogation process based on the energy available to the passive tag. The interrogator can modify its signal characteristics and the duration of interrogation to ensure sufficient energy transfer to the tag for successful data transmission, adapting to varying conditions in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary energy assessment during the interrogation process. Before attempting full data transmission, the interrogator establishes communication and assesses the energy available to the passive tag, allowing it to plan and execute the data transmission sequence that maximizes the use of available energy.
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
Enables reliable and efficient data retrieval and reprogramming of subsea control modules, even in unpowered states, facilitating communication parameter resets and reducing the need for costly retrievals by providing a backup visual label and enabling data access through ROVs or divers.
Implementation Method 1
RFID is an available technology that permits data to be read from a tag using an interrogator or reader device in a wireless manner using radio frequency communication
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method is described of obtaining data from a subsea control module (1) of an underwater well facility. The method comprises the steps of: providing a tag (2) which stores data relating to the module, the tag being operable to wirelessly transmit the data to a reader device; locating the tag at the module; providing a reader device (4); and interrogating the tag using the reader device, such that the tag is caused to wirelessly transmit the data to the reader device, wherein the tag is communicatively connected to a subsea electronics module for receiving information therefrom.