FR2967731A1 - Immersed control system for controlling e.g. immersed device, during production of wells, has dual ball valve assembly connected to feed pipe, air intake pipe and functional pipe that is connected to immersed device so as to control device - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has a control module having a set of dual ball valve assemblies (16), where each assembly is connected to a feed pipe (18), an air intake pipe (20) and a functional pipe (22) that is connected to an immersed device so as to control the device. The assembly includes ball valves (38, 40). One of the valves is connected to the feed pipe and controls flow between the feed pipe and the functional pipe across the set of dual valves. The other ball valve is connected to the air intake pipe and controls the flow between the functional pipe and the air intake pipe across the assembly.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to submerged control systems and more particularly, in some embodiments, to control modules having sets of dual ball valves for controlling a plurality of ball valves. or more device (s) immersed (s). Control modules are generally associated with one or more devices (s) immersed (s) and have the ability to communicate signals from an operator on a ship and / or from the submerged device. The valves of conventional control modules have traditionally only two positions: a feed position to allow the control fluid to pass supply lines into the operating lines, through the valves, and an air intake position for allow the control fluid to pass functional lines through the valves into the air intake lines.

Both positions require the control fluid to flow either to the supply position or to the air intake position, which makes it impossible to detect a leak. In addition, the valves of conventional control modules have very small orifices which promote obstruction. These small orifices highlight the need for fluid purity for the hydraulic fluid generally used in these control modules. Thus, the control modules must generally have a screen filter and use expensive control fluids. Any faults in faucets whether caused by contamination or otherwise may result in the need to disassemble / service the module to repair the fault. The present invention relates to submersible control systems, and more particularly, in some embodiments, control modules having dual ball valve assemblies for controlling one or more submerged devices.

One embodiment of the present invention discloses a submersible control system comprising a control module having each set of dual ball valves. Each set of dual ball valves of the present embodiment is connected to a supply line, an air intake line, and a functional line connected to a submerged device for controlling said submerged device. According to another feature, the plurality of dual ball valve assemblies (16) are connected to a single supply line and a single air intake line, each set of dual ball valves being connected to a different functional line. , and each functional conduit being connected to a different submerged device.

Advantageously, at least one of the dual ball valve assemblies includes a first ball valve and a second ball valve. According to a particular feature, the first ball valve is connected to the supply line and controls the flow between the supply line and the functional line through the set of dual ball valves, and the second ball valve The ball is connected to the air intake line and controls the flow between the functional line and the air intake line through the set of dual ball valves. Advantageously, the set of dual ball valves comprises a dual motor configured to actuate the first ball valve and the second ball valve. Further, the submerged control system may advantageously include: a pressure sensor associated with at least one of the plurality of dual ball valve assemblies and configured to indicate whether the dual ball valve is located in a locking position, whereby the flow is prevented from passing through the dual ball valve assembly; - A leak detection mode able to use data from the pressure sensor to detect leaks. Advantageously at least one of the sets of dual ball valves is modular. In addition, according to another particular feature each of the dual ball valve assemblies has a feed position, an air intake position and a lock position each of these positions being defined as follows: - the position of The feed is adapted to allow flow between the feed line and the working line through the dual ball valve assembly 4, and to prevent flow to the air intake line; the air intake position is able to allow the flow between the functional duct and the air intake duct through the set of dual ball valves, and to prevent flow from the duct feeding; and the locking position is able to prevent flow through the set of double ball valves. Advantageously, at least one set of dual ball valves has an integrated safety position. the integrated safety position is an air intake position capable of allowing flow between the functional duct and the air intake duct, through the set of dual ball valves, and capable of preventing the flow from the supply line. Advantageously, the safety position is inclined mechanically. Another embodiment describes a control module comprising a plurality of dual ball valve assemblies and electronic means configured to control the dual ball valve assemblies. In this embodiment, each of the dual ball valve assemblies includes a supply line, a vent line, and a functional port. Advantageously, the electronic means are able to control at least one double motor for it to actuate at least one set of dual ball valves.

According to other particular characteristics, the control module further comprises: an accumulator connected to each of the supply distributors via a supply line. 5 and / or - an air intake connected to each of the air intake manifolds via an air intake duct. and / or a submerged device connected to at least one of the functional ports via a functional conduit. Advantageously, the control module may comprise a latch assembly and / or a filter. Yet another embodiment describes a submersible control system comprising a control module having a plurality of sets of dual ball valves that control a plurality of ball valves. of submerged functions. Brief Description of the Figures The features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. While those skilled in the art will be able to make many modifications, these modifications will remain within the scope of the spirit of the invention. Other features, details and advantages of the invention will be apparent from reading the following description, with reference to the accompanying figures, which illustrate: FIG. 1A illustrates a set of dual ball valves in a gripping position air according to some embodiments of the invention.

Figure 1B illustrates the dual ball valve assembly of Figure 1A in a feed position according to some embodiments of the invention. Figure 1C illustrates the dual ball valve assembly of Figure 1A in a lock position according to some embodiments of the invention. Figure 2 illustrates a diagram of a control module according to some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 3 illustrates a top view in cross section of a control module, seen from above on a base plate according to some embodiments of the invention. Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a control module according to some embodiments of the invention.

Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a control module according to some embodiments of the invention. Figure 6 illustrates a side view of a control module and a submerged device according to some embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES With reference to Figs. 1A to 1C, each set of dual ball valves 16 may have a first ball valve 38, a second ball valve 40, a dual motor 42 (shown at 42A and 42B) and a sensor. In some embodiments, dual ball valve assemblies 16 may also include a transmission gear (not shown). Ball valves 38 and 40 may be coupled or, otherwise, have the configurations described in US Patent Publication No. 2005/0252556. Ball valves 38 and 40 can use metal seals and withstand pressures of 68.95 MPa or 68.95 MPa, for example. Ball valves 38 and 40 in some embodiments may have apertures approximately 1/4 "in diameter Ball valves 38 and 40 may have other configurations in that each set of dual ball valves For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the ball valves 38 and 40 may operate independently of each other While the figures illustrate ball valves. 38 and 40 which are contained in a housing, one or both of the ball valves 38 and 40 may be spaced apart from the rest of the dual ball valve assembly 16 to the extent that the ball valves 38 and 38 40 are connected to the same functional conduit 22 and / or included in the same common body.In some embodiments, the first ball valve 38 may be connected to the supply line 18 and the functional conduit 22, allowing at the first The ball valve 38 controls the flow between the supply line 18 and the functional line 22 through the dual ball valve assembly 16. Similarly, the second ball valve 40 can be connected to the ball valve 16. the air intake line 20 and the functional line 22 by allowing the second ball valve 40 to control the flow between the operational line 22 and the air intake line through the set of double-acting valves. 16. The dual motor 42 may be a DC motor, brushless or any other type of motor suitable for opening, closing or actuating, in any other way, the ball valves 38 and 40. dual motor 42 may be a single electric motor for controlling 8 the two ball valves 38 and 40, or may be a dual motor consisting of multiple motors as illustrated in Figures 1A to 1C. The dual motor 42 may actuate the dual ball valve assemblies 16 by rotating in the same direction to move in different positions, or the dual motor 42 may be a reversible motor allowing the valve assemblies 16 to be operated by turning them to forward and backward. The electronic means 32 may control the dual motor 42 to operate one or more of the dual ball valve assemblies 16. In some embodiments, the use of electrically controlled valves permits the elimination of hydraulically driven valves, which are exposed to contamination problems. The pressure sensor 44 may be connected to, formed with, or in any other way associated with a set of dual ball valves 16. The pressure sensor 44 may be a 4-20 MA strain gauge transducer, a device configured to indicate whether the dual ball valve assembly 16 is in the lock position, or any other sensor usable in submerged operations. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 44 may provide data for use by immersed control systems upon detection of a leak, when the submersible control system is in leak detection mode. The pressure sensor 44 may be in a housing with the other components of a set of dual ball valves 16, or the pressure sensor 44 may be outside a housing containing some or all of the other components of the dual ball valve assembly 16 (as illustrated). The dual ball valve assembly 16 may have a feed distributor 46, an air intake distributor 48, and a functional port 50. These dispenser and orifice installations must be integrated into a base plate. of the control module 34. A feed distributor 46 may have a connection point or, in any other way, allow the flow between the supply line 18 and the dual ball valve assembly 16. supply 46 may be a front seal using an O-ring on a distributor supply line, or any other type of connector. The intake manifold 48 may have a connection point or otherwise allow the flow between the intake pipe 20 and a set of dual ball valves 16. The air intake manifold 48 may be a front seal using an O-ring on a manifold air line, or any other type of connector. The functional port 50 may have a connection point or otherwise permit the flow between a functional line 22 and a set of dual ball valves 16. The functional port 50 may be a front seal using a seal toric on a functional line or any other type of connector. The dual ball valve assembly 16 may have an integral safety mechanism 52 (shown at 52A and 52B) for moving the ball valves 38 and / or 40 to the safety position in the event of a partial failure or complete system. The integrated safety mechanism 52 can be tilted mechanically. In some embodiments, the integral safety mechanism 52 may include a spring for forcing the ball valves 38 and 40 to assume the air intake position (discussed below and illustrated in FIG. 1A) in the safety position. . In other embodiments, the integral safety mechanism 52 may force the ball valves 38 and 40 to assume the locking position (discussed below and illustrated in Fig. 1C) as the safe position. Thus, the integrated safety mechanism 52 mechanically force a safety position in the event of a failure of electrical or hydraulic systems. Referring to FIG. 1A, the dual ball valve assembly 16 may have an air intake position. The air intake position is a position which allows flow between the operating line 22 and the air intake line 20 through the dual ball valve assembly 16, while preventing flow from of the supply line 18 and through the set of dual ball valves 16. The dual motor 42 can move or actuate the dual ball valve assembly 16 into the air intake position by moving the valve to ball 38 to a closed position and the ball valve 40 to an open position. Referring to FIG. 1B, the dual ball valve assembly 16 may have a feed position.

The feed position is a position which allows flow between the flow line 18 and the operating line 22 through a set of dual ball valves 16, while preventing flow from the outlet line. 20 The double motor 42 can move or actuate a set of dual ball valves 16 into the feed position by moving the ball valve 38 to an open position. and the ball valve 40 to a closed position.

Referring to FIG. 1C, the dual ball valve assembly 16 may have a locking position. The blocking position is a position that prevents flow through the dual ball valve assembly 16. A dual motor 42 can move or actuate dual ball valve assemblies 16 in the lock position by moving to the desired position. both the ball valves 38 and 40 to a closed position. Referring to a diagram shown in FIG. 2, the control module 12 may include sets of dual ball valves 16 (16A, 16B, 16C, etc.), accumulator 24 (24A, 24B), a supply line 18, an air intake 26, an intake duct 20 and functional ducts 22 (22A, 22B, 22C, etc.). The control module 12 can use any number of sets of dual ball valves 16 (shown at 16A, 16B, 16C, etc.). For example, in some embodiments, the control module 12 may have between 10 and 30 sets of dual ball valves 16. In some applications 15 sets of dual ball valves 16 may be suitable but other applications may be required. require more or less dual ball valve assemblies 16. While the accumulator 24 as illustrated is a set of three accumulators 24A contained in a control module 12 and an accumulator 24B external to the control module 12, the accumulator 24 may be any type of device for supplying pressure control fluid to the dual ball valve assemblies 16. The hydraulic control fluid may be, for example, water-based with a lubricant additive designed for a specific temperature range. In some embodiments, the accumulator 24 may consist of three 19-liter bladder accumulators 24A and / or a detachable 19-liter bladder accumulator module 24B configured to be connected to the control module 12 via a plate base 34 within the bladder accumulator module 24B and a receiving plate 36 associated with the control module 12. The supply line 18 may be made of 316 stainless steel (or an approved variant) with a bore terminal at least 9,525 mm, or configuration at least capable of connecting any set of dual ball valves 16 to the accumulator 24. In some embodiments, a supply line 18 can deliver control fluid to from accumulator 24, to a number of sets of dual ball valves 16. Alternatively, multiple supply lines (not shown) can deliver fluid from control from one or more accumulators 24 on a number of dual ball valve assemblies 16. The air intake 26 may allow the control fluid enclosed in the submerged device to be "vented with" a tank under a lower pressure, in most cases in open water. The air intake 26 may be a hydraulic coupling which includes a check valve, so that the internal fluid of the control module is isolated from salty seawater and its corrosive effects. Alternatively, the air intake 26 may simply be an open end of the air intake conduit 20 or any other type of air intake. The air intake line 20 may be made of 316 stainless steel (or an approved variant) with a nominal bore of 9.525 mm minimum, or of configuration at least capable of connecting any or all double valve assemblies. In some embodiments, an air intake conduit 20 may deliver the control fluid from a number of dual ball valve assemblies 16 to 26. Alternatively, multiple air intakes (not shown) may deliver control fluid from one or more sets of dual ball valves 16 to the outlet. 26. A number of functional ducts 22 (illustrated at 22A, 22B, 22C, etc.) may be made of 316 stainless steel (or an approved variant) with a nominal bore of 9.525 mm minimum, or configuration at least able to connect any one or all double ball valve assemblies 16 with one or more submerged devices 14 (illustrated at 14A, 14B, 14C, etc.). In some embodiments, the functional lines 22 may deliver the control fluid from the dual ball valve assemblies 16 to the submerged devices 14. The submerged devices 14 may include Christmas trees, dispensers, throttles, intelligent downhole valves, positioning operations, means for functional reconditioning operations, downhole safety valves, submerged equipment or any other device suitable for performing a submerged function including those in environments under very high pressure. The configuration of FIG. 2 illustrates how a particular set of dual ball valves 16 can be isolated from other sets of dual ball valves 16. In the event of a leak or other problem on the system, the The operator can use dual ball valve assemblies 16 to isolate the problem. For example, if the functional conduit 22B were to leak, the dual ball valve assembly 16B could be moved to a lock position (shown in FIG. 1C), preventing flow through the valve assembly. double ball 16B. In particular, the locking position can prevent flow between the functional line 22B and the supply line 18, by allowing fluid present in the supply line 18 to be captured by the dual ball valve assembly 16B. . Thus, placing different sets of dual ball valves 16 in a locking position may allow selective use of the functional lines 22. For example, if a failure occurs in the submerged device 14B or on a functional line 22B, and if the submerged device 14B turns out to be non-critical, the operator can move the dual ball valve assembly 16B into a lock position and continue operations using the remaining dual ball valve assemblies 16. Thus, while a failure of one or more of the functional conduits or submerged devices used with a conventional control module may cause the need to pull the control module, the failure of one or more of the functional conduits 22 or the Submersible devices 14 in the control module 12 may allow control module operations to continue. In some embodiments, an operator may place the majority of the dual ball valve assemblies 16 in a lock position, a only dual ball valve assemblies 16 permitting flow therethrough at any given time. This may prevent interaction between the dual ball valve assemblies 16. Referring again to FIG. 2, the control fluid may be stored in an accumulator 24 (illustrated at 24A and 24B) and issued by As a function of the positions of the dual ball valve assemblies 16, the control fluid may bypass one or more of the dual ball valve assemblies 16 such as indicated above, or the control fluid may flow through one or more of the dual ball valve assemblies 16 to the functional conduits 22. In turn, the functional lines 22 may pass the control fluid. to the submerged devices 14. Thus, in ball one 16 can easily control an associated 14. The valve assemblies may also control the flow from the dual control valve lines to control and prevent it from being able to flow through the dual ball valve assemblies 16 to the air intake line 20. Conduct The air intake device 20 can then deliver the control fluid to the air intake 26. Referring now to the cross-sectional top view of FIG. 3, the control module 12 may have a number of dual ball valve assemblies 16 (shown at 16A, 16B, 16C, etc.). The dual ball valve assemblies 16 may be modular, allowing many configurations, ease of removal, and / or ease of replacement of the dual ball valve assemblies 16 separate in the moving module to a locking position. or supply position, a particular set dual dual submerged device ball valves 16 functional fluid 22. command to The ball assemblies 16 can block the fluid to penetrate, or the control fluid 12. The sets of double valves Balls 16 may be mounted on the base plate 34 of the control module 12 using fasteners, for example fasteners 4. The control module 12 may be designed for a specific project which may include a determination of the number of sets. Double ball valves 16 required. The control module 12 can then be configured for this number of mounting interfaces for the dual ball valve assemblies 16. The supply line 18 and the air intake duct 20 can be parallel and in communication with one another. majority of valve assemblies 16 and supply lines and air intakes. The functional conduit 22 may be separate and dependent on all other functional conduits. Referring now to the cross-sectional side view of FIG. 4, in addition to the dual ball valve assembly 16, the control module 12 may have an accumulator 24, an air intake 26, a latch assembly 28 for providing alignment and connection between the control module 12 and the submerged devices 14, one or more filters 30 for removing contaminants in the control fluids in a submerged control system and electronic means 32 configured to control the dual ball valve assemblies 16, monitor sensors included in the submerged device 14, and monitor / control the overall condition of the system including a check for leaks in the hydraulic system. In addition, the control module 12 may have a guide pin 54, electrical connectors 56 and 58, a protective skirt 60 and any number of other components. FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a control module 12 showing dual ball valve assemblies 16 (shown at 16A, 16B, 16C, etc.), a battery 24, an air intake 26, a set of latches 28, filters 30, electronic means 32, a protective skirt 56 and an electrical connector 58. A submerged control system can be used to operate and monitor submerged devices 14 and with this capability, control flow oil or gas from a subsea well or multitudes of wells in the case where a submerged distributor is employed. A submerged control system may include a control module 12 for controlling all or part of the submerged functions including the submerged functions associated with the submerged device 14 (shown in FIG. 6), downhole functions, distribution functions, positioning functions, reconditioning functions, or any other immersed function. The control module 12 can control and monitor the submerged devices 14. A submerged control system can also include a hydraulic power unit, a master control station, a power supply unit, an umbilical terminal at the surface and in the submerged position, jumpers for connecting the system components to the sea floor using either divers or remotely controlled vehicles to make the connection, the control module and the sensors. The sensors may be any device capable of measuring pressure, temperature, flow, sand production, erosion, chemical injection rate and any other typical underwater operation.

The various embodiments described in the present figures may be suitable for use in the control of fluids during production, chemical injection, well reconditioning or any other underwater function. Some advantages over the conventional control module may include the following: the need for filters may be reduced, a lower class of control fluid may be used, fluid sampling to verify purity may be reduced, and one can gain time when pumping water to descend to an acceptable level of purity of the control fluid. The leak detection may be performed when the submerged device 14 is under the pressure of the supply line, and the dual ball valve assemblies 16 are operated in the lock mode. When this set of operations occurs, the pressure sensing device can be positioned to monitor the pressure sensed on the pipe. If the pressure remains at an initial level for a certain period of time, for example, about 1 hour, then driving can be considered as in good working order. A drop in the initial pressure, however, can be considered as an indication of a leak, a small leak causing a reduction in pressure over a long period of time and a significant drop causing the pressure to decrease over a short period of time. for example a few minutes or a few seconds. In a system having functional conduits, this detection method can be used repeatedly on multiple lines, or even all lines, to locate a leaking conduit. Once the leak is located, an inventory of the extent of the leak can be made and a repair plan generated.

Potential benefits of the present invention may include increased reliability for reduced fluid cleanliness, ability to check for leaks, reduction of hydraulic build-up in the module and removal of hydraulic interaction between system devices when this occurs conventionally as a result of sharing a common power supply between the devices in the control module. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate the many other potential benefits. Therefore, the present invention is well suited to achieve the stated purposes and advantages as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments described above are only intended to illustrate. Indeed, many modifications can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, many features can be moved to respective parts without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, no limit is intended to restrict the construction or design details shown in the present figures other than those described in the claims below. It is therefore apparent that the illustrative specific embodiments described above may be changed or modified and that all modifications are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, the undefined articles "a" or "an" as used in the claims are defined herein to mean one or more of the elements they introduce. Likewise, the terms in the claims have an ordinary common meaning, unless otherwise specified and clear definition of the applicant.

Claims (19)

REVENDICATIONS1. A submerged control system characterized by comprising a control module (12) having a plurality of sets of dual ball valves (16); each set of dual ball valves (16) being connected to a supply line (18), an air intake line (20) and a functional line (22) connected to a submerged device (14) for controlling said submerged device (14). An immersible control system according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of dual ball valve assemblies (16) are connected to a single supply line (18) and an air intake line (20). ) single, each set of dual ball valves (16) being connected to a different functional line, and each functional line (22) being connected to a different submerged device. An immersible control system according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that at least one of the dual ball valve assemblies comprises: - a first ball valve (38); and - a second ball valve (40). 4. Immersed control system according to claim 3, characterized in that: - the first ball valve (38) is connected to the supply line (18) and controls the flow between the supply line (18) and the functional conduit (22) through the set of dual ball valves (16); and- the second ball valve (40) is connected to the air intake duct (20) and controls the flow between the operational duct (22) and the air intake duct (20) through the set of double ball valves (16). The submerged control system according to any of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the dual ball valve assembly (16) comprises a dual motor (42) configured to actuate the first ball valve (38). and the second ball valve (40). 6. immersed control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises: a pressure sensor (44) associated with at least one of the plurality of sets of double valves to ball (16) and configured to indicate whether the double ball valve (16) is in a locking position, whereby the flow is prevented from passing through the set of dual ball valves (16), leak detection device capable of using data from the pressure sensor (44) to detect leaks. An immersed control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one of the dual ball valve assemblies (16) is modular. The submerged control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: - each of the dual ball valve assemblies (16) has a feed position, an air intake position and a lock position; the feed position is adapted to allow the flow between the supply line (18) and the functional flow (22) through the set of double ball valves (16), and to prevent flow to the intake pipe (20); the air intake position is adapted to allow the flow between the functional duct (22) and the air intake duct (20) through the set of dual ball valves (16), and to prevent flow from the supply line (18); and - the locking position is able to prevent flow through the set of double ball valves (16). 9. Immersed control system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one set of double ball valves (16) has an integrated safety position. 10. Immersed control system according to claim 9, characterized in that the integrated safety position is an air intake position adapted to allow the flow between the functional duct (22) and the intake duct ( 20), through the set of double ball valves (16), and able to prevent flow from the supply line (18). 11. Immersed control system according to claim 10, characterized in that the integrated safety position is mechanically inclined. A control module comprising: - a plurality of dual ball valve assemblies (16), and electronic means (32) configured to control the dual ball valve assemblies (16); characterized in that: - each of the dual ball valve assemblies (16) comprises a feed distributor (46), an air intake distributor (48) and a functional port (50). 13. Control module according to claim 12, characterized in that the electronic means (32) are able to control at least one double motor (42) for it actuates at least one set of double ball valves (16) . 14. Control module according to any one of claims 12 and 13, characterized in that it comprises an accumulator (24) connected to each of the feed distributors (46) via a supply line (18). 15. Control module according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that it comprises an air intake (26) connected to each of the air intake manifolds (48) via an air intake duct air (20). 16. Control module according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that it comprises a submerged device (14) connected to at least one of the functional openings (50) via a functional conduit (22). 17. Control module according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that it comprises a latch assembly (28). 18. Control module according to any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that it comprises a filter (30). 19. Control module according to one of claims 12 to 18 characterized in that it comprises a plurality of sets of dual ball valves (16) adapted to control a plurality of submerged functions (14).