Remotely-Operated Subsea Control Module

Abstract

Methods of replacing a subsea control module (SCM) associated with a subsea equipment comprising: identifying a condition indicating need for replacing the SCM; activating a remotely-operated subsea control module (ROSCM) located in a first location in a subsea field; maneuvering the ROSCM from the first location to a second location in the subsea field, wherein the ROSCM is self-propelled; connecting the ROSCM to a distribution system for the subsea equipment; providing at least one of hydraulic power, electrical power, and communications to the subsea equipment; and replacing the ROSCM with a second SCM. Also described are ROSCMs and subsea systems including such ROSCMs.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/278,630, filed Jan. 14, 2016, entitled “REMOTELY-OPERATED SUBSEA CONTROL MODULE,” the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The failure of a subsea control module (SCM) on a piece of installed and operating subsea production or processing equipment can result in downtime for that particular equipment and loss of production until the SCM can be replaced and control restored. Failure of an SCM can include loss of hydraulic power, electrical power, communications, any combination thereof, or other fault which would render the SCM unable to control the production or processing equipment to which it is connected. In conventional practice, one or more spare SCMs are stored onshore and when an operating SCM fails, one of the spare SCMs and associated running tools are mobilized onto a vessel, transited offshore, and the failed SCM is replaced by a spare SCM using standard installation practices. The replacement process may be relatively lengthy, and depending upon several factors, e.g., the location of the spare SCM, the availability of personnel, vessels, and/or other resources, etc., restoration of the failed equipment can take weeks or longer. Replacing failed SCMs can be further complicated for locations where water surface access is restricted, e.g., due to ice sheets or floes, icebergs, harsh weather, or other restrictive metocean conditions. Additionally, access limitations or other restrictions can limit the ability of a conventional inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR) vessel to replace the SCM in a timely manner.

Prior subsea efforts to mitigate such limitations include using Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) transportable tool packages to replace control pods, e.g., using control pod work packages. See, e.g., Choate, T. G. A., et al. “EDIPS ROV Control Pod Replacement Tool.” Offshore Technology Conference. Offshore Technology Conference, 1989. However, such efforts contain tools that are deployed from vessels, delaying response times. Additionally, such efforts may require mobilizing spare control modules from onshore storage locations.

Consequently, a need exists for an expedient technique for regaining control of failed production equipment applicable in any subsea field, with special emphasis on deepwater and arctic subsea developments. A need exists for an expedient technique to quickly restore control to the disabled equipment in order to maximize production uptime. A need exists for a rapidly deployable mechanism for repairing, restoring, and/or replacing a failed SCM in a subsea field.

SUMMARY

One embodiment includes a method of replacing a subsea control module (SCM) associated with a subsea equipment comprising identifying a condition indicating need for replacing the SCM, activating a remotely-operated subsea control module (ROSCM) located in a first location in a subsea field, maneuvering the ROSCM from the first location to a second location in the subsea field, wherein the ROSCM is self-propelled, connecting the ROSCM to a distribution system for the subsea equipment, and providing at least one of hydraulic power, electrical power, and communications to the subsea equipment.

Another embodiment includes a remotely-operated subsea control module (ROSCM) apparatus comprising a receiver configured to receive an operating instruction from a remote location, a propulsion mechanism configured to move the ROSCM from a first location in a subsea field to a second location in the subsea field, a subsea electronics module (SEM) configured to provide local control instructions for a subsea equipment, and an interface configured to provide at least one of hydraulic power, electrical power, and communications to the subsea equipment.

