EP0518730B1 - Method and apparatus for transferring products contained in submerged reservoirs, from these reservoirs to the surface - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for transferring products contained in submerged reservoirs, from these reservoirs to the surface Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0518730B1
EP0518730B1 EP92401508A EP92401508A EP0518730B1 EP 0518730 B1 EP0518730 B1 EP 0518730B1 EP 92401508 A EP92401508 A EP 92401508A EP 92401508 A EP92401508 A EP 92401508A EP 0518730 B1 EP0518730 B1 EP 0518730B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tank
products
fluid
pipe
accordance
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EP92401508A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0518730A1 (en
Inventor
Maurice Cessou
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IFP Energies Nouvelles IFPEN
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IFP Energies Nouvelles IFPEN
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C7/00—Salvaging of disabled, stranded, or sunken vessels; Salvaging of vessel parts or furnishings, e.g. of safes; Salvaging of other underwater objects
    • B63C7/006—Emptying the contents of sunken, stranded, or disabled vessels, e.g. by engaging the vessel; Underwater collecting of buoyant contents, such as liquid, particulate or gaseous contents, escaping from sunken vessels, e.g. using funnels, or tents for recovery of escaping hydrocarbons

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for transferring to a surface installation products (P) contained in a closed tank which is, at least partially, immersed in a liquid of density greater than or equal to the density of at least minus part and most often of the major fraction of the products (P) contained in said reservoir.
  • the present invention applies in particular to the recovery of hydrocarbons contained in the holds of ships which have run aground or have sunk. It applies more particularly to the recovery of hydrocarbons of which at least a part and most often the majority has a viscosity measured at 20 ° C less than about 500 centistokes (cSt) or square millimeter per second, the rest of the products ( P) which can have a viscosity of up to 10+6 cSt or even more.
  • cSt centistokes
  • P centistokes
  • the hydrocarbons contained in the ship's holds can only be recovered with difficulty by known methods, in particular by the processes in which the tank is connected to a surface installation by a tubular transfer column and the hydrocarbons to be recovered are pumped out, possibly after reheating them.
  • the processes described in the four patents cited above do not allow efficient and economical recovery of hydrocarbons, most of which most have a density lower than that of the surrounding medium.
  • the various tanks of the ship may contain products of different characteristics and for example of different density and / or viscosity (this is for example the case for a ship carrying fuel n ° 2 in a series of tanks and diesel in another series of tanks), which implies the implementation of different equipment for each case and therefore an additional difficulty for the recovery of all the products contained in the tanks or tanks of the ship.
  • the products contained in a vessel of the ship can have different densities and / or viscosities, which can lead to a stratification of the products and implies to obtain an effective recovery of all the products present, the use different devices, in particular to recover the surface layer and to recover that which is at the bottom of the tank. This can for example occur following an incident on the ship during which the products contained in a tank have been subjected to temperature and pressure conditions such that the characteristics of some of them have changed.
  • the present invention relates to a method and apparatus making it possible in particular to provide an at least partial solution to the problems mentioned above and which are not adequately resolved by the methods and apparatus described in the cited prior art above.
  • the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus providing a solution to the recovery of products (P), in particular of hydrocarbons, having most often a density less than 1. It makes it possible to recover the major part of the hydrocarbons contained in a submerged tank in a directly reusable form. These hydrocarbons can thus, without particular problems, be used as fuel in boilers or transferred to refining installations.
  • step c) the products (P) extracted from the tank and recovered in the first storage area of the surface installation are replaced, as they are extracted, in the tank by liquid L1 which penetrates for example by the pipe comprising the pressure balancing means.
  • the fluid L2 which is injected in step d) is most often a fluid which is not very miscible with the products (P) to be recovered, for example water or water from sea that can, for example, be pumped near the surface installation. It is often preferable to inject the L2 fluid at a temperature higher than that of the products (P) present in the reservoir at the time of injection. This fluid will for example be injected at a temperature of approximately 20 to approximately 100 ° C. After separation of the fluid L2 from the products (P) to be recovered, this fluid will preferably be reused, most often after reheating, to create the jet or jets in the tank.
  • liquid L2 will be made in the second storage area to compensate for the quantity of products (P) extracted from the submerged tank and which has been replaced in this tank by the liquid L2.
  • the fluid L2 will be the same as the fluid L1.
  • This additive generally allows better recovery of relatively viscous products (P) which remain easily attached to the internal structures of the tank.
  • Such an addition will most often be carried out only towards the end of the recovery so as to limit as much as possible the quantity of products (P) thus recovered and which can then, only with difficulty, be separated from the fluid L2.
  • the means for recovering the products (P) contained in the tank is chosen from the group formed by electric pumps, hydraulic pumps and static devices making it possible to create a vacuum such as by example hydrojets and hydroejectors.
  • a vacuum such as by example hydrojets and hydroejectors.
  • steps c) and d) it is often desirable to inject into the capacity, preferably substantially in the direction of evacuation of the products (P), at least one fluid such as for example a liquid which can be a fluxing liquid or solvent, for example when the products to be recovered are hydrocarbons, this liquid can be a light hydrocarbon such as petrol or diesel.
  • a liquid which can be a fluxing liquid or solvent
  • this liquid can be a light hydrocarbon such as petrol or diesel.
  • This injection facilitates the evacuation of the products (P) to be recovered.
  • step d) it is most often preferred to carry out a secondary injection of a fraction of the fluid L2, the temperature of which is preferably equal to or higher than that of the products (P) present in the reservoir.
  • Such a secondary injection can facilitate the maintenance of a pressure in the reservoir slightly lower than that of the surrounding medium and has the additional advantage of allowing the heating of the product evacuation circuit (P) to start.
  • This injection also allows rinsing, for example using the fluid L2, of the evacuation circuit before the latter is disconnected from the reservoir, which eliminates any risk of pollution of the surrounding environment.
  • This injection also makes it possible to avoid engorgement and blockage of the product evacuation circuit (P) if the ascent of the products (P) is too rapid.
  • fluid L2 in a closed circuit and by choosing water or sea water as the fluid, to move the products (P) to be recovered, the risks of pollution when emptying tanks at sea, since a fluid can be used which may have a composition identical or substantially identical to that of the surrounding environment, which is an advantage compared to the use of other fluids or solvents .
  • the attack and agitation jets have a vertical component directed downwards, being for example inclined by 20 to 50 degrees of angle on the vertical, these values n ' however having no limiting character.
  • These jets will preferably be rotated and moved progressively during step d) over most of the height of the tank so as to be able to reach most of the walls and internal structures of said tank and thus recover the most large possible quantity of products (P) present.
  • the jets of hot fluid create in the tank, in particular in the aqueous phase present in the tank, good agitation which promotes thermal transfer by convection and conduction, disintegrates and unclogs the products (P) to be recovered and disperses them in the phase aqueous to obtain a mixture of lower viscosity and therefore easier to evacuate.
  • the present invention also relates to an apparatus, in particular for implementing the method, for transferring to a surface installation products (P) which are contained in an enclosed tank which is at least partially submerged.
  • P surface installation products
  • Figure 1 schematically shows an apparatus according to the invention comprising a part supported by a specially equipped intervention vessel (1), placed above a vessel (2) having sunk and resting on the bottom and comprising another part of the apparatus fixed to the upper wall (2a) of the tank containing the products (P) to be recovered.
  • the ship has been shown partially in section, the outline of its stem being shown by dashes.
  • the means for injecting a fluid L2 comprises a hollow column (14), fixed on the capacity (A) and the axis of which merges with that of the orifice connecting the capacity and the tank, inside which a telescopic rod (3) comprising a hollow rod (3b) connected at its upper end to a cable (9) actuated by a hydraulic or pneumatic device (18) allowing the translation substantially vertical of the member (3a), connected to the other end of the rod (3b), between the internal structures (5) in the tank containing the products (P) to be recovered.
  • the hollow column (14) is connected to the pipe (8) for supplying the fluid L2 from the surface installation.
  • the pipe (6) of the apparatus according to the invention can be, as shown in FIG. 1, fixed from the upper level of the tank and be introduced so that it opens in the vicinity of the bottom of the tank .
  • the means (7) is most often a valve limiting the vacuum and allowing the entry of the liquid L1 into the reservoir.
  • This valve (7) is usually identical to the means (16) in its function and often in its structure, but it is tared differently.
  • the calibration of the valve (7) is carried out as a function of the pressure of the liquid L1 at the bottom of the tank.
  • the fluid lines (8), (10) and (13) are stored respectively on drums (19a), (19b) and (19c) each comprising a hollow shaft to which they are connected.
  • the shaft of each of these drums has a rotary joint (20a), (20b) and (20c) allowing connection with a pipe (20), (21) or (36).
  • the pump (P1) is supplied with energy from a means (E) for producing energy by the line (12).
  • a pipe (11) is connected on the one hand to a means (G) for storing and injecting a gas and on the other hand to the pipe (10) for discharging the products (P), near the pump (P1), said injection means being adapted to create a gas-lift effect in the pipe (10).
  • This injection means can be connected to the pipe (10) at any point between the capacity (A) and the surface installation (1). It is usually preferable for this gas injection means to be connected, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1, near the capacity (A).
  • the pipe (10) is connected via the drum (19b) to the pipe (21) and to the pipe (23) comprising the valve (23a) connected by means storage tank (C1) comprising a pipe (26) allowing, if necessary, the emptying of the storage tank (C1) in a larger storage means, for example in another vessel for transporting the products (P) ashore .
  • the valve (23a) is open and the valve (22a) on the pipe (22) is closed.
  • the pipe (10) is connected via the drum (19b) to the pipe (21) and to the pipe (22) comprising the valve (22a) connected by means storage (C2) comprising at least one means (24) for separating the products (P) and the fluid (s) L1 and / or L2, a line (25) allowing the recovery of the products (P) separated from the fluid (s) L1 and / or L2 and their transfer to a storage tank not shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1, and a pipe (35) comprising a valve (34) connecting the lower part of the storage tank (C2) to the storage tank (C3 ) and allowing the transfer of the fluid L2 recovered from the tank (C2) to the tank (C3).
  • the valve (22a) is open and the valve (23a) on the pipe (23) is closed.
  • the tank (C3) for storing the L2 fluid, is connected by a pipe (28), provided with a valve (29) to a pump (P3) making it possible to add fluid L2 (sea water) , in the case shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1) as and when the tanks of the ship (2) are emptied. This keeps the recovery circuit constantly full of fluid. This addition of fluid L2 could without departing from the scope of the present invention be carried out at another point of the circuit.
  • the heating of the fluid (s) L1 and / or L2 injected into the line (8) can be carried out by a member (30) using a heat transfer fluid, such as for example water vapor, placed on the fluid circuit, by example of the fluid L2, and / or by a heating means (31) of this fluid (electric or heating by heat transfer fluid), such as those existing in the tanks of ships, placed in the tank (C3).
  • a heat transfer fluid such as for example water vapor
  • the single tank will include all of the means described above, in connection with the embodiment shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1, for the tanks (C2) and (C3).
  • the fluid L2 is sent via the line (27), the injection pump (P2), into the heating member (30), then, through the lines (20) and (8) d 'on the one hand and through the pipes (36) and (13) on the other hand, to the primary (3a) and secondary (17) injection means.
  • the valves (32) on the line (20) and (33) on the line (36) and a pressure gauge (M) make it possible to adjust the primary and secondary injection rate of fluid L2 and its injection pressure.
  • the injection member (3a) comprises on its periphery means (37) allowing the heating of the products (P) which are in contact with it.
  • These heating means are conventional means such as for example heating by heat transfer fluid such as steam, electric heating or circulation of hot fluid.
  • This reheating of the products (P) in contact with the member (3a) is most often used during step c) when the member (3a) is located within the products (P) to be recovered.
  • This heating makes it easier to recover the products (P) by increasing their temperature and therefore reducing their viscosity. It can also be used during step d), although this is not a preferred form of carrying out the method.
  • the capacity used in the present invention may include means of connection, for example to one of the manholes provided above the tank to be drained, comprising safety shut-off devices such as, for example, adapted devices. to close either automatically if the pipes connected to this capacity are removed or, if this capacity is removed itself, or by remote control from the surface.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
  • Physical Or Chemical Processes And Apparatus (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne un procédé et un appareillage pour transférer jusqu'à une installation de surface des produits (P) contenus dans un réservoir clos qui est, au moins partiellement, immergé dans un liquide de densité supérieure ou égale à la densité d'au moins une partie et le plus souvent de la majeure fraction des produits (P) contenus dans ledit réservoir.The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for transferring to a surface installation products (P) contained in a closed tank which is, at least partially, immersed in a liquid of density greater than or equal to the density of at least minus part and most often of the major fraction of the products (P) contained in said reservoir.

