Compact Subsea Tree Valve Block Internal Flow Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional subsea Christmas trees are heavy and complex, requiring extensive manufacturing processes and external flow loops that increase weight, size, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A compact subsea Christmas tree design featuring a valve block with integrated production and annulus branches, flow components, and an outlet hub directly attached to the valve block, eliminating external flow loops and simplifying manufacturing by routing production fluid through internal branches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional subsea Christmas trees are designed with separate flow loops and external connections, then flow control and monitoring are achieved, but weight and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the flow loop directly into the valve block structure, merging previously separate components (valve block, flow loop, outlets) into a single integrated unit. This eliminates external flow loops and reduces the number of separate connections required, thereby reducing weight while maintaining flow control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve block is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides flow control through integrated valves, flow monitoring through integrated meters, and multiple production outlets all within a single structural component. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external components, reducing overall system weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional subsea Christmas trees use external flow loops, then production fluid can be routed to multiple outlets, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple production branches and outlets are integrated directly into the valve block structure, combining what would traditionally require separate external flow loops and connections. This internal integration maintains the ability to route production fluid to multiple outlets while significantly simplifying the overall device structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional subsea Christmas trees are manufactured with separate components, then assembly and maintenance are possible, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve block, flow loop, and outlets are designed as an integrated structure that can be manufactured as a single unit or pre-assembled module, eliminating the need for complex field assembly of separate flow loops and connections. This integration reduces manufacturing time and complexity while maintaining ease of installation and maintenance.
Data Source
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AI summary
A subsea Christmas tree includes a valve block having a generally axially extending production bore, a first production branch which extends generally laterally through the valve block from the production bore to a side of the valve block, and a second production branch which extends generally laterally through the valve block from a first side of the valve block to a second side of the valve block. The first production branch has a first end which is connected to the flow bore and a second end which is located on the side of the valve block, and the second production branch has a first end which is located on the first side of the valve block and a second end which is located on the second side of the valve block. At least one flow component is connected to the valve block and includes, a first end in fluid communication with the second end of the first production branch and a second end in fluid communication with the first end of the second production branch. An outlet hub which is connected to or formed integrally with the valve block is connected to the second end of the second production branch. During the production mode of operation of the Christmas tree, production fluid is directed through the valve block through the first production branch to the flow component and then back through the valve block through the second production branch to the outlet hub.