U.S. patent application number 15/051306 was filed with the patent office on 2016-08-25 for subsea actuator remediation tool.
This patent application is currently assigned to Oceaneering International, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Oceaneering International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Nikunj Patel, William Price, Ted Rickerl.
Application Number | 20160245036 15/051306 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56692979 |
Filed Date | 2016-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160245036 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Patel; Nikunj ; et
al. |
August 25, 2016 |
SUBSEA ACTUATOR REMEDIATION TOOL
Abstract
A subsea actuator remediation tool comprises a spring return
hydraulic actuator which further comprises a housing defining an
interior fluid pathway, a spring disposed within the interior fluid
pathway, a movable piston disposed within the interior fluid
pathway and in communication with the spring, a first end piece
disposed at a first end of the housing, the first end piece
comprising a spring stop, a first fluid input in fluid
communication with the interior fluid pathway and disposed
proximate the first end piece, a second end piece disposed at a
second end of the housing opposite the first end piece, the second
end piece comprising a piston stop, and a second fluid output in
fluid communication with the interior fluid pathway, the second
fluid output disposed proximate the second end piece. The subsea
actuator remediation tool can be placed in fluid communication with
one or more manifolds, including pre-existing subsea manifolds,
and, if the fluid pressure drops below a predetermined level, seal
the fluid lines to prevent further fluid flow until the fluid
pressure issues can be resolved.
Inventors: |
Patel; Nikunj; (Houston,
TX) ; Price; William; (Houston, TX) ; Rickerl;
Ted; (Waller, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Oceaneering International, Inc. |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Oceaneering International,
Inc.
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
56692979 |
Appl. No.: |
15/051306 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62120695 |
Feb 25, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 41/0007
20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21B 33/076 20060101
E21B033/076; E21B 34/04 20060101 E21B034/04; E21B 33/035 20060101
E21B033/035 |
Claims
1) A subsea actuator remediation tool, comprising: a) a housing
defining an interior fluid pathway; b) a spring disposed within the
interior fluid pathway; c) a movable piston disposed within the
interior fluid pathway, the piston in communication with the
spring; d) a first end piece disposed at a first end of the
housing, the first end piece comprising a spring stop; e) a first
fluid input in fluid communication with the interior fluid pathway,
the first fluid input disposed proximate the first end piece; f) a
second end piece disposed at a second end of the housing opposite
the first end piece, the second end piece comprising a piston stop;
and g) a second fluid output in fluid communication with the
interior fluid pathway, the second fluid output disposed proximate
the second end piece.
2) The subsea actuator remediation tool of claim 1, wherein the
first end piece and the second end piece are securely fastened to
their respective ends of the housing.
3) The subsea actuator remediation tool of claim 2, wherein the
first end piece and the second end piece are removably fastened to
their respective ends of the housing using a plurality of
fasteners.
4) The subsea actuator remediation tool of claim 1, comprising a
fail-safe closed position, the fail-safe closed position
comprising: a) the spring, comprising an uncompressed state,
disposed in its uncompressed state; and b) the piston urged against
the piston stop by the spring in its uncompressed state.
5) The subsea actuator remediation tool of claim 1, wherein the
piston is urged against the piston stop in an occlusive arrangement
against the piston stop by the spring in the spring's uncompressed
state.
6) A subsea actuator remediation tool system, comprising: a) a
subsea actuator remediation tool, comprising: i) a housing defining
an interior fluid pathway; ii) a spring disposed within the
interior fluid pathway; iii) a movable piston disposed within the
interior fluid pathway and in communication with the spring; iv) a
first end piece disposed at a first end of the housing, the first
end piece comprising a spring stop; v) a first fluid input in fluid
communication with the interior fluid pathway and disposed
proximate the first end piece; vi) a second end piece disposed at a
second end of the housing opposite the first end piece, the second
end piece comprising a piston stop; and vii)a second fluid output
in fluid communication with the interior fluid pathway, the second
fluid output disposed proximate the second end piece; b) a first
manifold comprising a first fluid port; c) a first fluid pathway in
fluid communication with the first fluid port and the first fluid
input; d) a first valve operatively in fluid communication with the
first fluid port and the first fluid input; e) a second manifold,
comprising a second manifold first port and a second manifold
second port; f) a second fluid pathway in fluid communication with
the second fluid output and the second manifold first port; and g)
a second valve operatively in fluid communication with the second
fluid output and in fluid communication with the second manifold
first port.
