Subsea Structure Load Monitoring and Control System

Abstract

A system for monitoring for loads in a subsea structure comprises one or more sensors disposed proximate a subsea structure such as a blow-out preventer. The sensors are configured to detect an induced load on a subsea structure. The detected load is communicated to a sensor data processor operatively in communication with the strain sensor. Using the detected load data, a load generator such as a remotely operated vehicle or other source of thrust has its thrust output adjusted to induce a load equal in force, but opposite in direction, to the detected induced loads.

1 . A system for monitoring for loads in a subsea structure, comprising:
 a. a sensor disposed proximate a subsea structure, the sensor configured to detect an induced load on a subsea structure; and   b. a sensor data processor operatively in communication with the strain sensor.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the induced load is at least one of a current-induced load or a load induced by lateral displacement of a vessel. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a strain sensor. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a load generator operatively in communication with the sensor data processor, the load generator operative to exert a force on the subsea structure in a direction opposed to a direction of a force detected by the strain sensor and in proportion to a load sensed by the strain sensor. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the load generator is selected from the group of load generators consisting of a remotely operated vehicle or a thrust package. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor is a plurality of operatively interconnected strain sensors. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of strain sensors are disposed radially about the subsea structure. 
   
   
       8 . A method of monitoring and counteracting subsea environmentally induced loads, comprising:
 a. deploying a strain sensor proximate a subsea structure;   b. detecting an induced load on the subsea structure;   c. communicating the detected induced load to a load processor; and   d. using the detected load data to adjust thrust output of the load generator to induce a load equal in force, but opposite in direction, to the detected induced loads.   
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the induced load is selected from the group of induced loads comprising a current-induced load or a load induced by lateral displacement of a vessel away from a wellhead.