Still another embodiment includes a subsea system comprising a subsea wellhead, a subsea equipment coupled to the subsea wellhead, a subsea control module (SCM) operatively coupled to the subsea equipment, a remotely-operated subsea control module (ROSCM) disposed at a first location in a subsea field, wherein the ROSCM comprises a receiver configured to receive an operating instruction from a remote location, a propulsion mechanism configured to move the ROSCM from the first location in the subsea field to a second location in the subsea field, and an interface configured to connect to at least one of a spare umbilical termination assembly (UTA) connection near the subsea equipment, a hydraulic distribution system associated with the subsea equipment, a power distribution system associated with the subsea equipment, and a communication distribution system associated with the subsea equipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages of the present techniques are better understood by referring to the following detailed description and the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a Remotely-Operated Subsea Control Module (ROSCM) in a subsea field comprising a well-site or a plurality of well-sites.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a Remotely-Operated Subsea Control Module (ROSCM) in a subsea well-site.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a method of replacing a subsea control module (SCM) associated with subsea equipment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a master control station (MCS) that may be used to perform any of the methods disclosed herein.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a ROSCM according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a planar view of an interface of a ROSCM according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description section, specific embodiments of the present techniques are described. However, to the extent that the following description is specific to a particular embodiment or a particular use of the present techniques, this is intended to be for exemplary purposes only and simply provides a description of the exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, the techniques are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, include all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents falling within the true spirit and scope of the appended claims.

At the outset, for ease of reference, certain terms used in this application and their meanings as used in this context are set forth. To the extent a term used herein is not defined herein, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in at least one printed publication or issued patent. Further, the present techniques are not limited by the usage of the terms shown herein, as all equivalents, synonyms, new developments, and terms or techniques that serve the same or a similar purpose are considered to be within the scope of the present claims.

As used herein, the term “substantial” when used in reference to a quantity or amount of a material, or a specific characteristic thereof, refers to an amount that is sufficient to provide an effect that the material or characteristic was intended to provide. The exact degree of deviation allowable may depend, in some cases, on the specific context.

As used herein, the terms “a” and “an”, mean one or more when applied to any feature in embodiments of the present inventions described in the specification and claims. The use of “a” and “an” does not limit the meaning to a single feature unless such a limit is specifically stated.

As used herein, the term “communication” refers to the transfer of data for monitoring purposes, or for sending and receiving commands, or both.

As used herein, the phrase “controls link” will preferably include a form of communication to and from the well-sites, and will preferably include “control power” for the well-sites, although local “control power” may be employed.

As used herein, the phrase “control operations” may optionally also include providing electrical power, including low voltage for control equipment such as gauges and valves, and high power for operating subsea equipment as described above.

As used herein, the phrase “control power” refers to sending hydraulic or electrical low power for the operations of gauges, valves, sensors, and other low power-consuming equipment. Hydraulics and electrical low power are both considered forms of “control power” for purposes of this disclosure.

As used herein, the phrase “high power” refers to providing hydraulic or high electric power for electrical submersible pumps, multi-phase pumps, compressors, and other high power-consuming equipment.

As used herein, the term “replace” or “replacing” with respect to certain equipment means to take the place of or serve as a substitute for, e.g., by replacing, superseding, overriding, or otherwise supplanting other equipment, depending on the context. Replacing may be temporary or permanent as would, be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, the definite article “the” preceding singular or plural nouns or noun phrases denotes a particular specified feature or particular specified features and may have a singular or plural connotation depending upon the context in which it is used.

While the present techniques may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, the exemplary embodiments discussed herein have been shown only by way of example. However, it should again be understood that the techniques disclosed herein are not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Indeed, the present techniques include all alternatives, modifications, combinations, permutations, and equivalents falling within the true spirit and scope of the appended claims.

The proposed technology combines remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) and subsea control module (SCM) technologies to restore electrical and hydraulic power to regain control of the disabled subsea equipment until a more permanent SCM replacement operation can be performed. The technology may be referred to herein as the Remotely-Operated Subsea Control Module (ROSCM). The ROSCM may be deployed when the subsea field or well-site is installed and may be wet stored until used.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a subsea system 100 having a ROSCM 102 deployed therein. The subsea system 100 includes a host platform 150 coupled to and configured to service a plurality of subsea well-sites 110, 120 within a subsea field 140. The host platform 150 may be configured to be re-locatable to a location generally above any of the subsea well-sites 110, 120. In some embodiments, the host platform 150 may be a semisubmersible platform, a towed vessel, a self-propelled vehicle, etc. In some embodiments, the host platform 150 may be a fixed platform. The host platform 150 comprises an operations control system (not shown). The specific control operations may include communications. Control operations may further include the injection of chemicals such as hydrate, paraffin, or wax inhibitors into flow lines. Subsea equipment that is subject to control operations includes, but is not limited to, gauges, valves and/or chokes (not shown) associated with wellheads, e.g., trees, and respective flow-lines. It may also include pumps and other electrically or hydraulically actuated equipment. The host platform 150 optionally includes a power delivery system (not shown) that delivers power from the host platform 150 to subsea equipment. Embodiments with power delivery systems may include known power systems, such as fuel generators. For example, power may be generated by the combustion of fuel gas supplied via a fuel gas return line. Gas may be supplied via a subsea separator. Liquid hydrocarbon fuel may be used during disconnections or when fuel gas is not available. Alternative embodiments may use wind power, solar power, tidal power, geothermal power, etc. The host platform 150 may also include a control delivery system (not shown) located onboard the host platform 150 and configured to control subsea equipment. The control delivery system may be any suitable control system and may comprise a communication link, such a wired link or a wireless link.