7) The subsea actuator remediation tool system of claim 6, further
comprising: a) a third fluid pathway in fluid communication with
the first fluid output and the second manifold second port; and b)
a third valve operatively in fluid communication with the first
fluid output, the first valve, and the second manifold second
port.
8) The subsea actuator remediation tool system of claim 6, further
comprising a console, the console comprising: a) a first valve
actuator operatively in communication with the first valve; b) a
second valve actuator operatively in communication with the second
valve; and c) a third valve actuator operatively in communication
with the third valve.
9) The subsea actuator remediation tool system of claim 6, wherein
the first manifold comprises a dual pressure (DP) manifold.
10) The subsea actuator remediation tool system of claim 6, wherein
the second manifold comprises a dual pressure (DP) manifold.
11) The subsea actuator remediation tool system of claim 6, further
comprising a sensor disposed between the first valve and the subsea
actuator remediation tool.
12) The subsea actuator remediation tool system of claim 6, further
comprising a sensor disposed between the second valve and the
subsea actuator remediation tool.
13) A method of interfacing with an existing manifold to properly
operate a subsea actuator remediation tool with failed
compensation, the subsea actuator remediation tool defining a
spring return hydraulic actuator comprising a housing defining an
interior fluid pathway, a spring disposed within the interior fluid
pathway, a movable piston disposed within the interior fluid
pathway and in communication with the spring, a first end piece
disposed at a first end of the housing, the first end piece
comprising a spring stop, a first fluid input in fluid
communication with the interior fluid pathway and disposed
proximate the first end piece, a second end piece disposed at a
second end of the housing opposite the first end piece, the second
end piece comprising a piston stop, and a second fluid output in
fluid communication with the interior fluid pathway, the second
fluid output disposed proximate the second end piece, the method
comprising: a) operatively placing the subsea actuator remediation
tool into fluid communication with a fluid supply line to an
existing manifold; b) using fluid pressure in the subsea actuator
remediation tool to return the spring to a fail-safe closed
position when fluid pressure in the fluid supply line falls below a
predetermined pressure indicative of a failed compensation; and c)
keeping the subsea actuator remediation tool attached to hold the
vacuum pressure within the actuator, assisted with a spring return
system.
14) The method of interfacing with an existing manifold to properly
operate a spring return hydraulic actuator with failed compensation
of claim 13, wherein the fail-safe closed position comprises the
spring in a substantially uncompressed state.
15) The method of interfacing with an existing manifold to properly
operate a spring return hydraulic actuator with failed compensation
of claim 13, further comprising opening the subsea actuator
remediation tool when pressure is applied and using the spring to
close the subsea actuator remediation tool when pressure is
relieved.
16) The method of interfacing with an existing manifold to properly
operate a spring return hydraulic actuator with failed compensation
of claim 13, further comprising: a) using a pump to pull vacuum on
a manifold; b) sealing the manifold with a valve; c) keeping the
subsea actuator remediation tool attached to hold the vacuum
pressure within the actuator; and d) allowing the subsea actuator
remediation tool to act as an interface via a hydraulic flying lead
input, comprising: i) opening the subsea actuator remediation tool
when pressure is applied; and ii) using the spring to close the
subsea actuator remediation tool when pressure is relieved.