La présente invention s'applique en particulier à la récupération d'hydrocarbures contenus dans les soutes de navires qui se sont échoués ou qui ont coulé. Elle s'applique plus particulièrement à la récupération d'hydrocarbures dont au moins une partie et le plus souvent la majorité a une viscosité mesurée à 20 °C inférieure à environ 500 centistokes (cSt) ou millimètre carré par seconde, le reste des produits (P) pouvant avoir une viscosité pouvant aller jusqu'à 10⁺⁶ cSt ou même plus.The present invention applies in particular to the recovery of hydrocarbons contained in the holds of ships which have run aground or have sunk. It applies more particularly to the recovery of hydrocarbons of which at least a part and most often the majority has a viscosity measured at 20 ° C less than about 500 centistokes (cSt) or square millimeter per second, the rest of the products ( P) which can have a viscosity of up to 10⁺⁶ cSt or even more.

Les hydrocarbures contenus dans les soutes de navire ne peuvent que difficilement être récupérés par les méthodes connues, notamment par les procédés dans lesquels on relie le réservoir à une installation de surface par une colonne tubulaire de transfert et on effectue le pompage des hydrocarbures à récupérer, éventuellement après les avoir réchauffés.The hydrocarbons contained in the ship's holds can only be recovered with difficulty by known methods, in particular by the processes in which the tank is connected to a surface installation by a tubular transfer column and the hydrocarbons to be recovered are pumped out, possibly after reheating them.

Il a été décrit dans le brevet US-A-3814545 et dans le brevet FR-B-2460273 des procédés comprenant le pompage, à partir d'une capacité auxiliaire reliée au réservoir, avec réchauffage des produits à récupérer à l'intérieur de la capacité dans le cas du procédé de la demanderesse. Ces procédés ne permettent cependant pas de récupérer tous les hydrocarbures présents dans le réservoir, en particulier on ne récupère ainsi que très difficilement ceux dont la viscosité est élevée et ceux qui restent accrochés aux structures internes du réservoir.It has been described in patent US-A-3814545 and in patent FR-B-2460273 of the processes comprising pumping, from an auxiliary capacity connected to the tank, with heating of the products to be recovered inside the capacity in the case of the plaintiff's process. However, these methods do not make it possible to recover all the hydrocarbons present in the tank, in particular it is therefore very difficult to recover those whose viscosity is high and those which remain attached to the internal structures of the tank.

