FR3014829A1 - FLUID TRANSFER ASSEMBLY BETWEEN THE BACKGROUND OF A WATER SIZE AND THE SURFACE AND METHOD THEREOF - Google Patents

Abstract

The assembly includes a fluid transport conduit, a turret (16) and a floating barge (18) rotatably mounted on the turret (16) about an axis of rotation. The transfer assembly comprises an intermediate structure (20) mounted between the turret (16) and the barge (18), between a configuration rotated jointly with the barge (18) and a configuration retained in rotation about the axis rotation by the turret (16). The assembly comprises a first mechanism (21) selectively blocking the intermediate structure (20) in the retained configuration and a second mechanism (22) for selectively locking the intermediate structure (20) in the configuration driven in joint rotation with the barge (18).

Description

The present invention relates to a fluid transfer assembly between the bottom of an expanse of water and the surface comprising: at least one fluid transfer assembly between the bottom of a body of water and the surface; fluid transport line comprising a lower section, an intermediate section, an upper section, and a rapid disconnection device, interposed between the intermediate section and one of the lower section and the upper section, - a turret carrying the lower section, the turret comprising an anchor assembly in the bottom of the body of water; a floating barge rotatably mounted on the turret about an axis of rotation, the barge carrying the upper section, the intermediate section comprising at least one section of hose wound around the axis of rotation, the transport pipe being suitable for occupy a connected configuration in which the intermediate section is connected to one of the lower section and the upper section via the quick disconnect device, and a disconnection configuration of the quick disconnect device, the transfer unit comprising a intermediate support structure at least partially of the wound hose section, the intermediate structure being mounted between the turret and the barge, between a configuration rotated jointly with the barge about the axis of rotation relative to the turret and a configuration retained in rotation about the axis of rotation by the turret. Such a fluid transfer assembly is intended to convey in particular liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons collected in the bottom of a body of water to bring them to the surface for storage and / or unloading. To carry out such a transfer, it is known to use an assembly comprising a plurality of risers, referred to by the English term "riser" which extend between well heads located on the bottom of the body of water and a surface installation. These risers are rigid or flexible. The surface installation is for example a production barge, liquefaction, storage and discharge of hydrocarbons, referred to as the "Floating Production Storage and Off-loading Unit" or "FPSO". Such a transfer assembly is sometimes mounted in areas where weather conditions can seriously deteriorate, and where the movements of the body of water in the vicinity of the barge can be strong, especially because of winds and currents. Also, the surface installation comprises in known manner a turret fixed relative to the bottom of the body of water. The fixed turret is rotatably received in a well at one end or in the center of the barge. The barge is then free to rotate around the turret to favor the local movements of the body of water and the forces applied to it. The fluid transport pipe then comprises a lower section which connects the bottom of the body of water to the turret, an intermediate section which extends between the turret and the barge, and an upper section which extends over the barge. The lower section then passes through the interior of the turret.

Given the rotational connection between the barge and the turret, the intermediate section comprises for example a rotary joint, or more preferably a flexible pipe section wound in a loop around the axis of rotation of the barge relative to the turret. This section of hose wraps and unwinds around the axis of rotation to accommodate differences in angular position between the stationary turret and the rotating barge. However, in case of really adverse weather conditions, the transfer assembly must be secured by completely rotating the barge relative to the turret. This involves disconnecting the flexible pipe to prevent the intermediate section from becoming damaged.

For this purpose, WO 2010/076535 discloses an assembly of the aforementioned type comprising an intermediate support structure of the intermediate section can be selectively connected to the turret and the barge. In an example described in this document, the intermediate structure is secured to the turret in normal operation. An end of the intermediate portion of the pipe located at the quick connector is rotated in conjunction with the turret, while another end of the intermediate portion is secured to the barge. In adverse weather conditions, the quick connector is disconnected. The intermediate structure is raised away from the barge and is rotated by the barge. The quick connector is disconnected, and the barge is free to turn around the turret on more than one turn to accommodate current variations. Such an assembly is therefore particularly effective for implementing a fast and safe disconnection in the event of bad climatic conditions, while ensuring a quick reconnection of the transfer line after the disconnection.

