GB1594535A - Construction and installation of marine risers - Google Patents
Construction and installation of marine risers Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB1594535A GB1594535A GB898778A GB898778A GB1594535A GB 1594535 A GB1594535 A GB 1594535A GB 898778 A GB898778 A GB 898778A GB 898778 A GB898778 A GB 898778A GB 1594535 A GB1594535 A GB 1594535A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- length
- riser
- frame
- riser pipe
- marine
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 title claims description 35
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 title claims description 8
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 claims description 35
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 25
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 22
- 230000009850 completed effect Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000010355 oscillation Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002035 prolonged effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009877 rendering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
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
- E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
- E21B19/002—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables specially adapted for 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
- E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
- E21B17/01—Risers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L1/00—Laying or reclaiming pipes; Repairing or joining pipes on or under water
- F16L1/12—Laying or reclaiming pipes on or under water
- F16L1/14—Laying or reclaiming pipes on or under water between the surface and the bottom
- F16L1/15—Laying or reclaiming pipes on or under water between the surface and the bottom vertically
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Earth Drilling (AREA)
Description
(54) CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF MARINE
RISERS
(71) We, SUB SEA INTER
NATIONAL LIMITED, a British Company, of 17, Grosvenor Hill, London, W1X 9HG, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: This invention relates to a construction frame for a marine riser, to a method of constructing a marine riser, and to a method of installing a marine riser.
In the exploitation of sub-sea gas- and oilfields, exploited oil and gas may be transported from a field to one or more marine production platforms via a production pipeline which lies on, or is buried in, the sea bed. At the site of each platform, the production pipeline has connected to it an upstanding pipe or "marine riser" bringing the oil or gas up to the platform, for subsequent processing.
The installation at the site of the production platform of the marine riser, which may be several hundred feet in length, takes place after the production pipeline has been laid, and is an operation which is fraught with difficulty and capital investment. In one method, the entire riser, made up of welded lengths of riser pipe, is towed by a purpose-built barge, itself provided at considerable expense, to the production platform. The riser is lowered from the barge by a derrick firstly into a horizontal position and then into an upright posi tion before being secured to the production platform. The linear stability of the riser is greatly affected by bending moments, caused by wind and waves for example, and these moments can distort the riser beyond inherent stress limits and render it useless.
In another method, a drilling vessel, or a semi-submersible rigged for drilling, is used to install the riser. However the derrick does not offer much support to the riser, and even if the riser is successfully launched into the water, the problem of separating the riser from the vessel remains to be solved before it can be secured to the production platform. The possibility of damaging the riser during the separation is considerable as it may contact the vessel, possibly puncturing the hull of the vessel, or it may stab into the sea-bed.
In yet another method, lengths of riser pipe are dropped down through a series of verticallyspaced guide rings in an operation known as
"stove-piping". This operation can be particularly hazardous as the complexity of the rigging gear must be constantly monitored by severa] people simultaneously above and below water. If any handling complications arise, the pipe may be readily subjected to damage rendering it useless.
Moreover, the successful utilisation of all these methods is dependent upon a "weatherwindow" i.e. a prolonged period (5 to 10 days) of favourable wind and wave conditions that can only be determined suitable by the offshore personnel and the available equipment at the time of installation.
It is generally accepted that two or three marine risers have to be prepared and made readily available for every marine riser that is successfully installed.
The present invention provides a construction frame for marine risers comprising an elongated frame adapted to support longitudinally thereof lengths of riser pipe, and along which said lengths are advanceable from a welding station, retaining means for releasably retaining a length of riser pipe in said welding station for end to end abutment with a further length of riser pipe, and an exit opening for release of the completed riser from the frame.
The frame may be of channel section in which the lengths of riser pipe are supportedly received. Each pipe length may be advanceable to said welding station along with said frame.
Preferably said retaining means comprises at least one clamp for clamping a length of riser pipe therein, and actuating means for opening and closing said clamp. At least one similar such clamp is preferably provided for each length of riser pipe supported in said frame. Preferably the clamp(s) is/are laterally adjustable to assist in plumb alignment of abutting ends of lengths of riser pipe.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the construction frame is secured in an upright position to a vessel, e.g. a semi-submersible. The frame may include means for securing it to the vessel.