La demanderesse a également proposé dans les brevets US-A-4195653 et US-A-4287903 une méthode de récupération d'hydrocarbures comprenant l'utilisation de jets d'eau chaude, d'attaque et d'agitation, qui permet de récupérer de façon efficace des produits relativement lourds très visqueux ou même pratiquement solides à la température du milieu ambiant. Cette méthode présente l'inconvénient que tous les hydrocarbures ainsi récupérés contiendront après leur séparation de la phase aqueuse une quantité d'eau non négligeable qui rend leur utilisation ultérieure, notamment en tant que combustible, plus délicate. Elle présente de plus l'inconvénient d'utiliser de grandes quantités d'eau pour récupérer de faibles quantités de pétrole, ce qui augmente notablement le coût de la récupération par suite des volumes liquides très importants à manipuler.The applicant has also proposed in patents US-A-4,195,653 and US-A-4,287,903 a method of recovering hydrocarbons comprising the use of jets of hot water, attack and agitation, which makes it possible to recover from relatively heavy, highly viscous or even practically solid products efficiently at ambient temperature. This method has the disadvantage that all the hydrocarbons thus recovered will contain after their separation from the aqueous phase a significant amount of water which makes their subsequent use, in particular as a fuel, more delicate. It also has the disadvantage of using large amounts of water to recover small amounts of oil, which significantly increases the cost of recovery due to the very large liquid volumes to handle.

Les procédés décrits dans les quatre brevets cités ci-avant ne permettent pas une récupération efficace et économique d'hydrocarbures dont le plus souvent la majorité à une densité inférieure à celle du milieu environnant. De plus, dans le cas d'un navire échoué ou ayant coulé, les diverses cuves du navire peuvent contenir des produits de caractéristiques différentes et par exemple de densité et/ou de viscosité différentes (ceci est par exemple le cas pour un navire transportant du fuel n° 2 dans un série de cuves et du gazole dans une autre série de cuves), ce qui implique la mise en oeuvre d'appareillages différents pour chaque cas et donc une difficulté supplémentaire pour la récupération de tous les produits contenus dans les cuves ou réservoirs du navire. De même, dans certains cas, les produits contenus dans une cuve du navire peuvent avoir des densités et/ou des viscosités différentes, ce qui peut entraîner une stratification des produits et implique pour obtenir une récupération efficace de tous les produits présents, l'utilisation d'appareils différents, en particulier pour récupérer la couche en surface et pour récupérer celle qui se trouve au fond du réservoir. Ceci peut par exemple se produire à la suite d'un incident survenu au navire pendant lequel les produits contenus dans une cuve ont été soumis à des conditions de température et de pression telles que les caractéristiques d'une partie d'entre eux ont évolué.The processes described in the four patents cited above do not allow efficient and economical recovery of hydrocarbons, most of which most have a density lower than that of the surrounding medium. In addition, in the case of a stranded or sunken ship, the various tanks of the ship may contain products of different characteristics and for example of different density and / or viscosity (this is for example the case for a ship carrying fuel n ° 2 in a series of tanks and diesel in another series of tanks), which implies the implementation of different equipment for each case and therefore an additional difficulty for the recovery of all the products contained in the tanks or tanks of the ship. Likewise, in certain cases, the products contained in a vessel of the ship can have different densities and / or viscosities, which can lead to a stratification of the products and implies to obtain an effective recovery of all the products present, the use different devices, in particular to recover the surface layer and to recover that which is at the bottom of the tank. This can for example occur following an incident on the ship during which the products contained in a tank have been subjected to temperature and pressure conditions such that the characteristics of some of them have changed.

La présente invention concerne un procédé et un appareillage permettant en particulier d'apporter une solution, au moins partielle, aux problèmes évoqués ci-dessus et qui ne sont pas résolus de façon adéquate par les procédés et les appareillages décrits dans l'art antérieur cité ci-avant.The present invention relates to a method and apparatus making it possible in particular to provide an at least partial solution to the problems mentioned above and which are not adequately resolved by the methods and apparatus described in the cited prior art above.

La présente invention concerne un procédé et un appareillage apportant une solution à la récupération de produits (P), en particulier d'hydrocarbures, ayant le plus souvent une densité inférieure à 1. Elle permet de récupérer la majeure partie des hydrocarbures contenus dans un réservoir immergé sous une forme directement réutilisable. Ces hydrocarbures pourront ainsi, sans problèmes particuliers, être employés comme combustible dans les chaudières ou transférés vers des installations de raffinage.The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus providing a solution to the recovery of products (P), in particular of hydrocarbons, having most often a density less than 1. It makes it possible to recover the major part of the hydrocarbons contained in a submerged tank in a directly reusable form. These hydrocarbons can thus, without particular problems, be used as fuel in boilers or transferred to refining installations.

Le procédé, selon l'invention, pour transférer jusqu'à une installation de surface des produits (P) contenus dans un réservoir clos qui est, au moins partiellement, immergé dans un liquide L1 de densité supérieure ou égale à la densité d'au moins une partie des produits (P) contenus dans ledit réservoir, comprend les étapes suivantes :