This set can be further improved to facilitate its operation, including its disconnection and reconnection. An object of the invention is to obtain a transfer assembly which comprises an intermediate section with a wound hose section, even simpler operation during its disconnection and reconnection. To this end, the subject of the invention is an assembly of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the assembly comprises a first mechanism for selectively locking the intermediate structure in the configuration retained in rotation by the turret, suitable for selectively connecting the structure intermediate to the turret, the assembly comprising a second selectively locking mechanism of the intermediate structure in the configuration rotated jointly with the barge, adapted to selectively connect the intermediate structure to the barge. The assembly according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately or in any technically possible combination: the first selective locking mechanism and / or the second selective locking mechanism are configured to block selectively the intermediate structure without displacement of the intermediate structure in translation relative to the barge and / or the turret; - The first selective locking mechanism and / or the second selective locking mechanism comprise at least one mechanical brake device activatable between a release position of the intermediate structure and a locking position of the intermediate structure; - The mechanical brake device comprises a movable pad, the movable pad applying on a blocking surface in the immobilization position, to generate a gripping force of the blocking surface, the movable pad being disposed at the gap from the blocking surface to the release position; - The mechanical brake device is carried by the turret, the locking surface being defined on the intermediate structure, being advantageously of revolution about the axis of rotation of the barge; - The first selective locking mechanism and / or the second selective locking mechanism comprises at least one gear device activatable between a release position of the intermediate structure and a locking position of the intermediate structure; - The gear device comprises at least one motorized gear, the gear engaged in a chain in the immobilization position; the gear device comprises a geared motor assembly capable of driving the gearwheel in rotation, the gearing device comprising a control member of the gear motor assembly for immobilizing the gear in position; - The gear device is carried by the barge, the chain being carried by the intermediate structure, being advantageously of revolution about the axis of rotation of the barge; the rapid disconnection device comprises a movable connector mounted at one end of a section chosen from the intermediate section, the upper section, or the lower section, the rapid disconnection device comprising a mechanism for joint displacement of the connector and the end of the selected section, between a connection position on an opposite section, and a disconnected position of the opposite section; - The displacement mechanism comprises a bracket carrying the connector and the end of the selected portion, and at least one movement cylinder of the bracket to pass the connector and the end of the selected portion between the connection position and the disconnected position; it comprises a plurality of fluid transport pipes, the intermediate structure comprising a support wall for the wound hose section of each transport pipe, the support walls being arranged one above the other along the rotation axis. - The intermediate structure comprises a support wall of the wound hose section extending around the axis of rotation, the wound hose section being disposed at least partially on the support wall; - In the connected configuration of the pipe, the intermediate structure occupies its configuration retained by the turret; in the connected configuration of the pipe, the intermediate structure occupies its configuration driven by the barge; one of the first selective locking mechanism and the second selective locking mechanism forms a device for adjusting the angular position of the intermediate structure with respect to the turret in the selected configuration; in a first of the driven configuration and of the selected configuration, the ends of the wound hose section are angularly movable relative to one another about the axis of rotation during the rotation of the barge around the turret, and in a second of the driven configuration and the configuration retained, the ends of the wound hose section remain substantially fixed angularly relative to each other about the axis of rotation during the rotation of the barge around the turret; and the intermediate structure is disposed substantially above the turret and the barge; the intermediate structure is disposed substantially between the turret and the barge, outside the turret; the intermediate structure is disposed substantially in the turret; The invention also relates to a method of disconnecting a fluid transfer assembly as defined above, the method comprising a connection step in which the intermediate section is connected to one of the lower section and the upper section via the quick disconnect device, and a disconnection step comprising disconnecting the quick disconnect device, wherein, in the connecting step, the intermediate structure is placed in one of the driven configuration and the selected configuration, the disconnection step comprising the passage of the intermediate structure towards the other of the driven configuration and the selected configuration, characterized in that the passage in the selected configuration comprises the activation of the first selective locking mechanism to selectively connect the intermediate structure to the turret, and the deactivation of the second selective locking mechanism, the passage in the driven configuration comprising activating the second selective locking mechanism to selectively connect the intermediate structure to the barge, and deactivating the first selective locking mechanism. The method according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination: the first selective locking mechanism and / or the second selective locking mechanism comprise at least one device mechanical brake, the method comprising a step of activating the mechanical brake device between a release position of the intermediate structure and a position of immobilization of the intermediate structure when passing through the selected configuration and / or when passing through the driven configuration; the first selective locking mechanism and / or the second selective locking mechanism comprise at least one gear device, the method comprising a step of activating the gear device between a release position of the intermediate structure and a position immobilizing the intermediate structure during the passage in the selected configuration and / or during the passage in the driven configuration; the intermediate structure comprises a support wall of the wound hose section extending around the axis of rotation, the connecting step comprising the winding and / or unwinding of the hose section wound on the wall of the hose; support around the axis of rotation during the rotation of the barge relative to the turret; during the connection step, the intermediate structure occupies its configuration retained by the turret; during the connection step, the intermediate structure occupies its configuration driven by the barge; - After the disconnection step, the barge is mounted freely rotatable around the turret, the ends of the wound hose section remaining substantially fixed angularly relative to each other about the axis of rotation. The invention will be better understood on reading the description which will follow, given solely by way of example, and with reference to the appended drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view partially broken away of a first transfer set according to the invention; FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, in which the turret and the intermediate structure have been removed; FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1, in which the barge has been removed; FIG. 4 is a view from above of a fluid transport pipe on the intermediate structure; - Figure 5 is a perspective view of three-quarter faces of the lower section and the intermediate section of the transport pipe, the fast connector being connected; FIG. 6 is a view of a detail of FIG. 5 illustrating the connected fast connector; - Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 5, the quick connector being disconnected; FIG. 8 is a detail view of FIG. 7, the fast connector being disconnected; FIGS. 9 to 11 illustrate several configurations of the first selective locking mechanism and of the second selective locking mechanism of the assembly according to the invention; - Figure 12 is a perspective view illustrating a brake device of the first selective locking mechanism, the pad of the device occupying a release position of the intermediate structure; - Figure 13 is a view similar to Figure 12, the brake pad occupying a position of immobilization of the intermediate structure; - Figure 14 is a perspective view illustrating a gear device of the second selective locking mechanism, the toothed wheel occupying a position of immobilization of the intermediate structure; - Figure 15 is a view similar to Figure 14, the toothed wheel occupying a release position of the intermediate structure. In what follows, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the normal direction of circulation of a fluid in a pipe.

