WO2019166789A1

WO2019166789A1 - Subsea module

Info

Publication number: WO2019166789A1
Application number: PCT/GB2019/050520
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robin SLATER
Original assignee: Aker Solutions Limited
Priority date: 2018-02-27
Filing date: 2019-02-26
Publication date: 2019-09-06
Also published as: EP3759309B1; GB2571920A; GB201803196D0; EP3759309A1

Abstract

A subsea module such as a subsea control module, comprising a housing with a subsea electronics module (SEM) and a logging device. The logging device comprises a battery, a microprocessor and a memory device. The subsea module comprises a plurality of different sensors connected to or within the logging device, and outside the subsea electronics module. This allows for monitoring the conditions of the subsea module during transportation or installation, providing a wide range of benefits. The sensors include at least one pressure sensor, a temperature sensor and a shock sensor. The logging device may be configured to power down at least one sensor or logging activity when considered less useful. A sensor may also be configured to wake up the microprocessor. Other sensors may be included, such as vibration or vertically spaced apart water ingress sensors.

Description

Subsea module

The present invention relates to a subsea module such as a subsea control module (SCM), manifold control module or the like.

Modules such as SCMs are commonly used in the oil and gas industry. Most have a plate for attachment to a subsea tree or other structure on which the module is mounted and an oil filled, pressure compensated enclosure housing a sealed electronics chamber, a series of solenoid operated hydraulic control valves and external interfaces to process

instrumentation. The sealed electronics chamber is often referred to as a Subsea

Electronics Module (SEM).

The internal components of the SCM, in particular the SEM, are designed to operate within specified environmental conditions. Exposure of the SCM to conditions beyond specified limits can damage the device and internal electronics.

EP2592219 discloses using the sensors inside the SEM, normally only used after installation of the SCM, during surface transportation.

The inventor of the present invention has noticed that there is little or no environmental data captured during the installation of subsea modules. As a result, it is difficult to ensure the integrity of subsea modules, or should damage occur, the events causing this damage.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a subsea module comprising a housing with a subsea electronics module (SEM) and a logging device; the logging device comprising a battery, a microprocessor and a memory device; wherein the subsea module comprises a plurality of different sensors connected to or within the logging device, and outside the subsea electronics module, including:

normally at least one pressure sensor to monitor the pressure of at least one of the pressure within the housing, and the pressure outside the housing;

normally a temperature sensor; and,

normally a shock sensor.

Thus in contrast to EP2592219, the present invention provides sensors outside the SEM, which can monitor the environment when being deployed subsea, and powered from the battery. Indeed, a skilled person would be discouraged from providing a battery in an SEM because of potential damage (e.g. battery leakage) to the delicate electronics of the SEM. Moreover, EP2592219 teaches that a high power battery (40W) is required to sense parameters. Similarly, when installed an SEM normally takes 55W to 65W of power.

Providing batteries with such power requirements would be impractical prior to, and when deployed subsea during installation.

The logging device preferably is rated to exceed the environmental limits that of the SEM.

For example, the SEM may be designed for -18C to +70C. The logging device may be rated to a least 5C or at least 10C higher than the upper rating for the SEM, or at least 20C higher. Optionally, the SEM may be rated to operate at a temperature lower than the SEM, for example by at least 5C or at least 10C or at least 20C lower. In this way, the logging device can monitor conditions in the event that the SEM has been damaged.

The logging device can also be used in situations not requiring an SEM, such as being run with tubing hanger running tools.

Thus in a second aspect, the invention more generally provides a module comprising a housing and a logging device; the logging device comprising a battery, a microprocessor and a memory device; wherein the module comprises a plurality of different sensors connected to or within the logging device, including:

normally a temperature sensor; and,

normally a shock sensor.

Further options herein, not relating to SEMs, are equally applicable to a subsea

module/module according to the first or second aspect of the invention.

The subsea module/module normally comprises a connector interface, especially wet-mate connector interface, for connection to an external device, such as an RS485 connection. There is normally a direct (i.e. not through the SEM) connection between the wet-mate connector of the subsea module/module and the logging device. This may be through 2 pins.

The logging device may be configured such that when it detects a device on the interface it will wake, usually for a limited time, to allow data to be sent to the connected device. After a timeout the logger may be configured to go back to sleep to preserve battery. An advantage of using the battery for this data offload means only 2 pins can be used rather than 4, thus freeing up other pins (which are often at a premium) for other uses.

