BR102020003333A2 - Subsea connector incorporating subsea electronics micromodule - Google Patents

Abstract

Composed of a handling handle (1), which follows industry standardization, ROV claw (remote operation vehicle) for subsea operations, which can have other standardized shapes, and can also be operated by a diver, having said handling handle (1), flange (2) that makes the mechanical union and guarantees the sealing of one of the sides of the casing (3) that protects the electronics (4), said casing (3) being able to guarantee the integrity of all electronics (4 ) of the micromodule, being able to work in hyperbaric environments, in addition to resisting the conditions of the installation and operation process, where mechanical shocks and vibrations can occur, conditioning and ensuring the integrity of the subsea electronics throughout its useful life. of said casing (3), flange (5) of mechanical and electrical union, having electrical connectors so that data and power supply are connected between the electronics (4), inside the casing (3), and the submarine electrical interface in (6), which establishes physical connections between equipment.

Description

SUBSEA CONNECTOR INCORPORATED WITH SUBSEA ELECTRONICS MICROMODULE APPLICATION FIELD

[0001] Subsea connector invention patent descriptive report incorporating a subsea electronics micromodule (μ-SEM), for the monitoring, communication, control and electrical actuation of subsea equipment used in the oil and gas industry, acting as an interface independent, intelligent and fully electric, improving both energy distribution control and responsiveness to energy demand, enabling the subsea energy distribution system to work more efficiently and reliably, while also allowing for energy sharing and storage generated by different renewable sources.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Currently, in the offshore oil and gas industry, monitoring, control and communication with the surface is carried out through transmission lines (submarine electrical cables, umbilicals, etc.), using power line technology most of the time modem (PLM), integrated into the subsea electronics module (SEM), installed in the subsea control module (SCM). This system is necessary at great depths, where there are wet Christmas trees (ANM) and manifolds.

[0003] The subsea control module (SCM) is a recoverable unit, which receives electrical and hydraulic energy from equipment located on the surface, and its design complies with standardization rules that limit its power supply and consumption capacity.

[0004] In order for the subsea control module (SCM) to meet the new energy demand, caused by the transition from hydraulic to electric drives, another design and configuration project is necessary.

[0005] In order to increase energy capacity, Petrobras specified a piece of equipment, called a subsea control module for intelligent completion (SCM-COMP).

[0006] This equipment has already been designed to meet the new demand, enabling the use of electric actuators in the completion of the well. The subsea control module for intelligent completion (SCM-COMP) considers the dedicated use of an electrical pair available in the control umbilical, and, thus, the monitoring, control and performance of the well equipment are done by the control module subsea for intelligent completion (SCM-COMP), while the other functions are still carried out by the subsea control module (SCM) of the wet christmas tree (ANM).

[0007] The subsea control module for intelligent completion (SCM-COMP) is responsible for supplying power for communication with downhole monitoring and control systems and is composed of a power line modem (PLM), bus for accommodation of IWIS cards and a power supply of 24 V @ 300 W. This equipment is installed in the wet christmas tree (ANM), in the interface of the subsea multiplex monitoring module (IWIS-MUX).

[0008] The various solutions used in the oil and gas industry for monitoring, communication, control and electrical drive of subsea equipment, have motivated the creation of new interfaces.

[0009] This new type of interface needs to be intelligent and have the ability to adapt to industry trends, and your system should still be able to work with new software, adapting to changes in demand, which implies the need of a hardware platform, capable of being modified via software, and of downloading new software for the platform.

[00010] This new interface should also be able to improve both the control of energy distribution and the responsiveness to energy demand, so that the subsea energy distribution system works more efficiently and reliably.

FUNDAMENTALS OF THE INVENTION

[00011] The subsea connector incorporating subsea electronics micromodule (μ-SEM) now proposed consists of a compact solution, which allows the adaptation of conventional subsea connectors, transforming them into intelligent interfaces.