The present invention further provides a method of constructing a marine riser comprising the steps of supporting a first length of riser pipe by an elongated construction frame, releasably retaining said length in a welding station, supporting a second length of riser pipe by said frame and bringing said second length into end to end abutment with said first length, and welding said lengths together.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method of constructing a marine riser comprises the steps of (a) longitudinally inserting a first length of riser pipe into an elongated construction frame, (b) advancing said length to a welding station, (c) releasably retaining said length in said welding station, (d) longitudinally inserting a second length of riser pipe into said frame, (e) advancing said second length into end to end abutment with said first length, and (f) welding said lengths together. A further length of riser pipe may be welded to the second length by releasing said first length and advancing said second length to the welding station, and repeating steps (c) to (f). Even further lengths of riser pipe may be added in a likewise manner until a marine riser of desired length is obtained.
The present invention even further provides a method of installing a marine riser comprising constructing a marine riser in the upright position using the construction frame and/or method described above, releasing the marine riser from the elongated frame, moving the riser in the upright position to the desired location at the site of a production platform, and securing the riser in said desired location.
A preferred emboulment o the construcuon frame and methods of the present invention will now be described, by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a view of the aft-end of a semisubmersible having the construction frame secured thereto in an upright position, and
Figure 2 is a cross-section through the construction frame.
Referring to the drawings, the floating semisubmersible 1 to which the construction frame 2 of the present invention is- secured thereto in the upright position, includes a deck 3 raised above the water-line 4, and a crane 5 mounted on the deck 3. The semi-submersible draws about 70 feet of water under normal operating conditions.
The construction frame 2 comprises an elongated frame 6 of channel- or U-section, each side of which is constructed as a latticework using steel I-beams and angles. The open side 6a of the frame faces outwardly from the semi-submersible 1. The frame 6 may itself be made in two parts, one part extending from deck-level to the undersea end, and the other extending from deck-level to the upper end.
The overall length of the frame 6 is some 200 feet, projecting some 70 feet below the waterline 4 and some 55 feet above the deck 3. The
overall length of the riser is determined by
the required length of the completed riser.
Provided at spaced intervals A, B, C, D, and
E along the elongated frame 6 are hydraulically-operated dual-motion clamps 7, one of which is shown in Figure 2. The distance between adjacent clamps is less than that of a standard length of riser pipe. Each clamp 7
comprises a pair of opposed clamping members 8 pivoted at 9 for pivotal movement within the frame 6. Pivot points 9 are mounted on upper and lower plates of steel-plate box
sections which surround the clamps 7. Each
clamping member 8 has formed therein an
arcuate opening 10 lined with a friction liner
11 of an inner radius equal to that of the
outer radius of a length 12 of riser pipe. This
arrangement provides for the clamps to be
opened and closed separately, or together. The
second phase is a simultaneous movement of
both clamping members 8 to either side. This
movement can be used to compensate for wind
and water forces acting against the riser linear
vertical alignment. This provides rigid control
over stability and alignment of multi-sectional pipe fabrication.
The clamps 7 are opened and closed by high-pressure hydraulic rams 13 each pivotally mounted on a retaining plate 14 supported by the aforementioned box-section, the piston 15
of each ram 13 being pivotally connected to a clamping member 8. Hydraulic supply and return whip lines 16 and 17 respectively are provided for actuation of the rams 13. The hydraulic system provides the power to operate the dual motion clamps to suit the environmental conditions that may have an adverse effect on the alignment or stability of the riser during fabrication. The system also provides for the isolation of any clamp due to the following reasons, namely (a) wind or wave conditions counteracting alignment or stability, (b) loss of hydraulic pressure, and (c) mechanical seizure. If any of these factors appear, the integrity of the remainder of the system remains undisturbed and the problem area may be repaired without stoppage of the operation.
Each clamp 7 is provided with a manual override locking mechanism, as indicated at 18, constituted by a turnbuckle or windlass.
This provides for a manual locking override on the gripping force of the dual motion clamps.
It may be necessary to initiate the override, for example, in case of loss of hydraulic power, seizure of clamps 7 in the open position, or to provide extra gripping power.
In constructing a marine riser in accordance with the method of the present invention, it should be appreciated that the semi-submersible 1 will be on station close to the production platform (not shown), and lengths of riser pipe are carried to it by conventional pipe-carrier vessels. A length (35 to 90 feet) of riser pipe, is lifted by crane 5 using the lugs conventionally provided at the ends thereof and inserted longitudinally into the frame 6 through its upper end. With all clamps 7 open, the length is axially lowered into a welding station at which the upper end of the length projects just above deck-level and above clamp C. Clamps
C and D are closed to grip the length of riser pipe. A second length of riser pipe is longitudinally lowered into the frame until it comes into end to end abutment with the first inserted length. Clamps A and B are actuated to grip the second length. The ends of the lengths are manipulated into plumb alignment by oscillating clamps A to D. Such oscillation provides lateral adjustment of the clamped lengths of riser pipe. The two sections are then welded together.
