GB1564676A - Marine structure with riser conductor and pipeline connection - Google Patents
Marine structure with riser conductor and pipeline connection Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB1564676A GB1564676A GB2003878A GB2003878A GB1564676A GB 1564676 A GB1564676 A GB 1564676A GB 2003878 A GB2003878 A GB 2003878A GB 2003878 A GB2003878 A GB 2003878A GB 1564676 A GB1564676 A GB 1564676A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- conduit
- marine structure
- conductor
- fluid flow
- provisional
- 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.)
- Expired
Links
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 title claims description 60
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 54
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 15
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000012043 crude product Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011221 initial treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012263 liquid product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003208 petroleum Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003209 petroleum derivative Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000452 restraining effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003643 water by type Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
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
- F16L1/14—Laying or reclaiming pipes on or under water between the surface and the bottom
- F16L1/15—Laying or reclaiming pipes on or under water between the surface and the bottom vertically
-
- 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
- E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
- E21B43/01—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells specially adapted for obtaining from underwater installations
- E21B43/0107—Connecting of flow lines to offshore structures
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Supports For Pipes And Cables (AREA)
Description
(54) MARINE STRUCTURE WITH RISER
CONDUCTOR AND PIPELINE CONNECTION (7l1) We, TEXACO DEVELOP
MENT CORPORATION, a corporation organised and existing under the laws of the
State of Delaware, United States of America, of 135 East 42nd Street, New York, New York 10017, United States of America, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: - In the offshore segment of the petroleum industry one of the prevalent problems has been the connecting of an offshore platform or marine structure to a pipeline which normally carries petroleum products to an onshore storage area or from a well. Usually one or more well heads at the ocean floor are connected to a common line which conducts the products to a riser or conduit supported by the platform. The riser directs the crude liquid or gas product upwardly to a separation system at the platform's deck prior to the product being conducted away by another such pipeline, or shipped away by tanker.
As a matter of practice, the connection between the pipeline and the fluid conductor at the marine platform, is made by welding the pipe joint to the fluid conductor through the use of divers and/or highly technical equipment which is lowered to the sea floor.
In the instance of relatively deep waters, the normal problem of making the above noted connection is substantially compounded. This results primarily from the hyperbaric atmosphere which limits the use of personnel and greatly increases the cost of such an operation.
Toward simplifying this laying of the desired pipeline the present invention provides a means whereby the lower end of the fluid carrying conductor or riser is adjustably connected to the platform. In the resting position the conductor is disposed in a substantially upright disposition so that its lower open end is adjacent to the ocean floor.
A provisional conductor which subsequently forms a portion of the pipeline, is detachably connected to the marine structure in a manner to permit pivotal movement of said provisional member in a substantially vertical plane.
Pivotal movement will thus position the lower end of said provisional conductor in approximate alignment with the upright fluid conductor. Downward movement of the latter will then engage the respective members into a fluid tight connection between the pipeline and the conductor.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide means for connecting a marine structure supported fluid conductor to a pipeline, without the necessity of operating underwater or utilizing divers.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a marine structure according to the invention;
Figures 2 and 3 are fragmentary views of a conduit connecting segment respectively in a provisional position and an aligned position for connection;
Figure 4 is a view of the structure illustrating a step in a method according to the invention; and
Figure 5 is a fragmentary view of a pivot means for a conduit.
Referring to the drawings, an offshore or marine platform 10 of the type contemplated is shown as comprising a plurality of upstanding columns or legs 11 and 12 which include lateral support members or braces 13 and 14 extending therebetween. A working deck 16 is supported at the legs' upper ends. When positioned at an offshore working site platform 10 is arranged substantially vertically such that the respective support columns assume an upright disposition. After the structure is positioned in place from a carrying barge or the like, piles 17 are driven through the respective legs into the substrate, whereby to fixedly anchor the entire unit and permit operation thereof at the working site.
Toward facilitating the producing process, the crude product is normally led from a series of well heads dispersed at the ocean floor. It is then conducted through a pipeline and/ manifold system, and thence upward through a riser or fluid conductor member 18 which depends from platform 10. Deck 16 normally carries equipment to initially treat or process the crude product. One such initial treatment is to separate gas and/or water from liquid product prior to the latter being further pipelined to shore, or loaded onto a cargo vessel or tanker.
