1f_Demand

The following are illustrations of Modules and Modular Systems that have been created because of current demands. One of their features is compliance with restraints which in principal they accept (larger modules always seem to demand no restraint other than a particular requirement). The supposed benifits of large scale designs is a restraint on the use of small scale designs ie the example Pipeline Pump Spread accomplished using 3 sets of rotating (large scale) machines is more efficient, reliable than 15 sets of rotating (small scale) ones. The demand for more suitable, easily, transported and build of a short term system encourages the questioning of the restraint to use large size machines.

Fracking Spread. Many Fracking Applications use Modules and Modular Systems that have been created because of current demands. In the US there has been an explosion of demand because of the growth of Fracking. Locations are often remote but have road access. To meet this demand, series of process Units have been developed that can be combined to meet the Output demanded. Fracking uses high Pressure pumps to inject water/chemicals into oil/gas bearing strata to release them from the interstecies of the shale/rock in which they are embedded. The modules used are Pump Units on a Semi Trailer and a manifold also wheel mounted.

Hydrostatic Pipeline Pump Spread. Many Pipeline Hydrostatic Test Applications use a Modular System of pumps to make up demand. Previously large scale pumps had been used because of the quantities of water demanded. The advantage of the Modular approach is that they are relatively easy to transport and build up. Hydraulic Tests are short term events and require flexibility both for meeting demand and mobilisation/demobilisation

Hover Barge. This Hover Barge consists of a series of Modules pinned together. The core of the barge is a group of pontoons (shown red) which are interlinked and pinned together and provide the floatation. Around the periphery are a series of Hover Skirt Modules (shown green) for the air lift system, also pinned together. All of the modules have common interconnections and so various sizes of hover barge can be made with these standardised modules. This Hover Barge on the Yukon River was operated whilst the delayed box girder bridge ((shown brown, elipsoidal) was completed. Part of the schedule delay was due to the interference fit of the box girder inter connecting bolting. This subject is one of interest in larger modules where without carefull dimensional control this accumalative error occurs as units are joined together.

Conclusion. All of the above show how the modular approach may be used and questions the restraint to just large scale efficient solutions and demonstrates the advantage of small scale modular approach

Sub Sea With the progression to deeper water applications and the increased complexity of these there has been a move to try for some standardisation. The illustration is of a sub sea manifold housing 4 modular units. The Manifold has trawl protection and sits in silt held by 4 suction anchor cans. The manifold is ROV serviced. The modules are standardised and have standard ROV connection dimensions. These concepts are followed for other field well head units. One particular advantage of this approach is that there is a simplification of spares and their change out.