Systems and Methods for Sensing Engagement in Hazardous Rated Environments

Abstract

Systems and methods for a riser coupling are disclosed. A riser sensor unit for sensing engagement of a riser tool with a riser coupling includes a first sensor attached to a sub of the riser tool. The first sensor is configured to generate a first signal upon detecting contact with the riser coupling, and an intrinsic safety barrier is configured to transmit the first signal to a control system.

1 . A riser sensor unit for sensing engagement of a riser tool with a riser coupling, the unit comprising:
 a first sensor attached to a sub of the riser tool, the first sensor configured to generate a first signal upon detecting contact with the riser coupling; and   an intrinsic safety barrier configured to transmit the first signal to a control system.   
     
     
         2 . The riser unit of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a lockdown member attached to the riser coupling; and   a second sensor attached to the lockdown member, the second sensor configured to generate a second signal upon detecting engagement between the lockdown member and the riser tool.   
     
     
         3 . The riser unit of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a third sensor attached to an outer diameter of a stem of the riser tool, the third sensor configured to generate a third signal upon detecting a first region on the outer diameter of the stem of the riser tool, and determining whether the riser stem is in a lifted and locked position.   
     
     
         4 . The riser unit of  claim 3 , wherein the intrinsic safety barrier is connected to the third sensor, and the intrinsic safety barrier is configured to transmit the third signal to the control system to initiate lifting of the riser tool or riser coupling. 
     
     
         5 . The riser unit of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 a fourth sensor attached to the outer diameter of the stem of the riser tool, the fourth sensor configured to generate a fourth signal upon detecting a second region on the outer diameter of the stem of the riser tool, and determining whether the riser tool is in an unlocked position.   
     
     
         6 . The riser unit of  claim 5 , wherein the intrinsic safety barrier is connected to the fourth sensor, and the intrinsic safety barrier is configured to transmit the fourth signal to the control system to initiate retrieval of the riser tool from the riser coupling. 
     
     
         7 . The riser unit of  claim 3 , wherein the first region comprises a marked region, a recess, a vertical slot, or a horizontal slot formed on the outer diameter of the stem of the riser tool. 
     
     
         8 . The riser unit of  claim 5 , wherein at least one of the first, second, third, or fourth sensors comprises an inductive sensor. 
     
     
         9 . The riser unit of  claim 1 , wherein the riser tool is selected from the group consisting of a riser handling tool, a riser running tool, a subsea running or handling tool, a casing running or handling tool, and a gimbal or spider. 
     
     
         10 . A system for sensing engagement in a riser coupling, the system comprising:
 a riser tool configured to engage with the riser coupling; and   a riser sensor unit comprising:
 a power supply unit for converting alternating current to direct current; 
 an intrinsic safety barrier operatively coupled to the power supply unit; and 
 a plurality of sensors powered by the power supply unit and configured to transmit signals to a control system. 
   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of sensors comprise an inductive sensor. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the riser sensor unit comprises:
 a plurality of first sensors installed in a sub of the riser coupling, the plurality of first sensors configured to generate a first signal upon detecting contact by the riser tool, wherein the intrinsic safety barrier is configured to transmit the first signal to the control system to cause to extend hydraulics upon receiving the first signal.   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the riser sensor unit comprises:
 one or more second sensors installed on a lockdown member, the one or more second sensors configured to generate a second signal upon detecting the lockdown member is in contact with the riser tool.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the riser sensor unit comprises:
 a plurality of third sensors installed along an outer diameter of a stem of the riser tool, the plurality of third sensors configured to generate a third signal upon detecting a first region on the outer diameter of the stem, and determining the riser stem is in a lifted and locked position.   
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the intrinsic safety barrier is connected to the plurality of third sensors, and the intrinsic safety barrier is configured to transmit the third signal to the control system to cause to lift the riser tool or riser coupling. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the riser sensor unit comprises:
 a plurality of fourth sensors installed along the outer diameter of the stem of the riser tool, the plurality of fourth sensors configured to generate a fourth signal upon detecting a second region on the outer diameter of the stem, and determining the riser tool is in an unlocked position.   
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the intrinsic safety barrier is connected to the plurality of fourth sensors, and the intrinsic safety barrier is configured to transmit the fourth signal to the control system to cause to retrieve the riser tool from the riser coupling. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the riser tool is selected from the group consisting of a riser handling tool, a riser running tool, a subsea running or handling tool, a casing running or handling tool, and a gimbal or spider. 
     
     
         19 . A method for sensing engagement of a riser tool with a riser coupling, the method comprising:
 attaching a first sensor to the riser tool, the first sensor configured to generate a first signal upon sensing contact with the riser coupling;   connecting the first sensor to an intrinsic safety barrier; and   transmitting, by the intrinsic safety barrier, the first signal to a control system.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising:
 attaching a second sensor to a lockdown member, the second sensor configured to generate a second signal upon detecting the lockdown member is in contact with the riser tool.