A first fluid transfer assembly 10 according to the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4. This assembly 10 is intended, for example, to convey a fluid formed by liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons taken from the bottom of a body of water. and collected in a bottom set (not shown).

The fluid conveyed by the installation is conveyed through the body of water 12 to the surface 14 visible in FIG. 1. The body of water 12 is, for example, a lake, a sea or an ocean. It rests on a bottom and has a depth, taken between the surface 14 and the bottom, for example between 100 m and 3500 m.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the transfer assembly 10 comprises a turret 16 anchored in the bottom of the body of water 12, a barge 18 rotatably mounted around the turret 16 about a vertical axis of rotation AA ' , and an intermediate structure 20 mounted between the barge 18 and the turret 16 to be selectively rotated by the barge 18 or retained by the turret 16.

The assembly 10 further comprises a fixed support structure 19 mounted on the barge 18 facing the intermediate structure 20. According to the invention, the assembly 10 further comprises a first mechanism 21 for selectively locking the structure in rotation intermediate 20 on the turret 16, in a configuration retained in rotation by the turret 16, and a second mechanism 22 for selectively locking rotation of the intermediate structure 20 on the barge 18, in a configuration driven in rotation jointly with the barge 18. Referring to Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5 to 8, the assembly 10 also includes a plurality of fluid transport conduits 24 for connecting the bottom assembly to the barge 18 through the turret 16 and the intermediate structure 20. To simplify the drawing, a single pipe 24 is shown in FIG. 4.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the turret 16 comprises a cylindrical body 30 and an anchoring assembly 32 of the body 30 in the bottom of the body of water. The body 30 has a vertical axis A-A '. It extends between a lower surface facing and away from the bottom of the body of water 12 and an upper surface 36 located above the surface 14 of the body of water 12. The body 30 comprises a substantially vertical central sleeve 40 and an upper flange 44 supporting the first mechanism 21. The sleeve 40 internally defines, for each pipe 24, a tubular passage 48 in which the pipe 24 passes.

The flange 44 carries a system 50 of sliding pads for guiding and supporting the intermediate structure 20. The system 50 extends over the entire periphery about the axis A-A '. The tubular passage 48 opens axially upwards facing the intermediate structure 20 and axially downwards in the body of water 12.

The flange 44 defines an outer edge 54 which protrudes radially away from the axis of rotation AA 'beyond the annular sleeve 40. The anchor assembly 32 is distinct from each transport pipe 24. It comprises flexible lines 56 having an upper end fixed to the turret 16, and a lower end fixed in the bottom of the body of water by an anchoring element, such as for example a pile or a suction anchor. The flexible lines 56 keep the turret 16 substantially immobile horizontally relative to the bottom of the body of water, while providing some vertical flexibility. In addition, the lines 56 maintain the turret 16 substantially fixed in rotation about the axis A-A '.

Referring to Figure 2, the barge 18 comprises a floating hull 60, and a set 64 for guiding rotation of the turret 16 about the axis of rotation A-A '. The shell 60 has a height, taken between its lower surface 66 and its upper surface 68, substantially equal to the height of the turret 16. The shell 60 defines a shaft 70 A-A 'for receiving the turret 16.

In the example shown in the figures, the well 70 is located substantially in the center of the barge 18. Alternatively, it is located at one end of the barge 18. It opens axially upwards and downwards. Well 70 has a substantially cylindrical cross section. He receives the turret 16.

The rotation guiding mechanism 64 comprises for example bearings (not shown) interposed between the shell 60 and the barge 18.

Thus, the floating barge 18 is rotatably mounted around the turret 16, around the axis of rotation A-A '. The floating barge 18 is thus free to orient itself angularly around the axis of rotation A-A 'as a function of the current and the winds applying to it, in order to adopt the most stable angular position. Alternatively, it can be controlled to orient itself angularly at a given angle around the axis A-A '. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the support structure 19 is disposed around the well 70 outside the intermediate structure 20. In this example, the support structure 19 projects above the shell 60. central passage 71 for insertion of the intermediate structure 20. The structure 19 comprises an external perforated framework 72, fixed on the shell 60, and, for each transport pipe 24, an outer frustoconical wall 74 projecting from the framework 72. The support structure 19 further comprises a structure 76 for lifting each conveying conduit 24, to ensure the handling of each pipe 24. Each frustoconical wall 74 projects upwards and towards the axis AA 'from of the openwork frame 72. It forms, in an axial plane passing through the axis A-A ', an angle greater than 10 ° with the horizontal. It extends over the entire periphery of the well 70 about the axis A-A ', above the hull 60.

