EP2592219A1 - Monitoring a subsea control module - Google Patents
Monitoring a subsea control module Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2592219A1 EP2592219A1 EP11188228.8A EP11188228A EP2592219A1 EP 2592219 A1 EP2592219 A1 EP 2592219A1 EP 11188228 A EP11188228 A EP 11188228A EP 2592219 A1 EP2592219 A1 EP 2592219A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- subsea
- control module
- electronics module
- module
- monitoring
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 16
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 101100042258 Neurospora crassa (strain ATCC 24698 / 74-OR23-1A / CBS 708.71 / DSM 1257 / FGSC 987) sem-1 gene Proteins 0.000 description 4
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000006353 environmental stress Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 125000003821 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxymethyl group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])[Si](C([H])([H])[H])(C([H])([H])[H])C([H])([H])C(OC([H])([H])[*])([H])[H] 0.000 description 1
- 238000012512 characterization method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004626 scanning electron microscopy Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012216 screening Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B41/00—Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00
- E21B41/0007—Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00 for underwater installations
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B47/00—Survey of boreholes or wells
- E21B47/001—Survey of boreholes or wells for underwater installation
Definitions
- This invention relates to monitoring a subsea control module.
- SCM subsea control module
- SEM subsea electronics module
- Identification of abuse or mishandling of a SCM can currently be achieved by attaching an environmental sensor and recorder to the SCM shipping package. However, this can be removed during the transportation process and replaced, thus hiding any internal damage.
- a method of monitoring a subsea control module for a subsea hydrocarbon well the module including a subsea electronics module, wherein the method comprises using at least one condition sensor which is used in the normal operation of the subsea electronics module to monitor the subsea control module.
- a subsea control module for a subsea hydrocarbon well including a subsea electronics module, wherein the subsea electronics module is adapted for using at least one condition sensor which is used in the normal operation of the subsea electronics module to monitor the subsea control module.
- a method according to the invention could be performed when the subsea control module is being transported and/or is in storage.
- the at least one sensor could comprise at least one of an accelerometer, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor.
- the subsea electronics module could be supplied with electrical power for use in said monitoring from a supply separate from the electrical power supply for normal operation of the subsea electronics module.
- data from said monitoring is stored in storage means in the subsea electronics module.
- Data from said monitoring could be transmitted from the subsea electronics module, for example from a communication device coupled with said storage means.
- An embodiment of the invention utilises the existing condition sensors, such as temperature, pressure, vibration and shock sensors, already housed within a SEM to sense (and by utilising the internal SEM electronics) data log conditions of the SCM environment, during storage and transportation of the product from the factory to deployment.
- existing condition sensors such as temperature, pressure, vibration and shock sensors
- the data logger gives an indication as to what level of transportation environment the equipment has been exposed to, which may identify short-comings in the SCM transportation enclosures, particularly with regard to shock mounting of the enclosure unit. It has long been believed or suspected (but not confirmed by measurement) that the transportation environment is significantly more hostile with regard to vibration and shock than the subsea deployed environment and possibly more hostile or demanding (particularly when the periods of exposure are considered) than the environmental stress screening test to which subsea equipment is subjected (lSO13628-6).
- this data logger facility would also provide an indication as to where and when any abuse or event occurred, thus enabling the manufacturer to challenge those contracted to ship or transport the product, and could provide the required data that settles damages during transportation issues for each and every project or field deployment.
- the data logger if combined with a mobile phone based system, or satellite phone system, would enable the equipment to be tracked all around the world during transportation, prior to deployment.
- the embodiment provides environmental sensing and recording during shipping and storage and thus preventing the deployment of potentially damaged equipment. Equipment subjected to excessive environmental stress during transportation can then be returned to the factory, rather than be deployed, thus avoiding potential warranty issues and returns and loss of reputation and customer confidence.
- Fig. 1 illustrates a SEM 1 located within a SCM 2, the whole being housed in a packing case 3 ready for transportation.
- the SEM 1 houses a sensor support module (SSM) 4 as a smart plug-in module (SPM) which carries condition sensors, modern SEMs, such as the GE SemStar5, housing such sensors.
- SSM sensor support module
- SPM smart plug-in module
- the environment monitoring sensors enable monitoring of the micro-climate within the SEM pressure isolation vessel 5 when in subsea operation (temperature, relative humidity, pressure and vibration) but for this invention are also used to monitor the external environment to which the SEM is exposed, prior to deployment, in particular the external temperature and vibration environment.
