Chapter 3 - Subsea Distribution System

Abstract

A subsea distribution system (SDS) consists of a group of products such as umbilical and other in-line structures that provide communication from subsea controls to topside. This chapter describes the main components of the SDS currently used in subsea oil/gas production, and defines its design and the functional requirements of the system. The SDS normally includes the following major components: topside umbilical termination assembly, subsea accumulator module, subsea umbilical termination assembly, subsea distribution assembly, hydraulic flying leads, electrical flying leads; multiple quick connects, hydraulic coupler, electrical connector, and logic caps. The subsea distribution assembly mainly consists of a hydraulic distribution module (HDM) and electrical distribution module (EDM). The HDM consists of inboard MQC plates, mounting steel structures, lifting padeyes, a mudmat, logic cap, and long-term cover. The EDM consists of bulkhead electrical connectors and cables and, in some cases, an electrical transformer module. Hydraulic flying leads (HFLs) mainly consist of two outboard MQC plates with holding structures and steel tubes. Electrical flying leads (EFLs) is mainly consist of two electrical connectors and a number of cables.