In the example shown in Figure 2, the support structure 19 comprises a plurality of frustoconical walls 74 stacked on top of each other, parallel to each other. Each pair of walls 74 opposite define between them an intermediate space 78 of pipe reception. Each frustoconical wall 74 is movable jointly in rotation with the barge 18. The central passage 71 is defined in the center of the structure 19 between the free edges 79 of the frustoconical walls 74. It has a substantially cylindrical shape of axis A-A '. The lifting structure 76 is disposed above each frustoconical wall 74. It comprises several hoisting cranes 80. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the intermediate structure 20 is disposed above the turret 16 and the floating barge. 18, outside the well 70. It projects upward into the central passage 71 defined by the support structure 19.

The intermediate structure 20 covers the well 70 upwards. As can be seen in FIG. 3, it comprises a central framework 100 of axis AA 'and, for each transport pipe 24, an inner frustoconical wall 102 of support, which projects radially downwards away from the axis. A-A ', from the central frame 100. The intermediate structure 20 further comprises an annular base 103 for engaging the first selective locking mechanism 21 and the second selective locking mechanism 22. The inner frame 100 has a diameter defined by the allowed radius of curvature for the intermediate transfer hose. It comprises a central cylindrical armature 104 having support feet 106 on the annular base 103. The inner frame 100 delimits an inner lumen 108 which opens downwards into the inner passage 48 of the sleeve 40. Each frustoconical inner wall 102 extends radially away from the axis A-A ', in the internal extension of each frustoconical outer wall 74, to a free annular edge 110 which extends facing the outer annular edge 79 of the frustoconical wall 74. It extends over the entire periphery of the cylindrical wall 104 about the axis A-A '. In an axial plane passing through the axis A-A ', the angle defined by the internal frustoconical wall 102 and a horizontal plane is substantially equal to the angle defined by the outer frustoconical wall 74 and a horizontal plane. In the example shown in Figure 3, the intermediate structure 20 comprises a plurality of internal frustoconical walls 102 stacked on each other, parallel to each other. Each pair of walls 102 opposite define between them an intermediate space 111 for receiving pipe. With reference to FIG. 3, the annular base 103 defines an upper bearing surface 112 of the first selective locking mechanism 21, of revolution about the axis A-A '. The upper surface 112 extends substantially perpendicular to the axis A-A '. The annular base 103 further defines a lower frame 114 for attaching a chain of the second selective locking mechanism 22, as will be seen below. The intermediate structure 20 is controllable by operation of the first selective locking mechanism 21 and the second selective locking mechanism 22, between a configuration retained by the turret 16, visible in Figure 9, in which it is integral in rotation with the turret 16 and in which the barge 18 is rotatable around the assembly formed by the turret 16 and the intermediate structure 20, and a configuration driven by the barge 18, visible in FIG. 11, in which the intermediate structure 20 is driven in rotation jointly with the barge 18 about the axis of rotation AA 'with respect to the turret 16.

In addition, in the configuration adopted, the relative angular position of the intermediate structure 20 with respect to the turret 16 is adjustable via the second selective locking mechanism 22, as will be seen below. In this example, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8, each transport pipe 24 comprises a lower section 140 carried by the turret 16, an intermediate section 142 carried at least in part by the intermediate structure 20 and an upper section 144 carried by the barge 18. The pipe 24 further comprises a quick disconnection device 146 interposed in this example between the intermediate section 142 and the lower section 140.

The lower portion 140 is for example made based on a flexible lower portion (not shown) and a rigid upper portion 147, visible in Figure 5. For "flexible" means for the purposes of this application conduct as defined, for example, in the API 17J normative documents of the American Petroleum Institute. Such a hose is rollable on a laying drum, or in a basket, without significant plastic deformation. The flexible portion of the lower portion 140 extends between a lower end located on the bottom of the body of water and an upper end located in the inner passage 48 and connected to the quick disconnect device 146, via the rigid part 147.

