Subsea Well Control System Threshold Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea well control systems face challenges in preventing structural failure of Intervention Riser Systems (IRS) due to unpredictable loading conditions, which can lead to rupture and loss of control, especially when heave compensators fail or excessive tension is applied, potentially causing hydraulic control line damage and preventing safe shut-in or disconnect operations.
Innovation Solution
A control system that automatically actuates the well control device before structural failure occurs by detecting a threshold load approaching the failure load, using a first control unit on the surface and a second control unit subsea, connected via electrical or acoustic signals, to trigger the well control device to move from a deactivated to an activated state, ensuring safe operation and preventing equipment disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual monitoring and operation of the well control device is used, then system complexity is reduced, but response time to prevent structural failure is delayed and reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary action by automatically detecting when the load approaches the threshold value and actuating the well control device before structural failure occurs. This eliminates the need for manual monitoring and ensures timely response, resolving the contradiction between reliability and system complexity by automating the protective action in advance.
2Reliability
If automatic control system with threshold detection is implemented, then response time and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements self-service by automatically monitoring the load, detecting when the threshold is approached, and actuating the well control device without external intervention. This automation improves reliability while managing complexity through integrated self-monitoring and self-actuation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring the load on the IRS and comparing it to the predetermined threshold value. When the load approaches the threshold, the system automatically triggers actuation of the well control device, creating a closed-loop control system that enhances reliability through real-time monitoring and automatic response.
3Ease of operation
If heave compensator is used to manage tension, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of failure leading to structural damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting when the load approaches the threshold value and automatically actuating the well control device to prevent structural failure. This counteracts the harmful effect of potential heave compensator failure or excessive tension before it can cause damage, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and risk mitigation.
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 system ensures timely actuation of the well control device to prevent structural failure and maintain control, even in situations where heave compensators fail or excessive tension is applied, thereby ensuring safe operation and preventing equipment disconnection, allowing for reliable well control and emergency shut-in or disconnect procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a first control unit configured to detect that a load in IRS equipment coupled to the well control device has reached a threshold
Implementation Method 2
using a first control unit on the surface and a second control unit subsea, connected via electrical or acoustic signals
Implementation Method 3
using a first control unit on the surface and a second control unit subsea, connected via electrical or acoustic signals
Data Source
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AI summary
A control system automatically operates a subsea well control device on detecting that a load in an Intervention Riser System (IRS) coupled to the subsea well control device has reached a threshold below a failure load of the IRS. The control system has a first control unit to detect that the load in the IRS has reached the threshold and a second control unit triggering actuation of the subsea well control device to cause it to move from a deactivated state to an activated state in which the subsea well control device provides a well control function. The first control unit is connected to and/or in communication with the second control unit and issues an activation command to the second control unit to cause it to trigger actuation of the subsea well control device. The first control unit is automatically issues the activation command to the second control unit upon detecting that the load in the IRS has reached the threshold, to trigger actuation of the subsea well control device prior to structural failure of an IRS or a component thereof occurring.