- the GE SemStar5 is provisioned with a 3-axis accelerometer which, although originally provisioned to enable the SEM vibration environment to be monitored and characterised when deployed, can be used to monitor the transportation environment.
- Fig. 2 shows a typical arrangement of the SSM 4 within the SEM 1 for the purpose of this invention.
- the SSM 4 For the SSM 4 to operate during transportation it has to be powered. If the SEM is maintained in a powered state when in transit and storage it would typically require some 40W of power which would require a large battery source. However, if just the SSM is powered by providing a separate electrical power input 6 to the SSM power rail and isolated from the rest of the SEM power supply lines, typically by diodes 7, then typically less than 10 watts is required which can more practically be supplied by a battery during transit.
- the SSM 4 houses a single board computer (SBC) 8 which during subsea operation handles data from a humidity sensor 9, an accelerometer 10, a temperature sensor 11 and a pressure sensor 12 (these being sensors used in the normal operation of the SEM 1) and transmits this data to the surface.
- storage means in the SBC 8 has the added function of becoming an environmental data logger to provide a record of the temperature, shock and vibration extremes to which the SEM and SCM is exposed when in transit, during handling and when in storage.
- the SBC 8 communicates externally to the SCM typically through a field-bus channel 13, and this is thus the route through which the recorded data can be retrieved later. However, it is often more convenient for the communication to be routed via a mobile phone device 14 enabling worldwide retrieval of the logged data.
- the invention enables:
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Geophysics (AREA)
- Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to monitoring a subsea control module.
- The transportation, typically from the factory to installation, of a subsea control module (SCM) for a subsea hydrocarbon well, the module containing a subsea electronics module (SEM), can result in damage internally, without visibility of any external damage and result in a very expensive process of having to re-deploy after subsea installation.
- Identification of abuse or mishandling of a SCM can currently be achieved by attaching an environmental sensor and recorder to the SCM shipping package. However, this can be removed during the transportation process and replaced, thus hiding any internal damage.
- According to the invention from one aspect, there is provided a method of monitoring a subsea control module for a subsea hydrocarbon well, the module including a subsea electronics module, wherein the method comprises using at least one condition sensor which is used in the normal operation of the subsea electronics module to monitor the subsea control module.
- According to the invention from another aspect, there is provided a subsea control module for a subsea hydrocarbon well, the module including a subsea electronics module, wherein the subsea electronics module is adapted for using at least one condition sensor which is used in the normal operation of the subsea electronics module to monitor the subsea control module.
- A method according to the invention could be performed when the subsea control module is being transported and/or is in storage.
- The at least one sensor could comprise at least one of an accelerometer, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor.
- The subsea electronics module could be supplied with electrical power for use in said monitoring from a supply separate from the electrical power supply for normal operation of the subsea electronics module.
- Typically, data from said monitoring is stored in storage means in the subsea electronics module.
- Data from said monitoring could be transmitted from the subsea electronics module, for example from a communication device coupled with said storage means.
- An embodiment of the invention utilises the existing condition sensors, such as temperature, pressure, vibration and shock sensors, already housed within a SEM to sense (and by utilising the internal SEM electronics) data log conditions of the SCM environment, during storage and transportation of the product from the factory to deployment.
- This requires the equipment to be shipped in a powered state. The data logger gives an indication as to what level of transportation environment the equipment has been exposed to, which may identify short-comings in the SCM transportation enclosures, particularly with regard to shock mounting of the enclosure unit. It has long been believed or suspected (but not confirmed by measurement) that the transportation environment is significantly more hostile with regard to vibration and shock than the subsea deployed environment and possibly more hostile or demanding (particularly when the periods of exposure are considered) than the environmental stress screening test to which subsea equipment is subjected (lSO13628-6). The provision of this data logger facility would also provide an indication as to where and when any abuse or event occurred, thus enabling the manufacturer to challenge those contracted to ship or transport the product, and could provide the required data that settles damages during transportation issues for each and every project or field deployment. The data logger, if combined with a mobile phone based system, or satellite phone system, would enable the equipment to be tracked all around the world during transportation, prior to deployment.
- The embodiment provides environmental sensing and recording during shipping and storage and thus preventing the deployment of potentially damaged equipment. Equipment subjected to excessive environmental stress during transportation can then be returned to the factory, rather than be deployed, thus avoiding potential warranty issues and returns and loss of reputation and customer confidence.