The rigid portion 147 is doubly bent. It is secured to the cylindrical frame 104 in the passage 108. It is advantageously provided with a stop valve 149. It has, at its downstream end 151, a mounting flange of the rapid disconnection device 146. The intermediate section 142 comprises a bent rigid connector 148 mounted to move in translation along the axis AA 'on the cylindrical frame 104 in the passage 108 and a section 150 of hose wound around the axis AA' and disposed in abutment on the inner frustoconical wall 102 and on the outer frustoconical wall 74. The hose section 150 is intended to absorb the rotational and translational displacement of the bent rigid connection 148 As illustrated in FIG. 4, the hose section 150 thus comprises an inner end 152 fixed on the rigid coupling 148 in the passageway 108 and an outer end 154 fixed on the upper portion 144 opposite the barge 18. Thus, the inner end 152 is integral in rotation with the intermediate structure 20, while the outer end 154 is integral in rotation with the barge 18.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the hose section 150 forms, between its inner end 152 and its outer end 154, at least one loop around the axis AA 'whose length varies as a function of the relative angular position of the lower end 152 relative to the outer end 154 during the rotation of the barge 18 around the turret 16 when the intermediate structure occupies its retained configuration. In the example shown in Figure 4, and in the adopted angular position, the hose section 150 forms three loops around the axis A-A '. Thus, the hose section 150 is adapted to accommodate the angular position variations of the barge 18 relative to the turret 16 on an angular displacement advantageously greater than or equal to 360 °, without the need to use a rotary joint and without The upper section 144 is carried by the support structure 19, then by the barge 18 for example on a ramp above the shell 60. In this example, it is formed by a rigid pipe.

In this example, the quick disconnect device 146 is placed in the passage 48 while being carried by the intermediate structure 20. The device 146 comprises an upper isolation valve 160 and a quick connector 164, integral with the upstream free end 166 intermediate section 142, which can be disconnected quickly if necessary.

Such a connector 164 is known in English under the name "Quick Connect and Disconnect Connector" or under the acronym "QCDC". According to the invention, the device 146 further comprises a mechanism 170 for joint displacement of the upstream free end 166 and the quick connector 164, between a connection position on the opposite lower section 140, visible in FIGS. 5 and 6, and a disconnected position of the opposite lower section 140, visible in FIGS. 7 and 8. In the example shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the mechanism 170 comprises a movable stem 172 bearing the upstream free end 166 and the quick connector 164 , and at least one cylinder 174 for operating the bracket 172, advantageously two opposed cylinders 174, located on either side of the upstream free end 166. Each cylinder 174 is fixed on the frame 100 of the intermediate structure 20 It is adapted to lift the bracket 172, and jointly the upstream free end 166 and the quick connector 164 away from the free end 151 of the opposite lower section 140. In the connection position, each jack 174 is retracted, and the quick connector 164 engages the free end 151.

In the disconnected position, each jack 174 is deployed. The quick connector 164 has been disengaged from the free end 151 by the bracket 172. The transport pipe 24 is thus adapted to occupy a connected configuration, in which the intermediate section 142 is connected to the lower section 140 by the fast disconnect device 146, and a disconnect configuration of the quick disconnect device 146, wherein the lower section 140 and the intermediate section 142 are disconnected. According to the invention, and with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13, the first selective locking mechanism 21 comprises at least one mechanical brake device 200, activatable between a release position of the intermediate structure 20 and an immobilization position of the intermediate structure 20. Advantageously, the first locking mechanism 21 comprises a plurality of mechanical brake devices 200, preferably angularly distributed around the axis A-A '.

In the example shown in the figures, each mechanical brake device 200 is carried by the turret 16, advantageously on the upper surface 36, at the flange 44, internally towards the axis AA 'with respect to the annular base 103 of the intermediate structure 20. The system 50 sliding pads, visible in Figure 9, facilitates and guides the rotation of the intermediate structure 20 about the axis AA 'when the intermediate structure 20 does not occupy its configuration retained in rotation by the turret 16. As illustrated by FIGS. 12 and 13, each brake device 200 comprises a support clevis 202, and a shoe 204, movably mounted on the yoke 202, between a release position, visible in FIG. 12 , and an immobilization position engaged on the upper surface 112, visible in FIG. 13. The brake device 200 furthermore comprises an assembly 206 for operating the shoe 204 to move it from the position release to the immobilization position and keep it in the immobilization position. The shoe 204 protrudes from the support yoke 202. It is here articulated on the yoke 202 about a horizontal axis. The operating assembly 206 comprises a jack 208 hinged to the yoke 202, and a set of rods 210 also hinged to the yoke 202, connecting an inner end of the shoe 204 to the jack 208. The deployment of the jack 208 thus causes the passage of the shoe 204 from its release position to its immobilization position. This passage is made by rotation of the pad 204 about its axis, this rotation being generated by means of the rods 210. The pad 204, and more particularly its free end 212 is applied to the surface 112 in the position of immobilization to generate a gripping force of the surface 112 which thus forms a blocking surface. The movable shoe 204 is disposed away from the surface 112 in the release position. Thus, each brake device 200, with the shoe 204 in the immobilization position is adapted to immobilize the intermediate structure 20 in the configuration retained in rotation by the turret 16, by gripping the surface 112 under each shoe 204. No displacement of the intermediate structure 20 in translation is therefore necessary to obtain this immobilization, which is simple and quick to implement. Conversely, each brake device 200, in the release position of the shoe 204, is able to release the intermediate structure 20 so that it can pass into the configuration rotated jointly with the barge 18. Referring to Figures 14 and 15 , the second locking mechanism 22 comprises at least one gear device 220 that can be activated between a release position of the intermediate structure 20 and an engaged immobilization position of the intermediate structure 20. It furthermore comprises a circumferential chain 222 that is clean. to be engaged by the gear device 220. In this example, the second locking mechanism 22 comprises a plurality of gear devices 220 angularly distributed about the axis A-A '. The circumferential chain 222 is fixed on the intermediate structure 20, advantageously being mounted under the annular base 103, on the lower frame 114. Each gear device 220 is carried by the barge 18, around the well 70, on the surface 68. Each gear device 220 comprises at least one motorized gear wheel 224, a gear motor assembly 226, adapted to drive the motorized gear wheel 224 in rotation, the gear motor assembly 226 being provided with a control member 228. of the assembly 226 to immobilize the toothed wheel 224 in rotation and thus immobilize the intermediate structure 20 on the barge 18. Each gear device 220 further comprises a displacement assembly 230 of the toothed wheel 224 between the release position, represented in FIG. 15 and the immobilized engaged position, represented in FIG. 14.