  • a) on raccorde, de manière étanche, à au moins un orifice du réservoir situé à proximité de la partie la plus haute dudit réservoir, au moins une capacité comportant au moins un moyen de récupération des produits (P) contenus dans le réservoir, ledit moyen étant relié à une extrémité d'une conduite d'évacuation desdits produits (P) vers l'installation de surface comportant au moins deux zones de stockage séparées auxquelles la conduite d'évacuation peut être successivement reliée, et au moins un moyen d'injection d'un fluide L2 dans ledit réservoir, ledit moyen d'injection étant raccordé à au moins une conduite d'injection reliée à l'installation de surface,
  • b) on met le réservoir en équilibre de pression avec le liquide L1 dans lequel il est immergé, à l'aide d'une conduite dont une extrémité débouche dans ledit réservoir à un niveau situé entre le fond dudit réservoir et une hauteur correspondante à 50 % de la hauteur totale dudit réservoir, de préférence au voisinage de son fond, et dont l'autre extrémité débouche au sein du liquide L1, ladite conduite étant munie d'au moins un moyen permettant de réaliser ledit équilibre au niveau de la pression du liquide L1 au niveau de la sortie de ladite conduite et de préférence au voisinage du fond du réservoir (ce moyen sera par exemple un clapet taré de manière à ce que le liquide L1 puisse entrer dans le réservoir lorsque la pression à l'intérieur de celui-ci devient inférieure, d'une valeur préalablement choisie par l'homme du métier, à la pression du liquide L1 au voisinage du fond),
  • c) on met en oeuvre le moyen permettant la récupération des produits (P) et on récupère dans la première zone de stockage de l'installation de surface reliée à la conduite d'évacuation, au moins une partie des produits (P) contenus dans ledit réservoir, ladite récupération étant poursuivie soit jusqu'à ce que lesdits moyens de récupération ne permettent plus la récupération des produits (P) encore présents dans le réservoir, (ce qui est par exemple le cas lorsque le moyen de récupération est par exemple une pompe et que les produits restants ont une viscosité élevée qui les rend difficilement pompables), soit jusqu'à ce que la concentration en liquide L1 au sein des produits (P) récupérés soit supérieure à environ 20% et de préférence 5% en poids,
  • d) on injecte dans le réservoir, sous forme de jets d'attaque et d'agitation, un fluide L2 sous une pression et à une température au moins égales à celles des produits (P) restant dans le réservoir à l'issue de l'étape c), de manière à produire la mise en mouvement de ces produits (P) et leur entraînement vers la capacité, et
  • e) on met en oeuvre le moyen permettant la récupération des produits (P) et on récupère, dans une deuxième zone de stockage de l'installation de surface reliée à la conduite d'évacuation, le mélange des produits (P) restant à récupérer et du fluide L2 et/ou L1, on sépare les produits (P) à récupérer du fluide L2 et/ou L1 et on recycle à l'étape d) (à l'injection) au moins le fluide L2 ou le mélange de fluide L1 et L2, ladite récupération étant poursuivie jusqu'à ce que l'on ne récupère pratiquement plus de produits (P), c'est-à-dire habituellement lorsque la concentration en produits (P) dans le mélange récupéré est inférieure à environ 1 % et de préférence inférieure à environ 0,1 % en poids.
The method according to the invention for transferring to a surface installation products (P) contained in a closed tank which is, at least partially, immersed in a liquid L1 of density greater than or equal to the density of at least at least part of the products (P) contained in said reservoir, comprises the following steps:
  • a) one connects, in a leaktight manner, to at least one orifice of the tank situated near the highest part of said tank, at least one capacity comprising at least one means for recovering the products (P) contained in the tank, said means being connected to one end of a discharge pipe for said products (P) to the surface installation comprising at least two separate storage areas to which the discharge pipe can be successively connected, and at least one means for injection of an L2 fluid into said reservoir, said injection means being connected to at least one injection pipe connected to the surface installation,
  • b) the tank is brought into pressure equilibrium with the liquid L1 in which it is immersed, using a pipe, one end of which opens into said tank at a level situated between the bottom of said tank and a height corresponding to 50 % of the total height of said reservoir, preferably in the vicinity of its bottom, and the other end of which opens into the liquid L1, said pipe being provided with at least one means enabling said balance to be achieved at the pressure of the liquid L1 at the outlet of said pipe and preferably in the vicinity of the bottom of the tank (this means will for example be a valve calibrated so that the liquid L1 can enter the tank when the pressure inside that this becomes lower, by a value previously chosen by a person skilled in the art, than the pressure of the liquid L1 in the vicinity of the bottom),
  • c) using the means allowing the recovery of the products (P) and recovering in the first storage area of the surface installation connected to the discharge pipe, at least part of the products (P) contained in said tank, said recovery being continued either until said recovery means no longer allow the recovery of the products (P) still present in the tank, (which is for example the case when the recovery means is for example a pump and the remaining products have a high viscosity which makes them difficult to pump), either until the concentration of liquid L1 within the products (P) recovered is greater than approximately 20% and preferably 5% by weight,
  • d) a fluid L2 is injected into the reservoir, in the form of attack and agitation jets, under a pressure and at a temperature at least equal to those of the products (P) remaining in the reservoir at the end of l step c), so as to produce the setting in motion of these products (P) and their entrainment towards the capacity, and
  • e) the means allowing the recovery of the products (P) are used and the mixture of the products (P) remaining to be recovered is recovered in a second storage area of the surface installation connected to the discharge pipe and fluid L2 and / or L1, the products (P) to be recovered are separated from the fluid L2 and / or L1 and at least the fluid L2 or the fluid mixture is recycled in step d) (at injection) L1 and L2, said recovery being continued until practically no more products (P) are recovered, that is to say usually when the concentration of products (P) in the recovered mixture is less than approximately 1% and preferably less than about 0.1% by weight.

Au cours de l'étape c), les produits (P) extraits du réservoir et récupérés dans la première zone de stockage de l'installation de surface sont remplacés, au fur et à mesure de leur extraction, dans le réservoir par du liquide L1 qui pénètre par exemple par la conduite comportant le moyen d'équilibrage de pression.During step c), the products (P) extracted from the tank and recovered in the first storage area of the surface installation are replaced, as they are extracted, in the tank by liquid L1 which penetrates for example by the pipe comprising the pressure balancing means.

Le fluide L2 que l'on injecte à l'étape d) est le plus souvent un fluide peu miscible avec les produits (P) à récupérer, par exemple de l'eau ou de l'eau de mer que l'on peut par exemple pomper à proximité de l'installation de surface. Il est souvent préférable d'injecter le fluide L2 à une température supérieure à celle des produits (P) présents dans le réservoir au moment de l'injection. Ce fluide sera par exemple injecté à une température d'environ 20 à environ 100 °C. Après séparation du fluide L2 des produits (P) à récupérer, ce fluide sera de préférence réutilisé, le plus souvent après réchauffage, pour créer le ou les jets dans le réservoir. Un appoint de liquide L2 sera effectué dans la deuxième zone de stockage pour compenser la quantité de produits (P) extraite du réservoir immergé et qui a été remplacée dans ce réservoir par le liquide L2. Selon une forme particulièrement simple de mise en oeuvre du procédé de l'invention, le fluide L2 sera le même que le fluide L1.The fluid L2 which is injected in step d) is most often a fluid which is not very miscible with the products (P) to be recovered, for example water or water from sea that can, for example, be pumped near the surface installation. It is often preferable to inject the L2 fluid at a temperature higher than that of the products (P) present in the reservoir at the time of injection. This fluid will for example be injected at a temperature of approximately 20 to approximately 100 ° C. After separation of the fluid L2 from the products (P) to be recovered, this fluid will preferably be reused, most often after reheating, to create the jet or jets in the tank. An addition of liquid L2 will be made in the second storage area to compensate for the quantity of products (P) extracted from the submerged tank and which has been replaced in this tank by the liquid L2. According to a particularly simple form of implementation of the method of the invention, the fluid L2 will be the same as the fluid L1.

Il est également possible d'utiliser un fluide L2 contenant au moins un additif favorisant la récupération des produits (P), notamment des hydrocarbures, et par exemple un additif choisi dans le groupe formé par les agents tensio-actifs, les détergents et les agents émulsifiants. Cet additif permet le plus souvent une meilleure récupération des produits (P) relativement visqueux et qui restent facilement accrochés aux structures internes du réservoir. Une telle addition ne sera le plus souvent effectuée que vers la fin de la récupération de manière à limiter au maximum la quantité de produits (P) ainsi récupérée et qui ne peuvent ensuite, que difficilement, être séparés du fluide L2.It is also possible to use a fluid L2 containing at least one additive promoting the recovery of products (P), in particular hydrocarbons, and for example an additive chosen from the group formed by surface-active agents, detergents and agents emulsifiers. This additive generally allows better recovery of relatively viscous products (P) which remain easily attached to the internal structures of the tank. Such an addition will most often be carried out only towards the end of the recovery so as to limit as much as possible the quantity of products (P) thus recovered and which can then, only with difficulty, be separated from the fluid L2.

Dans le procédé selon l'invention, le plus souvent le moyen de récupération des produits (P) contenus dans le réservoir est choisi dans le groupe formé par les pompes électriques, les pompes hydrauliques et les dispositifs statiques permettant de créer une dépression tels que par exemple les hydrojets et les hydroéjecteurs. Durant les opérations de récupération, il est préférable, pour éviter tout risque de pollution, de maintenir dans le réservoir une pression légèrement inférieure à celle du milieu environnant.In the process according to the invention, most often the means for recovering the products (P) contained in the tank is chosen from the group formed by electric pumps, hydraulic pumps and static devices making it possible to create a vacuum such as by example hydrojets and hydroejectors. During recovery operations, it is preferable, to avoid any risk of pollution, to maintain in the tank a pressure slightly lower than that of the surrounding environment.

