Suspended Pump Module for Riserless Mud Return System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional riserless mud return systems face challenges such as significant drilling mud losses, environmental concerns, and operational inefficiencies due to the need for subsea pump maintenance and retrieval, particularly in harsh weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A riserless mud return system featuring a subsea pump suspended along a rigid mud return line, with a suction module at the sea floor and a pump module positioned above the sea floor, allowing for efficient fluid recycling and reduced environmental impact by preventing mud ejection onto the sea floor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the pump is positioned on the sea floor to prevent mud ejection, then environmental impact is reduced, but pump retrieval and maintenance time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is suspended from the return line at an elevated position above the sea floor, transitioning from a floor-mounted configuration to a suspended configuration. This dimensional change allows the pump to remain in a position that prevents mud ejection while enabling faster retrieval and maintenance access.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, allowing the pump to be quickly deployed to and retrieved from operational positions. The suspension system enables the pump to be moved along the return line and positioned at optimal locations without requiring extensive installation or retrieval time.
2Reliability
If the pump is positioned on the sea floor to ensure stable operation, then operational reliability is improved, but retrieval difficulty increases in harsh weather
Solution Approach 1:
By suspending the pump above the sea floor rather than positioning it on the floor, the system enables easier retrieval during harsh weather conditions while maintaining operational stability through the suspended configuration and anchoring system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible return line is used to connect the pump to the drilling rig, then system adaptability is improved, but mud return efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The return line system is segmented into different sections with different properties. The upper portion uses rigid piping for efficient mud return, while the lower portion uses flexible hose to provide adaptability for pump positioning and system configuration. This segmentation allows each section to optimize for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the return line have different qualities tailored to their specific functions. The rigid upper section provides efficient fluid transport, while the flexible lower section provides positioning adaptability. This local differentiation of properties optimizes both efficiency and adaptability.
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
This system enhances mud return efficiency, reduces environmental impact, and simplifies pump maintenance and retrieval by allowing the pump to be suspended above the sea floor, minimizing disruption and enabling quicker redeployment.
Implementation Method 1
a suction module, disposed at the sea floor, collects the fluid emerging from the well bore and conveys the fluid through a return line to the pump module
Implementation Method 2
The pump module is operable to receive fluid from the suction module and pump the fluid through the return pipe to the same or a different offshore structure
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for drilling a well bore in a subsea formation from an offshore structure positioned on a water surface with a drill string that is suspended from the structure and includes a bottom hole assembly adapted to form a top hole portion of the well bore. A drilling fluid source on the offshore structure supplies drilling fluid through the drill string to the bottom hole assembly where the drilling fluid exits from the bottom hole assembly during drilling and returns up the well bore. A suction module is disposed at the sea floor and collects the drilling fluid emerging from the well bore. A pump module is disposed on a return line, which is in fluid communication with the suction module, at a position below the water surface and above the sea floor. The pump module is operable to receive drilling fluid from the suction module and pump the drilling fluid through the return pipe to the same offshore structure or a different offshore structure.