The toothed wheel 224 is rotatable about an axis B-B 'substantially parallel to the axis A-A'. The geared motor assembly 226 is adapted to rotate the toothed wheel 224, when it is engaged in the chain 222, to control the relative angular position between the barge 18 and the intermediate structure 20 about the axis A- AT'. The control member 228 is able to keep the geared motor assembly 226 and the toothed wheel 224 immobile in rotation about the axis B-B ', the toothed wheel 224 being engaged on the chain 222 to immobilize the intermediate structure 20 in rotation relative to the barge 18 around the axis A-A '.

In this example, the displacement assembly 230 comprises a movable plate 234, a jack 236 for moving the movable plate 234, and an actuating rod 238. The jack 236 is articulated at a first point on the plate 234, and a second point on the connecting rod 238. The connecting rod 238 is articulated a third point on the plate 234, and at a fourth intermediate point between the second point and the third point on a flange 240 secured to the barge 18. Thus, the plate 234 is adapted to move by deployment of the cylinder 236 and rotation of the connecting rod 238 to pass the geared motor assembly 226 and the gear wheels 224 from the release position, shown in Figure 15 to the immobilized engaged position, shown in Figure 16. A first disconnection method in the transfer assembly 10 according to the invention will now be described. Initially, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the transfer assembly 10 is connected to the bottom assembly to collect the fluid extracted from the bottom of the body of water.

For this purpose, the turret 16 is anchored in the bottom of the body of water 12 via the anchoring lines 56. As mentioned above, the turret 16 is then substantially fixed in rotation around the axis AA 'relative to the bottom of the body of water 12. The barge 18 is rotatably mounted around the turret 16 and is at least partially free to move angularly about the axis AA' relative to the turret 16. This rotation is guided by the guiding mechanism 64. The intermediate structure 20 occupies its configuration retained on the turret 16. For this purpose, the first locking mechanism 21 is activated.

As illustrated in Figure 9, each brake device 200 is activated to pass and maintain each pad 204 in its immobilization position. Under the effect of the deployment of the jack 208, the shoe 204 pivots about its axis and its free end 212 is firmly applied to the locking surface 112 of the annular base 103. The intermediate structure 20 is kept fixed in rotation relative to to the turret 16, by gripping the surface 112 by the brake devices 200.

The barge 18 is free to pivot around the turret 16 without rotating the intermediate structure 20 about the axis of rotation A-A '. The fluid transport pipe 24 then occupies its connected configuration. Thus, with reference to FIG. 5, the fast disconnection device 146 occupies its connected configuration and the lower section 140 is connected to the intermediate section 142 via the isolation valves 160, 149 and the quick connector 164. Each jack 174 is retracted to maintain the stem 172 near the free end 151. The quick connector 164 is engaged around the flange 151. A continuous fluid passage is defined successively from the bottom of the body of water 12 to the surface through the lower section 140, the intermediate section 142 and the upper section 144. During the rotation of the barge 18 around the turret 16, the outer end 154 of the wound hose section 150, fixed in rotation by relative to the barge 18 moves angularly about the axis AA 'relative to the inner end 152 of the flexible section 150 fixed in rotation relative to the turret 16.

The hose section 150 is wound or unrolled in a corresponding manner, resting on the frustoconical support walls 102, 74. This makes it possible to accommodate the variations in the angular position of the barge 18 relative to the turret 16, while by providing a transport of fluid through the transport pipe 24. When a disconnection must be performed, for example if the weather conditions deteriorate, the isolation valves 160, 149 are closed. The quick connector 164 is disconnected to release the lower section 140 with respect to the intermediate section 142. The jacks 174 of the movement mechanism 170 are deployed to raise the stem 172 and move the quick connector 164 away from the collar 151.