[00012] The solution consists of incorporating a subsea electronics micromodule (μ-SEM), highly integrated, composed of a robust communication unit; of remote terminal unit (RTU); of electrical power unit (EPU); monitoring unit; configurable signal generating unit, and data and energy storage unit.

[00013] The subsea electronics micromodule (μ-SEM) will be installed internally to the subsea connectors, using the already installed infrastructure, that is, the transmission line, electrical umbilicals, multiplexed subsea monitoring module (IWIS-MUX), manifolds and Wet Christmas Tree (ANM), allowing the subsea connectors to carry out some types of monitoring, control and communication with the surface, through transmission lines and umbilicals, even from the reading of the plates that are installed in the subsea equipment and that follow the standardization: API 17F / ISO 13628- 6 / IWIS-RP-A2.

[00014] The subsea electronics micromodule (μ-SEM) also allows the implementation of sophisticated and very sensitive partial discharge (DP) analyzes of all energized components, transmission lines and umbilicals, due to its ability to monitor the system directly where problems occur.

[00015] Through these partial discharge (DP) measurements, it is possible to monitor the useful life of transmission lines and umbilicals.

[00016] The subsea electronics micromodule (μ-SEM) can be installed together with other systems, without interrupting its operations, not requiring the dedicated use of the transmission line, and being able to operate on the same transmission line, and at the same time , with other equipment.

• - a energia é transmitida através do conector submarino e gerenciada pelo micromódulo de eletrônica submarina (μ-SEM), que permite operar em limites fora do padrão, e, dessa forma, a demanda dos equipamentos atuais e também as novas poderão ser atendidas;
• - plataforma de hardware altamente capaz de ser modificada via software para atender os requisitos exigidos e proteger contra mau funcionamento;
• - dispositivo de supervisão integrado que realiza varredura, e que pode ser configurado remotamente;
• - cada micromódulo de eletrônica submarina (μSEM) inclui gerador de sinal configurável remotamente, que produz um sinal e o acopla ao umbilical ou à linha de transmissão, e um analisador, instalado na superfície, é capaz de medir a atenuação e o ruído gerado pelo próprio sistema, como indicação da integridade do sistema que está sendo testado;
• - medição de descarga parcial enquanto a linha está ociosa para análise de isolamento de cabos, sendo as informações coletadas usadas no planejamento dos serviços e da manutenção, sendo, portanto, adquiridas informações da integridade do sistema durante sua operação, que podem ser utilizadas na programação da manutenção;
• - sistema de comunicação de dados com acoplador do tipo não galvânico (capacitivo ou indutivo), capaz de trafegar dados através de uma linha energizada (AC ou DC);
• - unidade de processamento de dados com capacidade de diagnóstico rápido e tomada de decisão autônoma;
• - unidade de armazenamento de energia que viabiliza a função de monitoramento autônomo;
• - porta de gerenciamento de rede integrada, que permite a supervisão em tempo real de todos os nós de comunicação (cada equipamento submarino representa um nó na rede e possui um endereço MAC exclusivo), sendo capaz de lidar com um número ilimitado de nós, se for utilizada uma abordagem de mestre escravo, selecionando cada estação submarina a partir da unidade superior, porém, caso seja permitido o envio espontâneo de todas as unidades, é necessário limitar o sistema a cerca de 20 unidades para evitar colisões de telegramas na linha de transmissão.
• - o micromódulo de eletrônica submarina (μ-SEM) possui proteção especial de hardware que impede o sistema de envio contínuo, para superar o problema principal nos sistemas de comunicação multiponto, onde um nó específico bloqueia a linha de comunicação inteira quando o envio de dados não é finalizado, e
• - o micromódulo de eletrônica submarina (μ-SEM) permite a operação de até 4 sistemas independentes (equipamento de superfície e um ou mais μ-SEM), através da mesma linha de transmissão ou umbilical elétrico, de forma a permitir aplicativos e operadores totalmente independentes.