-
-
Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a SCM according to the invention; and -
Fig. 2 shows schematically circuitry within the SEM of the SCM. -
Fig. 1 illustrates aSEM 1 located within a SCM 2, the whole being housed in apacking case 3 ready for transportation. TheSEM 1 houses a sensor support module (SSM) 4 as a smart plug-in module (SPM) which carries condition sensors, modern SEMs, such as the GE SemStar5, housing such sensors. The environment monitoring sensors enable monitoring of the micro-climate within the SEMpressure isolation vessel 5 when in subsea operation (temperature, relative humidity, pressure and vibration) but for this invention are also used to monitor the external environment to which the SEM is exposed, prior to deployment, in particular the external temperature and vibration environment. The GE SemStar5 is provisioned with a 3-axis accelerometer which, although originally provisioned to enable the SEM vibration environment to be monitored and characterised when deployed, can be used to monitor the transportation environment. -
Fig. 2 shows a typical arrangement of theSSM 4 within theSEM 1 for the purpose of this invention. For the SSM 4 to operate during transportation it has to be powered. If the SEM is maintained in a powered state when in transit and storage it would typically require some 40W of power which would require a large battery source. However, if just the SSM is powered by providing a separateelectrical power input 6 to the SSM power rail and isolated from the rest of the SEM power supply lines, typically bydiodes 7, then typically less than 10 watts is required which can more practically be supplied by a battery during transit. - The
SSM 4 houses a single board computer (SBC) 8 which during subsea operation handles data from a humidity sensor 9, anaccelerometer 10, atemperature sensor 11 and a pressure sensor 12 (these being sensors used in the normal operation of the SEM 1) and transmits this data to the surface. For this invention, storage means in the SBC 8 has the added function of becoming an environmental data logger to provide a record of the temperature, shock and vibration extremes to which the SEM and SCM is exposed when in transit, during handling and when in storage. TheSBC 8 communicates externally to the SCM typically through a field-bus channel 13, and this is thus the route through which the recorded data can be retrieved later. However, it is often more convenient for the communication to be routed via amobile phone device 14 enabling worldwide retrieval of the logged data. - The invention enables:
- a) full characterisation of the transportation environment and aids development of custom transport crates and enclosures to match.
- b) a secure method of recording the transportation environment allowing the data to be assessed to reveal any parameters that have exceeded the product specification, prior to product (SCM) deployment, detection of the potential of product damage prior to deployment making substantial time and cost savings.
Claims (14)
- A method of monitoring a subsea control module for a subsea hydrocarbon well, the module including a subsea electronics module, wherein the method comprises using at least one condition sensor which is used in the normal operation of the subsea electronics module to monitor the subsea control module.
- A method according to claim 1, performed when the subsea control module is being transported.
- A method according to claim 1 or 2, performed when the subsea control module is in storage.
- A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one of an accelerometer, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor.
- A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the subsea electronics module is supplied with electrical power for use in said monitoring from a supply separate from the electrical power supply for normal operation of the subsea electronics module.
- A method according to any preceding claim, wherein data from said monitoring is stored in storage means in the subsea electronics module.
- A method according to any preceding claim, wherein data from said monitoring is transmitted from the subsea electronics module.
- A method according to claims 6 and 7, wherein said data is transmitted from a communication device coupled with said storage means.
- A subsea control module for a subsea hydrocarbon well, the module including a subsea electronics module, wherein the subsea electronics module is adapted for using at least one condition sensor which is used in the normal operation of the subsea electronics module to monitor the subsea control module.
- A subsea control module according to claim 9, wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one of an accelerometer, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor.
- A subsea control module according to either of claims 9 and 10, wherein the subsea electronics module includes means for supplying it with electrical power for use in said monitoring from a supply separate from the electrical power supply for normal operation of the subsea electronics module.
- A subsea control module according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the subsea electronics module includes storage means for storing data from said monitoring.
- A subsea control module according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the subsea electronics module includes means for transmitting data from said monitoring.