Then, the second selective locking mechanism 22 is activated, without deactivating the first selective locking mechanism 21. For this purpose, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the displacement assembly 230 is controlled to move the movable plate 234, in order to engaging each gear device 220 on the chain 222.

During this movement, the toothed wheel 224 engages with the chain 222 and the toothed wheel 224 is movable on the chain 222 to follow the rotation of the turret. .

Then, with reference to FIG. 11, the first selective locking mechanism 21 is deactivated. At this moment, the control member 228 of the toothed wheel 224 is activated and the wheel 224 is then driven. Each brake device 220 is controlled to move the pad 204 from its immobilization position to its release position.

The intermediate structure 20 is then rotated about the axis AA 'by the floating barge 18. It is free to move in rotation about the axis AA' relative to the turret 16. The rotation of the intermediate structure 20 is guided by the system 50. In this configuration, the inner end 152 of the hose section 150 then moves together with the outer end 154 of this hose section, so that the rotation of the floating barge 18 around the axis AA 'does not affect the winding of the hose section 150 about the axis A-A'. Thus, the inner end 152 remains fixed angularly with respect to the outer end 154. Thus, the barge 18 can perform very large rotations of angular extent around the turret 16, especially greater than one turn, or even even greater than several revolutions, depending on atmospheric conditions and current. The turret 16 remains substantially fixed with respect to the bottom of the body of water 12 while being held by the anchor assembly 32. When the atmospheric conditions return to normal, it is then very simple to reconnect the installation. First, if necessary, the control member 228 is controlled to activate the gear motor assembly 226 and the gear wheel 224. The gear motor assembly 226 is activated to drive the gear wheel 224 in rotation and to rotate the gear wheel 224. intermediate structure 20 relative to the barge 18 about the axis AA 'to angularly align the free end of the intermediate portion 142 provided with the valve 160 with the free end 151 of the lower section 144 and reconnect the connector 164. The first Selective blocking mechanism 21 is reactivated, as previously described, and the second selective blocking mechanism 22 is then disabled.

The intermediate structure 20 moves from its driven configuration to its selected configuration. Reconnection of the connector 64 is effected by retraction of the jacks 174, to bring the bracket 172 of the collar 151 and engage the connector 164 around the collar 151.

The method according to the invention thus ensures a fast and safe disconnection of a transfer assembly 10, under extreme conditions, while allowing a satisfactory normal operation during a free or controlled rotation of the barge 18 with respect to the turret 16 about the axis A-A ', when the transport pipe 24 is connected to carry fluid between the bottom and the surface. It is furthermore easy to reconnect each transfer line 24 when conditions are met to resume fluid production. According to the invention, the first selective locking mechanism 21 and the second selective locking mechanism 22 guarantee quick connections and disconnections, which do not require heavy means, for example requiring the intermediate structure 20 to be lifted.

In particular, no displacement of the intermediate structure 20 with respect to the turret 16 and / or with respect to the barge 18 is necessary to selectively pass the intermediate structure 20 from its retained configuration to its driven configuration and vice versa. In a variant, at least one brake device 200, advantageously all the brake devices 200 of the first locking mechanism 21 are carried by the intermediate structure 20 and engage on a locking surface present on the turret 16. another variant, at least one gear device 220, advantageously all the gear devices 220 of the second locking mechanism 22 are carried by the intermediate structure 18 and engage on a chain 222 present on the barge 18. In a Another variant, the locking mechanism 21 is devoid of brake device 200. It comprises an inner chain, adapted to engage selectively with the gear motor assembly 226, in the configuration retained in rotation about the axis of rotation AA 'by the turret 16.

Thus, the geared motor assembly 226 is adapted to engage selectively either on the inner chain of the first locking mechanism 21, to maintain the intermediate structure 20 in the configuration retained in rotation, or on the outer chain 222 of the second mechanism of blocking 22, for placing the intermediate structure in the jointly rotated configuration with the barge 18.

In other variants, the first locking mechanism 21 comprises at least one gear device 220 and the second locking mechanism 22 comprises at least one brake device 200.

Claims (15)