Au cours des étapes c) et d), il est souvent souhaitable d'injecter dans la capacité, de préférence sensiblement dans la direction d'évacuation des produits (P), au moins un fluide tel que par exemple un liquide qui peut être un liquide fluxant ou solvant, par exemple lorsque les produits à récupérer sont des hydrocarbures, ce liquide peut être un hydrocarbure léger tel qu'une essence ou un gazole. Cette injection facilite l'évacuation des produits (P) à récupérer. Au cours de l'étape d), on préfère le plus souvent effectuer une injection secondaire d'une fraction du fluide L2 dont la température est de préférence égale ou supérieure à celle des produits (P) présents dans le réservoir. Une telle injection secondaire peut faciliter le maintien d'une pression dans le réservoir légèrement inférieure à celle du milieu environnant et présente en outre l'avantage de permettre au démarrage le réchauffage du circuit d'évacuation des produits (P). Cette injection permet en outre le rinçage, par exemple à l'aide du fluide L2, du circuit d'évacuation avant que celui-ci ne soit déconnecté du réservoir, ce qui élimine tout risque de pollution du milieu environnant. Cette injection permet aussi d'éviter l'engorgement et le bouchage du circuit d'évacuation des produits (P) si la remontée des produits (P) est trop rapide.During steps c) and d), it is often desirable to inject into the capacity, preferably substantially in the direction of evacuation of the products (P), at least one fluid such as for example a liquid which can be a fluxing liquid or solvent, for example when the products to be recovered are hydrocarbons, this liquid can be a light hydrocarbon such as petrol or diesel. This injection facilitates the evacuation of the products (P) to be recovered. During step d), it is most often preferred to carry out a secondary injection of a fraction of the fluid L2, the temperature of which is preferably equal to or higher than that of the products (P) present in the reservoir. Such a secondary injection can facilitate the maintenance of a pressure in the reservoir slightly lower than that of the surrounding medium and has the additional advantage of allowing the heating of the product evacuation circuit (P) to start. This injection also allows rinsing, for example using the fluid L2, of the evacuation circuit before the latter is disconnected from the reservoir, which eliminates any risk of pollution of the surrounding environment. This injection also makes it possible to avoid engorgement and blockage of the product evacuation circuit (P) if the ascent of the products (P) is too rapid.

D'une façon générale, il convient de souligner qu'en utilisant en circuit fermé le fluide L2 et en choisissant comme fluide de l'eau ou de l'eau de mer , pour déplacer les produits (P) à récupérer, on réduit les risques de pollution lors de la vidange de réservoirs en mer, puisqu'on utilise un fluide pouvant avoir une composition identique ou sensiblement identique à celle du milieu environnant, ce qui est un avantage par rapport à l'emploi d'autres fluides ou de solvants.In general, it should be emphasized that by using fluid L2 in a closed circuit and by choosing water or sea water as the fluid, to move the products (P) to be recovered, the risks of pollution when emptying tanks at sea, since a fluid can be used which may have a composition identical or substantially identical to that of the surrounding environment, which is an advantage compared to the use of other fluids or solvents .

Dans une forme préférée de réalisation de l'invention, les jets d'attaque et d'agitation ont une composante verticale dirigée vers le bas, en étant par exemple inclinés de 20 à 50 degrés d'angle sur la verticale, ces valeurs n'ayant cependant aucun caractère limitatif. Ces jets seront de préférence mis en rotation et déplacés progressivement au cours de l'étape d) sur la majeure partie de la hauteur du réservoir de manière à pouvoir atteindre la majeure partie des parois et des structures internes dudit réservoir et de récupérer ainsi la plus grande quantité possible des produits (P) présents. Les jets de fluide chaud créent dans le réservoir, en particulier dans la phase aqueuse présente dans le réservoir, une bonne agitation qui favorise le transfert thermique par convection et conduction, désagrège et désincruste les produits (P) à récupérer et les dispersent dans la phase aqueuse pour obtenir un mélange de viscosité plus faible et donc plus facile à évacuer.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the attack and agitation jets have a vertical component directed downwards, being for example inclined by 20 to 50 degrees of angle on the vertical, these values n ' however having no limiting character. These jets will preferably be rotated and moved progressively during step d) over most of the height of the tank so as to be able to reach most of the walls and internal structures of said tank and thus recover the most large possible quantity of products (P) present. The jets of hot fluid create in the tank, in particular in the aqueous phase present in the tank, good agitation which promotes thermal transfer by convection and conduction, disintegrates and unclogs the products (P) to be recovered and disperses them in the phase aqueous to obtain a mixture of lower viscosity and therefore easier to evacuate.

La présente invention a également pour objet un appareillage, notamment pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé, pour transférer jusqu'à une installation de surface des produits (P) qui sont contenus dans un réservoir clos qui est au moins partiellement immergé.The present invention also relates to an apparatus, in particular for implementing the method, for transferring to a surface installation products (P) which are contained in an enclosed tank which is at least partially submerged.

L'appareillage de la présente invention sera décrit en liaison avec la figure 1 qui schématise une forme particulière de réalisation. Cette description en liaison avec la figure 1 ne doit pas être considérée comme limitative.The apparatus of the present invention will be described in connection with Figure 1 which shows schematically a particular embodiment. This description in conjunction with Figure 1 should not be considered as limiting.

La figure 1 montre schématiquement un appareillage selon l'invention comprenant une partie supportée par un navire d'intervention (1) spécialement équipé, placé au dessus d'un navire (2) ayant coulé et reposant sur le fond et comprenant une autre partie de l'appareillage fixée sur la paroi supérieure (2a) de la cuve contenant les produits (P) à récupérer. Sur la figure 1, le navire a été représenté partiellement en coupe, le contour de son étrave étant figuré par des tirets.Figure 1 schematically shows an apparatus according to the invention comprising a part supported by a specially equipped intervention vessel (1), placed above a vessel (2) having sunk and resting on the bottom and comprising another part of the apparatus fixed to the upper wall (2a) of the tank containing the products (P) to be recovered. In Figure 1, the ship has been shown partially in section, the outline of its stem being shown by dashes.

L'appareillage, selon l'invention, comprend au moins une capacité (A) munie de moyens de raccordements permettant son raccordement de manière étanche audit réservoir, ladite capacité (A) comportant :

  • au moins un moyen de récupération, tel que par exemple une pompe (P1), des produits (P) relié à une extrémité d'une conduite (10) d'évacuation desdits produits (P) vers l'installation de surface, ladite conduite (10) étant reliée à son autre extrémité, par l'intermédiaire d'une conduite(21) aux moyens de stockage des produits (P) récupérés, (par exemple la conduite (21) se divise en deux branches (22 et 23) comportant chacune une vanne (22a et 23a), ces branches (22 et 23) sont reliées aux deux moyens de stockage (C1 et C2), des produits (P) récupérés)
  • au moins un moyen d'injection d'un fluide L2 dans ledit réservoir, ledit moyen étant relié à une extrémité d'une conduite (8) d'alimentation dont l'autre extrémité est reliée au niveau de l'installation de surface à des moyens d'alimentation et de chauffage dudit fluide, ledit moyen d'injection comportant au moins un organe (3a) permettant l'injection dudit fluide L2 sous forme d'au moins un jet (3f) d'attaque et d'agitation, et
  • au moins un moyen (17) d'injection secondaire d'au moins un fluide, ledit moyen étant relié par une conduite (13) d'alimentation à un moyen d'alimentation en ce fluide situé au niveau de l'installation de surface,
ledit appareillage comportant en outre, sur une conduite (6) dont une extrémité débouche dans ledit réservoir à un niveau compris entre le fond dudit réservoir et 50 % de la hauteur totale dudit réservoir, de préférence au voisinage de son fond, et dont l'autre extrémité débouche au sein du liquide L1, au moins un moyen (7), tel que par exemple un clapet, permettant de mettre le réservoir en équilibre de pression avec le milieu environnant, (avec le liquide L1 dans lequel il est immergé ; ledit équilibre étant effectué au niveau de la pression de ce liquide L1 à la sortie de la conduite et de préférence au voisinage du fond du réservoir) ledit moyen (7) étant positionné de préférence à proximité de l'extrémité de la conduite (6) débouchant au sein du liquide L1, et au moins un moyen limitant la différence entre la pression régnant à l'intérieur de la capacité et/ou du réservoir et celle du milieu environnant. De préférence, comme représenté sur la figure 1, on utilisera un moyen (15), tel que par exemple un clapet, limitant la surpression et un moyen (16), tel que par exemple un clapet, limitant la dépression.The apparatus according to the invention comprises at least one capacity (A) provided with connection means allowing its connection in a sealed manner to said tank, said capacity (A) comprising:
  • at least one recovery means, such as for example a pump (P1), of the products (P) connected to one end of a pipe (10) for discharging said products (P) towards the surface installation, said pipe (10) being connected at its other end, by means of a pipe (21) to the means for storing the recovered products (P), (for example the pipe (21) is divided into two branches (22 and 23) each comprising a valve (22a and 23a), these branches (22 and 23) are connected to the two storage means (C1 and C2), of the products (P) recovered)
  • at least one means for injecting an L2 fluid into said tank, said means being connected to one end of a supply line (8), the other end of which is connected at the level of the surface installation to means for supplying and heating said fluid, said injection means comprising at least one member (3a) allowing the injection of said fluid L2 in the form of at least one jet (3f) for attack and agitation, and
  • at least one means (17) for secondary injection of at least one fluid, said means being connected by a supply line (13) to a means for supplying this fluid located at the surface installation,
said apparatus further comprising, on a pipe (6) one end of which opens into said tank at a level between the bottom of said tank and 50% of the total height of said tank, preferably near its bottom, and whose other end opens into the liquid L1, at least one means (7), such as for example a valve, making it possible to bring the reservoir into pressure equilibrium with the surrounding medium, (with the liquid L1 in which it is immersed; said balance being effected at the pressure of this liquid L1 at the outlet of the pipe and preferably near the bottom of the tank) said means (7) being preferably positioned near the end of the pipe (6) opening within the liquid L1, and at least one means limiting the difference between the pressure prevailing inside the capacity and / or the tank and that of the surrounding medium. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 1, means (15) will be used, such as for example a valve, limiting the overpressure and means (16), such as for example a valve, limiting the depression.

