Riser-Mounted Umbilical Guide Assembly for Independent Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subsea drilling methods for deploying and securing umbilicals with marine risers are slow and complicate servicing, as the umbilical is typically attached and supported by the riser during deployment, making independent deployment and servicing difficult.
Innovation Solution
An umbilical guide assembly deployable by a remotely operated subsea vehicle (ROV) that allows independent umbilical deployment and securing to a marine riser, enabling umbilical release and retrieval without removing the riser, with a clam shell mechanism for horizontal restraint and hydraulic actuation for easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the umbilical is attached to and supported by the riser during deployment, then the riser provides support to the umbilical, but the deployment of the riser becomes slower and servicing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the deployment process into two independent segments: riser deployment and umbilical deployment. The umbilical is deployed separately and then attached to the already-deployed riser using a guide assembly, allowing each component to be deployed at optimal speeds without mutual constraint
Solution Approach 2:
The riser is deployed and positioned in place before the umbilical is attached to it. The guide assembly is prepared and positioned on the riser in advance, so that when the umbilical arrives, the attachment mechanism is ready, eliminating waiting time and maintaining deployment speed
2Reliability
If the umbilical is attached to and supported by the riser, then the umbilical is supported during deployment, but servicing the riser or umbilical becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The guide assembly provides a temporary support structure that can be removed after umbilical attachment. During servicing, the umbilical can be detached from the guide assembly and handled independently, allowing maintenance personnel to service either component without the constraint of the other being attached
Solution Approach 2:
The guide assembly acts as an intermediary device between the riser and umbilical. It facilitates the attachment process but can be removed or bypassed during servicing operations, allowing direct access to both riser and umbilical without the complexity of dealing with permanently integrated components
3Productivity
If the umbilical is deployed independently of the riser, then deployment time is reduced and servicing is simplified, but the umbilical requires separate securing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The guide assembly serves multiple functions: it guides the umbilical during approach, provides lateral restraint during attachment, and enables secure connection to the riser. This multi-functional design consolidates what could be multiple separate complex mechanisms into a single integrated device
Solution Approach 2:
The guide assembly is designed to be deployed and positioned by an ROV, which then autonomously guides the umbilical into place using the guide assembly's built-in alignment features. The system uses its own structural features (guiding surfaces, restraint elements) to facilitate attachment without requiring additional external equipment
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for connecting an umbilical to a marine riser is provided. The method and apparatus can be employed in instances when a riser is already in place in the water, extending from a drilling vessel to subsea equipment on the ocean floor.