A connection is normally provided between the logging device and the SEM. The SEM connection may comprise one or preferably both of a power and communication connection, such as 24DVC and a LAN or Ethernet connection.

Thus whilst normally connected to the SEM, the logging device is a discrete device outside of the SEM, comprising a housing made of, for example, stainless steel.

The logging device may duplicate the data recorded by the SEM in the logging devices memory for example by FTP. The files may contain information such as subsea

module/module inventory data, life count data or other state of health and alarm data Therefore, as well as the data recorded by the sensors associated with the logging device, the additional data from the SEM can be more readily retrieved from the logging device, as described herein, and in the event of failure of the SEM, this provides a back-up to the data recorded by the SEM.

Preferably therefore the subsea module/module is configured to transfer data from the SEM to the logging device, optionally periodically, or at other events, such as on power up.

The logging device may comprise a timer. The timer may be a real-time clock.

The plurality of sensors may include any combination of sensors from: temperature, external pressure vibration, shock, water ingress, oil pressure and angular velocity.

The logging device itself may comprise at least one sensor, normally a plurality of different sensors, for example any combination of temperature, shock and vibration. There may be at least one sensor inside the subsea module/module but outside of the logging device and outside of the SEM, for example water detection.

The water sensor may be provided proximate the bottom of the subsea module/module, that is, in the lower quarter of the housing, especially within 20mm of the bottom of the housing. There may be two or more water ingress sensors, and these may be vertically spaced apart from each other. “Lower” and“vertically” are relative to the normal in-use orientation of the subsea module/module. A pressure and/or temperature sensor may be provided inside the logging device to monitor parameters outside the logging device inside the subsea module/module e.g. temperature or pressure typically of the pressure compensating oil.

There may be at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors configured to detect parameters outside the subsea module/module, for example an external pressure sensor.

Thus there may be pressure sensor(s) monitoring pressure, usually oil pressure, inside and outside, usually seawater, of the subsea module/module, and the differential pressure can be assessed directly or through the microprocessor.

The subsea module/module may also comprise suitable sensors, such as accelerometers or magnetometers, adapted to log the angular velocities of the equipment through the water column to map the descent path.

In order to save battery demands, a limited number of sensors may be operable from the battery, such as internal or external pressure, temperature and shock.

The different sensors that may be powered from the battery can vary depending on requirements. For example, temperature and shock sensors can be active during transport; temperature, pressure, tilt and/or shock during installation subsea and water ingress sensor(s) for a period immediately after installation on the tree or manifold.

Other sensors such as water ingress optionally with salinity, water detection, vibration and differential pressure between oil in subsea module/module housing and external

environment may default to be powered down unless installed in the tree.

Thus, the microprocessor can be configured to power down sensors and/or logging activity during periods they are considered less or not useful. In this way the power demands for the battery can be significantly mitigated, and its longevity extended.

The subsea module/module may be configured such that sensors wake up the

microprocessor and/or memory to record events which exceed a pre-determined threshold. The events are normally recorded with a date and time stamp. In this way, battery power can be saved allowing for longer battery life. The subsea module/module may be configured such that a different logging profile (e.g. logging frequency and/or particular sensors switch on or off) is activated when data sensed is indicative of a particular event. For example, it may be configured such that when the pressure sensor detects submersion of the subsea module/module, the pressure and/or temperature (or other) sensors record more frequently such as 0.2bar changes all the way to the sea bed (and usually back up when retrieving the module).

The shock and/or temperature sensor preferably remain active whenever battery power in the logging device allows (or an external power supply is supplied). The subsea

module/module however may default not to log this data (to save battery power) unless a threshold value is reached. For example, the shock sensor may activate the microprocessor and/or memory to log such an event when a threshold shock is reached, such as over 2g. Optionally, the temperature sensor may activate the microprocessor and/or memory to log temperature data when the temperature differs from the last reading by a threshold value, such as 5C.

Similarly pressure sensors (and/or logging of pressure data) may be triggered during movement from sea surface to the installation depth based on indicative measurement, for example a shock reading indicative of contact with the seabed, and/or increased pressure reading from outside the subsea module/module such as 2 bar at 20m depth. They may be therefore“substantially active” as they are on and the microprocessor usually logging for most of the journey subsea through the water column, once triggered, such as 20m.

