EXTENDING THE LIFE OF A COMPROMISED UMBILICAL

摘要

A method of using an umbilical between a surface location and an underwater location of an underwater fluid extraction well system is provided. The umbilical includes an electrical power conductor configured to transmit electrical power at a first frequency from a source at the surface location to the underwater location. The method comprises detecting that the umbilical has been compromised by the ingress of water. In response thereto, the method comprises converting electrical power from the source to electrical power at a second frequency, wherein the second frequency is lower than the first frequency or DC electrical power; transmitting the electrical power at the second frequency or DC electrical power to the underwater location via the conductor; and converting, at the underwater location, the electrical power at the second frequency or DC electrical power to electrical power at a frequency used by the underwater equipment of the well system.

主权项

1. A method of using an umbilical between a surface location and an underwater location of an underwater fluid extraction well system, the umbilical comprising an electrical power conductor configured to transmit electrical power at a first frequency from a source at the surface location to the underwater location, the method comprising:
detecting that the umbilical has been compromised by the ingress of water and, in response thereto:
converting electrical power from the source to electrical power at a second frequency, wherein the second frequency is lower than the first frequency or DC electrical power;transmitting the electrical power at the second frequency or DC electrical power to the underwater location via the conductor; andconverting, at the underwater location, the electrical power at the second frequency or DC electrical power to electrical power at a frequency used by the underwater equipment of the well system.