Dans le cas représenté sur la figure 1, le moyen d'injection d'un fluide L2 comprend une colonne creuse (14), fixée sur la capacité (A) et dont l'axe se confond avec celui de l'orifice mettant en liaison la capacité et le réservoir, à l'intérieur de laquelle une canne télescopique (3) comportant une tige creuse (3b) reliée à son extrémité supérieure à un câble (9) actionné par un dispositif hydraulique ou pneumatique (18) permettant la translation sensiblement verticale de l'organe (3a), relié à l'autre extrémité de la tige (3b), entre les structures internes (5) dans le réservoir contenant les produits (P) à récupérer. La colonne creuse (14) est reliée à la conduite (8) d'arrivée du fluide L2 depuis l'installation de surface.In the case shown in FIG. 1, the means for injecting a fluid L2 comprises a hollow column (14), fixed on the capacity (A) and the axis of which merges with that of the orifice connecting the capacity and the tank, inside which a telescopic rod (3) comprising a hollow rod (3b) connected at its upper end to a cable (9) actuated by a hydraulic or pneumatic device (18) allowing the translation substantially vertical of the member (3a), connected to the other end of the rod (3b), between the internal structures (5) in the tank containing the products (P) to be recovered. The hollow column (14) is connected to the pipe (8) for supplying the fluid L2 from the surface installation.

La conduite (6) de l'appareillage selon l'invention peut être, comme cela est représenté sur la figure 1, fixée à partir du niveau supérieur du réservoir et être introduite de manière à ce qu'elle débouche au voisinage du fond du réservoir. Cependant, on ne sortirait pas du cadre de la présente invention en utilisant une conduite (6) fixée à proximité du fond du réservoir. Le moyen (7) est le plus souvent un clapet limitant la dépression et autorisant l'entrée du liquide L1 dans le réservoir. Ce clapet (7) est habituellement identique au moyen (16) dans sa fonction et souvent dans sa structure, mais il est taré de façon différente. Le tarage du clapet (7) est effectué en fonction de la pression du liquide L1 au niveau du fond du réservoir.The pipe (6) of the apparatus according to the invention can be, as shown in FIG. 1, fixed from the upper level of the tank and be introduced so that it opens in the vicinity of the bottom of the tank . However, it would not be departing from the scope of the present invention to use a pipe (6) fixed near the bottom of the tank. The means (7) is most often a valve limiting the vacuum and allowing the entry of the liquid L1 into the reservoir. This valve (7) is usually identical to the means (16) in its function and often in its structure, but it is tared differently. The calibration of the valve (7) is carried out as a function of the pressure of the liquid L1 at the bottom of the tank.

L'ensemble des moyens décrits ci-avant permettant l'injection du fluide L2 et la mise en communication du réservoir avec le milieu environnant pourra être un dispositif dérivé de celui décrit dans le brevet français FR-B-2398683. La mise en rotation de l'organe (3a) est habituellement réalisée sous l'effet de réaction dû aux jets, comme dans certain dispositifs d'arrosage, ou sous l'action d'un organe moteur.All the means described above allowing the injection of the L2 fluid and the communication of the reservoir with the surrounding medium could be a device derived from that described in French patent FR-B-2398683. The rotation of the member (3a) is usually carried out under the reaction effect due to the jets, as in certain sprinkling devices, or under the action of a motor member.

Les conduites (8), (10) et (13) de fluide sont stockées respectivement sur des tourets (19a), (19b) et (19c) comportant chacun un arbre creux auquel elles sont raccordées. L'arbre de chacun de ces tourets comporte un joint rotatif (20a), (20b) et (20c) permettant la liaison avec une conduite (20), (21) ou (36).The fluid lines (8), (10) and (13) are stored respectively on drums (19a), (19b) and (19c) each comprising a hollow shaft to which they are connected. The shaft of each of these drums has a rotary joint (20a), (20b) and (20c) allowing connection with a pipe (20), (21) or (36).

Dans la forme de réalisation schématisée sur la figure 1, la pompe (P1) est alimentée en énergie, depuis un moyen (E) de production d'énergie par la ligne (12). Une conduite (11) est raccordée d'une part à un moyen (G) de stockage et d'injection d'un gaz et d'autre part à la conduite (10) d'évacuation des produits (P), à proximité de la pompe (P1), ledit moyen d'injection étant adapté à créer un effet de gas-lift dans la conduite (10). Ce moyen d'injection peut être raccordé à la conduite (10) en un point quelconque entre la capacité (A) et l'installation de surface (1). Il est habituellement préférable que ce moyen d'injection de gaz soit raccordé, comme cela est schématisé sur la figure 1, à proximité de la capacité (A).In the embodiment shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1, the pump (P1) is supplied with energy from a means (E) for producing energy by the line (12). A pipe (11) is connected on the one hand to a means (G) for storing and injecting a gas and on the other hand to the pipe (10) for discharging the products (P), near the pump (P1), said injection means being adapted to create a gas-lift effect in the pipe (10). This injection means can be connected to the pipe (10) at any point between the capacity (A) and the surface installation (1). It is usually preferable for this gas injection means to be connected, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1, near the capacity (A).