Elongated tubular fluid conductor 18 is disposed preferably adjacent one side of the marine structure. Said conductor 18 comprises in one form, a series of end connected pipe sections of sufficient diameter to carry the flow of fluid which will be pumped or forced from the subsea pipeline. This fluid conductor, also referred to herein as a riser, terminates at the platform deck such that it can be readily connected to appropriate treat
ing apparatus such as a gas separator or the like. The lower end of said fluid conductor 18 is provided with a flange or a suitable coupling member 15 for achieving a fluid tight connection with pipeline 19 as will be hereinafter noted.
Conductor 18 is adjustably positioned with
respect to the various lateral brace members
13 and 14. Preferably it is located between adjacently positioned support columns 11 and
12, by a series of vertically arranged clamping members 21, 22 and 23. Said clamping mem
bers are adapted to not only position conductor
18 horizontally, but also to position it verti
cally such that the entire conductor can be
adjusted upwardly or downwardly for the
purpose of achieving the fluid tight connection
with pipeline 19 as will be hereinafter noted.
A provisional flow conductor 24 is similarly
connected to one side of marine structure 10,
being positioned adjacent to the above
described fluid conductor 18. Said provisional
conductor 24 comprises in essence an elon
gated upper and defined by a plurality of end
connected pipe lengths which will subsequently
form a portion of the floor supported pipeline
19. Said provisional conductor 24 is provided
at the lower end with a connecting segment
26.
Connecting segment 26 includes in essence
a section of pipe or conductor having a
diameter comparable to the diameter of fluid
conductor 18, and being so formed to define a
desired angle between the various respective
legs 27 and 28. Said angle is such that a
proper connection can be made with fluid
conductor 18, after provisional conductor is
lowered to the ocean floor.
Thus, when provisional conductor 24 is
initially fabricated as an integral part of
marine structure 10, it is held in place by a
plurality of spaced apart clamps or similar
restraining members 29, 30 and 31. Each of
said clamps is remotely operable to an open
position whereby the entire provisional con
ductor 24 will be released from its clamped
connection to the platform 10.
The lower end of said provisional con
ductor 24 terminates at the ocean floor, and adjacent to the lower end of the fluid conductor 18. The pivotal function of said provisional conductor is achieved through use of a pivotal connection made between the connecting segment 26, and the lateral brace 32. Brace 32 is provided with spaced apart pivot blocks 33 and 34 (Fig. 5) in a manner to slidably receive hinge pins or shafts 36 which depend from, and are fixedly positioned to the connecting segment 26. Said hinge pins 36 are so positioned by an extension arm 37 to maintain a position in substantial vertical alignment with the fluid conductor 18. Thus, when the provisional conductor 24 is lowered to its operating position at the ocean floor, the leg 27 of said conductor segment 26 will pivot into an upstanding position in alignment with the lower end of fluid conductor 18.
To facilitate proper positioning of the connecting segment 26 when the provisional conduaor 24 is in the lowered position, one or more guide members are provided. For example, saddle guide 38 is disposed on lower lateral brace 39 in such a position to constitute an abutment with leg 28 of connecting -segment 26 when the latter is adjusted to a substantially vertical position. A similar transverse guide means can be provided to receive and properly align leg 27 of said connecting segment 26 with the lower end of the fluid conductor 18.
As above mentioned, with respect to the fluid conductor 18, connecting segment 26 remote end can be provided with a suitable flange or cooling member 41 adapted to engage the corresponding member 15 of said fluid conductor 18. This engagement in accordance with the precepts of the invention, can be remotely instituted through a hydraulic or pneumatic system which is actuated at platform deck 16. Thus, the physical joining of pipeline 19 with the conductor 18 can be made without the need for diver participation, and with a minimal possibility of technical difficulty.
Operationally, the entire marine structure 10 is normally assembled in a shore based fabrication yard. Said assembly includes the positioning of not only the fluid conductor 18 a predetermined distance from the lower end of the marine structure 10, but also the positioning of the provisional conductor 24 so as to be operable as herein noted.