Description
RELATION TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of, and priority
through, U.S. Provisional Application 62/120,695, titled "SUBSEA
ACTUATOR REMEDIATION TOOL," filed Feb. 25, 2014.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Manifolds in fluid lines, e.g. those disposed subsea, often
need to have fluid pressure monitored. If the fluid pressure drops
below a predetermined level, fluid lines connected to these
manifolds often need to be sealed to prevent further fluid flow
until the fluid pressure issues can be resolved.
FIGURES
[0003] Various figures are included herein which illustrate aspects
of embodiments of the disclosed invention.
[0004] FIG. 1 is a view in partial perspective of an exterior or
exemplary subsea actuator remediation tool designed to define a
spring return hydraulic actuator and interface with a manifold to
properly operate a spring return hydraulic actuator with failed
compensation;
[0005] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the exemplary subsea actuator
remediation tool in partial perspective;
[0006] FIG. 3 is a combined view and cross-sectional view of
exemplary subsea actuator remediation tool illustrating its spring
in an uncompressed state urging its piston against its piston
stop;
[0007] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary subsea
actuator remediation tool system; and
[0008] FIG. 5 is a view in partial perspective of an exemplary
subsea actuator remediation tool system console.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0009] Subsea actuator remediation tool 1, as described below, is
designed to define a spring return hydraulic actuator and interface
with a manifold to properly operate a spring return hydraulic
actuator with failed compensation. Such manifolds may be
pre-existing subsea manifolds.
[0010] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, subsea actuator remediation
tool 1, comprises housing 10 defining interior fluid pathway 20;
spring 14 disposed within interior fluid pathway 20; movable piston
13 disposed within interior fluid pathway 20 and in communication
with spring 14; first end piece 12a disposed at first end 10a of
housing 10, first end piece 12a comprising spring stop 14a; first
fluid input 19a in fluid communication with interior fluid pathway
20 and disposed proximate first end piece 12a; second end piece 12b
disposed at second end 10b of housing 10 opposite first end piece
12a, second end piece 12b comprising piston stop 17a; and second
fluid output 19b in fluid communication with interior fluid pathway
20, second fluid output 19b disposed proximate second end piece
12b.
[0011] Housing 10, and other components of subsea actuator
remediation tool 1, may further designed for long duration exposure
subsea and application at depths up to 1300m or greater.
[0012] Typically, first end piece 12a and second end piece 12b are
securely fastened to their respective ends of housing 10, such as,
by way of example and not limitation, being removably and securely
affixed to their respective ends of housing 10 using a plurality of
fasteners 18. In alternative embodiments, first end piece 12a and
second end piece 12b are securely fastened to their respective ends
of housing 10a more or less permanently by any appropriate means
such as welding.
[0013] Referring additionally to FIG. 3, subsea actuator
remediation tool 1 comprises a fail-safe closed position. In
typical embodiments, the fail-safe closed position comprises having
spring 14 comprise a substantially uncompressed state which urges
piston 17 against piston stop 17a, typically in an occlusive
arrangement.
[0014] In a further embodiment, referring additionally to FIG. 4,
subsea actuator remediation tool system 100 comprises subsea
actuator remediation tool 1, as described above, placed into fluid
communication with a plurality of manifolds and valves.
[0015] In an exemplary embodiment of subsea actuator remediation
tool system 100, the manifolds and valves comprise first manifold
30, comprising a first fluid port 30a; first valve 41 operatively
in fluid communication with first fluid port 30a and subsea
actuator remediation tool 1 first fluid input 19a; second manifold
32, comprising a second manifold first port 32a and a second
manifold second port 32b; and second valve 42 operatively in fluid
communication with subsea actuator remediation tool 1 first fluid
output 19b and with second manifold first port 32a. In certain
embodiments, third valve 43 may be present and operatively in fluid
communication with first fluid output 19a, first valve 41, and
second manifold second port 32b. Each valve may be of any
appropriate type such as paddle valves, ball valves, or the like,
or any other appropriate valve
[0016] One or more of the manifolds, e.g. first manifold 30 and/or
second manifold 32, may comprise a dual pressure (DP) manifold such
as an existing 17H dual pressure (DP) manifold. Additionally, one
or more of the manifolds may be used in conjunction with hot stab
71 such as via interface 72 which is adapted to mate, e.g.
removably, with first manifold 30.
