Subsea Riser Capping System for Rapid Blowout Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for rapid containment and intervention of subsea well blowouts are not self-sufficient and require extensive equipment and resources, limiting the mobility and efficiency of mobile offshore drilling units.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a lower marine riser package capping system that includes a connector to connect with the subsea blowout preventer, a capping blowout preventer with double blind rams, diverter valves, and a slotted riser diverter section, allowing for rapid reconnection and containment of well fluid, and the use of drill pipe to divert and control fluid flow, enabling the mobile offshore drilling unit to be self-sufficient in intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing drilling equipment is utilized for rapid containment, then equipment availability is improved, but system complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing drilling equipment (drill pipe, drilling ship) to serve dual purposes: normal drilling operations and blowout containment/intervention. The drill pipe is equipped with both standard drilling tools and specialized containment equipment (capping system, diverter, valves) that can be deployed when needed, eliminating the need for separate dedicated containment equipment.
2Reliability
If extensive equipment and resources are used for containment, then containment effectiveness is improved, but mobility and self-sufficiency of the drilling unit deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the containment system with the existing drilling unit by integrating the capping system, diverter, and control valves directly onto the drill pipe and drilling ship. This consolidation allows the drilling unit to contain and respond to blowouts using its own equipment without requiring external support vessels or additional standalone containment systems, thereby maintaining mobility and self-sufficiency.
3Loss of time
If rapid reconnection and containment is achieved, then response time is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning the capping system, diverter, and control valves on the drill pipe before any blowout occurs. The equipment is ready for immediate deployment, and the drill pipe can be quickly reconnected to the wellhead through pre-established connection points. This pre-positioning eliminates the need for complex on-site assembly during emergency response.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for rapid containment and intervention of a subsea well blowout that can be performed in a rapid and efficient manner, where containment will minimize the damage to the environment and assets. The method can include disconnecting a riser from a subsea well after a blowout has occurred and moving the mobile offshore drilling unit away from the subsea well. Connecting a lower marine riser package with a blowout preventer, and diverting the well. The pressure and flow of the well fluid can be observed. At least of portion of the diversion path can be closed off and kill fluid and or cement pumped to the subsea well to kill and control the well.