CLAIMS1.- A fluid transfer assembly (10) between the bottom of a body of water (12) and the surface, of the type comprising: at least one fluid transport line (24) comprising a lower section (140) ), an intermediate portion (142), an upper portion (144), and a quick disconnect device (146) interposed between the intermediate portion (142) and one of the lower portion (140) and the upper portion (142). a turret (16) carrying the lower section (140), the turret (16) comprising an anchoring assembly (32) in the bottom of the body of water (12); a floating barge (18) rotatably mounted on the turret (16) about an axis (A-A ') of rotation, the barge (18) carrying the upper section (18), the intermediate section (142) comprising at least one section (150) of hose wound around the axis of rotation (A-A '), the transport pipe (24) being adapted to occupy a connected configuration in which the intermediate section (142) is connected to the one of the lower section (140) and the upper segment (144) via the quick disconnect device (146), and a disconnection configuration of the quick disconnect device (146), the transfer unit (10) comprising an intermediate structure (20) for at least partially supporting the wound hose section (150), the intermediate structure (20) being mounted between the turret (16) and the barge (18) between a jointly rotated configuration with the barge (18) around the axis of rotation relative to the tower it (16) and a configuration retained in rotation about the axis of rotation (A-A ') by the turret (16), characterized in that the assembly (10) comprises a first mechanism (21) selective blocking the intermediate structure (20) in the configuration retained in rotation by the turret (16) adapted to selectively connect the intermediate structure (20) to the turret (16), the assembly (10) comprising a second mechanism (22) selectively blocking the intermediate structure (20) in the jointly rotated configuration with the barge (18), adapted to selectively connect the intermediate structure (20) to the barge (18). 2. - assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first mechanism (21) for selective locking and / or the second mechanism (22) for selective locking are configured to selectively block the intermediate structure (20) without displacement the intermediate structure (20) in translation relative to the barge (18) and / or the turret (16). 3. - assembly (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the first mechanism (21) selective locking and / or the second mechanism (22) for selective locking comprise at least one device (200) mechanical brake activatable between a release position of the intermediate structure (20) and an immobilization position of the intermediate structure (20). 4. - assembly (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the mechanical brake device (200) comprises a movable pad (204), the movable pad (204) applying on a blocking surface (112) in the immobilizing position, for generating a gripping force of the locking surface (112), the movable pad (204) being disposed away from the locking surface (112) in the release position. 5. - assembly (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the mechanical brake device (200) is carried by the turret (16), the locking surface (112) being delimited on the intermediate structure (18), by being advantageously of revolution about the axis (A-A ') of rotation of the barge (18). 6. - assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first selective locking mechanism (21) and / or the second selective locking mechanism (22) comprises at least one gear device ( 220) activatable between a release position of the intermediate structure (18) and an immobilization position of the intermediate structure (18). 7. - assembly (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the gear device (220) comprises at least one motorized gear (224), the gear wheel (224) engaging in a chain (222) in the immobilization position. 8. - assembly (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the gear device (220) comprises a geared motor assembly (226) adapted to drive in rotation the toothed wheel (224), the gear device ( 220) comprising a member (228) for controlling the gear motor assembly (226) for immobilizing the gear wheel (224) in position. 9. - assembly (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the gear device (220) is carried by the barge (18), the chain (222) being carried by the intermediate structure (20), being advantageously of revolution about the axis of rotation of the barge (18). 10. - assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the quick disconnect device (146) comprises a movable connector (164) mounted at one end (166) of a portion selected from the intermediate section (142), the upper section (144), or the lower section (140), the rapid disconnection device (146) comprising a mechanism (170) for joint displacement (164) and end (166). of the selected section, between a connection position on an opposite section, and a disconnected position of the opposite section. 11. - assembly (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the displacement mechanism (170) comprises a bracket (172) carrying the connector (164) and the end (166) of the selected section, and at least one jack (174) for moving the bracket (172) to pass the connector (164) and the end of the selected section between the connection position and the disconnected position. 12. An assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of fluid transport lines (24), the intermediate structure (20) comprising a support wall (102) for the wound hose section (150) of each transport pipe (24), the support walls (102) being arranged one above the other along the axis of rotation (A-A '). 13. A method of disconnecting a fluid transfer assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising a connection step in which the intermediate section (142) is connected to one of the lower section. (140) and the upper section (144) via the quick disconnect device (146), and a disconnection step including disconnecting the quick disconnect device (146), wherein in the connecting step the intermediate structure (20) is placed in one of the driven configuration and the selected configuration, the disconnecting step comprising passing the intermediate structure (20) to the other of the driven configuration and the configuration retainer, characterized in that the passage in the retained configuration comprises activating the first selective locking mechanism (21) to selectively connect the intermediate structure (20). ) to the turret (16), and deactivating the second selective locking mechanism (22), the passage into the driven configuration including the activation of the second selective locking mechanism (22) for selectively connecting the intermediate structure (20) to the barge (18), and deactivating the first selective locking mechanism (21). 14. - Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the first selective locking mechanism (21) and / or the second selective locking mechanism (22) comprise at least one mechanical brake device (200), the method comprising a step of activating the mechanical brake device (200) between a release position of the intermediate structure (18) and an immobilization position of the intermediate structure (18) when passing through the selected configuration and / or during the transition in the driven configuration. 15. - Method according to any one of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that the first selective locking mechanism (21) and / or the second selective locking mechanism (22) comprise at least one gear device (220). ), the method comprising a step of activating the gear device (220) between a release position of the intermediate structure (18) and a position of immobilization of the intermediate structure (18) during the passage in the selected configuration and / or when passing into the driven configuration.