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WO2003071092A1 - Protection structure and method for subsea oil recovery operations - Google Patents

Protection structure and method for subsea oil recovery operations Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2003071092A1
WO2003071092A1 PCT/IB2002/002152 IB0202152W WO03071092A1 WO 2003071092 A1 WO2003071092 A1 WO 2003071092A1 IB 0202152 W IB0202152 W IB 0202152W WO 03071092 A1 WO03071092 A1 WO 03071092A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
frame
installation
leg
over
subsea
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2002/002152
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Kjell Ellingsen
Original Assignee
Subsea 7
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Subsea 7 filed Critical Subsea 7
Priority to PCT/IB2002/002152 priority Critical patent/WO2003071092A1/en
Priority to AU2002309124A priority patent/AU2002309124A1/en
Publication of WO2003071092A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003071092A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
    • E21B33/02—Surface sealing or packing
    • E21B33/03—Well heads; Setting-up thereof
    • E21B33/035—Well heads; Setting-up thereof specially adapted for underwater installations
    • E21B33/037—Protective housings therefor

Definitions

  • FIG. 1 is a isometric view of a protection structure according to an embodiment of the invention in a folded position.
  • Fig. 2 is a view, similar to that of Fig. 1 but depicting the structure of Fig. 1 in a partially unfolded position.
  • Fig. 3 is a view, similar to that of Fig. 2, but depicting the structure of Fig. 1 in a fully extended position.
  • Fig. 4 is an isometric view of the protection structure of Fig. 3 shown extending above a subsea installation.
  • the structure 10 includes a rectangular frame 12 consisting of four elongated, members 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12b, in the form of rods or tubes.
  • the members 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d are connected at their respective ends at the corners of the frame 12 in any known manner.
  • Four angularly-extending cross-pieces 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d, each having a circular cross-section, are connected between adjacent members 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d.
  • sleeves 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d extend around the cross pieces 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d, respectively.
  • the inner diameters of the sleeves 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d are slightly greater than the outer diameters of the cross pieces 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d to permit rotation of the sleeves relative to the cross pieces and thus form rotatable hinges.
  • Four legs, 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are attached at one end to the sleeves 16a, 16b,
  • Each of the legs 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d is in the form of an elongated rod or tube that is bent to form two portions extending at an angle to each other.
  • Each support member 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d is respectively formed at the four corners of the frame.
  • Each support member 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d has a substantially U- shaped cross-section sized to receive the legs, 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d and provide support for the legs in an extended position of each leg, as will be described.
  • the members 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d are connected to the other ends of the legs, 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d, respectively.
  • the members 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d are adapted to rest on the seabed S in a manner to be described, and can be in the form of suction anchors or mud-mats depending on soil condition and leveling requirements. Since these type devices are conventional, they will not be described in detail.
  • Fig. 2 depicts the legs 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d after they have been pivoted from the folded position of Fig. 1 to a partially unfolded position.
  • Fig. 3 depicts the legs 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d after they have been pivoted from the position of Fig. 2 to a fully unfolded, or extended, position, in which the members 24a,
  • 24b, 24c and 24d rest on the seabed S and the frame 12 is elevated relative to the seabed.
  • each leg 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d rests on a corresponding support member 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d, and the other portion of the each leg extends at an angle to the frame 12.
  • a roof hatch 28 is attached to a cross beam 30 which in turn, is connected at its ends to the members 12a and 12c, respectively, of the frame 12.
  • the beam 30 extends parallel to, and midway between, the members 12a and 12c of the frame 12.
  • the hatch 28 consists of two members 28a and 28b which are pivotally mounted to the beam 30 in any conventional manner, such as by hinges, or the like, for pivotal movement from an substantially upright position shown in Fig. 4 to a horizontal position in which it extends over the frame 12.
  • the hatch members 28a and 28b are placed in their substantially vertical positions shown in Fig. 4. After the structure 10 reaches the seabed S, the hatch members 28a and 28b move to their horizontal positions, either by gravity or by a crane, or the like. The structure 10 is then placed over the installation 26 by the above-mentioned crane, or the like.
  • protection structure 10 of the above embodiment can be moved to and from an operable position with relative ease yet provides a relatively large protection envelope when installed.
  • the frame 12 can be formed in manners other than by using four members, and the members 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d do not have to be in the form of suction anchors or mud-mats.
  • the number of legs and cylindrical members can be varied.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)

Abstract

A system and method for protecting a subsea installation, according to which at least one leg (20) is pivotally mounted to a frame (12) for movement between a first position in which it is folded back over the frame, and a second position in which it extends out from the frame. The frame is lowered to the seabed with the leg in its first position, then the leg is pivoted to the second position at the seabed to support the frame over the installation. In alternative or as complement a roof hatch (28) may be pivotally mounted tot he frame (12), whereby the frame (12) is lowered to the seabed with the hatch in a vertical open position.

Description

PROTECTION STRUCTURE AND METHOD FOR SUBSEA OIL RECOVERY OPERATIONS
Background
In subsea oil and gas recovery operations, in which wells are drilled in seabeds from a floating vessel, or the like, various devices, such as valves, etc, are installed at the seabed level, or at the upper portion of the well just below the seabed level. These devices are exposed to dropped objects and other objects in connection with various well operations, including trawling activities, and the like, and therefore are often damaged. As a result, protection structure has evolved, which is relatively heavy, large and cumbersome, thus requiring large and expensive vessels and associated equipment.
Therefore, what is needed is a protection structure of the above type that can be moved to and from an operable position with relative ease, yet provides a relatively large protection envelope when installed.
Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a isometric view of a protection structure according to an embodiment of the invention in a folded position.
Fig. 2 is a view, similar to that of Fig. 1 but depicting the structure of Fig. 1 in a partially unfolded position.
Fig. 3 is a view, similar to that of Fig. 2, but depicting the structure of Fig. 1 in a fully extended position.
Fig. 4 is an isometric view of the protection structure of Fig. 3 shown extending above a subsea installation.
Detailed Description
Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 the structure according to an embodiment of the invention is referred to, in general, by the reference numeral 10 and is shown resting on a seabed S. The structure 10 includes a rectangular frame 12 consisting of four elongated, members 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12b, in the form of rods or tubes. The members 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d are connected at their respective ends at the corners of the frame 12 in any known manner. Four angularly-extending cross-pieces 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d, each having a circular cross-section, are connected between adjacent members 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d. Four sleeves 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d extend around the cross pieces 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d, respectively. The inner diameters of the sleeves 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d are slightly greater than the outer diameters of the cross pieces 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d to permit rotation of the sleeves relative to the cross pieces and thus form rotatable hinges. Four legs, 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are attached at one end to the sleeves 16a, 16b,
16c, and 16d, respectively, to permit pivotal movement of the legs relative to the frame 12.
Each of the legs 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d is in the form of an elongated rod or tube that is bent to form two portions extending at an angle to each other.
Four support members 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d are respectively formed at the four corners of the frame. Each support member 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d has a substantially U- shaped cross-section sized to receive the legs, 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d and provide support for the legs in an extended position of each leg, as will be described.
Four cylindrical members 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d are connected to the other ends of the legs, 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d, respectively. The members 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d are adapted to rest on the seabed S in a manner to be described, and can be in the form of suction anchors or mud-mats depending on soil condition and leveling requirements. Since these type devices are conventional, they will not be described in detail.
The structure 10, with the legs 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d in their folded-back positions, is lowered from the vessel, via a crane, or the like, until it rests on the seabed S near a well installation, referred to in general by the reference numeral 26. Then a crane, or the like, is connected to the legs 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d and activated to unfold the legs.
Fig. 2 depicts the legs 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d after they have been pivoted from the folded position of Fig. 1 to a partially unfolded position.
Fig. 3 depicts the legs 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d after they have been pivoted from the position of Fig. 2 to a fully unfolded, or extended, position, in which the members 24a,
24b, 24c and 24d rest on the seabed S and the frame 12 is elevated relative to the seabed.
In this position, one angular portion of each leg 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d rests on a corresponding support member 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d, and the other portion of the each leg extends at an angle to the frame 12. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4 (and in phantom lines in Figs. 1 and 2 in the interest of clarity), a roof hatch 28 is attached to a cross beam 30 which in turn, is connected at its ends to the members 12a and 12c, respectively, of the frame 12. The beam 30 extends parallel to, and midway between, the members 12a and 12c of the frame 12. The hatch 28 consists of two members 28a and 28b which are pivotally mounted to the beam 30 in any conventional manner, such as by hinges, or the like, for pivotal movement from an substantially upright position shown in Fig. 4 to a horizontal position in which it extends over the frame 12.
When the structure 10 is lowered from the vessel in the manner described above, the hatch members 28a and 28b are placed in their substantially vertical positions shown in Fig. 4. After the structure 10 reaches the seabed S, the hatch members 28a and 28b move to their horizontal positions, either by gravity or by a crane, or the like. The structure 10 is then placed over the installation 26 by the above-mentioned crane, or the like.
It thus can be appreciated that the protection structure 10 of the above embodiment can be moved to and from an operable position with relative ease yet provides a relatively large protection envelope when installed.
Variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the frame 12 can be formed in manners other than by using four members, and the members 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d do not have to be in the form of suction anchors or mud-mats. Also, the number of legs and cylindrical members can be varied.
Although only an exemplary embodiment of this invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many other modifications are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus- function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:
1. A protective structure for extending over a subsea installation, the structure comprising a frame, at least one leg pivotally mounted to the frame for movement between a first position in which it is folded back over the frame when the frame is lowered to the installation, and a second position in which it extends out from the frame to engage the subsea bed and support the frame over the installation.
2. The structure of claim 1 wherein the frame comprises four elongated members connected at their ends to form a rectangular frame, and four legs, each pivotally mounted to the frame near a corner thereof.
3. The structure of claim 1 further comprising a hinge rotatably mounted to the frame, the leg being attached at one end to the hinge to permit the pivotal movement.
4. The structure of claim 3 wherein there are four hinges rotatably mounted to the frame, and wherein there are four legs respectively connected to the hinges.
5. The structure of claim 1 further comprising a suction anchor or a mud mat connected to the other end of the leg.
6. The structure of claim 1 further comprising a roof hatch pivotally mounted to the frame for movement between a substantially vertical position in which it is lowered to the installation, and a substantially horizontal position in which it extends over the installation.
7. The structure of claim 6 wherein the hatch comprises two hatch members, each of which is pivotally mounted to the frame.
8. The structure of claim 6 wherein, in the substantially horizontal position, the frame is supported on the subsea bed.
9. A protective structure for extending over a subsea installation, the structure comprising a frame, and at least one roof hatch pivotally mounted to the frame for movement between a substantially vertical position in which it is lowered to the installation, and a substantially horizontal position in which it extends over the installation.
10. The structure of claim 9 wherein the roof hatch comprises two hatch members, each of which is pivotally mounted to the frame.
11. The structure of claim 9 wherein, in the substantially horizontal position, the frame is supported on the subsea bed.
12. A method for protecting a subsea installation, the method comprising pivotally mounting at least one leg to a frame for movement between a first position in which it is folded back over the frame, and a second position in which it extends out from the frame, lowering the frame to the seabed with the leg in its first position, then pivoting the leg to the second position to support the frame over the installation.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the frame is lowered to an area of the seabed near the installation and further comprising locating the frame over the installation after the steps of lowering and pivoting.
14. The method of claim 12 wherein four legs are pivotally mounted to the frame.
15. The method of claim 12 wherein the step of pivotally mounting comprises rotatably mounting a hinge to the frame, and attaching one end of the leg to the hinge.
16. The method of claim 12 further comprising attaching a suction anchor or a mud mat to the other end of the leg.
17. The method of claim 12 further comprising pivotally mounting a roof hatch to the frame for movement between a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position, lowering the frame to the subsea bed with the roof hatch in its substantially vertical position, and supporting the frame over the installation with the roof hatch in its substantially horizontal position.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein, after the step of lowering and before the step of supporting, the roof hatch moves from its substantially vertical position to its substantial horizontal position.
19. A method for protecting a subsea installation, the method comprising pivotally mounting a roof hatch to the frame for movement between a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position, lowering the frame to the subsea bed with the roof hatch in its substantially vertical position, and supporting the frame over the installation with the roof hatch in its substantially horizontal position.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein, after the step of lowering and before the step of supporting, the roof hatch moves from its substantially vertical position to its substantial horizontal position.
PCT/IB2002/002152 2002-02-25 2002-02-25 Protection structure and method for subsea oil recovery operations WO2003071092A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IB2002/002152 WO2003071092A1 (en) 2002-02-25 2002-02-25 Protection structure and method for subsea oil recovery operations
AU2002309124A AU2002309124A1 (en) 2002-02-25 2002-02-25 Protection structure and method for subsea oil recovery operations

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IB2002/002152 WO2003071092A1 (en) 2002-02-25 2002-02-25 Protection structure and method for subsea oil recovery operations

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003071092A1 true WO2003071092A1 (en) 2003-08-28

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PCT/IB2002/002152 WO2003071092A1 (en) 2002-02-25 2002-02-25 Protection structure and method for subsea oil recovery operations

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AU (1) AU2002309124A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2003071092A1 (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2410758A (en) * 2004-02-04 2005-08-10 Subsea 7 Bv Collapsible wellhead protector
WO2010115712A3 (en) * 2009-04-02 2010-12-09 Aker Subsea As Well template and method for use thereof
WO2010103002A3 (en) * 2009-03-10 2011-09-09 Aker Subsea As Subsea well template
WO2012138230A1 (en) * 2011-04-07 2012-10-11 Oilfield Technology Group As Device for operations in proximity of an underwater installation
RU2568828C2 (en) * 2010-11-09 2015-11-20 Акер Сабси АС Underwater anchor
NO341933B1 (en) * 2015-08-26 2018-02-26 Compocean As An apparatus for protecting subsea well structures
GB2569969A (en) * 2018-01-04 2019-07-10 Subsea 7 Norway As Integrating wells in towable subsea units

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4273472A (en) * 1978-02-20 1981-06-16 Fmc Corporation Apparatus for protecting subsea wells
US4519727A (en) * 1983-09-14 1985-05-28 Texaco Limited Offshore well head protector and method of installation
US5176471A (en) * 1988-10-14 1993-01-05 Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S. Arrangement and method for protecting components in subsea systems
GB2304771A (en) * 1995-09-02 1997-03-26 Fmc Corp Subsea oilfield equipment protection
WO1998004805A1 (en) * 1996-07-25 1998-02-05 J. Ray Mcdermott S.A. An overtrawlable protection envelope
US5810515A (en) * 1994-02-22 1998-09-22 Kongsberg Offshore A.S Protective device for an installation mounted on the seabed

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4273472A (en) * 1978-02-20 1981-06-16 Fmc Corporation Apparatus for protecting subsea wells
US4519727A (en) * 1983-09-14 1985-05-28 Texaco Limited Offshore well head protector and method of installation
US5176471A (en) * 1988-10-14 1993-01-05 Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S. Arrangement and method for protecting components in subsea systems
US5810515A (en) * 1994-02-22 1998-09-22 Kongsberg Offshore A.S Protective device for an installation mounted on the seabed
GB2304771A (en) * 1995-09-02 1997-03-26 Fmc Corp Subsea oilfield equipment protection
WO1998004805A1 (en) * 1996-07-25 1998-02-05 J. Ray Mcdermott S.A. An overtrawlable protection envelope

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7070360B2 (en) 2004-02-04 2006-07-04 Subsea 7 Bv Apparatus and method
GB2410758B (en) * 2004-02-04 2007-01-10 Subsea 7 Bv Subsea protective structure
GB2410758A (en) * 2004-02-04 2005-08-10 Subsea 7 Bv Collapsible wellhead protector
WO2010103002A3 (en) * 2009-03-10 2011-09-09 Aker Subsea As Subsea well template
US9217315B2 (en) 2009-03-10 2015-12-22 Aker Subsea As Subsea well template
WO2010115712A3 (en) * 2009-04-02 2010-12-09 Aker Subsea As Well template and method for use thereof
RU2568828C2 (en) * 2010-11-09 2015-11-20 Акер Сабси АС Underwater anchor
GB2504864A (en) * 2011-04-07 2014-02-12 Oilfield Technology Group As Device for operations in proximity of an underwater installation
WO2012138230A1 (en) * 2011-04-07 2012-10-11 Oilfield Technology Group As Device for operations in proximity of an underwater installation
NO341933B1 (en) * 2015-08-26 2018-02-26 Compocean As An apparatus for protecting subsea well structures
GB2569969A (en) * 2018-01-04 2019-07-10 Subsea 7 Norway As Integrating wells in towable subsea units
GB2569969B (en) * 2018-01-04 2020-04-08 Subsea 7 Norway As Integrating wells in towable subsea units
US11346185B2 (en) 2018-01-04 2022-05-31 Subsea 7 Norway As Integrating wells in towable subsea units

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2002309124A1 (en) 2003-09-09

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