Each well-site 110, 120 comprises various subsea equipment, e.g., trees 114, 124. It is understood that the trees 114, 124 of each well have valves for controlling or shutting off fluid flow from the wellbores. The trees 114, 124 and various components disposed thereon may be actuated by a subsea control module (SCM) (discussed further below) located on the trees 114, 124. Each well-site may include a manifold coupled to trees via well jumpers. As shown in FIG. 1, well-site 110 further comprises a manifold 115 coupled to trees 114 via well jumpers 116. Alternately or additionally, flying leads couple the manifold 115 and trees 114. The subsea well-sites 110, 120 further comprise flowline and pipeline components 117, 127, e.g., flowline end terminations (FLETs) or pipeline end terminations (PLETs). The manifold 115 is coupled to wellhead components 117 via jumpers 116. Jumpers 126 connect wellhead components 127, control connection points 128, and/or trees 124 together. Each well-site 110, 120 further comprises one or more controls connection points 118, 128, e.g., umbilical termination assemblies (UTAs), subsea distribution units (SDUs), etc. Umbilicals 180, 184 extend from the host platform 150 to the controls connection points 118, 128. Flying leads may couple a manifold to the controls connection points, e.g., similar to the trees. Production export lines 144, 146 may carry produced fluids to a gathering and processing facility.

A ROSCM 102 is depicted coupled to the controls connection points 118 via an input flying lead 170, e.g., a hydraulic, electrical, and/or communications input lead, and coupled to the tree 114 via an output flying lead 171. Some embodiments may not require the input flying lead 170 and/or the output flying lead 171 as an alternate means of communication may be utilized, a wireless connection such as a radio frequency (RF) connection or using acoustic communications. The ROSCM 102 may be neutrally buoyant and may contain motors and any other equipment necessary to maneuver from its storage location or “garage” 130 to the area of the impaired equipment. Those of skill in the art will appreciate a variety of buoyancy control mechanisms and structures may be suitably employed, including ballasting systems, air bladders, etc., and all such variations are considered within the scope of this disclosure. Underwater vehicle propulsion design is well known and, consequently, techniques for maneuvering the ROSCM 102 may be accomplished in a variety of ways known to those of skill in the art within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the ROSCM 102 may comprise an internal battery driving a propeller-based propulsion system. Alternately, the input flying lead 170 may power a ROSCM 102 propulsion motor which may be a component of the propulsion mechanism. Still other embodiments may use one or more thrusters, a sled-and-rail design, a tow-cable design, etc. The garage may optionally be a wet-storage or a dry-storage location, and may be capable of charging a battery for the ROSCM 102, e.g., using power from a host facility or locally generated, for example, via hydrothermal power, tidal power, current power, etc., or any combination thereof. The garage may be centrally located with respect to one or more well-sites, e.g., well-site 110, 120, in order to support the entire subsea field. The ROSCM 102 may carry all the hydraulic hoses, electrical leads, fiber optic leads, or wireless equipment as necessary to provide electrical and hydraulic power and control to the subsea equipment. Internal to the ROSCM 102 may be one or more subsea electronics modules (SEMs), and one or more channels of hydraulic controls components, e.g., manifolds, selector valves, directional control valves (DCVs), dump valve, etc., as necessary to restore electrical power, hydraulic power, communications, control, or any combination thereof.

