EP1240454A1 - Pose de conduites sous-marines - Google Patents

Pose de conduites sous-marines

Info

Publication number
EP1240454A1
EP1240454A1 EP99962304A EP99962304A EP1240454A1 EP 1240454 A1 EP1240454 A1 EP 1240454A1 EP 99962304 A EP99962304 A EP 99962304A EP 99962304 A EP99962304 A EP 99962304A EP 1240454 A1 EP1240454 A1 EP 1240454A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pipe
pipes
sections
section
bulkheads
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP99962304A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Stuart Welch
Paul Summerfield
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Corus UK Ltd
Original Assignee
Corus UK Ltd
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 Corus UK Ltd filed Critical Corus UK Ltd
Publication of EP1240454A1 publication Critical patent/EP1240454A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L1/00—Laying or reclaiming pipes; Repairing or joining pipes on or under water
    • F16L1/12—Laying or reclaiming pipes on or under water
    • F16L1/16—Laying or reclaiming pipes on or under water on the bottom
    • F16L1/18—Laying or reclaiming pipes on or under water on the bottom the pipes being S- or J-shaped and under tension during laying

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the laying of undersea pipes. It is particularly concerned with the manner in which double walled pipes may be laid, and overcomes difficulties encountered in laying at greater than normal depths.
  • Double walled pipes comprise an inner flow pipe encased within an outer protective pipe. The region in between is filled with an insulating material to prevent excessive heat loss from fluid within the inner flow pipe. This allows the safe transport of fluids at elevated temperatures, for example crude oil, without precipitation of lower melting point fractions causing blockage of the pipe.
  • These pipes are usually laid by welding together successive sections 14 on a barge 10, and then submerging the string thus formed behind the barge along the intended route to the pipeline. This is illustrated diagrammatically in Figure 1 .
  • the string 12 exits the barge 10 horizontally and then bends downward before returning to the horizontal at the sea bed. This is commonly referred to as "S"-lay, due to the shape taken up by string 12 during descent.
  • the present invention seeks to provide a manner of connecting sections of double-walled pipe so that they can be formed into a string sufficiently swiftly for an economic J-lay operation.
  • the present invention therefore provides a method of connecting first and second sections of double-walled pipe comprising joining the inner pipes of the first and second sections, sliding the outer pipe of the second section relative to the inner pipe of that section such that it meets the outer pipe of the first section, and welding the outer pipes of the first and second sections.
  • This method is in contrast to previous methods in that by sliding the outer sections in a J-lay operation, the step of adding connecting covers between the outer sections is avoided. There has not previously been a safe and controllable means of doing so.
  • the inner insulation layer can also be translated together with the outer pipe, avoiding the need to insert additional insulation sections. This significantly accelerates the connection procedure.
  • bulkheads are fitted between the outer and inner pipes, the bulkheads comprising resilient annular members compressed longitudinally with respect to the pipe. These bulkheads provide a frictronal force which holds the outer and inner pipes in place but which can be overcome to slide the outer pipe relative to the inner.
  • the present invention also relates to novel double-walled pipe sections suitable for use in this method.
  • a double-walled pipe section comprising an inner and an outer pipe with an insulating material therebetween, the inner and outer pipes being of corresponding lengths but mutually offset such that at least one end of inner pipe is accessible.
  • the inner and outer pipes will be of the same length but staggered so that the protruding inner pipe can be welded in place and the outer pipe translated, leaving the previously hidden end of inner pipe now protruding for subsequent connection.
  • the invention is still applicable with different but corresponding lengths of inner and outer pipe, although this may require other less desirable consequences such as the use of alternating designs of pipe section.
  • bulkheads are fitted between the outer and inner pipes, the bulkheads comprising resilient annular members compressed longitudinally with respect to the pipe. These bulkheads provide a frictional force which holds the outer and inner pipes in place but which can be overcome to slide the outer pipe relative to the inner.
  • the invention also relates to apparatus which is useful in handling such pipes to achieve the above method.
  • an apparatus for handling double-walled pipe structures comprising a means for supporting a first sectional length in an upright state, a means for supporting a second sectional length in a generally aligned state, thereby to allow joining of the inner pipes, and means for displacing the outer pipe of the second sectional length relative to the inner pipe thereof, thereby to allow jointing of the outer pipes.
  • the means for displacing can comprise an expandable gripping member for applying relative tension to the interior of the inner pipe.
  • the means for displacing the outer pipe can comprise suitable abutments for applying a relative longitudinal compression to the outer pipe.
  • the apparatus can include a suitable drive means for imparting relative motion, such as a hydraulic jack.
  • Figure 1 already described, shows the S-lay procedure
  • FIG. 3 shows a pipe section according to the present invention
  • Figure 4 shows the manner of connecting three such pipe sections
