Tubing Hanger Running Tool Integrated Pressure Release Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of umbilical lines in subsea oil and natural gas extraction systems is costly and time-consuming due to their length and space requirements, and they are necessary for hydraulic control of tubing hanger running tools (THRTs), which limits operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a pressure release valve, soft landing system, and pressure equalization system within the THRT eliminates the need for separate hydraulic connections to the surface vessel or platform by maintaining hydraulic pressure and controlling fluid flow internally, allowing the THRT to operate independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If umbilical lines are used for hydraulic control of THRTs, then hydraulic control function is achieved, but deployment time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hydraulic control system with the THRT by integrating a pressure release valve directly into the tool body. This merging eliminates the need for separate umbilical lines to provide hydraulic control, as the integrated valve can be actuated by the setting tool's mechanical movements during the running operation, thereby reducing deployment time while maintaining hydraulic control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pressure release valve is designed to be automatically actuated by the setting tool's own mechanical movements during the running and setting operations. The valve responds to pressure changes and mechanical actions generated by the tool itself, eliminating the need for external hydraulic lines from the surface vessel, thus making the system self-sufficient and reducing deployment time.
2Reliability
If umbilical lines are used for hydraulic control of THRTs, then hydraulic control function is achieved, but space requirements on vessels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hydraulic control functionality into the THRT body through an integrated pressure release valve. This consolidation eliminates the need for extensive umbilical lines that would require significant storage space on the vessel deck, thereby reducing space requirements while maintaining the necessary hydraulic control function for operating the tubing hanger.
3Reliability
If separate hydraulic connections are used, then hydraulic control is reliable, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hydraulic control system with the THRT by integrating a pressure release valve directly into the tool body. This merging eliminates the need for separate umbilical lines and external hydraulic connections, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable hydraulic control through the integrated valve that responds to internal pressure changes and mechanical actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pressure release valve is designed to be automatically actuated by the setting tool's own mechanical movements during the running and setting operations. The valve responds to pressure changes and mechanical actions generated by the tool itself, eliminating the need for external hydraulic lines and complex connection systems, thus simplifying the overall device while maintaining reliable control.
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 configuration reduces the time and expense associated with tubing hanger running operations by eliminating the need for umbilical lines, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing space requirements on vessels or platforms.
Implementation Method 1
maintaining hydraulic pressure and controlling fluid flow internally
Data Source
AI summary
A system, in certain embodiments, includes a subsurface safety valve (SSV) biased toward a closed position, and configured to open by application of hydraulic pressure. The system also includes a tubing hanger running tool (THRT), including a conduit in fluid communication with the SSV, and a pressure release valve fluidly coupled to the conduit. The pressure release valve is configured to maintain sufficient hydraulic pressure within the conduit to hold the SSV in an open position while the pressure release valve is in a closed position.