At or towards the installation depth, the water ingress sensor(s) may be activated and logging started based on shock and/or pressure or other measurements reaching a pre determined threshold.

The microprocessor may be configured to detect an installation or recovery event based on data from at least one of the plurality of different sensors and activate logging of certain data in response. For example, when the plurality of sensors comprises a pressure sensor which detects a pressure increase (when moving deeper for installation) or pressure decrease (when moving shallower for recovery) outside the subsea module/module.

Other sensors may alternatively, or together with the pressure sensor or each other, provide data indicative by the microprocessor as an installation or recovery event, such as a shock, vibration, angular velocity and/or position sensor(s). In use, the water ingress sensor may be adapted to take at least two measurements during cooldown after installation, which can be used to determine if there is a leak in the subsea module/module and water has entered the subsea module/module. This could allow the timing and likely cause of any water ingress to be established. Thus for certain

embodiments, the water ingress sensor(s) may be powered up at installation depth. They may be switched off after a reading is taken at installation depth. Then powered up intermittently thereafter, such as at least two more times in the subsequent 24 hours. If water is detected on the first reading, then it is more likely due to installation speed. If it is detected later, it is more likely thermal contraction of compensating oil as it cools to seawater temperature.

This can help establish whether the compensation system (internal pressure) is equalising with the seawater hydrostatic head. Optionally, the speed of installation through the water column can assist this assessment.

Optionally, the pressure readings may be combined with temperature readings to add depth to the data.

The subsea module/module may comprise an alarm function if the microprocessor determines an error, problem or potential problem, for example, a decent/assent rate in water considered too fast.

The memory may comprise flash memory. For certain embodiments, the logging device provides non-volatile memory capacity for storage of up to two years of condition monitoring data.

A set of communications protocols including FTP, Modbus and/or Telnet may be supported by the logging device when external power is provided such as after installation on the subsea tree.

The housing is typically filled with oil or other liquid.

The subsea module/module normally comprises a pressure compensation device.

The subsea module/module may comprise a plurality of pilot valves typically operated by electronic signals from the SEM. These can provide hydraulic functions for control of larger bore valves on process piping, trees and manifolds for example. The subsea module/module may be a subsea control module (SCM), a manifold control module, a subsea router module, a High Integrity Pressure Protection System (HIPPS) control module or other subsea module/module including an SEM.

The SEM normally comprises interfaces for connection to external sensors Subsea

Instrumentation Interface Standard (SIIS) level 1 , 2 and 3.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method to log data during installation of a subsea module, the method comprising

deploying the subsea module as described herein into water;

moving the subsea module towards a subsea structure;

installing the subsea module into the subsea structure.

Normally the subsea module is provided in a frame or installation tool during deployment.

The subsea structure may be, for example, a tree or a manifold.

Data from the logging device may be retrieved before deployment subsea.

Data from the logging device may be retrieved after installation in the subsea tree. This data may be directly from the logger or via the SEM.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device comprising a wet mate connector, a device computer and a usually wireless functionality, the device configured to connect with an interface on a subsea module/module and offload data from the subsea module/module.

The device computer is typically configured to extract, optionally automatically, data from the logging device when connected.

The wireless functionality allows the device to wirelessly transmit to a further device such as a mobile device. One advantage is that the mobile device can append user and location (GPS) data before sending to a cloud storage location for immediate view by remote service personnel. Other information that may be beneficial to gather can also be involved. For example, photos, service engineer commentary on pre-installation condition, tree that it is to be installed to, installation vessel it is being installed from and/or details about the installation methods being used etc. The device is normally a hand-held device.

The subsea module to which the device can connect may be any subsea module described herein such as a subsea control module (SCM), a manifold control module, a subsea router module or a High Integrity Pressure Protection System (HIPPS) control module.

Preferably the data that the device offloads from the subsea module/module, comprises data from the data logger.

The device may have a battery. Optionally, power may be supplied by or utilised from the logging device. Similar to as described above, the subsea module/module may be configured such that when it detects the device on the interface, it will wake, usually for a limited time, to allow data to be sent to the device. After a timeout it may be configured to go back to sleep to preserve battery.

