Subsea Running Tool Locking and Positioning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subsea oil and gas production systems face challenges in efficiently transporting, installing, and removing modular components like subsea control modules and accumulators due to the need for precise alignment and secure locking mechanisms, especially in harsh underwater environments.
Innovation Solution
The insertion and setting structure, known as a 'running tool,' features a modular frame with locking, lowering, and lifting mechanisms, including latching hooks and a spindle drive, allowing for secure positioning and transportation of retrievable subsea units (RSUs) within a subsea tree structure, facilitated by remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for operation and emergency retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular components are transported and installed from sea level using insertion and setting structures, then flexibility and adaptability of subsea production systems are improved, but the complexity of locking and alignment mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion and setting structure is divided into separate functional modules: a frame structure for support, a locking means with latching hooks for secure attachment, and a lowering/lifting means for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrievable subsea unit is nested within the insertion and setting structure during transportation and installation. The unit is positioned within the frame structure and secured by the locking means, allowing compact integration during transport and easy release during operation.
2Reliability
If precise alignment and secure locking mechanisms are implemented for modular components, then reliability of component installation is improved, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means is designed to automatically engage and secure the retrievable subsea unit to the frame structure during the lowering process. The latching hooks are pre-positioned on the frame, and as the unit is lowered into place, the locking mechanism automatically engages without requiring precise manual alignment, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to self-engage and self-lock when the retrievable subsea unit is positioned on the frame structure. The latching hooks automatically secure the unit without requiring additional actuation or complex alignment procedures, reducing operational complexity while ensuring reliable attachment.
3Ease of operation
If lowering and lifting means are added to the insertion and setting structure, then ease of operation for installing and removing modules is improved, but the weight and complexity of the structure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lowering and lifting means serves multiple functions: it lowers the retrievable subsea unit onto the frame structure for installation, and it can also lift the unit for removal or repositioning. This multi-functionality justifies the added weight by providing both installation and maintenance capabilities through a single integrated mechanism.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a frame structure with locking means is used to secure retrievable subsea units, then stability and security of component positioning is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is designed as a segmented modular framework with standardized components. The locking means consists of discrete latching hooks that can be manufactured separately and attached to the frame segments. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing compared to a monolithic structure while providing stable positioning through the distributed locking points.
Data Source
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AI summary
A running tool configured to insert and set a retrievable subsea unit (RSU) into a subsea tree includes a frame having a lock configured to lock and unlock the running tool with respect to the subsea tree, a drive configured to lower or lift the RSU with respect to an accommodation space of the subsea tree, and a module lock configured to releasably lock the RSU to the drive.