Universal Riser Tensioning for Offshore Drilling and Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore oil and gas platforms face challenges in managing riser tensioning systems due to varying weights and movements of drilling and production risers, leading to increased costs and complexity, especially in deep water environments where dual barrier requirements for pressure control add additional logistical and regulatory burdens.
Innovation Solution
A dual-barrier riser system with a nested internal and external riser configuration, where both risers are independently tensioned using a common tensioning system that accommodates different thermal expansion and movement requirements, allowing for a single tensioning system to be used for both drilling and production phases, reducing the need for multiple systems and associated costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate tensioning systems are used for drilling and production risers, then each riser type can be properly tensioned according to its specific weight and movement characteristics, but the platform requires multiple tensioning systems which increases building and operation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single tensioning system that can serve both drilling and production risers. The system includes a tensioning device with adjustable characteristics that can be reconfigured between different riser types, eliminating the need for separate tensioning systems while maintaining proper tensioning accuracy for each specific application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the tensioning system adjustable and reconfigurable. The tensioning device can dynamically change its characteristics to match the specific weight and movement requirements of either drilling or production risers, allowing one system to adapt to multiple operational phases and riser types.
2Reliability
If additional tensioning systems are installed on the platform, then drilling and production risers can be properly supported, but payload capacity and storage space are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a universal tensioning system that can handle both drilling and production risers, the platform requires only one tensioning system instead of two. This frees up payload capacity and storage space that would otherwise be occupied by additional equipment, while still providing reliable support for all riser types during their respective operational phases.
3Quantity of substance
If tensioning systems are brought to the platform as needed, then payload capacity is preserved, but transportation costs and operational delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing a universal tensioning system on the platform that is ready for use from the beginning. This eliminates the need to transport and install additional tensioning systems later, saving time and avoiding operational delays while maintaining payload capacity by having the system permanently in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-installed universal tensioning system is designed to handle both drilling and production operations, eliminating the need for separate systems. This allows the platform to maintain full payload capacity while having immediate access to appropriate tensioning capabilities for any operational phase without transportation or installation delays.
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 solution simplifies the tensioning process, reduces costs by eliminating the need for multiple tensioning systems, and ensures effective fluid integrity and safety by maintaining proper tension on risers during both drilling and production phases, while adhering to dual barrier requirements.
Implementation Method 1
An example method of tensioning a riser includes using buoyancy devices to independently support a riser, which allows the platform to move up and down relative to the riser.
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of active hydraulic cylinders with pneumatic accumulators is connected between the platform and the riser to provide and maintain the necessary riser tension.
Implementation Method 3
A plurality of active hydraulic cylinders with pneumatic accumulators is connected between the platform and the riser to provide and maintain the necessary riser tension.
Data Source
AI summary
An offshore well system for a subsea well, including a floating platform, a drilling riser system connected with the well for drilling operations, and a production riser system connected with the well for production operations. The drilling system also includes a riser tension system. The riser tension system is capable of compensating for movement of the platform while adequately tensioning both drilling riser system and the production riser system when each is connected to the well.