Upon completion, the marine structure 10 is normally floated or barged to a desired offshore working site, and after being lowered into the water is fixedly positioned therein by piling or similar means. With the platform firmly fixed, the upper end of the provisional conductor 24 as well as fluid conductor 18, will protrude beyond the structure's working deck.
To commence the connecting operation a lay barge or similar vessel 46 (Fig. 4) is utilized to add additional sections of pipe to the upper end of the provisional conductor 24.
Said barge 46 is further equipped to engage the upper end of said provisional conductor 24 and progressively draw it away from marine structure 10 after the retaining clamps 29 and 31 have been released. In the normal manner laying a length of pipe, the provisional conductor 24, which now assumes the function of a segment of pipeline 19 will be supported if needed by a stinger 47 or similar member depending from the lay barge. As the barge progresses away from structure 10, tension is applied to the provisional member and simultaneously additional lengths of pipe are added thereto.
With the addition of such pipe lengths, provisional conductor 24 will assume the desired, general "S" configuration between the surface of the water and the floor of the ocean. In its ultimate position the lower end of the provisional structure 24, i.e. the elongated pipe section, will come to rest such that connecting segment 26 is generally uprightly disposed and in alignment with the lower end of the fluid conductor 18.
In such a position, connection between said two members is achieved by releasing the holding damps 21, 22 and 23 which retain
and position fluid conductor 18. The latter, then being supported by a derrick or similar
means at the upper end, is lowered into physical contact with the connecting segment
coupling member. If a proper mating action
is achieved, the coupling of said members can
be made remotely by actuation of the auto
matic coupling system at deck 16.
With pipeline 19 now connected to the fluid
conductor 24, the remaining lengths of pipe
can be progressively added to the provisional
conductor such that the latter lays in its
entirety on the ocean floor, thereby forming
an integral part of the pipeline.
WHAT WE CLAIM IS:
1. A marine structure comprising at least one support column and a deck carried by said support column, a fluid flow conduit extending from said deck to the lower end of said support column, means mounting said conduit to said marine structure for limited movement, a second fluid flow conduit comprising a connecting segment and an elongate segment, and means mounting said second conduit to the lower end of said marine structure for pivotal movement between a provisional position in which said elongate segment extends upwardly towards said deck and a fluid flow position in which said elongate segment extends along the bed of a body of water and said connecting segment is aligned with said lower end of said first conduit to permit coupling of said first and second conduits.
2. A marine structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein said mounting means for mounting said first conduit comprises releasable clamping members whereby release thereof permits limited longitudinal movement of said first conduit into engagement with the aligned connecting segment of said second conduit in said fluid flow position.
3. A marine structure as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 including releasable clamps operable releasably to clamp said elongate segment of said second conduit in said provisional position to said marine structure prior to pivotal movement into said fluid flow position.
4. A marine structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 including coupling means associated with the lower end of said first conduit and with said connecting segment of said second conduit, said coupling means being operable from a remote position to couple said conduits together when aligned.
5. A marine structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 including guide means secured to said marine structure and arranged to receive and locate said second conduit as it is pivoted into said fluid flow position with said connecting segment in alignment with said first conduit.
6. A marine structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said structure comprises a plurality of said support columns having a plurality of lateral braces extending therebetween, said first conduit being mounted to said lateral braces.
7. A marine structure as claimed in claim 6 wherein said pivot means comprises a pivot pin secured to said connecting segment and a pivot block secured to one of said braces.
8. A method of providing a marine structure with a fluid flow conduit extending from a deck thereof to the lower end thereof and in fluid flow connection with a fluid flow conduit extending along the bed of a body of water, comprising providing said marine structure with said first fluid flow conduit mounted thereto for limited movement, providing said marine structure with a pivotally mounted second fluid flow conduit comprising a connecting segment and an elongate segment, pivotally moving said second conduit away from a provisional position in which said elongate segment extends upwardly towards said deck into a fluid flow position in which said elongate segment extends along the bed of a body of water and said connecting segment is aligned with said lower end of said first conduit, and coupling said first and second conduits together.
9. A method as claimed in claim 8 including securing lengths of conduit to said elongate segment as said second conduit is pivotally moved down to the bed of the body of water.
