Subsea Well Valve Arrangement for Fluid Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of subsea well installations, particularly in deepwater developments, is costly and time-consuming due to the need for cluster manifold systems that require significant hardware and complex pipeline spool connections, leading to delayed production and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The integration of valve arrangements directly into pipeline sections allows for fluid routing between subsea wells and pipelines, eliminating the need for cluster manifolds and reducing the complexity of pipeline spool connections by enabling flexible jumper connections and onshore testing and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional cluster manifold system is used to connect multiple subsea wells to pipelines, then fluid routing capability is achieved, but device complexity and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the cluster manifold and pipeline spool connections into a single integrated valve arrangement. This single device performs both fluid routing between multiple wells and connection to pipelines, eliminating the need for separate manifold and spool components. The valve arrangement includes multiple valve bodies with interconnected ports that directly receive jumpers from wells and connect to pipeline spools, consolidating what were previously separate functional elements into one unified device.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve arrangement is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs fluid routing between multiple wells, provides connection points for pipeline spools, and enables selective isolation of individual well streams. The valve body incorporates multiple ports and internal passages that allow it to serve as both a manifold for distributing fluid from multiple sources and a control point for directing flow to different destinations, replacing what previously required separate dedicated components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid pipeline spool connections are used between the cluster manifold and pipelines, then structural stability is improved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible jumpers as the connection medium between the valve arrangement and both the wells and pipelines. These flexible conduits replace the previously required rigid spool assemblies, allowing for easier handling, positioning, and connection during installation. The flexible jumpers can accommodate movement and misalignment more readily than rigid pipes, simplifying the installation process while maintaining adequate connection stability for the application.
3Manufacturing precision
If custom-length spools are manufactured to connect the cluster manifold to each well, then connection precision is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection system into standardized components: the valve arrangement with fixed port positions, standard-length flexible jumpers, and modular pipeline spool sections. This segmentation eliminates the need for custom-manufactured spools of varying lengths, as the flexible jumpers can be configured in standard lengths and positioned to accommodate the required connections. The valve arrangement's multiple ports provide fixed connection points that work with standardized components rather than requiring custom-fitted pieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the key parameter of connection length from a fixed, custom-manufactured dimension to a flexible, adjustable parameter. By using flexible jumpers instead of rigid spools, the effective connection length can be adjusted during installation to match the actual distances between wells and the valve arrangement, eliminating the need for precise pre-manufacturing of custom-length components while maintaining proper connection geometry.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a cluster manifold system is installed subsea, then subsea production capability is achieved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the manifold functionality and pipeline connection capabilities into a single valve arrangement that can be installed as one unit subsea. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components that need to be handled, positioned, and connected during subsea installation, thereby simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining full subsea production capability. The integrated design means fewer manipulation steps are required compared to assembling separate manifold and spool components.
Data Source
AI summary
A subsea well installation is provided, comprising a first pipeline comprising a first valve arrangement and a second pipeline comprising a second valve arrangement. The first valve arrangement is connected to a first subsea well and the second valve arrangement is connected to a second subsea well. The first valve arrangement is connected to the second valve arrangement. The installation is arranged such that fluid can be routed from the first well to any of the first pipeline and second pipeline. Each valve arrangement may comprise three two-way ball valves. Also provided is a method of installing the subsea well installation and a method of operating the subsea well installation.