Subsea Structure Monitoring With Threshold-Triggered Release Buoy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea structures, such as pipelines and mooring lines, experience damage due to displacement caused by events like anchor dragging or thermal cycles, which are not detected until catastrophic problems develop due to lack of inspection over long periods.
Innovation Solution
A subsea structure monitoring system with a base device, release mechanism, and buoy that activates upon threshold movement, releasing a buoy to the surface to send communication signals, including a non-metallic housing and control circuit with energy storage and communication devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If subsea structures are left in place with no inspection for long periods, then operational continuity is maintained, but displacement damage is not detected until catastrophic problems develop
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is installed in advance on the subsea structure, with the buoy positioned ready to deploy. The release mechanism is pre-configured to activate automatically when displacement occurs, eliminating the need for manual inspection timing decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous monitoring feedback through the buoy that surfaces when displacement is detected, transmitting location and condition data to alert operators of potential problems before they become catastrophic.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a monitoring system is installed to detect displacement, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is divided into separate functional modules: a base device with release mechanism attached to the subsea structure, and a buoy with communication equipment that deploys independently when needed. This segmentation reduces the complexity burden on any single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication and alerting functions are extracted into the separate buoy component, which only activates when displacement is detected. This allows the base monitoring device to remain simple while the buoy handles complex communication tasks only when needed.
3Loss of information
If the buoy is released to surface for communication, then information transmission is enabled, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buoy operates in a periodic manner, remaining dormant and energy-conserving at the subsea location until displacement is detected, then surfacing to transmit information, and returning to a low-energy state. This periodic activation pattern minimizes overall energy consumption while maintaining communication capability when needed.
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 timely detection of subsea structure displacement, allowing for prompt communication of location and condition, thereby preventing catastrophic damage.
Implementation Method 1
the buoy, upon being released, is configured to float toward a surface of the water
Data Source
AI summary
A subsea structure monitoring system can include a base device configured to be secured to a subsea structure. The subsea structure monitoring system can also include a release mechanism disposed within the base device, where the release mechanism has a default state and a released state. The subsea structure monitoring system can further include a buoy detachably coupled to the release mechanism, where the buoy includes a housing that houses a communication module and a switch. The subsea structure monitoring system can also include a trigger that is configured to convert the release mechanism from the default state to the released state. The release mechanism can be converted from the default state to the released state when the trigger exerts a minimum force on the release mechanism.