The device may comprise a single board computer. It is normally provided in a housing.

The wireless communications for certain embodiments may be Bluetooth or WIFI.

An advantage of such embodiments is that data, such as periodic healthy check data, can be conveniently recovered from the subsea module/module when on land without separate power supply for the subsea module/module or having a laptops with appropriate functionality and power supplies e.g. an SCM can need 200 to 900 volts AC power source. The subsea module/modules can thus be monitored more frequently and more conveniently than known systems.

In alternative embodiments the device may additionally or alternatively include longer range communications device (capable of communicating for at least half a kilometre), such as a GSM chip, in order to communicate with a mobile phone or other such longer range data network. A positioning device, such as a GPS device may also be included. The data can then be sent back during transportation without the need for local interrogation.

Such a device may be integrated with a cover which is normally provided over an external connector of a module. The device may be destroyed when immersed. Moreover, the device may also use short range communication techniques to identify nearby equipment and report this (e.g. serial numbers) back, optionally using a longer range communications device. For example, certain pieces of equipment such as sensors, meters, hydraulic or electric flying leads, connectors etc can be provided with a small battery (and/or solar powered) and a local communication device. In this way, inventory control and delivery can be more accurately monitored during shipping. Suitable local communications devices include Wifi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, X10 and/or Z-Wave.

Such a device with longer range communication usually includes a battery, although may use power from the module, for example the data logger battery. Alternatively or

additionally, it may be solar powered.

The present invention also provides a subsea module as described herein and the device as described herein.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to:

Fig. 1 which is a schematic view of a subsea control module (SCM) in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2 which is a schematic view of the Fig. 1 SCM connected to a computer; and,

Fig. 3 which is a schematic view of the Fig. 1 SCM with a connected hand-held device in accordance with a further aspect of the invention.

A subsea control module (SCM) 10 comprises a subsea electronics module (SEM) 20 and a logging device 30 installed in an SCM housing 12, both immersed in transformer oil 11 , along with a pressure compensation system 40 connected via tubing 41. The SCM 10 has a series of solenoid valves 42 connected to respective hydraulic connectors 44. The hydraulic connectors 44 are connected to a subsea tree (not shown) for control of valves (not shown) or the likes on the tree.

The logging device 30 is housed in a capped stainless steel tube comprising a

microprocessor 32, battery 33, a non-volatile memory device 34 and a timer 36. It is connected to a number of sensors, including oil pressure P1 , pressure P2 ported externally through the port 18, vibration V, shock S, water detection sensors W1 and W2, and temperature sensor T. The temperature sensor T is provided inside the logging device 30 and thermally coupled to its container. Similarly the pressure sensor P1 is also provided inside the logging device 30 and ported to outside the logging device 30.

Both monitor conditions of the oil outside the logging device 30, inside the SCM 10.

Alternative embodiments may provide the temperature T and/or pressure P1 sensor outside the logging device 30 and connected thereto.

The differential pressure between oil in the SCM housing and the external environment can be determined by comparing the P1 (monitoring internal oil pressure) and P2 (ported externally of the SCM) pressure readings or providing a combined pressure sensor to measure differential pressure.

The water ingress sensors W1 and W2 are provided outside the logging device 30, one normally being at the bottom of the SCM 10 where it is more likely to detect any water ingress. By being spaced apart vertically, they can together assess the degree of water ingress as it builds up within the SCM 10 from the bottom up. They are usually sensors to measure the electrical conductance of fluid in the SCM 10 (or pressure compensation system 40) and the difference in conductivity of transformer oil, seawater and hydraulic fluid can be used to more accurately determine water ingress.

Other sensors may also be provided in the logging device 30 for example to determine orientation using accelerometers or magnetometers. In this way the SCM 10 can detect if it has been tilted and log the tilt angle, angular velocity and duration.

An internal 24V interface 50 between logging device 30 and SEM 20 powers the logging device 30 when installed.

Whilst the logging device 30 can use external power from the SCM 10 when installed on the subsea tree, it also comprises the internal battery 33 to supply power for sensing and optionally logging functions during installation and recovery. Thus, the logging device 30 can operate completely autonomously to monitor and optionally record sensor data using battery power or power from the subsea tree via the SEM 20 when available.