The ROSCM 102 may be connected upon initial field installation, or may have the ability to connect low and high pressure lines from its input interface to spare connection slots plumbed into the hydraulic distribution system to energize the hydraulic components within the ROSCM. This may be accomplished in a variety of ways, e.g., using individual hoses and couplers, subsea male/female stab-style (“hot stab”) connections, or a small flying lead and stab plate or junction plate. The ROSCM 102 may also connect to spare power and/or communication connection slots that are tied into the power and communication distribution system. This may be via separate electrical connectors, fiber optic connectors, wireless connection, or may be combined with the hydraulic lines into a single flying lead and stab plate. The ROSCM 102 may include one or more subsea electronics modules (SEMs), and/or one or more channels of hydraulic controls components, e.g., manifolds, selector valves, directional control valves (DCVs), dump valve, etc., as necessary to restore functionality to the disabled subsea equipment. Some embodiments of the ROSCM 102 may include spare parts, replacement parts, etc., for installation into or onto the subsea equipment.

In some embodiments, the ROSCM 102 is connected subsequent to initial field installation, e.g., as a replacement ROSCM 102 or as a retrofit item.

The ROSCM 102 may have the ability to connect its hydraulic, electrical, and/or fiber optic output leads on the output interface to the disabled equipment. The ROSCM 102 may have an interface configured to be connected to the subsea equipment via individual lines, leads, and/or other connections, such as individual couplers or hot stab connection, and electrical and fiber optic connectors, a single flying lead and stab plate, wireless connections, etc. If the ROSCM interface is configured to be connected to the subsea equipment via wireless signals, e.g., for communicating with and/or transmitting electrical power to the equipment, only hydraulic leads may be needed from the ROSCM 102 to the subsea equipment, e.g., trees 114, 124, manifold 115, etc.

The ROSCM 102 may be connected to a master control station, e.g., an operations control system located on the host platform 150, via a production umbilical and associated distribution system, e.g., via umbilicals 180, 184, or some other suitable method, to provide remote operation capability for the subsea equipment to which it is connected. Various embodiments may alternately or additionally dispose the master control station on a layer of ice, on land, a vessel, a fixed structure, etc., and the system 100 may include more than one such control station. In this way, the ROSCM 102 may execute any start-ups, operations, and emergency shut-downs (ESDs) required by the platform or subsea equipment. The ROSCM 102 may be retrieved, if required, during the open water season to perform any maintenance operations.

The ROSCM 102 may comprise one or more sensors and/or detection systems, e.g., pressure, temperature, salinity, depth, video, infrared, position, vibration, hydrophones, etc. These sensors may be used for maneuvering guidance, for equipment inspection operations, for diagnostic and/or troubleshooting operations, for remote monitoring/operation, for anomaly detection, etc. Such embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art and are considered within the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a subsea system 200 having a ROSCM 202 deployed therein. The components of FIG. 2 may be substantially the same as the corresponding components of FIG. 1 except as otherwise noted. The subsea system 200 includes a tree 214 coupled to the wellhead 211. The tree 214 may be actuated by an SCM 235. The subsea system 200 further comprises a manifold 215 coupled to the tree 214 via flow line jumper 216. Alternately or additionally, a flying lead (not shown) may couple the manifold 215 and the tree 214.

