Protective Shell for Subsea Umbilical Lines Under Riser Impact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Umbilical control lines in subsea well operations are prone to damage due to unwanted abrasion and impact forces when a floating rig or vessel moves relative to the riser and well, leading to potential severing or degradation of the control lines, which compromises the ability to remotely control downhole devices.
Innovation Solution
A protective encasement apparatus comprising semi-cylindrical members with impact-resistant outer shell materials and spacer shims, which can be securely fastened around the outer surface of tubular strings to encase and protect umbilical lines, absorbing shock and preventing damage from external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If umbilical control lines are secured to the outer surface of a tubular landing string in a riser, then the control lines can be protected from being pulled away during installation, but they become vulnerable to abrasion and impact forces when the floating vessel moves relative to the riser
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the umbilical control line inside a protective sleeve that is itself positioned within the riser. The sleeve acts as an inner protective layer that absorbs abrasion and impact forces, while the control line remains nested within this protective structure, preventing direct contact with harmful external forces during vessel movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective sleeve serves as an intermediary element between the umbilical control line and the harsh environment of the riser. This mediator absorbs the harmful effects of abrasion and impact forces generated by relative motion between the floating vessel and riser, protecting the control line without requiring it to be directly exposed to these damaging forces.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If control lines are run through the interior space of the landing string, then they are protected from external forces, but they obstruct the passage of fluids and other devices through the landing string
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by moving the control line protection to a different spatial dimension. Instead of placing control lines inside the landing string (occupying the internal flow path), the control lines are positioned outside the landing string within the riser, accompanied by a protective sleeve. This dimensional relocation maintains unobstructed fluid flow through the landing string while providing protection from external forces.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective sleeve is installed around the umbilical control line within the riser, then abrasion and impact damage is reduced, but the complexity of the installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is segmented into modular components: the umbilical control line, the protective sleeve, and the tensioner device. This segmentation allows each component to be independently installed and positioned along the riser, simplifying the overall installation process compared to a single integrated complex structure. The modular nature enables flexible installation at different locations within the riser.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioner device is designed to automatically maintain constant tension on the umbilical control line without requiring continuous manual adjustment or complex control systems. This self-service mechanism reduces installation and operational complexity by providing automatic tension maintenance through a simple mechanical or motorized device that responds to changes in riser configuration.
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
The encasement apparatus effectively shields umbilical lines from abrasion and impact, maintaining their integrity and ensuring reliable remote control of downhole devices without requiring extensive equipment or specialized training, while being affordable and easy to use.
Implementation Method 1
semi-cylindrical members with impact-resistant outer shell materials... absorbing shock and preventing damage from external forces
Data Source
AI summary
A protective member at least partially surrounds a desired length of pipe (such as a conventional landing string) and protects “umbilical” control line(s) or bundles, including pipe and umbilical line(s) installed within risers of subsea installations. At least one robust protective shell member is installed around at least a portion of a pipe string and forms at least one elongated channel. At least one umbilical control line is disposed within the elongated channel and is shielded against damage from inadvertent or unwanted abrasion, impact or other forces.