The wet mate interface 47 of the SCM 10 connects to an external device via an RS845 connection using two pins for a serial interface. This is connected directly to the logging device 30 via line 48. The data can therefore be retrieved through a suitable device before/after launch or in situ (e.g. on an ROV), which could send the data onwardly via, for example, a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection to a smartphone or laptop computer.

Fig. 2 shows the SCM 10 connected to a laptop computer 70 via line 72. A power supply 74 is also provided. Data from the SEM 20 and/or data logger 30 can be retrieved normally through lines 46, 48 respectively, although for certain embodiments the data detected by one can be relayed via, or stored on, the other.

Fig. 3 shows a more convenient means of obtaining data from the data logger 30. A hand held data recovery device 80 is connected to the wet mate connector 47 of the SCM 10. It includes a battery 84 and single board computer 82 and wireless connectivity (not shown) with a mobile device 86.

Connecting such a data recovery device 80 wakes the data logger 30 for a limited period of time whilst data can be recovered. The data is sent to the mobile device and onwards from there if required. Such embodiments can conveniently allow a“quick check” on modules for example in storage, or between the more thorough scheduled checks for the module using a separate power supply and laptop computer.

Thus, the microprocessor can be configured to wake up when connected to an external device and then shut down when disconnected, thus saving battery power. Moreover, it can be configured to shut down after a maximum time is reached, regardless of whether the external device is still connected, the maximum time being enough to upload all logs or download updated firmware.

The logging device 30 is installed within an SCM 10 during its assembly. The logging device 30 can begin logging and recording conditions of the SCM 10 at the point of its own installation within the module.

Before installation subsea and during land testing, the data can be accessed to check there is no damage to the SCM 10 caused by surface or air transportation. Results can also be sent along with GPS coordinates from a mobile app on a device such as the data recovery device 80 to a cloud location so the operator can know the exact location and condition of all modules as soon as logs are accessed.

In alternative embodiments (not shown) the data recovery device may additionally or alternatively include longer range communications device such as a GSM chip in order to communicate with a mobile phone network. A positioning device, such as a GPS device is also included. In this way, during transportation, the device can report back data which can allow any problems with the module to be identified relatively early. This can prove very useful where delays in transportation and customs clearance can be considerable.

Providing an earlier indication of a potential fault, can allow this to be addressed in a more timely fashion, before the device is tested near the well site, or installed subsea.

Moreover, such a device may also use short range communication techniques to identify nearby equipment and report this back using the longer range communications device. For example, certain pieces of equipment can be provided with a small battery and a local communication device. In this way, the device acts as a local hub and inventory control and delivery can be more accurately monitored during shipping.

To deploy, the SCM 10 is then attached to an installation frame (not shown) and lowered over side of a vessel into the water towards a subsea tree (not shown).

Data may be obtained on the shock as the subsea module is deployed into the sea. Ideally, this is lowered into the sea gently. However inclement sea conditions and/or careless handling can result in a shock to the subsea module when it contacts the water. Whilst the known modules have a rating intended to cope with any such shock, existing systems do not measure this impact. Accordingly, it is not known if the shock rating for sea impact is appropriate, nor if faults detected subsea when installed into the tree (or manifold etc) are a result of a severe impact with the water.

Given the increased pressure in water, the sensor P2 will sense an increased pressure (for example 2-3 barg at 20m - 30m) which is indicative of an installation event, and wake up the electronics to monitor and log sensor data using the internal battery 33. Pressure, temperature, shock and optionally angle/told are monitored and logged.

Using the timer 36 and pressure readings, the descent rate can be monitored as the SCM 10 is lowered towards a subsea tree to ensure it does not exceed a safe level of descent.

Alarms can be triggered if the rate of descent is too high. Alarms (and logged data) are stored locally. When the SCM 10 is powered up after installation and in communication with the topside control system, the installation data and any recorded alarms can be recovered and analysed. The frame carrying the SCM 10 will eventually land on the subsea tree resulting in a jolt or shock to the system. This will be detected by the shock sensor S, and interpreted appropriately by the microprocessor 32 that the SCM 10 has reached the installation site. Stabilisation of the internal or external pressure from the pressure sensors P1/P2 can also determine or confirm this interpretation.