[0017] Referring back to FIG. 3, in embodiments, one or more
sensors may be present and configured to aid on management of
subsea actuator remediation tool system 100. By way of example and
not limitation, in an embodiment sensor 60 is present and disposed
between the first valve and the subsea actuator remediation tool.
In other embodiments, sensor 62 may be present, either by itself or
in addition to sensor 60, and disposed at a different place, e.g.
between second valve 42 and subsea actuator remediation tool 1.
These sensors may be pressure sensors or the like.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 5, in certain embodiments, subsea actuator
remediation tool system 100 further comprises console 50,
comprising one or more valve actuators operatively in communication
with a predetermined set of valves. By way of example and not
limitation, in an embodiment first valve actuator 110 is
operatively in communication with first valve 41; second valve
actuator 112 is operatively in communication with second valve 42;
and third valve actuator 114 is operatively in communication with
third valve 43. Although illustrated as manual valve actuators,
these could be automated.
[0019] As also illustrated in FIG. 5, console 50 may comprise a
housing into which subsea actuator remediation tool 1 may be
placed, either completely or partially. Additionally, one or more
gauges 120 may be present and operatively in communication with an
associated set, e.g. one or more, sensors 60, 61, 62 (FIG. 4).
[0020] In the operation of exemplary embodiments, referring back to
FIG. 4, subsea actuator remediation tool 1 may be used to act as an
interface to operate an actuator, e.g. one initially intended via
hydraulic flying lead (HFL) input 72, by opening subsea actuator
remediation tool 1 when pressure is applied and using spring 14 to
close subsea actuator remediation tool 1 when pressure is
relieved.
[0021] In an embodiment, interfacing with an existing manifold to
properly operate a spring return hydraulic actuator with failed
compensation comprises operatively placing subsea actuator
remediation tool 1, as described above, into fluid communication
with one or more fluid supply lines, e.g. fluid supply line 101, to
existing manifold such as manifold 30. Using fluid pressure in
subsea actuator remediation tool 1, spring 14 is moved to a
fail-safe closed position, e.g. spring 14 is uncompressed, when
fluid pressure in fluid supply line 101 falls below a predetermined
pressure indicative of a failed compensation. Subsea actuator
remediation tool 1 is kept attached to hold the vacuum pressure
within subsea actuator remediation tool 1. Further, subsea actuator
remediation tool 1 is in an open, e.g. fluid flow permissive state,
when pressure is applied and in a closed, e.g. fluid flow
preventive state, when pressure is relieved.
[0022] In certain embodiments, pump 120 may be present and used to
pull vacuum on one or more manifolds, e.g. 30, and selected
manifolds sealed, such as with valve 41. As in other embodiments,
subsea actuator remediation tool 1 is kept attached to hold the
vacuum pressure within the actuator, assisted with a spring return
system. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in subsea
actuator arts, subsea actuator remediation tool 1 will first return
to a fail-safe closed position (spring 14 in an uncompressed state)
such as by using pump 130 to pull vacuum on a selected set of
manifolds, e.g. 30, and then seal it with a valve such as valve 41.
Subsea actuator remediation tool 1 will remain attached to hold the
vacuum pressure within subsea actuator remediation tool 1. Subsea
actuator remediation tool 1 will then act as the interface to
operate to open subsea actuator remediation tool 1 when pressure is
applied and spring return close when pressure is relieved.
[0023] The foregoing disclosure and description of the inventions
are illustrative and explanatory. Various changes in the size,
shape, and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrative
construction and/or an illustrative method may be made without
departing from the spirit of the invention.
* * * * *