[00017] The subsea electronics micromodule (μ-SEM) also offers the following advantages:

• - the energy is transmitted through the subsea connector and managed by the subsea electronics micromodule (μ-SEM), which allows operating in non-standard limits, and, in this way, the demand of current and new equipment can be met;
• - hardware platform highly capable of being modified via software to meet the required requirements and protect against malfunctions;
• - built-in supervision device that performs scanning, and which can be configured remotely;
• - each subsea electronics micromodule (μSEM) includes a remotely configurable signal generator, which produces a signal and couples it to the umbilical or the transmission line, and an analyzer, installed on the surface, is capable of measuring the attenuation and noise generated by the system itself, as an indication of the integrity of the system being tested;
• - measurement of partial discharge while the line is idle for cable insulation analysis, with the information collected being used in planning services and maintenance, therefore, information on the integrity of the system during its operation is acquired, which can be used in programming maintenance;
• - data communication system with a non-galvanic coupler (capacitive or inductive), capable of transmitting data through an energized line (AC or DC);
• - data processing unit with rapid diagnosis capability and autonomous decision making;
• - energy storage unit that enables the autonomous monitoring function;
• - integrated network management port, which allows real-time supervision of all communication nodes (each subsea equipment represents a node in the network and has a unique MAC address), being able to handle an unlimited number of nodes, if a master-slave approach is used, selecting each subsea station from the top unit, however, if spontaneous sending of all units is allowed, it is necessary to limit the system to about 20 units to avoid telegram collisions in the transmission line .
• - the subsea electronics micromodule (μ-SEM) has special hardware protection that prevents the continuous sending system, to overcome the main problem in multipoint communication systems, where a specific node blocks the entire communication line when sending data is not finalized, and
• - the subsea electronics micromodule (μ-SEM) allows the operation of up to 4 independent systems (surface equipment and one or more μ-SEM), through the same transmission line or electrical umbilical, in order to fully allow applications and operators independent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[00018] For a better understanding of the subsea electronics micromodule (μ-SEM) of the present invention, reference is made to the attached drawing, where:
Figure 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an adapter for subsea connectors incorporating the subsea electronics micromodule (μ-SEM) of the present invention.

PREFERRED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00019] As shown in Figure 1, the subsea connector incorporating a subsea electronics micromodule (μ-SEM) of the present invention employs a connector composed of a handle (1), which follows the industry standardization, claw of the ROV (remote operation vehicle) for subsea operations, which may have other standardized forms, and may also be operated by a diver, having, said handling handle (1), flange (2) that makes the mechanical union and ensures the sealing of one of the sides of the casing (3) that protects the electronics (4), said casing (3) being able to ensure the integrity of all electronics (4) of the micromodule, being able to work in hyperbaric environments, in addition to resisting the conditions of the process of installation and operation, where mechanical shocks and vibrations may occur, conditioning and ensuring the integrity of the subsea electronics throughout its useful life, also having, on the other face of said casing (3), flange (5) for mechanical and electrical union a, having electrical connectors so that data and power supply are connected between the electronics (4), inside the enclosure (3), and the submarine electrical interface (6), which establishes physical connections between equipment.

[00020] The subsea electronics micromodule data communication system (μ-SEM) uses a galvanic isolation coupler (capacitive or inductive), capable of transmitting data through an energized line (AC or DC).

[00021] The subsea electronics micromodule data processing unit (μ-SEM) has rapid diagnostic capability and autonomous decision making.

[00022] The subsea electronics micromodule monitoring unit (μ-SEM) is capable of performing partial discharge analysis, temperature, vibration, voltage and current measurements.

[00023] The subsea electronics micromodule electrical power unit (μ-SEM) can operate on both direct and alternating voltage and supply power through the connector.

[00024] Energy storage unit enables autonomous monitoring function.

[00025] The physical interfaces of the subsea electronics micromodule (μ-SEM) are industry standard for communication with any equipment.

