US 11,851,957 B2
Systems and methods for sensing engagement in hazardous rated environments
Amine Abou-Assaad, Houston, TX (US); Joseph Edison Huseman, Houston, TX (US); and Juan Sanchez, Houston, TX (US)
Assigned to Hydril USA Distribution LLC, Houston, TX (US)
Filed by Hydril USA Distribution LLC, Houston, TX (US)
Filed on Apr. 9, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/226,484.
Application 17/226,484 is a continuation of application No. 15/160,397, filed on May 20, 2016, abandoned.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/165,600, filed on May 22, 2015.
Prior Publication US 2022/0056771 A1, Feb. 24, 2022
Int. Cl. E21B 19/16 (2006.01); E21B 47/00 (2012.01); E21B 17/01 (2006.01); E21B 19/00 (2006.01); G01D 5/20 (2006.01); E21B 33/038 (2006.01)
CPC E21B 19/165 (2013.01) [E21B 17/01 (2013.01); E21B 19/002 (2013.01); E21B 33/038 (2013.01); G01D 5/20 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A riser sensor unit for sensing engagement of a subsea riser tool with a riser coupling, the riser sensor unit comprising:
a power supply configured to convert alternating current to direct current;
an intrinsic safety barrier connected to the power supply, wherein the intrinsic safety barrier is a Zener barrier; and
a first sensor powered by the intrinsic safety barrier,
wherein the riser sensor unit, including the power supply, the intrinsic safety barrier, and the first sensor, is installed on the subsea riser tool,
wherein the first sensor is attached to a sub of the subsea riser tool, the first sensor configured to generate a first signal upon detecting contact of a bottom surface of the sub with the riser coupling, and
wherein the intrinsic safety barrier is configured to receive the first signal from the first sensor and transmit the first signal to a control system located remotely from the intrinsic safety barrier.