Blowout preventer actuation system

Abstract

A blowout preventer actuation system has a frame configured for underwater disposal, with a kinetic blowout preventer and at least one hydraulically actuated blowout preventer mounted thereon. The kinetic blowout preventer is configured with an electrically operated initiator. An interface module is disposed on the frame for signal communication with the electrically operated initiator. The interface module is configured to generate an actuation signal to actuate the initiator upon detection of the at least one of an electrical signal, an acoustic signal, and a hydraulic signal. A method for actuating a blowout preventer.

1 . A blowout preventer actuation system comprising:
 a frame configured for underwater disposal;   a kinetic blowout preventer mounted on the frame and configured with an electrically operated initiator;   at least one hydraulically actuated blowout preventer mounted on the frame without an accumulator;   an interface module disposed on the frame and configured for signal communication with the electrically operated initiator on the kinetic blowout preventer;   a hydraulic fluid reservoir and a pump disposed on the frame, wherein the pump is configured to supply the at least one hydraulically actuated blowout preventer with hydraulic fluid from the reservoir upon activation by the interface module; and   wherein the interface module is configured to generate an actuation signal to actuate the initiator upon detection of at least one of an electrical signal, an acoustic signal, and a hydraulic signal.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the interface module is configured to link with at least two of an electrical signal communication channel, an acoustic signal communication channel, and a hydraulic signal communication channel. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the electrical signal communication channel comprises a cable. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the hydraulic communication channel comprises a hydraulic line. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the acoustic communication channel comprises a body of water. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 2  further comprising a pressure transducer in signal communication with the hydraulic signal communication channel, and the at least one hydraulically actuated blowout preventer is coupled to the hydraulic signal communication channel, wherein the interface module is configured to generate the actuation signal in response to pressure detected by the pressure transducer when hydraulic pressure is applied to operate the at least one hydraulically actuated blowout preventer. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6  further comprising a modulator in signal communication with the hydraulic signal communication channel, wherein the modulator is configured to modify at least one of pressure and flow in the hydraulic signal communication channel corresponding to an actuation command to actuate the at least one hydraulic blowout preventer. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising an acoustic transmitter disposed underwater in signal communication with an acoustic receiver disposed underwater in signal communication with the interface module, wherein the interface module is configured to generate the actuation signal in response to signals from the acoustic transmitter detected by the acoustic receiver. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the interface module is configured to generate the actuation signal in response to triggering by a remotely operated vehicle. 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A method for actuating a blowout preventer, comprising:
 disposing a kinetic blowout preventer on a frame configured for underwater disposal, the blowout preventer configured with an electrically operated initiator;   disposing at least one hydraulically actuated blowout preventer on the frame without an accumulator;   disposing an interface module on the frame, the module configured for signal communication with the electrically operated initiator on the kinetic blowout preventer;   supplying the at least one hydraulically actuated blowout preventer with hydraulic fluid using a hydraulic fluid reservoir and a pump disposed on the frame;   disposing the frame underwater; and   generating an actuation signal to actuate the initiator upon detection of at least one of an electrical signal, an acoustic signal, and a hydraulic signal.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the interface module is configured to link with at least two of an electrical signal communication channel, an acoustic signal communication channel, and a hydraulic signal communication channel. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the electrical signal communication channel comprises a cable. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the hydraulic communication channel comprises a hydraulic line. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the acoustic communication channel comprises a body of water. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising generating the actuation signal in response to pressure detected by a pressure transducer when hydraulic pressure is applied to operate the at least one hydraulically actuated blowout preventer. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  further comprising modifying at least one of pressure and flow in the hydraulic signal communication channel corresponding to an actuation command to actuate the at least one hydraulic blowout preventer. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising generating the actuation signal in response to signals detected by an acoustic receiver disposed underwater in signal communication with the interface module. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the interface module is configured to generate the actuation signal in response to triggering by a remotely operated vehicle. 
     
     
         20 . (canceled)