[00026] The subsea connector housing also has thermal dissipation capability, which may or may not have pressure compensation.

Transmission line analysis function

• - o dispositivo integrado que realiza varredura poder ser configurado remotamente;
• - medidas de descarga parcial realizadas enquanto a linha está ociosa, para análise de isolamento dos cabos elétricos, e
• - medição de tensão e corrente de linha de transmissão.

[00027] Activities designed to assist in supervising the useful life of the umbilical, as well as its installation and maintenance process, include:

• - the built-in device that performs scanning can be configured remotely;
• - partial discharge measurements performed while the line is idle, to analyze the insulation of electrical cables, and
• - measurement of transmission line voltage and current.

[00028] In supervision mode, the subsea electronics micromodule (μ-SEM) analyzes the environmental data and sends them, via NMT interface, to the SCADA system on the surface.

[00029] Partial discharge measurements are narrowband noise measurements while the line is not carrying data, which can help in early identification of problems, scheduling system maintenance, and reducing the occurrence of fatal errors.

[00030] In installation aid mode, each subsea electronics micromodule (μ-SEM) includes a remotely configurable signal generator that produces a signal and couples it to the umbilical or transmission line, and an analyzer, installed in the surface, will be able to measure the attenuation and noise generated by the system itself, this signal being an excellent indication of the adequacy of the system being tested.

[00031] In maintenance aid mode, umbilicals normally go through scheduled maintenance cycles, in which it is common practice to gradually raise the operating voltage until the local and remote partial discharge configuration voltage is found, it is also common to make a measurement of the signal transfer function of the complete system, and when comparing with the data obtained in the previous measurement, problems and weaknesses are then found in the signal propagation path.

[00032] The subsea electronics micromodule (μ-SEM) measures the partial discharge of the surface and subsea, and the partial discharge is a good indication of the integrity of the electrical umbilical.

[00033] The phenomenon of partial discharges can occur due to fatigue of subsea equipment exposed to mechanical stress caused by the operation and/or the marine environment (sea current, high pressure, etc.), and this stress can cause small fractures in the insulation to the around the electrical conductor and present partial discharges over a certain period. Currently, in the oil and gas industry, these partial discharge measurements in subsea equipment are not made, as current subsea control modules (SCM) cannot perform such measurements.

Service and maintenance function

• - o gerenciamento da distribuição de energia fornecida por equipamento externo à montante;
• - a análise de vibração;
• - sensores de pressão, temperatura e umidade;
• - entradas e saídas digitais;
• - controlador de acionamento para atuadores elétricos, e
• - proteção da linha, avaliação e acompanhamento da vida útil da linha.

[00034] This function includes:

• - the management of energy distribution provided by upstream external equipment;
• - vibration analysis;
• - pressure, temperature and humidity sensors;
• - digital inputs and outputs;
• - drive controller for electric actuators, and
• - line protection, evaluation and monitoring of line life.

Standalone monitoring function

[00035] This function allows to carry out the monitoring of pressure and temperature sensors of the ANM and the reservoir using the µ-SEM connected directly to the subsea multiplex monitoring module “IWIS-MUX”. This function contemplates the abandoned well scenario where autonomous monitoring is essential.

Diplexer

• - reduzir o nível de ruído na linha de transmissão;
• - fornecer acoplamento de sinal de alta tensão à linha de transmissão, e
• - estabilizar a impedância do ponto de acoplamento, independente da carga e da configuração da rede.

[00036] The subsea electronics micromodule diplexer (μ-SEM) is a 1kV low-pass filter with PLM coupling interface in the transmission line, with the functions of:

• - reduce the noise level on the transmission line;
• - provide high voltage signal coupling to the transmission line, and
• - stabilize the coupling point impedance, regardless of the load and network configuration.