Durant la première phase de récupération des produits (P), la conduite (10) est reliée par l'intermédiaire du touret (19b) à la conduite (21) et à la conduite (23) comportant la vanne (23a) reliée au moyen de stockage (C1) comportant une conduite (26) permettant, si nécessaire, la vidange de la cuve de stockage (C1) dans un moyen de stockage plus important, par exemple dans un autre navire pour le transport des produits (P) à terre. Durant cette première phase, la vanne (23a) est ouverte et la vanne (22a) sur la conduite (22) est fermée. Durant une deuxième phase de récupération des produits (P), la conduite (10) est reliée par l'intermédiaire du touret (19b) à la conduite (21) et à la conduite (22) comportant la vanne (22a) reliée au moyen de stockage (C2) comportant au moins un moyen (24) de séparation des produits (P) et du ou des fluides L1 et/ou L2, une conduite (25) permettant la récupération des produits (P) séparés du ou des fluides L1 et/ou L2 et leur transfert vers une cuve de stockage non schématisée sur la figure 1, et une conduite (35) comportant une vanne (34) reliant la partie basse de la cuve de stockage (C2) à la cuve de stockage (C3) et permettant le transfert du fluide L2 récupéré de la cuve (C2) vers la cuve (C3). Durant cette deuxième phase, la vanne (22a) est ouverte et la vanne (23a) sur la conduite (23) est fermée.During the first product recovery phase (P), the pipe (10) is connected via the drum (19b) to the pipe (21) and to the pipe (23) comprising the valve (23a) connected by means storage tank (C1) comprising a pipe (26) allowing, if necessary, the emptying of the storage tank (C1) in a larger storage means, for example in another vessel for transporting the products (P) ashore . During this first phase, the valve (23a) is open and the valve (22a) on the pipe (22) is closed. During a second product recovery phase (P), the pipe (10) is connected via the drum (19b) to the pipe (21) and to the pipe (22) comprising the valve (22a) connected by means storage (C2) comprising at least one means (24) for separating the products (P) and the fluid (s) L1 and / or L2, a line (25) allowing the recovery of the products (P) separated from the fluid (s) L1 and / or L2 and their transfer to a storage tank not shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1, and a pipe (35) comprising a valve (34) connecting the lower part of the storage tank (C2) to the storage tank (C3 ) and allowing the transfer of the fluid L2 recovered from the tank (C2) to the tank (C3). During this second phase, the valve (22a) is open and the valve (23a) on the pipe (23) is closed.

La cuve (C3), de stockage du fluide L2, est reliée par une canalisation (28), munie d'une vanne (29) à une pompe (P3) permettant de réaliser un appoint de fluide L2 (de l'eau de mer, dans le cas schématisé sur la figure 1) au fur et à mesure de la vidange des cuves du navire (2). Ceci permet de maintenir constamment plein de fluide le circuit de récupération. Cet appoint de fluide L2 pourrait sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention être effectué en un autre point du circuit.The tank (C3), for storing the L2 fluid, is connected by a pipe (28), provided with a valve (29) to a pump (P3) making it possible to add fluid L2 (sea water) , in the case shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1) as and when the tanks of the ship (2) are emptied. This keeps the recovery circuit constantly full of fluid. This addition of fluid L2 could without departing from the scope of the present invention be carried out at another point of the circuit.

Le chauffage du ou des fluides L1 et/ou L2 injectés dans la ligne(8) peut être effectué par un organe (30) utilisant un fluide caloporteur, tel que par exemple la vapeur d'eau, placé sur le circuit du fluide, par exemple du fluide L2, et/ou par un moyen de chauffage (31) de ce fluide (électrique ou de chauffage par fluide caloporteur), tels que ceux existant dans les cuves des navires, placé dans la cuve (C3). Dans une forme particulière de réalisation, non schématisée, il est possible d'utiliser une cuve unique en remplacement des cuves (C2) et (C3).The heating of the fluid (s) L1 and / or L2 injected into the line (8) can be carried out by a member (30) using a heat transfer fluid, such as for example water vapor, placed on the fluid circuit, by example of the fluid L2, and / or by a heating means (31) of this fluid (electric or heating by heat transfer fluid), such as those existing in the tanks of ships, placed in the tank (C3). In a particular embodiment, not shown diagrammatically, it is possible to use a single tank to replace the tanks (C2) and (C3).

Dans ce dernier cas, la cuve unique comportera l'ensemble des moyens décrits ci-avant, en liaison avec la réalisation schématisé sur la figure 1, pour les cuves (C2) et (C3).In the latter case, the single tank will include all of the means described above, in connection with the embodiment shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1, for the tanks (C2) and (C3).

Le fluide L2 est envoyé par l'intermédiaire de la conduite (27), de la pompe d'injection (P2), dans l'organe (30) de chauffage, puis, à travers les conduites (20) et (8) d'une part et à travers les conduites (36) et (13) d'autre part, aux moyens d'injection primaire (3a) et secondaire (17). Les vannes (32) sur la conduite (20) et (33) sur la conduite (36) et un manomètre (M) permettent de régler le débit d'injection primaire et secondaire de fluide L2 et sa pression d'injection.The fluid L2 is sent via the line (27), the injection pump (P2), into the heating member (30), then, through the lines (20) and (8) d 'on the one hand and through the pipes (36) and (13) on the other hand, to the primary (3a) and secondary (17) injection means. The valves (32) on the line (20) and (33) on the line (36) and a pressure gauge (M) make it possible to adjust the primary and secondary injection rate of fluid L2 and its injection pressure.

Suivant un mode de réalisation particulier schématisé sur la figure 2, l'organe d'injection (3a) comporte sur sa périphérie des moyens (37) permettant le réchauffage des produits (P) qui sont à son contact. Ces moyens de chauffage sont des moyens classiques tels que par exemple un chauffage par fluide caloporteur comme de la vapeur d'eau, un chauffage électrique ou une circulation de fluide chaud. Ce réchauffage des produits (P) en contact avec l'organe (3a) est le plus souvent utilisé au cours de l'étape c) lorsque l'organe (3a) se trouve au sein des produits (P) à récupérer. Ce chauffage permet de faciliter la récupération des produits (P) en augmentant leur température et donc en diminuant leur viscosité. On peut également l'employer au cours de l'étape d), bien que cela ne soit pas une forme préférée de mise en oeuvre du procédé.According to a particular embodiment shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2, the injection member (3a) comprises on its periphery means (37) allowing the heating of the products (P) which are in contact with it. These heating means are conventional means such as for example heating by heat transfer fluid such as steam, electric heating or circulation of hot fluid. This reheating of the products (P) in contact with the member (3a) is most often used during step c) when the member (3a) is located within the products (P) to be recovered. This heating makes it easier to recover the products (P) by increasing their temperature and therefore reducing their viscosity. It can also be used during step d), although this is not a preferred form of carrying out the method.

La capacité utilisée dans la présente invention pourra comprendre des moyens de raccordement, par exemple à l'un des trous d'hommes ménagés au-dessus de la cuve à vidanger, comportant des dispositifs d'obturation de sécurité tels que par exemple des dispositifs adaptés à se refermer soit automatiquement si l'on retire les conduites reliées à cette capacité ou, si l'on retire cette capacité elle-même, soit par télécommande depuis la surface.The capacity used in the present invention may include means of connection, for example to one of the manholes provided above the tank to be drained, comprising safety shut-off devices such as, for example, adapted devices. to close either automatically if the pipes connected to this capacity are removed or, if this capacity is removed itself, or by remote control from the surface.

Il est souvent souhaitable d'employer un système permettant la séparation des produits (P) du fluide L2 différent de celui représenté sur la figure 1 qui est un système relativement sensible à la houle. On utilise alors le plus souvent un ballon séparateur qui fonctionne plein, ce qui limite largement les perturbations dues à la houle.It is often desirable to use a system allowing the separation of the products (P) from the fluid L2 different from that represented in FIG. 1 which is a system relatively sensitive to swell. We then most often use a separator tank that works full, which largely limits the disturbances due to swell.