10. A method as claimed in claim 9 including progressively supporting and lowering said second conduit and said lengths into a
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.
Claims (12)
1. A marine structure comprising at least one support column and a deck carried by said support column, a fluid flow conduit extending from said deck to the lower end of said support column, means mounting said conduit to said marine structure for limited movement, a second fluid flow conduit comprising a connecting segment and an elongate segment, and means mounting said second conduit to the lower end of said marine structure for pivotal movement between a provisional position in which said elongate segment extends upwardly towards said deck and a fluid flow position in which said elongate segment extends along the bed of a body of water and said connecting segment is aligned with said lower end of said first conduit to permit coupling of said first and second conduits.
2. A marine structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein said mounting means for mounting said first conduit comprises releasable clamping members whereby release thereof permits limited longitudinal movement of said first conduit into engagement with the aligned connecting segment of said second conduit in said fluid flow position.
3. A marine structure as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 including releasable clamps operable releasably to clamp said elongate segment of said second conduit in said provisional position to said marine structure prior to pivotal movement into said fluid flow position.
4. A marine structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 including coupling means associated with the lower end of said first conduit and with said connecting segment of said second conduit, said coupling means being operable from a remote position to couple said conduits together when aligned.
5. A marine structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 including guide means secured to said marine structure and arranged to receive and locate said second conduit as it is pivoted into said fluid flow position with said connecting segment in alignment with said first conduit.
6. A marine structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said structure comprises a plurality of said support columns having a plurality of lateral braces extending therebetween, said first conduit being mounted to said lateral braces.
7. A marine structure as claimed in claim 6 wherein said pivot means comprises a pivot pin secured to said connecting segment and a pivot block secured to one of said braces.
8. A method of providing a marine structure with a fluid flow conduit extending from a deck thereof to the lower end thereof and in fluid flow connection with a fluid flow conduit extending along the bed of a body of water, comprising providing said marine structure with said first fluid flow conduit mounted thereto for limited movement, providing said marine structure with a pivotally mounted second fluid flow conduit comprising a connecting segment and an elongate segment, pivotally moving said second conduit away from a provisional position in which said elongate segment extends upwardly towards said deck into a fluid flow position in which said elongate segment extends along the bed of a body of water and said connecting segment is aligned with said lower end of said first conduit, and coupling said first and second conduits together.
9. A method as claimed in claim 8 including securing lengths of conduit to said elongate segment as said second conduit is pivotally moved down to the bed of the body of water.
10. A method as claimed in claim 9 including progressively supporting and lowering said second conduit and said lengths into a
submerged position as further lengths of conduit are secured thereto.
11. A method as claimed in claim 8 and substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
12. A marine structure substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB2003878A GB1564676A (en) | 1978-05-17 | 1978-05-17 | Marine structure with riser conductor and pipeline connection |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB2003878A GB1564676A (en) | 1978-05-17 | 1978-05-17 | Marine structure with riser conductor and pipeline connection |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
GB1564676A true GB1564676A (en) | 1980-04-10 |
Family
ID=10139336
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GB2003878A Expired GB1564676A (en) | 1978-05-17 | 1978-05-17 | Marine structure with riser conductor and pipeline connection |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
GB (1) | GB1564676A (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2195415A (en) * | 1986-09-08 | 1988-04-07 | Shell Int Research | Moving a pipe through a j-tube |
JP2016205163A (en) * | 2015-04-16 | 2016-12-08 | 鹿島建設株式会社 | Cable lead-in structure, cable lead-in method and sheath pip unit |
-
1978
- 1978-05-17 GB GB2003878A patent/GB1564676A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2195415A (en) * | 1986-09-08 | 1988-04-07 | Shell Int Research | Moving a pipe through a j-tube |
GB2195415B (en) * | 1986-09-08 | 1990-09-12 | Shell Int Research | Method and apparatus for moving a pipe through a j-tube |
JP2016205163A (en) * | 2015-04-16 | 2016-12-08 | 鹿島建設株式会社 | Cable lead-in structure, cable lead-in method and sheath pip unit |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PS | Patent sealed | ||
PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |