EP0778392A2 - Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Entfernen des obersten Teils einer Konstruktion im Meeresboden - Google Patents

Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Entfernen des obersten Teils einer Konstruktion im Meeresboden Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0778392A2
EP0778392A2 EP96203417A EP96203417A EP0778392A2 EP 0778392 A2 EP0778392 A2 EP 0778392A2 EP 96203417 A EP96203417 A EP 96203417A EP 96203417 A EP96203417 A EP 96203417A EP 0778392 A2 EP0778392 A2 EP 0778392A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
construction
drilling
cutting
clamping
seabed
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP96203417A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0778392A3 (de
Inventor
Maarten Evert Hardon
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Noordhoek Overseas Equipment BV
Original Assignee
Noordhoek Overseas Equipment BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Noordhoek Overseas Equipment BV filed Critical Noordhoek Overseas Equipment BV
Publication of EP0778392A2 publication Critical patent/EP0778392A2/de
Publication of EP0778392A3 publication Critical patent/EP0778392A3/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B31/00—Fishing for or freeing objects in boreholes or wells
    • E21B31/12—Grappling tools, e.g. tongs or grabs
    • E21B31/18—Grappling tools, e.g. tongs or grabs gripping externally, e.g. overshot
    • 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
    • E21B29/00—Cutting or destroying pipes, packers, plugs or wire lines, located in boreholes or wells, e.g. cutting of damaged pipes, of windows; Deforming of pipes in boreholes or wells; Reconditioning of well casings while in the ground
    • E21B29/12—Cutting or destroying pipes, packers, plugs or wire lines, located in boreholes or wells, e.g. cutting of damaged pipes, of windows; Deforming of pipes in boreholes or wells; Reconditioning of well casings while in the ground specially adapted for underwater installations
    • 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
    • E21B31/00—Fishing for or freeing objects in boreholes or wells
    • E21B31/12—Grappling tools, e.g. tongs or grabs
    • E21B31/16—Grappling tools, e.g. tongs or grabs combined with cutting or destroying means
    • 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
    • E21B4/00—Drives for drilling, used in the borehole
    • E21B4/18—Anchoring or feeding in the borehole
    • 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
    • E21B7/00—Special methods or apparatus for drilling
    • E21B7/12—Underwater drilling
    • 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
    • E21B7/00—Special methods or apparatus for drilling
    • E21B7/28—Enlarging drilled holes, e.g. by counterboring

Definitions

  • the invention firstly relates to a method for removing the uppermost part of a construction in the seabed, such as well heads, drilling rig legs and alike.
  • a common feature of the known methods is that these operate from inside the construction. These methods are well applicable if in the respective constructions no obstacles are present (such as closing devices or concrete or cement plugs in a well head). If however in a well head of a deserted gas or oil well a closing device ("corrosion cap”) is provided these methods are not applicable, whereas at the other hand it is not always known exactly whether such a closing device is provided and at what depth.
  • the method according to the invention is characterised by applying a drilling device around said construction in the seabed, making a drill hole to a certain depth with said drilling device, and at a desired depth cutting of the construction using a cutting device lowered into said drill hole.
  • a hole is drilled into the seabed surrounding the construction, whereafter the construction is cut from the outside using a cutting device lowered in the hole. In this way all constructions become accessable, irrelevant whether these are internally provided with an obstacle or closing device.
  • the method according to the invention is characterised by gripping of the construction above the cutting location using a clamping device and, after cutting, lifting the construction part cut loose.
  • a clamping device can secure the cutting device relative to the construction during cutting.
  • the invention further relates to an apparatus for removing the uppermost part of a construction in the seabed, such as well heads, drilling rig legs and alike.
  • This apparatus is characterised by a drilling device applicable around said construction for drilling in the seadbed to a certain depth and a cutting device connected to said drilling device for cutting the construction from the outside.
  • the apparatus is characterised by a clamping device for clamping said drilling device and said cutting device onto the construction.
  • said clamping device can stabilize the apparatus relative to the construction. Further said clamping device can be used for lifting the construction part cut loose.
  • the clamping device comprises at least two clamping assemblies positioned at some distance one above the other. Initially the lowermost clamping assembly will engage the construction to be removed; after the apparatus is moved downward far enough around the construction also the second clamping assembly will engage the construction, thereby properly centering the apparatus according to the construction.
  • driving means are provided interpositioned between the drilling device at one hand and the clamping device at the other hand for varying the mutual distance between the drilling device and the clamping device.
  • the driving means can increase the distance between the clamping device and the drilling device, such as to drive the drilling device into the seabed.
  • the clamping device can be deactivated, the distance between the during device and clamping device can be decreased, during which the clamping device is lowered relative to the construction, and the clamping device can be re-activated in its new position, such that the driving means drive the drilling apparatus further into the seabed.
  • the cutting device can comprise a wire cutting device, of a type known per se.
  • such a wire cutting device can comprise a diamant wire.
  • the wire cutting device has to be moved through the construction.
  • the wire cutting device is in such a way connected pivotably with the apparatus that the operative part of the wire cutting device is movable substantially transversally to the construction to be cut.
  • the cutting apparatus is connected with the apparatus in a detachable manner and is removable therefrom.
  • the cutting device can be removed quickly from the apparatus for the change of worn out parts, such as the diamant wire.
  • fastly acting connecting and guiding means may be applied.
  • the drilling device provided in the apparatus may comprise a rotating drill head known per se for application in drilling tunnels or alike.
  • the provisions required for application of such a drill head are clear for an expert and thus do not need further explication.
  • an enclosure follows which defines the outer limit of the apparatus.
  • Such an enclosure can be shaped as a tube. Said enclosure will protect the drill hole made by the drill head against the entrance of material originating from the surrounding seabed and sea water, thus creating a stable working space around the construction to be removed.
  • the apparatus can be suspended from a hoisting device on a ship, drilling rig or alike. In this manner it is possible to operate with the apparatus without the application of divers.
  • the required techniques for a remote control of the different parts of the apparatus are known per se and will not be commented further here.
  • the single figure shows schematically an embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention in a cut away side elevational view.
  • the figure shows a well head 1 present in the seabed 2.
  • the uppermost part up to a certain depth below the level of the seabed (for example 6 meters) has to be removed.
  • an uppermost end of the well head 1 projects above the level of the seabed 2.
  • the apparatus for removing the uppermost part of the well head 1 comprises a drilling device 3.
  • said drilling device can comprise a rotating drill head, as applied in drilling tunnels.
  • the driver means of a such drill head are not represented. Neither are the supply and discharge lines for drilling mud and control lines represented.
  • the apparatus further comprises two clamping assemblies 5 and 6 which are positioned at some distance one above the other.
  • the clamping assemblies 5, 6 can engage the well head 1 and as a result secure the apparatus thereto.
  • the driving means of the clamping assemblies 5, 6 are schematically represented by dotted lines 7, 8. Of course several alternities exsist of constructively realising said clamping assemblies 5, 6.
  • a further essential part of the apparatus is a cutting device 9.
  • the cutting device comprises a cage 10 positioned around the well head 1.
  • a yoke 11 is suspended in the cage pivotable around a horizontal pivot axis 12.
  • a cylinder-piston-assembly 13 is with its one end connected to the cage 10 and with its other end to the end of the yoke 11 opposite to the pivot axis 12.
  • Guiding wheels 14 are mounted on the yoke 11 and lead a diamant wire 15 of a wire cutting device.
  • the lowermost part of the diamant wire 15 is longer than the diameter of the well head 1 and extends transversally to the well head 1 and perpendicularly to the plane of the drawing.
  • the cutting device 9 is with its cage 10 positioned in guides 17, such that the entire cutting device can be removed quickly from the apparatus when certain parts (such as the diamant wire 15) should be changed because of wear.
  • the illustrated apparatus comprises driving means 18 interpositioned between the drilling device 3 (or the enclosure joining to it) at one hand and the lowermost clamping assembly 5 at the other hand, using which the distance between the drilling device 3 and the clamping assembly 5 can be varied.
  • driving means 18 interpositioned between the drilling device 3 (or the enclosure joining to it) at one hand and the lowermost clamping assembly 5 at the other hand, using which the distance between the drilling device 3 and the clamping assembly 5 can be varied.
  • driving means 18 interpositioned between the drilling device 3 (or the enclosure joining to it) at one hand and the lowermost clamping assembly 5 at the other hand, using which the distance between the drilling device 3 and the clamping assembly 5 can be varied.
  • the distance between the drilling device 3 and the clamping assembly 5 can be varied.
  • the apparatus operates as follows: using a hoisting device which can be positioned on board of a ship, the apparatus is lowered by means of a hoisting cable connected to an eye 19. Like this the lowermost part of the apparatus will be positioned with its drilling device 3 around the part of the well head 1 projecting above the seabed 2.
  • the clamping assembly 5 is activated and the apparatus will be substantially secured relative to the well head 1.
  • the drilling device 3 is activated while also the driving means 18 are activated.
  • the drilling device 3 (drill head) is driving into the seabed 2 as a result of which a drill hole is made around the well head 1.
  • the enclosure 4 prevents that surrounding material (originating from seabed or seawater) enters the created drill hole.
  • the driving means 18 (which can comprise cylinder-piston-assemblies) have reached the end of their stroke the clamping assembly 5 is deactivated and the driving means 18 are moved back towards their starting position. As a result the apparatus moves downward.
  • clamping assembly can be re-activated and the cycle starts again.
  • the apparatus is driven into the seabed 2 around the well head 1 upto the desired depth.
  • the cutting device 9 can be activated, as a result of which the diamant wire 15 cuts the well head in correspondance with the track indicated by the dotted line 16 (during activation of the cylinder-piston-assembly 13).
  • the clamping assemblies 5, 6 have a multiple function. During operation of the drilling device 3 they can take on vertical forces. During drilling the drill hole the clamping assemblies 5, 6 further take on rotational forces for preventing a rotation of the apparatus around the well head 1. Further they stabilize the apparatus when, using the cutting device 9, the uppermost well head part 1 is cut loose. Further especially the uppermost clamping assembly 6 is fit for lifting the uppermost well head part cut loose.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Marine Sciences & Fisheries (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
  • Water Treatment By Sorption (AREA)
EP96203417A 1995-12-04 1996-12-03 Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Entfernen des obersten Teils einer Konstruktion im Meeresboden Withdrawn EP0778392A3 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL1001807A NL1001807C2 (nl) 1995-12-04 1995-12-04 Werkwijze en inrichting voor het verwijderen van het bovenste gedeelte van een zich in de zeebodem bevindende constructie.
NL1001807 1995-12-04

