Subsea Testing Skid for Umbilical Integrity Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subsea control systems lack the ability to determine the functional status and integrity of subsea control systems, such as umbilicals and control modules, after initial placement and before hook-up, leading to potential delays and high costs due to reliance on topside testing and theoretical predictions.
Innovation Solution
A subsea testing skid equipped with electrical, optical, and fluidic testing modules, powered by ROV, SV, or AUV, which includes capacity for conductor resistance testing, optical time domain reflectometry, high voltage testing, and fluid pressure integrity testing, allowing for in-place assessment of subsea control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If subsea control systems are tested on topside before overboarding, then initial functional integrity can be confirmed, but the systems cannot be re-tested after placement until expensive topside equipment is re-deployed
Solution Approach 1:
An ROV serves as an intermediary carrier that transports compact testing equipment to the subsea control system. The ROV enables in-situ testing by delivering testing modules to the umbilical termination assembly or subsea control module, allowing re-testing without requiring expensive topside equipment deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing equipment is extracted from the topside facility and integrated onto the ROV. This extraction enables the testing function to be performed remotely at the subsea location, eliminating the need to return to topside for re-testing operations.
2Measurement precision
If subsea control systems are tested using topside equipment, then comprehensive testing can be performed, but significant delays and high costs occur when re-testing is needed after placement
Solution Approach 1:
The ROV acts as a mobile platform that delivers comprehensive testing modules to the subsea location. This intermediary approach maintains testing comprehensiveness while enabling rapid re-testing operations without the logistical burden of topside equipment deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system transitions from a static topside-based approach to a dynamic ROV-based approach. The ROV can be rapidly deployed and repositioned, allowing flexible and efficient re-testing at different time points without fixed infrastructure constraints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If theoretical predictions and hyperbaric chamber testing are used to assess subsea control system integrity, then some environmental factors can be simulated, but actual subsea conditions cannot be directly tested
Solution Approach 1:
The testing approach moves from simulated environmental conditions in hyperbaric chambers to actual in-situ subsea environmental conditions. By deploying testing equipment directly at the subsea location, the system experiences real seawater temperature, pressure, and chemical composition, providing authentic integrity assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The ROV serves as an intermediary that enables direct contact between testing equipment and the subsea control system in its actual operating environment. This eliminates the need for environmental simulation and provides direct measurement of system integrity under real subsea conditions.
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
Enables real-time, in-place testing of subsea control systems, reducing delays and costs by confirming the integrity of electrical cables, optical fibers, and fluid conduits under subsea conditions, thereby ensuring compliance with API/ISO standards and extending the lifespan of subsea equipment.
Implementation Method 1
test for one or more of conductor resistance, insulation resistance, time domain reflectometry (TDR), high voltage capacity
Implementation Method 2
optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR)
Implementation Method 3
fluid pressure integrity testing
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are described for subsea control system testing including one or more of electrical, optical and fluidic conduit testing, wherein the testing is conducted subsea using a subsea testing skid. In one embodiment of the invention a subsea pipeline service skid is provided that includes at least one skid mounted pump dimensioned to deliver from about 3000 to about 20000 p.s.i. of pressure for pressure testing the fluidic conduits to desired pressures. Modular construction of the skid permits customization for testing service of unique subsea control equipment.