Subsea control system

• US 20070173957A1
• Filed: 02/17/2005
• Published: 07/26/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 02/20/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Fmc Kongsberg Subsea As (TechnipFMC, plc)
• Original Assignee: Fmc Kongsberg Subsea As (TechnipFMC, plc)
• Inventors: Sten-Halvorsen, Vidar, Johansen, John
• Granted Patent: US 8,806,092 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/9
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 33/0355 Control systems, e.g. hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, acoustic, for submerged well heads
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/4185 characterised by the network communication
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/25004 Power and data bus
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/25017 ASI actuator sensor interface, bus, network
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/25032 CAN, canbus, controller area network bus
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/31136 Name of bus, canbus, controller area network
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/31154 Actuator sensor bus, asi, intelligent actuator, motor, sensor

Abstract

The invention relates to a control system for a subsea installation based on CAN bus technology. A single cable forms a backbone for transmitting signals and/or power from a central control unit to a number of devices or sensors on the installation. Terminals are attached to the cable at intervals, allowing devices to be plugged in while the system is operable. A termination may also include repeaters or amplifiers for transmitting signals over longer distances.

Claims

1. A control system for controlling a plurality of a subsea installation, the control system comprising:

a control module,

a common bus which is connected to the control module; and

a plurality of devices which are each removably connectable to the common bus;

wherein each device comprises a bus controller having a unique address; and

wherein the control module comprises means for communicating with each device over the common bus.

2. A control system according to claim 1, wherein the common bus comprises at least one modular cable unit.

3. A control system according to claim 2, wherein the cable unit comprises a cable having at least one electrical connector at each end.

4. A control system according to claim 2, wherein the common bus further comprises at least one distribution hub which is removably connectable to the cable unit.

5. A control system according to claim 2, wherein the common bus further comprises an end termination which is removably connectable to the cable unit.

6. A control system according to claim 2, wherein the common bus further comprises a repeater which is removably connectable to the cable unit.

8. A control system according to claim 3, wherein said at least one electrical connector is removably connectable to at least one of said plurality of devices.

9. A control system according to claim 1, wherein the common bus comprises a CAN bus.

10. A control system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of devices comprises a battery.

11. A control system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of devices comprises an electro-hydraulic pod.

12. A control system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of devices comprises an actuator.

13. A control system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of devices comprises a sensor.

14. A control system according to claim 2, wherein said cable unit comprises a junction.

15. A control system according to claim 14, wherein said cable unit further comprises at least one electrical connector and at least two control signal supply cables extending between said junction and said electrical connector.

16. A control system according to claim 15, wherein said at least two control signal supply cables are electrically joined at said electrical connector.

17. A control system according to claim 14, wherein said cable unit further comprises at least one electrical connector and at least two control signal return cables extending between said junction and said electrical connector.

18. A control system according to claim 15, wherein said cable unit further comprises a signal component.

19. A control system according to claim 14, wherein said cable unit further comprises at least one electrical connector and at least two control signal cables, each of which comprises a current loop which is routed through each said electrical connector and said central junction.

20. A control system according to claim 3, wherein at least one electrical connector comprises a female connector.

21. A control system according to claim 3, wherein at least one electrical connector comprises a male connector.

22. A control system according to claim 3, wherein at least one electrical connector comprises a signal termination component.

7. (canceled)