Subsea Stack Alignment via Self-Aligning Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subsea blowout preventer stack assemblies are custom-fit and not interchangeable, requiring manual adjustments during assembly, which is inefficient and costly, especially in deep-water environments where response time and reliability are critical.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates oversized mounting holes, self-aligning components, and a laser measurement system to enable axial and rotational alignment of Lower Marine Riser Packages with Lower Stack assemblies, allowing for interchangeable connections without surface adjustments, including the use of ring alignment pins, alignment plates, and floating feed-thru connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If custom-fit assembly methods are used for subsea stack assemblies, then assembly precision can be achieved through manual adjustments, but assembly time increases and interchangeability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment features (pins, plates, holes) are pre-configured on components during manufacturing to enable self-alignment during assembly, eliminating the need for manual adjustments and surface testing while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system uses self-aligning components where oversized mounting holes and alignment pins automatically guide components into correct positions during assembly, allowing the assembly process to self-correct without external intervention
2Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustments are performed during assembly, then alignment precision can be achieved, but operational efficiency decreases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Self-aligning components with oversized mounting holes and alignment pins automatically achieve precise alignment during assembly without requiring manual adjustments, thereby maintaining precision while dramatically improving operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment processes with a self-aligning mechanical system using alignment pins, plates, and oversized holes that automatically achieve precise positioning through geometric constraints
3Productivity
If components are assembled separately without initial mating, then assembly speed increases, but alignment precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment features are pre-configured on components during manufacturing, allowing separate assembly of components that will automatically align when brought together, maintaining precision while enabling parallel assembly operations
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment pins and plates serve as intermediary elements that mediate between separately assembled components, ensuring precise alignment through geometric constraints while allowing components to be manufactured and prepared independently
4Productivity
If interchangeable design is implemented, then mass production efficiency increases, but design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Standardized alignment features and connector designs are created that can be universally applied across multiple subsea stack assembly configurations, enabling interchangeable components while managing design complexity through standardization
Data Source
AI summary
A method to interchangeably connect a plurality of Lower Marine Riser Packages with a lower BOP stack includes engaging a Lower Marine Riser Package connector of the Lower Marine Riser Package, with a Lower Stack mandrel connector of a Lower Stack, thereby aligning the Lower Marine Riser Package and the Lower Stack axially about a vertical axis, engaging at least one ring alignment pin of the Lower Marine Riser Package with at least one alignment plate of the Lower Stack, thereby rotationally aligning the Lower Marine Riser Package and the Lower Stack within a specified angle about the vertical axis, and engaging feed-thru connections between the Lower Marine Riser Package and the Lower Stack.