Integrated Subsea Wellhead Suction Anchor Assembly
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and removal of subsea wellhead assemblies using suction anchors are complex and require separate operations for wellhead components and suction anchors, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
Integrating the high pressure wellhead housing with the suction anchor, allowing for simultaneous installation or removal of the wellhead assembly and suction anchor, eliminating the need for separate operations and reducing the necessity of low pressure conductor pipes and wellhead extension pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate operations are used for installing/removing wellhead components and suction anchors, then operational reliability is maintained, but installation time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wellhead housing and suction anchor into a single integrated assembly, allowing both components to be installed and removed together in one operation. This eliminates the need for separate installation and removal operations for wellhead components and suction anchors, directly reducing installation time while maintaining operational reliability through the unified design.
2Reliability
If separate operations are used for wellhead components and suction anchors, then functional reliability is ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wellhead housing and suction anchor are combined into a single integrated device, reducing the number of separate components and operations required. This integration simplifies the overall system while maintaining functional reliability through the unified structural design that ensures proper functioning of both wellhead and suction anchor functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate operations are used for wellhead assembly and suction anchor, then operational flexibility is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated wellhead-suction anchor assembly improves productivity by enabling single-step installation and removal operations. This merger maintains operational flexibility as the unified design can still be deployed in various subsea applications while significantly reducing the time and resources required for installation and removal operations.
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
Simplifies the installation and removal processes, reduces manufacturing and installation costs, and enhances the efficiency of subsea wellhead assembly operations by integrating the high pressure wellhead housing with the suction anchor, enabling a single-step installation or removal process.
Implementation Method 1
sucked into the seabed by reducing the pressure inside the skirt
Implementation Method 2
The suction anchor is lowered onto the seabed and then sucked into the seabed by reducing the pressure inside the skirt
Data Source
AI summary
A method of installing or removing a subsea wellhead assembly is provided. The method comprising providing a suction anchor that in use acts as a subsea well foundation, wherein the suction anchor comprises an outer suction skirt; and an inner member, wherein the inner member comprises a high pressure wellhead housing; and installing or removing the suction anchor together with the high pressure wellhead housing on or from a seabed.