Offshore Subsea Riser Tension Frame with Movable Motion Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing offshore subsea wellbore activities systems lack versatility, efficiency, and effective use of storage space, particularly in switching between coiled tubing and wireline operations, and in handling fragile and expensive wellbore tools.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a riser tension frame with a coiled tubing injector and wireline lubricator, movable within the frame between parking and operative positions, and a motion arm assembly for lateral access, enabling efficient transfer of elongated tools and tubulars, along with a tubular gripper member for secure handling and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed riser tension frame is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but the system lacks versatility in switching between coiled tubing and wireline operations
Solution Approach 1:
The riser tension frame is designed with movable components including a movable lower frame section that can be detached and reattached, and a motion arm assembly that can reposition equipment. This dynamic design allows the frame to adapt between different operational modes (coiled tubing and wireline) while maintaining structural integrity when fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The riser tension frame incorporates multiple functional components within a single structure: a coiled tubing injector, a wireline lubricator, and a motion arm assembly. This multi-functionality enables the same frame to support both coiled tubing and wireline operations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated frames for each operation type.
2Productivity
If equipment is permanently installed in the riser tension frame, then operational efficiency is improved, but storage space is wasted when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The lower frame section is designed to be detachable and movable between stored and operational positions. When not in use, the lower frame section can be removed from the upper frame section, allowing the equipment to be stored in a compact configuration and the storage space to be utilized for other purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The riser tension frame is divided into separable components: an upper frame section and a lower frame section. This segmentation allows the equipment to be divided into operational and storage portions, enabling efficient use of storage space while maintaining operational efficiency when assembled.
3Reliability
If manual handling of wellbore tools is used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but reliability and safety are compromised due to manual errors
Solution Approach 1:
The motion arm assembly is equipped with automated gripping mechanisms that can independently grasp, lift, and position wellbore tools without requiring manual intervention. The system uses its own integrated actuators and control systems to perform handling operations, reducing human error and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling operations are replaced with an automated motion arm assembly that uses controlled mechanical movements driven by actuators. This substitution of manual operation with automated mechanical control improves reliability while maintaining appropriate complexity levels through standardized mechanical components.
4Ease of operation
If a motion arm assembly is added for lateral access, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motion arm assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit that can handle various operations including transferring tools, positioning equipment, and assisting with tubular handling. By consolidating multiple handling functions into a single automated assembly, the system improves ease of operation without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An offshore subsea wellbore activities system and method wherein use is made of a tower and a motion arm assembly with vertical drive adapted to move the motion arm along a vertical motion arm rail relative to the tower. Also use is made of a wellbore activities device comprising a riser tension frame having an upper frame section, a lower frame section provided with a riser attachment device adapted to attach a riser to said lower frame section so as to extend in a firing line, and a vertical riser load bearing structure, e.g. formed by struts. The wellbore activities device further comprises a coiled tubing injector, a wireline lubricator, and one or more pressure control devices associated with the coiled tubing injector and/or the wireline lubricator received by and individually movable within the riser tension frame. The wellbore activities device provides a lateral firing line access passage allowing to transfer an elongated wellbore tool or a wellbore tubular in vertical orientation thereof by means of the motion arm assembly in a substantially lateral motion between and a remote position outside of the riser tension frame and an operative position within the riser tension frame and aligned with the firing line.