An input flying lead 270 couples the ROSCM 202 to a controls connection point (not shown), e.g., the controls connection points 118, 128 of FIG. 1. An output flying lead 271 couples the ROSCM 202 to the distribution system 245 of the tree 214. The distribution system 245 may include a hydraulic distribution system, a power distribution system, a communication distribution system, or any combinations thereof. Although the connections to the distribution system 245 are depicted on the side of tree 214, it is understood that such connections may be located at any suitable position, such as the top surface of the tree. Either/both of the flying leads 270, 271 may optionally comprise bundled or separate hoses disposing hydraulic fluid, electrical power, and/or fiber optic input leads. As discussed above, some embodiments may not require some or all of the communication links as wireless transmission is within the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of components of ROSCM 502. ROSCM 502 has a receiver 512 configured to receive an operating instruction from a remote location and a transmitter/receiver 504 configured to transmit a wireless communication signal to the subsea equipment and receive a wireless health monitoring signal from the subsea equipment. ROSCM 502 also includes a propulsion mechanism 513 configured to move the ROSCM 502 from a first location in a subsea field to a second location in the subsea field. The propulsion mechanism 513 includes a propulsion motor 513′. ROSCM 502 includes a SEM 508 configured to provide local control instructions for subsea equipment and an interface 506 configured to provide at least one of hydraulic power, electrical power, and communications to subsea equipment. ROSCM 502 includes hydraulic components 570 which may include solenoids to operate valves. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the SEM 508 may include electrical components and communication components. Although not shown in FIG. 5, an input flying lead to ROSCM 502 may be used to provide hydraulic power, electrical power and communications to ROSCM 502 from another location. FIG. 6 illustrates a planar view of interface 506 of the ROSCM 502 of FIG. 5. Interface 506 includes connections 560 for providing hydraulic power using hydraulic components 570, connections 561 for providing electrical power via electrical components (not shown) within the SEM 508, and connections 562 for providing communications to subsea equipment via communication components (not shown) within the SEM 508. Referring to FIG. 5, ROSCM 502 includes a buoyancy control component 501 configured to periodically operate so as to place ROSCM 502 in a neutrally buoyant condition.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a method of replacing a subsea control module (SCM) associated with a subsea equipment, e.g., a tree 214 of FIG. 2, using a ROSCM, e.g., the ROSCM 202 of FIG. 2. At block 302, the method may begin with identifying a condition indicating need for replacing the SCM, e.g., a failure of the SCM. Some embodiments may utilize one or more continuous communication mechanisms to provide indication for the equipment status condition, such as a wired or wireless technical health monitoring sensor for the SCM being replaced. In some such embodiments, the equipment status condition is shared directly between the equipment and the ROSCM. At block 304, the ROSCM may be activated and maneuvered from a first location in a subsea field, e.g., a garage, to a second location in the subsea field, e.g., the failed SCM. At block 306, the ROSCM may connect to a distribution system for the subsea equipment having the target SCM, e.g., at a spare power and/or communications connection tied into the power and communication distribution system. Connecting may include connecting to at least one of a spare umbilical termination assembly connection near the subsea equipment, a hydraulic distribution system associated with the subsea equipment, a power distribution system associated with the subsea equipment, and a communication distribution system associated with the subsea equipment. In some cases, this may include using separate electrical connectors, fiber optic connectors, wireless connections, or by combining power and communications lines with the hydraulic lines into a single flying lead and stab plate. Block 306 may optionally include receiving an operating instruction, e.g., an emergency shut-down (ESD), a navigation instruction, an equipment monitoring instruction, an equipment status update instruction, a troubleshooting and/or diagnostic instruction, a parts replacement instruction, etc., for the subsea equipment from a master control station (MCS). At block 308, the ROSCM may provide at least one of hydraulic power, electrical power, and communications to the subsea equipment. In circumstances where control of the subsea equipment was previously lost, this may comprise restoring control of the subsea equipment. At block 310, the method comprises enabling the ROSCM to be replaced by a second, replacement SCM. This may be appropriate where the first SCM failed. In other circumstances, e.g., for maintenance, replacing the ROSCM with a replacement SCM may not be desired or required. Enabling the ROSCM to be replaced may comprise placing the subsea equipment in a particular configuration, e.g., a shutdown sequence, such that repair and/or replacement may occur.

When the ROSCM is configured to do so, some or all of the steps above may be repeated for different subsea equipment, e.g., a subsea equipment located in a second well-site. In some embodiments, multiple ROSCMs are configured to service the same well-site. In some embodiments, multiple well-sites may be serviced by a single ROSCM. These and other configurations will be apparent to those of skill in the art and are considered within the scope of this disclosure.

In some embodiments, steps 302-310 are all directed by a human operator located at a remote location, e.g., on the host platform 150 of FIG. 1, sending remote operation instructions, e.g., via umbilical's 180, 184 of FIG. 1. In other embodiments, at least some (e.g., two or more) of steps 302-310 are autonomously performed while at least some (e.g., at least one) of steps 302-310 are remotely directed by a human operator located at a remote location. In still other embodiments, steps 302-310 are all performed autonomously by the system, e.g., the system 100 of FIG. 1, without human intervention.