- A subsea control module according to claims 12 and 13, wherein the subsea electronics module is provided with a communication device coupled with said storage means for transmitting said data from the storage means.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP11188228.8A EP2592219A1 (en) | 2011-11-08 | 2011-11-08 | Monitoring a subsea control module |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP11188228.8A EP2592219A1 (en) | 2011-11-08 | 2011-11-08 | Monitoring a subsea control module |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2592219A1 true EP2592219A1 (en) | 2013-05-15 |
Family
ID=45218230
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP11188228.8A Withdrawn EP2592219A1 (en) | 2011-11-08 | 2011-11-08 | Monitoring a subsea control module |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2592219A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2019166789A1 (en) * | 2018-02-27 | 2019-09-06 | Aker Solutions Limited | Subsea module |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2008032194A2 (en) * | 2006-09-15 | 2008-03-20 | Schlumberger Technology B.V. | Methods and systems for wellhole logging utilizing radio frequency communication |
EP2302479A2 (en) * | 2009-09-21 | 2011-03-30 | Vetco Gray Controls Limited | Condition monitoring of an underwater facility |
-
2011
- 2011-11-08 EP EP11188228.8A patent/EP2592219A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2008032194A2 (en) * | 2006-09-15 | 2008-03-20 | Schlumberger Technology B.V. | Methods and systems for wellhole logging utilizing radio frequency communication |
EP2302479A2 (en) * | 2009-09-21 | 2011-03-30 | Vetco Gray Controls Limited | Condition monitoring of an underwater facility |
Non-Patent Citations (2)
Title |
---|
"Subsea Control Systems", 1 January 2008 (2008-01-01), Houston, pages 1 - 8, XP055023771, Retrieved from the Internet <URL:http://www.weatherford.com/weatherford/groups/web/documents/weatherfordcorp/WFT097737.pdf> [retrieved on 20120403] * |
"Subsea Monitoring and Control Module", 1 October 2004 (2004-10-01), Houston, pages 1 - 6, XP055023767, Retrieved from the Internet <URL:http://www.slb.com/~/media/Files/production/brochures/flow_assurance/subsea_monitoring_control_br.ashx> [retrieved on 20120403] * |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2019166789A1 (en) * | 2018-02-27 | 2019-09-06 | Aker Solutions Limited | Subsea module |
GB2571920A (en) * | 2018-02-27 | 2019-09-18 | Aker Solutions Ltd | Subsea module |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
KR20160094597A (en) | Freight management system having function of real time monitoring | |
BR102014017270A2 (en) | wireless fuel sensor system and method | |
US20030115978A1 (en) | Apparatus and method for monitoring environment within a container | |
US20100274513A1 (en) | Measurement unit, transportation system, and measurement method | |
JP2004507889A (en) | Method and apparatus for acquiring data to perform, manipulate, monitor and control processing operations | |
US7701111B2 (en) | Kit and method for constructing vibration suppression and/or sensing units | |
RU2678760C2 (en) | Wireless fuel sensor system | |
TW201633259A (en) | System and method for monitoring a transport of a passenger transportation device or transport unit | |
KR101847020B1 (en) | Ship internet of things based integrated service system and | |
US20160109602A1 (en) | Methods and apparatus for handling of sensor capsules | |
EP2592219A1 (en) | Monitoring a subsea control module | |
US9068880B2 (en) | Accommodation of different type of sensors in vibration monitoring system using external input or daughter board with interchangeable operating hardware | |
KR20170111708A (en) | System and Method for Monitoring Bulk Cargo Management based on Low Earth Orbit Satellite Communication | |
JP2010002181A (en) | Apparatus and method for recording fall | |
JP2017142197A (en) | Dynamic member used for structure, and electronic component thereof | |
EP3259210B1 (en) | Apparatus and method for monitoring cargo conditions | |
US8289180B2 (en) | Device and method for managing configuration and for managing maintenance of apparatus | |
JP5744783B2 (en) | Measuring instrument and vibration impact measurement system | |
CN111505499B (en) | Autonomous device for monitoring service time of generator set and corresponding generator set | |
EP2549246A1 (en) | An electronics module for use subsea | |
US20060186757A1 (en) | Distributed vibration analysis and suppression system with collocated control electronics | |
RU2673414C1 (en) | Rocket and rocket and space equipment transportation monitoring system | |
US7373262B2 (en) | Method for implementing vibration suppression system under control from a remote site | |
JP7020817B2 (en) | On-board unit and luggage management system | |
WO2018158864A1 (en) | Trace information confirmation device, trace information management system, and trace information management method |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20131112 |
|
RBV | Designated contracting states (corrected) |
Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20140124 |
|
RAP1 | Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred) |
Owner name: GE OIL & GAS UK LIMITED |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
|
18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 20160601 |