Subsea Shared Actuation System with Articulated Rotary Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea valve actuation systems face challenges such as excessive weight and size, high costs, lengthy manufacturing periods, and complex maintenance due to their design, which hinders efficient installation, repair, and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A shared actuation system utilizing an articulated mechanism with rotary joints and hydrodynamic structural elements, connected to a sail element for stability, allows for lightweight construction and easy integration with subsea equipment, featuring a single interface for attachment and utilizing composite materials and floating elements to minimize weight and facilitate autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a shared actuation system with Cartesian positioning is used, then the number of valves that can be actuated is increased, but the weight and dimensions of the equipment increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: a base unit attached to the manifold and a movable actuation tool that can be positioned at different valve locations. This segmentation allows the same equipment to service multiple valves without requiring a large fixed structure spanning all valve locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation tool is designed to be movable rather than fixed, using dynamic positioning mechanisms that allow it to reach multiple valve interfaces. This dynamic approach replaces the static Cartesian positioning system, reducing overall equipment dimensions while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a shared actuation system with Cartesian positioning is used, then the number of valves that can be actuated is increased, but the complexity of installation and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the system into a fixed base unit and a movable tool, installation becomes simpler as each component can be installed independently. Maintenance is also simplified since the movable tool can be removed and serviced separately from the manifold integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate different manifold configurations, reducing installation complexity. The same base unit can service multiple valve types and locations, maintaining versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Reliability
If traditional electro-hydraulic control systems are used for each valve, then reliable valve actuation is achieved, but the manufacturing period and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve actuation functions are merged into a single shared actuation system. The movable tool carries the necessary actuation mechanisms (hydraulic power system, control electronics) that can service multiple valves, eliminating the need for separate actuation systems for each valve and significantly reducing manufacturing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared actuation system is designed as a universal platform that can actuate multiple different valves. This multi-functional design maintains reliable valve actuation while reducing the overall number of components needed, thereby shortening the manufacturing period.
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
The system reduces the weight and complexity of subsea equipment, enabling easier installation, maintenance, and replacement, while minimizing energy consumption and resisting marine corrosion, allowing for versatile applications beyond valve operation.
Implementation Method 1
The structural elements (6, 7) have a hydrodynamic profile and connect to a sail element (8), which assists the movement in the subsea environment
Implementation Method 2
The structural elements (6, 7) have a hydrodynamic profile and connect to a sail element (8), which assists the movement in the subsea environment
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to a shared actuation system to place tools on any subsea valve interface on an oil production station located in a subsea structure, such as a manifold. The system comprises a connection device for connection to the subsea structure, attached to the connection device at least one structural element, all connected to each other through rotary joints, providing at least two degrees of freedom for a distal end of the structure elements where an actuation tool is positioned, for interaction with the valve interfaces on the subsea structure, where the structural elements further is connected to a sail element.