Subsea Tieback Tool Routing Control Lines Internally
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Installation and Workover Control Systems (IWOCS) require two separate umbilicals and extensive equipment for hydraulic control and monitoring during subsea operations, which increases rig time and costs, and poses challenges in adverse weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
An Integrated Installation and Workover Control System (IIWOCS) integrates intervention and production tree flow testing control capabilities within the drilling riser system using a tieback tool with multiplex electro-hydraulic umbilical, eliminating the need for an external control umbilical by routing control lines internally through the drilling riser and BOP stack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate umbilicals are used for installation and workover control, then control functionality is comprehensive, but rig time and equipment expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate umbilical systems (installation control and workover control) into a single integrated umbilical. The umbilical includes both multiplex electro-hydraulic lines for installation operations and direct hydraulic lines for workover operations, eliminating the need for separate umbilicals and reducing rig time while maintaining comprehensive control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated umbilical is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides hydraulic control for installation operations (SSTT, THRT, tubing hanger) and workover operations (subsea tree valves, downhole valves) through a single system. This multi-functional design reduces equipment quantity and simplifies operations while maintaining full control capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate umbilicals with external equipment are used, then control capabilities are complete, but equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the installation control umbilical and workover control umbilical into a single integrated umbilical system. This consolidation reduces the number of separate equipment items, connection points, and attachment features while maintaining complete control capabilities for both installation and workover operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated umbilical serves as a universal control system that handles both installation operations (through multiplex electro-hydraulic lines) and workover operations (through direct hydraulic lines). This eliminates the need for separate external equipment and simplifies the overall system architecture.
3Ease of operation
If external umbilical is affixed to drilling riser, then control access is available, but Emergency Disconnect Unit installation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines workover control lines with the internal drilling riser system rather than using an external umbilical. This integration eliminates the need for separate External Control Umbilical and associated Emergency Disconnect Unit installation while maintaining control access through the existing riser infrastructure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If extensive equipment is used for hydraulic control and monitoring, then operational control is comprehensive, but equipment expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines installation control equipment and workover control equipment into a single integrated umbilical system with integrated control modules. This reduces the total quantity of separate equipment items while maintaining comprehensive operational control through shared infrastructure and consolidated control architecture.
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
This integration reduces rig time and equipment expenses by enabling efficient control and monitoring during installation and intervention without an external umbilical, facilitating safer and more efficient well operations, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
provide hydraulic pressure and enable pressure and temperature monitoring
Implementation Method 2
multiplex electro-hydraulic lines for deeper water applications
Data Source
AI summary
A subsea production system for controlling fluid flow from a well. The system includes a subsea production tree and a drilling riser engageable with the well. The tree includes electrical and hydraulic lines to communicate with equipment in the tree and downhole in the well. The system also includes a tieback tool that can be installed in the tree through the drilling riser to establish communication with the tree electrical and hydraulic lines and permit access into the well bore. The system also includes an umbilical connectable with the tieback tool and extendable inside the drilling riser to the surface. The umbilical can be used to communicate the tieback tool. The umbilical can also be used to communicate with the tree and downhole equipment through the tieback tool connection with the tree.