Subsea Wellhead Load Path Through Conductor Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea wellhead assemblies face challenges in managing riser-induced loads, which can lead to structural failure and uncontrolled release of well fluids, with existing solutions being expensive and time-consuming to install.
Innovation Solution
A subsea wellhead assembly design that connects subsea riser system equipment to a conductor or wellhead foundation, allowing forces to be transmitted directly to the conductor without passing through the high-pressure wellhead, thereby reducing the load on the wellhead and enhancing safety and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If subsea riser system equipment is connected only to the wellhead, then the wellhead assembly integrity is maintained through a simple connection structure, but the riser-induced loads concentrate on the wellhead increasing the risk of structural failure
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into two independent load paths: one from the riser system equipment to the wellhead, and another from the riser system equipment to the conductor. This segmentation distributes the riser-induced loads across multiple structural elements, preventing concentration of forces on the wellhead while maintaining assembly integrity through the dual-connection architecture.
2Reliability
If anchors are installed in the sea floor to reduce riser loads, then the risk of damage to wellhead and riser system equipment is reduced, but the installation becomes expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor is pre-installed in the sea bed before the wellhead assembly is deployed. This preliminary action creates an ready-made load-bearing structure that can immediately receive and distribute riser-induced loads, eliminating the need for time-consuming anchor installation operations while providing the same damage risk reduction benefits.
3Strength
If the subsea riser system equipment is connected to the conductor, then forces can be transmitted directly to the conductor reducing wellhead loads, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor serves multiple functions: it acts as the foundation support for the wellhead, provides a direct load-bearing path for riser-induced forces, and serves as the structural element anchored to the sea bed. This multi-functionality allows the same component to handle both support and load transmission roles, adding minimal structural complexity while achieving effective load distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
A subsea wellhead assembly and a method of installing a subsea well head assembly. The subsea wellhead assembly includes: a conductor; a subsea wellhead; and subsea riser system equipment mounted on the subsea wellhead. The subsea riser system equipment is connected to the conductor such that forces can be transmitted from the subsea riser equipment to the conductor in both tension and compression.