US 2009/0212969 A1 · Underwater Communications Using RF

Abstract

A subsea production system adapted for wireless communication so that production tree operation can be controlled locally wirelessly from a workover umbilical or remotely controlled vehicle. The production system includes a wellhead assembly and an umbilical termination connected to an umbilical that extends to above the sea surface. Dedicated wireless communication devices can be attached to one or both of the wellhead assembly and the umbilical termination. The wireless communication devices can include a radio frequency modem, a sonar device, an infrared communication device, a light emitting diode, an optical modem, and combinations thereof; the wireless communication can include radio frequency waves, acoustic waves, and electromagnetic waves. A subsea control module can be included for controlling/actuating devices in or associated with the production system. The subsea control module can be adapted for wireless communication.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A subsea system for producing hydrocarbons comprising:

a subsea wellhead assembly in fluid communication with a wellbore;
a subsea control module on the wellhead assembly;
a production umbilical termination in communication with a production tree control facility;
a control line connected between the production umbilical termination and the subsea control module;
and
a workover umbilical termination in overriding wireless communication with the subsea control module, so that the subsea control module is responsive to communication from the workover umbilical termination.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Underwater Communications Using RF

Life of this patent

Underwater Communications Using RF

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17