Using the above method, response times for regaining control of a subsea component with an SCM failure may be significantly reduced. For example, in some embodiments, steps 302-308 may occur in less than a week, less than two days, less than 24 hours, less than 18 hours, less than 12 hours, or less than 6 hours.

In some situations, existing equipment may not be suitably configured for ROSCM operations, e.g., the equipment may not be plumbed with suitable spare hydraulic connection points so as to restore functionality. Consequently, in some embodiments, the ROSCM may be optionally configured to install hydraulic remotely operated vehicle (ROV)-operated tools onto the manual overrides of valves on an as-needed basis to enable restoration of functionality of the subsea equipment. In some embodiments, this may include one or more manipulatable arms, depicted in FIG. 2 as 233, or similar structural components on the ROSCM for manually manipulating equipment such as valves, switches, etc.

As an example, FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a master control station (MCS) 400 that may be used to perform any of the methods disclosed herein. A central processing unit (CPU) 402 is coupled to system bus 404. The CPU 402 may be any general-purpose CPU, although other types of architectures of CPU 402 (or other components of exemplary system 400) may be used as long as CPU 402 (and other components of system 400) supports the inventive operations as described herein. The CPU 402 may execute the various logical instructions according to disclosed aspects and methodologies. For example, the CPU 402 may execute machine-level instructions for performing processing according to aspects and methodologies disclosed herein.

The MCS 400 may also include computer components such as a random access memory (RAM) 406, which may be SRAM, DRAM, SDRAM, or the like. The MCS 400 may also include read-only memory (ROM) 408, which may be PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or the like. RAM 406 and ROM 408 hold user and system data and programs, as is known in the art. The MCS 400 may also include an input/output (I/O) adapter 410, a communications adapter 422, a user interface adapter 424, and a display adapter 418. The MCS 400 may also include one or more graphics processor units 414, which may be used for various computational activities. The I/O adapter 410, the user interface adapter 424, and/or communications adapter 422 may, in certain aspects and techniques, enable a user to interact with MCS 400 to input information.

The I/O adapter 410 preferably connects a storage device(s) 412, such as one or more of hard drive, compact disc (CD) drive, floppy disk drive, tape drive, etc. to MCS 400. The storage device(s) may be used when RAM 406 is insufficient for the memory requirements associated with storing data for operations of embodiments of the present techniques. The data storage of the MCS 400 may be used for storing information and/or other data used or generated as disclosed herein. The communications adapter 422 may couple the MCS 400 to a network (not shown), which may enable information to be input to and/or output from MCS 400 via the network (for example, a wide-area network, a local-area network, a wireless network, any combination of the foregoing). User interface adapter 424 couples user input devices, such as a keyboard 428, a pointing device 426, and the like, to MCS 400. The display adapter 418 is driven by the CPU 402 to control, through a display driver 416, the display on a display device 420. Information and/or representations of one or more 2D canvases and one or more 3D windows may be displayed, according to disclosed aspects and methodologies.

The architecture of MCS 400 may be varied as desired. For example, any suitable processor-based device may be used, including without limitation personal computers, laptop computers, computer workstations, and multi-processor servers. Moreover, embodiments may be implemented on application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuits. In fact, persons of ordinary skill in the art may use any number of suitable structures capable of executing logical operations according to the embodiments.

The MCS 400 may be located on a host platform, e.g., in a local equipment room (LER) of the host platform 150. The MCS 400 may be connected to an electrical power unit (EPU) and an umbilical 180, 184 that terminate at a well-site 120, 110 by a UTA 128, 118 for controlling the ROSCM 102. Communications may be transmitted from an associated production control system (PCS) via the MCS 400, through the umbilical 180, 184 to the ROSCM 102 to perform the necessary operative actions to restore control to the subsea equipment 114, 124, or other. Alternately or additionally, the MCS 400 may control a hydraulic power unit (HPU) that serves as the power source for performing hydraulically powered operations at the well-site, e.g., to open and close valves, or other operation. The HPU may be used to transmit hydraulic power via the umbilical 180, 184 to the ROSCM 102 for performing hydraulic functions necessary to operate the subsea equipment. Persons of ordinary skill in the art of subsea control systems may use any number of configurations to supply power and communications to a ROSCM, based upon use of the above embodiments.

