Subsea Well Kick Control via Bypass Line Diversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subsea well systems face challenges in timely detection and control of fluid kicks due to reliance on human interpretation and ineffective sealing of the riser annulus, leading to increased non-productive rig time and risk of blowouts.
Innovation Solution
A subsea wellbore system with integrated sensors and a control unit that determines the presence of kicks and controls the wellhead equipment in real-time, using a bypass line to divert return fluid flow and prevent flow through the riser annulus, thereby reducing the need for sealing the riser annulus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If human interpretation and manual control are used to detect and respond to kicks, then operational flexibility is maintained, but response time is delayed and non-productive rig time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by implementing automated kick detection and response capabilities. Sensors continuously monitor wellbore conditions and automatically trigger control actions without requiring human interpretation or manual intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in detecting and responding to kicks
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring wellbore parameters through sensors and using this information to automatically adjust control actions. The real-time data flow from sensors to control systems creates a closed-loop feedback mechanism that enables rapid response to changing well conditions
2Reliability
If the riser annulus is sealed to control kick flow, then fluid containment is achieved, but operational complexity and risk of blowout increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the kick control function from the riser annulus sealing mechanism. By using alternative methods such as wellhead equipment and bypass lines, the system removes the dependency on sealing the riser annulus, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining kick control reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the kick control function into separate, independent components. Instead of relying on a single complex sealing mechanism, the control function is divided into multiple discrete elements including wellhead equipment, bypass lines, and automated control systems, each performing specific functions
3Speed
If integrated sensors and automated control are implemented, then response time to kicks is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical interpretation and manual control mechanisms with electronic and automated systems. Sensors electronically detect kick conditions and automated control systems replace manual operations, enabling faster response speeds while managing complexity through electronic integration
Data Source
AI summary
A subsea wellbore system is disclosed in which a return fluid flows from a wellbore to the surface via an annulus between a drill string and a casing and then between the drill string and a riser, wherein the system includes a device configured to prevent flow of the return fluid flowing through the annulus between the drill string and the riser, and a bypass line configured to divert the flow of the return fluid from the annulus between the drill string and the riser to the surface.