Subsea Running Tool Control Via Magnetic-Induction Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling subsea well equipment installation using umbilicals and penetrators pose safety risks, require significant deck space, are prone to damage, and necessitate personnel entry into the red zone, while wired drill pipe solutions are space-intensive and also require red zone entry.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a control device with wireless communication interfaces and a memory configured for state identifiers, enabling subsea communication with a communication module externally positioned, allowing remote control of running tools through magnetic induction antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an umbilical is used to supply power and communication to the running tool, then the running tool can receive power and control signals, but personnel must enter the red zone which creates safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical umbilical connection system with a wireless communication system. The running tool is equipped with a communication module that can wirelessly receive control commands and transmit status information back to the control device on the floating vessel, eliminating the need for physical umbilical handling in the red zone and thereby improving safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the communication function from the mechanical umbilical system by implementing a standalone communication module on the running tool. This module can establish wireless communication with the control device, separating the communication function from the power supply function that requires physical connection
2Ease of operation
If an umbilical is used for power and communication, then the running tool can be controlled, but the umbilical requires large deck space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the space-consuming mechanical umbilical with a wireless communication system. The communication module on the running tool establishes wireless links with the control device, eliminating the need for large deck space to store and handle the umbilical while maintaining full control capability
3Reliability
If an umbilical is used to control the running tool, then power and communication can be transmitted, but the umbilical is prone to damage from mechanical stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical umbilical that is vulnerable to stress with a wireless communication system. The communication module uses electromagnetic signals to transmit control commands and status information, eliminating mechanical stress exposure while maintaining reliable transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless communication field between the control device and the running tool. This electromagnetic field mediates the transmission of control signals and status information without requiring physical contact, thereby avoiding mechanical stress damage
4Extent of automation
If a penetrator is used for communication through the blow-out preventer, then wireless control can be achieved, but the penetrator cannot be moved once installed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic wireless communication system where the communication module on the running tool can establish and break wireless connections as needed. Unlike a fixed penetrator, the wireless system adapts to the running tool's position and operational requirements, providing both wireless control and movability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication parameter from a fixed physical connection (penetrator) to a variable wireless connection. The wireless communication can be established, maintained, or terminated based on operational needs, providing adaptability while achieving wireless control
5Ease of operation
If wired drill pipe is used for communication, then the running tool can be controlled, but it requires significant deck space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wired drill pipe communication system with a wireless communication system. The communication module on the running tool establishes wireless links with the control device, eliminating the need for space-intensive wired connections while maintaining control capability
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 solution reduces safety risks, eliminates the need for red zone entry, and optimizes deck space usage by providing effective, wireless control of subsea equipment installation.
Implementation Method 1
allowing remote control of running tools through magnetic induction antennas
Data Source
AI summary
A system is for remotely controlling a running tool to install equipment in a subsea well through a subsea structure. The system has a control device for controlling the running tool and a communication module for wirelessly communicating with the control device. The control device and the communication module include wireless communication interfaces for communicating subsea with each other through the subsea structure when the control device is provided internally to the subsea structure and the communication module is provided externally to the subsea structure. The memory of the control device is configured with state identifiers for representing internal states of the running tool and programs associated with operations for controlling the running tool. The control device is configured to receive commands from the communication module, execute the programs based on the command, and return a state identifier for representing a current internal state of the running tool.