When the system interprets that it has reached installation depth, it may be activated to switch on and optionally log different data. For example, it may switch on one or more of the W1 and W2 sensors, to check for water ingress which can be dormant during deployment from surface to the installation depth in order to preserve battery power. Optionally the water ingress sensors W1 and W2 can be used periodically (e.g. monthly) under battery power if there is a delay in powering up the SCM.

The SCM 10 can then be installed on the subsea tree as normal.

Once installed, the conventional Ethernet connection through the tree provides the main communication 46 and power interface 45, for example powered with 500V. This allows further sensors in the logging device 30 to be activated through the SEM 20 and further logging to occur. The internal 24V interface 60 between logging device 30 and SEM 20 powers the logging device 30. Therefore, when installed, the internal battery 33 can remain largely or completely idle therefore saving power, or recharged if a rechargeable battery used.

Once installed, data is also accessible via the SEM 20 through the connection 46 and onwardly through a wet-mate connection 47 and the normal umbilical communications (not shown) medium to topside. When connected in this way, the data logging device’s log files may be retrieved to the surface. If necessary, it would also be possible to locally connect with the flash storage of the logging device 30 to recover these files even if the logging device 30 itself has ceased to function.

In certain circumstances, an ROV can connect to the SCM 10 and data and communications recovered through the ROV.

Transformer oil within a subsea module expands and contracts a lot depending on pressure and temperature. Compensation systems such as the compensation system 40 are designed to maintain the pressure but there is no current way to detect if they maintain integrity under extreme conditions or the timing of when any water ingress occurred. Accordingly the water detection sensors W1 and W2, for example using conductivity measurements, can be powered up and data logged on any seawater or leaked hydraulic fluid present in the SCM 10.

Such monitoring of any water ingress in the SCM can continue for up to, for example 24 hours and at least two more readings, or periodically again at any defined time period thereafter. Water ingress can occur after the installation due to the gradual cooling of the SCM 10 to the surrounding environment causing volume changes in the oil in particular.

This logging of data can help determine if water ingress is due to the installation process or thermal cooling of the SCM 10. Being able to determine whether water ingress is present after installation or increasing in the time period after installation can also help understand how the compensation system 40 performs with varying speeds and temperatures at deployment and recovery. Data recovered will ultimately lead to better, more optimal product designs. The conductivity measurements using sensor W2 can also be used to infer how much oil has been lost from the SCM 10 and it can be determined if the displacement of transformer oil is due to seawater (e.g. a seal failure of the housing 40) or hydraulic fluid leak.

When disconnected from the external power the logging device 30 will record temperature and shock under battery power (as it would topside). It will also record that the system has been powered down. Thus a record of total time under battery can be maintained both to understand remaining battery life and to keep life counts of how long the SCM has been powered.

Other sensors can be configured to activate on detection of an external pressure change Similar parameters can be logged on the return trip being recovered from subsea as described for the installation trip subsea, for example pressure, shock, temperature, angle/tilt.

An advantage of the present invention is that the logging device is separate from the SEM but inside the SCM and so in the scenario that the logging device fails, or the battery leaks during transportation, installation or use, this has no bearing on the delicate electronics in the SEM. During transport it is useful to know whether the SCM is exposed to shock (for example being dropped, potholes, hitting the water surface). Tilting and duration exceeding 40° would suggest incorrect orientation. Certain embodiments of the present invention are rated to operating at 105C or up to 125C or indeed up to 140Cwhich is higher than the rating of SEMs. Therefore, the logging device can outlive the components it is monitoring and report any environmental conditions that may have triggered their failure. Other vibration events after installation can also be recorded (for example, in the range 0 to 2khz) for detection of Vortex Induced Vibration (VIV) (vibration due to vortexes external to the process pipework), Flow Induced Vibration (FIV) (due to produced fluids from the well e.g. water hammer, gas or liquid slugs), slugging, choke cavitation, workover etc Other shock events can also be recorded, for example detection of ROV impact, BOP landing etc and shock exposure at splash zone. Loss/restoration of power events can also be detected and recorded.

The logging device 30 can provide recorded data, alarm indications and a configuration interface to the connected Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.

Improvements and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A subsea module comprising a housing with a subsea electronics module (SEM) and a logging device; the logging device comprising a battery, a microprocessor and a memory device; wherein the subsea module comprises a plurality of different sensors connected to or within the logging device, and outside the subsea electronics module, including:

at least one pressure sensor to monitor the pressure of at least one of the pressure within the housing, and the pressure outside the housing; a temperature sensor; and,

a shock sensor.