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0778392A2 true EP0778392A2 (de) 1997-06-11
EP0778392A3 EP0778392A3 (de) 2000-06-07

Family

ID=19761967

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP96203417A Withdrawn EP0778392A3 (de) 1995-12-04 1996-12-03 Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Entfernen des obersten Teils einer Konstruktion im Meeresboden

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0778392A3 (de)
NL (1) NL1001807C2 (de)
NO (1) NO965152L (de)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002075097A3 (en) * 2001-03-20 2003-02-06 Weatherford Lamb Methods and apparatus for severing nested strings of tubulars
US6827145B2 (en) 1997-01-29 2004-12-07 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Methods and apparatus for severing nested strings of tubulars
US7225865B2 (en) 1997-01-29 2007-06-05 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Apparatus for positioning a tong and drilling rig provided with such an apparatus
WO2011047303A1 (en) * 2009-10-15 2011-04-21 Intermoor, Inc Embedded multi-string well head shear
US8056633B2 (en) 2008-04-28 2011-11-15 Barra Marc T Apparatus and method for removing subsea structures

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1644560A (en) * 1925-05-25 1927-10-04 Bignell Edward Apparatus for removing piles
US3020965A (en) * 1959-08-19 1962-02-13 Jr Richard F Keller Hydraulic pile extractor
FI74095C (fi) * 1986-04-30 1987-12-10 Rauma Repola Oy Foerfarande foer kapning av ett avlaongt betongstycke och skaerande verktyg.
US5002432A (en) * 1987-07-22 1991-03-26 Dynovation Design & Engineering Inc. Device and method to cut and coil piles, casings and conductors
IT1253716B (it) * 1991-11-06 1995-08-23 Metodo e dispositivo per il taglio di strutture subacquee.

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6827145B2 (en) 1997-01-29 2004-12-07 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Methods and apparatus for severing nested strings of tubulars
US7156170B2 (en) 1997-01-29 2007-01-02 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Methods and apparatus for severing nested strings of tubulars
US7225865B2 (en) 1997-01-29 2007-06-05 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Apparatus for positioning a tong and drilling rig provided with such an apparatus
WO2002075097A3 (en) * 2001-03-20 2003-02-06 Weatherford Lamb Methods and apparatus for severing nested strings of tubulars
US8056633B2 (en) 2008-04-28 2011-11-15 Barra Marc T Apparatus and method for removing subsea structures
WO2011047303A1 (en) * 2009-10-15 2011-04-21 Intermoor, Inc Embedded multi-string well head shear

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NL1001807C2 (nl) 1997-06-06
NO965152L (no) 1997-06-05
NO965152D0 (no) 1996-12-03
EP0778392A3 (de) 2000-06-07

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