Claims (12)

Subsea connector, characterized by the fact that it is composed of a handling handle (1), which follows the industry standardization, ROV claw (remote operation vehicle) for subsea operations, which can have other standardized shapes, and can also be operated by diver, having, said handling handle (1), flange (2) that makes the mechanical union and guarantees the sealing of one of the sides of the casing (3) that protects the electronics (4), said casing (3) being capable of ensure the integrity of all electronics (4) of the micromodule, being able to work in hyperbaric environments, in addition to resisting the conditions of the installation and operation process, where mechanical shocks and vibrations may occur, conditioning and ensuring the integrity of the underwater electronics throughout its life useful, also having, on the other face of said casing (3), flange (5) of mechanical and electrical union, having electrical connectors so that data and power supply are connected between the electronics (4), in the interi. the housing (3), and the submarine electrical interface (6), which establishes physical connections between equipment. Submarine connector according to claim 1, characterized in that said casing (3) also has thermal dissipation capacity, which may or may not have pressure compensation. Submarine electronics micromodule, characterized by the fact that it comprises:

• - data communication system with galvanic isolation coupler (capacitive or inductive), capable of transmitting data through an energized line (AC or DC);
• - data processing unit with rapid diagnosis capability and autonomous decision making;
• - monitoring unit capable of performing partial discharge analysis, temperature, vibration, voltage and current measurements;
• - electric power unit that converts voltage and supplies energy through the connector;
• - configurable signal generating unit;
• - data and energy storage unit, which enables the autonomous monitoring function, and
• - standardized interfaces for communication with any equipment.

Subsea electronics micromodule, according to claim 3, characterized in that, in the transmission line analysis function, it performs activities designed to assist in the supervision of the umbilical's useful life, as well as its installation and maintenance process, which include:

• - integrated device that performs scanning can be configured remotely;
• - perform partial discharge measurements while the line is idle, to analyze the insulation of electrical cables, and
• - measurement of umbilical line voltage and current.

Submarine electronics micromodule, according to claim 4, characterized in that, in supervision mode, it analyzes the environmental data and sends them, via NMT interface, to the SCADA system on the surface. Submarine electronics micromodule, according to claim 4, characterized in that, when performing partial discharge measurements while the line is not carrying data, narrowband noise is measured that can help in the early identification of problems, in scheduling the maintenance of the system, and in reducing the occurrence of fatal errors. Underwater electronics micromodule, according to claim 4, characterized in that, in the installation aid mode, each micromodule includes a remotely configurable signal generator, which produces a signal and couples it to the umbilical or to the transmission line, so that an analyzer, installed on the surface, is able to measure the attenuation and noise generated by the system itself, to indicate the suitability of the system being tested. Submarine electronics micromodule, according to claim 4, characterized in that, in the umbilical maintenance aid mode, in which the partial discharge configuration voltage, local and remote, and the measurement of the signal transfer function of the The complete system, compared to the data obtained in the previous measurement, reveals problems and weaknesses in the signal propagation path. Submarine electronics micromodule, according to claim 8, characterized in that it measures the partial discharge of the surface and submarine, this measure being an indication of the integrity of the umbilical. Submarine electronics micromodule, according to claim 3, characterized in that, in the service and maintenance function, it comprises:

• - the management of energy distribution provided by upstream external equipment;
• - vibration analysis;
• - pressure, temperature and humidity sensors;
• - digital inputs and outputs;
• - drive controller for electric actuators, and
• - line protection, evaluation and monitoring of line life.

Subsea electronics micromodule, according to claim 3, characterized in that, in the autonomous monitoring function, it monitors pressure and temperature sensors of the ANM and the reservoir using µSEM directly connected to the subsea multiplexed monitoring module "IWIS-MUX". Underwater electronics micromodule, according to claim 3, characterized in that the micromodule diplexer is a 1kV low-pass filter with PLM coupling interface in the transmission line, with the functions of:

• - reduce the noise level on the transmission line;
• - provide high voltage signal coupling to the transmission line, and
• - stabilize the coupling point impedance, regardless of the load and network configuration.

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