2. A subsea module as claimed in claim 1 , configured to power down at least one

sensor and/or logging activity during periods they are considered less or not useful.

3. A subsea module as claimed in any preceding claim, configured such that at least one sensor wakes up the microprocessor and/or memory to record or start to record events after a pre-determined threshold is reached.

4. A subsea module as claimed in any preceding claim, configured such that a different sensing or logging profile is activated when data sensed is indicative of a particular event.

5. A subsea module as claimed claim 3 or 4, wherein the events are recorded with a date and time stamp.

6. A subsea module as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising pressure sensors to monitor both the pressure within the housing and the pressure outside the housing.

7. A subsea module as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the temperature sensor activates the microprocessor and/or memory to log temperature data when the temperature differs from the last reading by a threshold value.

8. A subsea module as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the shock sensor

activates the microprocessor and/or memory to log such an event when a threshold shock value is reached.

9. A subsea module as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a timer.

10. A subsea module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a water ingress sensor and a timing device.

11. A subsea module as claimed in claim 10, wherein the water ingress sensor is within 20mm of a bottom of the subsea module.

12. A subsea module as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 , wherein the water ingress

sensor is a first water ingress sensor, and there is a second water ingress sensor, vertically spaced apart from the first water ingress sensor.

13. A subsea module as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the logging

device is configured, such that at or towards the installation depth the or at least one water ingress sensor is activated to sense and log, based on a shock and/or a pressure measurement.

14. A subsea module as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the water ingress sensor is adapted to take at least two measurements during cooldown after installation.

15. A subsea module as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a vibration sensor.

16. A subsea module as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a sensor to

determine angular velocity.

17. A subsea module as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one of a power and communications connection is provided between the logging device and the SEM.

18. A subsea module as claimed in claim 17, wherein a communications connection is provided between the logging device and the SEM and the logging device duplicates data recorded by the SEM in the logging device’s memory.

19. A subsea module as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein there is a direct

connection between an external wet-mate connector interface and the logging device.

20. A subsea module as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the logging device is configured such that when it detects a device on an external wet-mate connector interface it will wake to allow data to be sent to the connected device.

21. A subsea module as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the logging device is rated to exceed a temperature rating of the SEM by at least 5C.

22. A subsea module as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises pressure compensating oil and a pressure compensation device.

23. A subsea module as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of pilot valves operated by electronic signals from the SEM.

24. A subsea module as claimed in any preceding claim, being a subsea control module (SCM).

25. A subsea module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23, being a manifold control module.

26. A subsea module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23, being a High Integrity Pressure Protection System (HIPPS) control module.

27. A subsea module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, being a subsea router module.

28. A method to log data during installation of a subsea module, the method comprising deploying the subsea module as claimed in any preceding claim into water; moving the subsea module towards a subsea structure;

installing the subsea module into the subsea structure.

29. A method as claimed in claim 28, wherein data from the logging device is retrieved before deployment subsea.

30. A method as claimed in claim 28 or 29, wherein data from the logging device is retrieved after installation in the subsea structure.

31. A method as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein a plurality of different sensors are substantially active whilst the subsea module is being moved through the water column towards the installation depth.

32. A method as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 31 , wherein shock and temperature and pressure sensors are substantially active and data is logged, whilst the subsea module is being moved through the water column towards installation depth.

33. A device comprising a wet mate connector, a device computer and a wireless

functionality, the device configured to connect with an interface on a subsea module as claimed in any preceding claim and offload data from the subsea module.

34. A device as claimed in claim 33, wherein the device computer is configured to

extract, optionally automatically, data from the logging device when connected.

35. A device as claimed in claim 33 or 34, wherein the device is a hand-held device.

36. A device as claimed in any one of claims 33 to 35, comprising a long distance

communication device and optionally comprising a positioning device.

37. A module comprising a housing and a logging device; the logging device comprising a battery, a microprocessor and a memory device; wherein the subsea module comprises a plurality of different sensors connected to or within the logging device, including:

at least one pressure sensor to monitor the pressure of at least one of the pressure within the housing, and the pressure outside the housing;

a temperature sensor; and,

a shock sensor.