SPE Projects, Facilities & Construction
Volume 6, Number 4, December 2011, pp. 185-191

SPE-150039-PA

Successful Laboratory Testing of Practical Methods of Hydraulic-Control-System Failure Diagnosis Using Valve Signatures

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DOI  More information 10.2118/150039-PA http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/150039-PA

Citation

  • An, H. and Tanju, B. 2011. Successful Laboratory Testing of Practical Methods of Hydraulic-Control-System Failure Diagnosis Using Valve Signatures. SPE Proj Fac & Const  6 (4): 185-191. SPE-150039-PA. http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/150039-PA.

Discipline Categories

  • 4.8.2 Controls and Umbilicals
  • 5.1.4 Monitoring and Control

Keywords

  • production control system, failure monitoring tool, failure mode, leak, clog detection, valve signatures

Summary

The two hydraulic-diagnostic methods detailed in this paper can monitor the "health" of a subsea hydraulic-control system, diagnose or predict a system problem (particularly leaking or clogging problems), and locate its source by using readily available valve-signature data.

The methods were tested in a laboratory environment using a hydraulic system with simulated clogging and leaking mechanisms. Leak detection was performed using both signature-matching and mass-balance methods. The results showed a mean accuracy of 93% for mass-balance method and 82% for the signature-matching method. Clog detection by signature matching showed high accuracy in the controlled laboratory condition. The difference between the simulated and actual clogging is within 1%.

The methods provide a monitoring tool for detecting and locating potential leaks, blockages, and other system changes or anomalies, which could be used to estimate the potential high cost of intervention, possible downtime, and lost revenue.

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History

  • Original manuscript received: 20 September 2010
  • Revised manuscript received: 3 March 2011
  • Manuscript approved: 9 June 2011
  • Published online: 5 December 2011
  • Version of record: 16 December 2011