Claims

1. A method of replacing a subsea control module (SCM) associated with a subsea equipment comprising:

identifying a condition indicating need for replacing the SCM;

activating a remotely-operated subsea control module (ROSCM) located in a first location in a subsea field;

maneuvering the ROSCM from the first location to a second location in the subsea field, wherein the ROSCM is self-propelled;

connecting the ROSCM to a distribution system for the subsea equipment;

providing at least one of hydraulic power, electrical power, and communications to the subsea equipment; and

replacing the ROSCM with a second SCM.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein at least two of the steps of identifying, activating, maneuvering, and connecting occur autonomously.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the condition indicating need for replacing the SCM comprises a loss of control of the subsea equipment, and wherein providing at least one of hydraulic power, electrical power, and communications to the subsea equipment via the distribution system restores control of the subsea equipment.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein connecting the ROSCM to the distribution system for the subsea equipment comprises connecting to at least one of:

a spare umbilical termination assembly connection near the subsea equipment;

a hydraulic distribution system associated with the subsea equipment;

a power distribution system associated with the subsea equipment; and

a communication distribution system associated with the subsea equipment; and

receiving an operating instruction for the subsea equipment from a master control station (MCS).

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the operating instruction is an instruction to execute an emergency shut-down (ESD).

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the time separating identifying the condition and connecting the ROSCM to the distribution system is less than 24 hours.

7. A remotely-operated subsea control module (ROSCM) apparatus comprising:

a receiver configured to receive an operating instruction from a remote location;

a propulsion mechanism configured to move the ROSCM from a first location in a subsea field to a second location in a subsea field;

a subsea electronics module (SEM) configured to provide local control instructions for a subsea equipment; and

an interface configured to provide at least one of hydraulic power, electrical power, and communications to the subsea equipment.

8. The ROSCM apparatus of claim 7, further comprising:

a transmitter configured to transmit a wireless communication signal to the subsea equipment;

a wireless receiver configured to receive a wireless health monitoring signal from the subsea equipment; or

both.

9. The ROSCM apparatus of claim 7, wherein the interface comprises at least one of: a hot stab connection, an electrical connection, a fiber optic connection, a flying lead, and a stab plate.

10. The ROSCM apparatus of claim 7, wherein the interface is configured at least in part to manipulate a manual override at the subsea equipment.

11. The ROSCM apparatus of claim 7, wherein the interface is configured to couple to a distribution system for the subsea equipment.

12. The ROSCM apparatus of claim 7, further comprising:

a buoyancy control component configured to periodically operate so as to place the ROSCM in a neutrally buoyant condition.

13. The ROSCM apparatus of claim 7, wherein the receiver is configured to communicate with a master control station (MCS).

14. A subsea system comprising:

a subsea wellhead;

a subsea equipment coupled to the subsea wellhead;

a subsea control module (SCM) operatively coupled to the subsea equipment;

a remotely-operated subsea control module (ROSCM) disposed at a first location in a subsea field, wherein the ROSCM comprises:

a receiver configured to receive an operating instruction from a remote location;

a propulsion mechanism configured to move the ROSCM from the first location in the subsea field to a second location in the subsea field; and

an interface configured to connect to at least one of:

a spare umbilical termination assembly (UTA) connection near the subsea equipment;

a hydraulic distribution system associated with the subsea equipment;

a power distribution system associated with the subsea equipment; and

a communication distribution system associated with the subsea equipment.

15. The subsea system of claim 14, wherein the first location is a wet storage location.

16. The subsea system of claim 14, further comprising a master control station (MCS), wherein the MCS is configured to communicate with the ROSCM.

17. The subsea system of claim 14, wherein the remote location is a host platform.

18. The subsea system of claim 14, further comprising:

a power generation component configured to generate power using at least one of: tidal power, wave power, and geothermal power.

19. The subsea system of claim 14, wherein the interface is configured to connect to the power distribution system associated with the subsea equipment, and wherein the connection transmits power wirelessly to the power distribution system associated with the subsea equipment.