Claims (15)

  1. A process for transferring to a surface installation products (P) contained in a closed tank which is at least partially immersed in a liquid L1 of a density higher than or equal to the density of at least a proportion of the products (P) contained in the tank, comprising in combination the following stages:
    a) a tight connection is made between at least one orifice of the tank located close to the highest part of this tank and at least one installation (A) having at least one means for recovering the products (P) contained in the tank, this means being connected to one end of a pipe for discharging the products (P) to the surface installation which comprises at least two separate storage zones to which the discharge pipe may be successively connected, and at least one means for injecting a fluid L2 into the tank, this injection means being connected to at least one injection pipe connected to the surface installation;
    b) the pressure level in the tank is balanced with that of the liquid L1 in which it is immersed by means of a pipe, one end of which opens into the reservoir and the other end of which opens into the liquid L1, this pipe being fitted with at least one means for bringing the pressure level into line with the pressure level of the liquid L1 at a level in the tank somewhere between the bottom of the tank and a height of about 50% of the total height of the tank and preferably close to the bottom of the tank;
    c) the means for recovering the products (P) is actuated and at least a proportion of the products contained in the tank is brought up to the first storage zone at the surface installation connected to the discharge pipe, this recovery operation being continued until the recovery means is no longer able to bring to the surface the products (P) remaining in the tank or until the concentration of the liquid L1 in the products (P) recovered is greater than about 20% by weight;
    d) a fluid L2 is injected into the tank in the form of jets to provide agitation and dispersion at a pressure level and temperature at least equal to those of the products (P) remaining in the tank at the end of stage c) to cause the products (P) to move and force them towards the installation (A), and
    e) the means for recovering the products (P) is actuated and the mixture of products (P) still to be salvaged and the fluid L2 and/or fluids L1,L2 is brought up to a second storage zone at the surface installation connected to the discharge pipe, the products (P)to be recovered are separated from the fluid L2 and/or fluids L1,L2 and at least the fluid L2 or the mixture of fluids L1 and L2 is recycled back to stage d) and the recovery operation continues until virtually no products (P) remain to be recovered.
  2. A process in accordance with claim 1, in which the fluid L2 injected during stage d) is water or seawater.
  3. A process in accordance with claim 1 or 2 in which the fluid L2 injected during stage d) contains at least one additive selected from the group comprised by surfactants, detergents and emulsifying agents.
  4. A process in accordance with one of claims 1 to 3 in which, during stage d), the fluid L2 is injected at a temperature higher than that of the products (P) present in the tank, preferably at a temperature between about 20 and 100°C.
  5. A process in accordance with one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the means for recovering the products (P) contained in the tank is selected from the group comprised by electric pumps, hydraulic pumps and static devices that are capable of creating decompression, such as hydro-jets and hydo-ejectors, for example.
  6. A process in accordance with one of claims 1 to 5, in which during stages c) and d) at least one fluid is injected into the installation, preferably substantially in the direction in which the products (P) are being discharged, this injection preferably being, during stage d), a secondary injection of a fraction of the fluid L2 whose temperature is preferably equal to or greater than that of the products (P) present in the tank.
  7. A process in accordance with claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the pressure level in the tank is maintained at a level slightly lower than that of the surrounding environment.
  8. A process in accordance with one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that during stage d) the jets providing agitation and dispersion have a vertical element directed downwards.
  9. Equipment for transferring to a surface installation the products (P) contained in a closed tank that is at least partially immersed, comprising at least one installation (A) provided with joining means so that it may tightly connected to the tank, this installation (A) comprising:
    - at least one means (P1) for recovering the products (P) connected to one end of a pipe (10) for discharging the products (P) to the surface installation;
    - at least one means for injecting a fluid L2 into the tank, this means being connected to one end of a supply pipe (8), the other end being connected at the surface installation to means for supplying and heating this fluid, the injection means having at least one element (3a) enabling the fluid L2 to be injected in the form of at least one jet (3f) to provide agitation and dispersion, and
    characterised in that the pipe 10 is connected at its other end, by means of a pipe (23) diverging into two branches (22) and (23), each having a valve (22a and 23a), to the means (C1 and C2) for storing the products (P) recovered and in that it also has, on a pipe (6) with one end opening into the tank and the other end opening into the liquid L1, at least one means 97) for balancing the pressure level in the tank with that of the surrounding environment, this balance being set to the pressure of this liquid L1 at the point at which it leaves the pipe (6) and preferably close to the bottom of the tank, and at least one means (15, 16) limiting the difference between the pressure prevailing inside the installation and/or the tank and that of the surrounding environment.
  10. Equipment in accordance with claim 9, comprising at least one means (17) for providing a secondary injection of at least one fluid, this means being connected by a supply pipe (13) to a pipe supplying this fluid located at the level of the surface installation.
  11. Equipment in accordance with claim 10, in which the pipe for discharging the products (P) contained in the tank has at least one means for injecting a gas conducive to creating a gas-lift effect in the pipe, this injection means being located between the installation (A) and the surface installation (1) preferably close to the point at which it is connected to the recovery means.
  12. Equipment in accordance with claim 10 or 11 in which one of the means for storing the recovered products (P) has a means for separating these products (P) from the fluid L1 and/or fluids L1, L2, this equipment also having heating means and means for circulating the fluid L1 and/or fluids L1, L2.
  13. Equipment in accordance with one of claims 10 to 12 having means allowing for the element (3) to move substantially vertically in translation so as to permit the fluid L2 to be injected into the tank.
  14. Equipment in accordance with one of claims 10 to 13 in which the injection element has heating means.
  15. Equipment in accordance with one of claims 10 to 14 in which the means for recovering the products (P) is selected from the group comprised by hydraulic pumps, electric pumps and static devices that are capable of causing decompression, such as hydro-jets and hydro-ejectors, for example.
EP92401508A 1991-06-14 1992-06-03 Method and apparatus for transferring products contained in submerged reservoirs, from these reservoirs to the surface Expired - Lifetime EP0518730B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9107406A FR2677635B1 (en) 1991-06-14 1991-06-14 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING PRODUCTS CONTAINED IN UNDERWATER TANKS FROM THESE TANKS TO THE SURFACE.
FR9107406 1991-06-14

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0518730A1 EP0518730A1 (en) 1992-12-16
EP0518730B1 true EP0518730B1 (en) 1994-10-05

Family

ID=9413936

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92401508A Expired - Lifetime EP0518730B1 (en) 1991-06-14 1992-06-03 Method and apparatus for transferring products contained in submerged reservoirs, from these reservoirs to the surface

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0518730B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69200497T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2069394T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2677635B1 (en)
NO (1) NO922326L (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2804935B1 (en) * 2000-02-11 2002-06-07 Bouygues Offshore PROCESS AND PLANT FOR RECOVERING EFFLUENTS AT SEA
FR2849640B1 (en) * 2003-01-03 2005-03-04 Jean Luc Dabi INSTALLATION FOR RECOVERING A POLLUTANT FLUID CONTAINED IN AT LEAST ONE TRANSVERSAL VESSEL TRENCH OF A CAST VESSEL

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2975724A (en) * 1957-11-21 1961-03-21 Phillips Petroleum Co Intermittent gas-lift system
FR2373470A1 (en) * 1976-12-13 1978-07-07 Inst Francais Du Petrole Recovery of products esp. oil unsuitable for pumping - by injecting hot water and extracting products with the aqueous phase
DE3135426A1 (en) * 1980-10-09 1982-06-24 Deutsche Itt Industries Gmbh, 7800 Freiburg FOLDABLE PUMP SYSTEM

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0518730A1 (en) 1992-12-16
NO922326L (en) 1992-12-15
DE69200497T2 (en) 1995-02-09
NO922326D0 (en) 1992-06-12
FR2677635A1 (en) 1992-12-18
FR2677635B1 (en) 1993-09-03
ES2069394T3 (en) 1995-05-01
DE69200497D1 (en) 1994-11-10

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