  • Figure 5 shows the connection of two sets of three sub-sections to form a 72 m section
  • Figure 6 shows how such 72 m sections can be attached to the end of a string
  • FIG. 7 shows apparatus as used in Figure 6.
  • this shows a pipe section 100 comprising an inner flow pipe 102 and an outer pipe 104.
  • An insulating material 106 is placed in the annular space therebetween.
  • the inner flow pipe 102 and the outer pipe 104 are of identical length, but are somewhat staggered so that at a first end 108, the inner pipe 102 protrudes beyond the end of the outer pipe 104, whilst at the opposed face 1 10, the inner flow pipe is effectively recessed within the outer pipe 104.
  • the pipes are held in this configuration by bulkheads 1 1 2 at either end. These bulkheads are preferably elastomeric and longitudinally compressible so as to grip the respective walls of the pipes.
  • Figure 4 illustrates the connection of a pair of sub-sections 100. They are placed in end-to-end abutting relationship such that the ends 108 meet. The bulkheads 1 1 2 at the facing ends are removed, and the inner flow lines 102 of the sub-sections 100 brought into contact. The outer pipes 104 will not contact, due to the relative staggering illustrated in Figure 3. The inner flow lines 102 are then welded and additional insulation material placed in the annulus base immediately around the weld. This is shown in Figure 4(a).
  • Figure 6 shows how the individual sections 1 14 can be assembled into a pipeline.
  • the free end 1 1 6 of a partially submerged pipeline is held by a gripping means 1 1 8 in a vertical position.
  • a section length 1 14 is held vertically above the free end 1 1 6 and with its end 108 lowermost such that the protruding inner pipes 102 are able to contact. They are then welded in this position, as shown in Figure 6(c).
  • Figure 6(d) shows a manipulator 1 20 attached to the upper end of the section 1 14, which acts to grip the inner and outer pipes 102, 104.
  • the manipulator 1 20 pushes the outer pipe 104 downwardly relative to the inner flow pipe 102, bringing it into contact with the outer pipe of the free end of the string 1 1 6.
  • the outer pipes are then welded in place, amalgamating the previous section 1 14 into the string 1 1 6. This can then be lowered further.
  • subsections 100 can be assemble into 72 m sections 1 14 on board the barge and then placed in the vertical position.
  • the final link can then be made as shown in Figure 6.
  • that final link can be made swiftly allowing pipe laying to proceed in a swift and economic fashion.
  • FIG 7 shows the manipulator 1 20 of Figure 6 in more detail.
  • a central shaft 1 22 carries an outer gripper 1 24 and an inner gripper 1 26.
  • the inner gripper 1 26 comprises a tapered plug 1 28 on the end of the shaft 1 22, the widest point being at the free end, together with a tapered annulus 130 around the tapered plug 1 28.
  • the annulus 1 30 is tapered on its internal face, such that its narrowest point (ie widest internal bore) is adjacent the free end of the plug 1 28.
  • the outer diameter of the annulus 1 30 is approximately the inner diameter of the inner flow line 102.
  • the inner gripper 126 also has a small hydraulic jack 132 mounted on the shaft 1 22 and onto a plate 1 34 adapted to overlie the inner pipe 102. This serves to hold the shaft 122 in the correct position with the plug 1 28 within the end of the inner pipe 102, and provide a slight upward force so as to provide the necessary gripping action with the inner pipe 102.
  • the upper grip 1 24 simple comprises an end plate 1 36 below which are mounted hydraulic jacks 1 38. These end in abutments 140 which are adapted to contact the end of the outer pipe 104.
  • the shaft 1 2 is inserted into the end of the inner pipe 102 and the jacks 1 32 extended so as to cause a gripping action 1 28 and the pipe 102.
  • the jacks 1 38 are then extended until the abutments 140 at the ends thereof contact the end face of the outer pipe 104 and impart a downward force thereto. This causes the outer pipe 104 to slide over the inner pipe 102, from the position shown in Figure 6(d) to that shown in Figure 6(e).
  • the jacks 1 32 and 1 38 can then be released, in enabling the shaft 1 22 to be withdrawn and the manipulator 1 20 to be removed. It will of course be understood that many variations are possible within the scope of the present invention.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Lining Or Joining Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Thermal Insulation (AREA)
  • Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé et un dispositif pour le raccordement de première (102) et seconde (104) parties de conduite à double paroi (10). Les tranches internes desdites parties sont raccordées, on fait coulisser la tranche externe de la seconde partie par rapport à la tranche interne de la même partie pour qu'elle coïncide avec la tranche externe de la première partie, puis on soude les tranches externes entre elles. La couche d'isolation interne peut également coulisser avec la tranche externe, ce qui évite d'utiliser des isolations internes supplémentaires. De préférence, les raccords de cloison (112) sont adaptés entre les tranches externe et interne, comprenant des éléments annulaires souples comprimés longitudinalement par rapport à la conduite. Ces raccords (112) assurent un frottement qui maintient en place les tranches externe (104) et interne (102), mais on peut vaincre la résistance de frottement pour faire coulisser la tranche externe par rapport à la tranche interne. L'invention concerne en outre des parties de conduite à double paroi appropriées au procédé décrit.
EP99962304A 1999-12-22 1999-12-22 Pose de conduites sous-marines Withdrawn EP1240454A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/GB1999/004237 WO2001050058A1 (fr) 1999-12-22 1999-12-22 Pose de conduites sous-marines

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1240454A1 true EP1240454A1 (fr) 2002-09-18

Family

ID=10848408

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99962304A Withdrawn EP1240454A1 (fr) 1999-12-22 1999-12-22 Pose de conduites sous-marines

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1240454A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU1868300A (fr)
BR (1) BR9917595A (fr)
WO (1) WO2001050058A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3040728B1 (fr) * 2015-09-08 2018-08-17 Itp Sa Procede de mise en production d'un puits d'hydrocarbure sous-marin

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4320915A (en) * 1980-03-24 1982-03-23 Varco International, Inc. Internal elevator
JPH07122472B2 (ja) * 1987-03-24 1995-12-25 大成建設株式会社 老朽管の再生方法と再生装置
JPH0730671B2 (ja) * 1990-04-05 1995-04-10 株式会社機動技研 埋設管の推進工法
EP0639690A4 (fr) * 1993-03-05 1997-04-09 Kawasaki Steel Co Conduite a double paroi pour les techniques de creusement, et configuration de l'extremite de la conduite-mere.
GB9509861D0 (en) * 1995-05-16 1995-07-12 British Steel Plc Annular separators for double walled pipe structures
JP3816989B2 (ja) * 1996-08-09 2006-08-30 大成建設株式会社 多重管の施工方法
GB2322423B (en) * 1997-02-17 1998-12-30 T J Corbishley Improvements in connecting tubular members
GB2325507B (en) * 1997-05-23 1999-04-07 T J Corbishley Improvements in methods of forming an elongate tubular structure
GB2339251B (en) * 1998-06-23 2003-06-18 British Steel Plc Laying of undersea pipes

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO0150058A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2001050058A1 (fr) 2001-07-12
AU1868300A (en) 2001-07-16
BR9917595A (pt) 2002-08-06

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
GB2339251A (en) Double-walled pipes with insulation, joining them and laying them
EP1362161B1 (fr) Installation de liaison fond-surface d'une conduite sous-marine installee a grande profondeur
EP2668426B1 (fr) Améliorations concernant la pose de pipelines
EP1015729B1 (fr) Raccordement d'elements tubulaire a manoeuvre par le dessus
OA12417A (en) Marine riser tower.
NO322486B1 (no) Fremgangsmate for boring og komplettering av en produksjonsbronn for hydrokarboner
OA12630A (fr) Installation de liaison d'une conduite sous-marinereliée à un riser.
OA10874A (fr) Dispositif de transport sous-marin de produits pétroliers à colonne montante
AU2011214352B2 (en) Method of laying a hybrid pipeline on hte seabed
US3595312A (en) Method and apparatus for installing offshore flow lines
EP0396204B1 (fr) Procédé et dispositif pour la connexion de tubes de cuvelage
EP3551917B1 (fr) Perfectionnements se rapportant à la pose de conduites
US4688966A (en) Reduced J tube pull force
EP3983612B1 (fr) Fondation sous-marine
EP1240454A1 (fr) Pose de conduites sous-marines
FR2809136A1 (fr) Installation de liaison fond-surface pour conduite sous- marine, dispositif de liaison entre un flotteur et un riser, et procede d'intervention dans ledit riser
EP2227648B1 (fr) Tronçon de canalisation et procédé d'assemblage d'une canalisation à partir de celui-ci
EP2162593B1 (fr) Procédés de pose sous-marine d'articles allongés
US10370904B2 (en) Facility comprising at least two bottom-surface links comprising vertical risers connected by bars
GB2096675A (en) Method of removing an inner conduit which is grouted in an outer conduit
OA11188A (en) Method and device for joining oilfield tubulars.
EP4018070B1 (fr) Câbles ombilicaux sous-marins
EP3906376B1 (fr) Méthode de liaison sous-marine de sections de conduite et outil à cet effet
NO345998B1 (en) Subsea foundations
GB2298689A (en) Process for joining pipes

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20020703

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL PAYMENT 20020703;LT PAYMENT 20020703;LV PAYMENT 20020703;MK PAYMENT 20020703;RO PAYMENT 20020703;SI PAYMENT 20020703

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20030123

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20040203