After opening the clamps, the welded lengths are lowered by the crane into the frame until the second length is in the welding station and the welded lengths are again firmly clamped using clamps C, D, and E. A further length of riser pipe is then lowered into the frame 6 into end to end abutment with the second length, clamped using clamps A and B, and the aligning, welding, and lowering operations are repeated until the desired length of marine riser column 19 is fabricated.
It will be appreciated that each length of riser pipe can be loaded directly into the welding station via the open side 6a of the frame rather than via the upper end of the frame, if desired.
Using the crane to take the weight of the completed marine riser, the clamps 7 are opened, and the riser released sideways from the frame 6 through its open side 6a which defines an exit opening extending the whole length of the frame 6. The riser is then moved by the crane into the desired location at the site of the production platform and secured to a jacket leg of the production platform. A so-called "spool-piece" is then used to join the lower end of the marine riser to a production pipeline (not shown).
Throughout fabrication of the marine riser, it is supportedly contained within the construction frame thus effecting maintenance of linear stability against the forces of wind and waves.
Continuous risers of over 365 feet in length
can be handled without excessive loss of the linear stability of the risers. Moreover, exces
sive elongation problems are avoided.
If adverse weather conditions occur after release of the riser from the frame, but before it is installed, the riser can be reinserted into
the frame through the open side 6a of the frame and supported there until more favourable wind and wave conditions occur.
The construction frame of the present invention does not require valuable deck space as it is mounted outboard of the service vessel. It's use eliminates the need of special derrick barges for the construction and installation of marine risers, and provides a means of total control over construction and installation of marine risers as the complete operation can
be undertaken offshore at the exact site location.
WHAT WE CLAIM IS:- 1. A construction frame for marine risers
comprising an elongated frame adapted to
support longitudinally thereof lengths of riser
pipe, and along which said lengths are ad
vanceable from a welding station, retaining
means for releasably retaining a length of riser
pipe in said welding station for end to end
abutment with a further length of riser pipe,
and an exit opening for release of the com
pleted riser from the frame.
2. A constructionframe according to Claim
1 wherein the frame is of channel section in
which said lengths of riser pipe are supportedly
received.
3. A construction frame according to Claim
1 or Claim 2 wherein said lengths of riser pipe
are advanceable to and from said welding
station along said frame.
4. A construction frame according to any
one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein said retaining
means comprises at least one clamp for
clamping a length of riser pipe therein.
5. A construction frame according to Claim
4 wherein said clamp is laterally adjustable.
6. A construction frame substantially as
hereinbefore described with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
7. A method of constructing a marine riser
comprising the steps of supporting a first length
of riser pipe by an elongated construction
frame, releasably retaining said length in a welding station, supporting a second length of riser pipe by said frame and bringing said
second length into end to end abutment with said first length, and welding said lengths together.
8. A method of constructing a marine riser comprising the steps of (a) longitudinally inserting a first length of riser pipe into an elongated construction frame, (b) advancing said length to a welding station, (c) releasably retaining said length in said welding station, (d) longitudinally inserting a second length of riser pipe into said frame, (e) advancing said second length into end to end abutment with said first length, and (f) welding said lengths together.
9. A method according to Claim 8 wherein a further length of riser pipe is welded to said second length by releasing said first length, advancing said second length to the welding
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.
Claims (14)
1. A construction frame for marine risers
comprising an elongated frame adapted to
support longitudinally thereof lengths of riser
pipe, and along which said lengths are ad
vanceable from a welding station, retaining
means for releasably retaining a length of riser
pipe in said welding station for end to end
abutment with a further length of riser pipe,
and an exit opening for release of the com
pleted riser from the frame.
2. A constructionframe according to Claim
1 wherein the frame is of channel section in
which said lengths of riser pipe are supportedly
received.
3. A construction frame according to Claim
1 or Claim 2 wherein said lengths of riser pipe
are advanceable to and from said welding
station along said frame.
4. A construction frame according to any
one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein said retaining
means comprises at least one clamp for
clamping a length of riser pipe therein.
5. A construction frame according to Claim
4 wherein said clamp is laterally adjustable.
6. A construction frame substantially as
hereinbefore described with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
7. A method of constructing a marine riser
comprising the steps of supporting a first length
of riser pipe by an elongated construction
frame, releasably retaining said length in a welding station, supporting a second length of riser pipe by said frame and bringing said
second length into end to end abutment with said first length, and welding said lengths together.
8. A method of constructing a marine riser comprising the steps of (a) longitudinally inserting a first length of riser pipe into an elongated construction frame, (b) advancing said length to a welding station, (c) releasably retaining said length in said welding station, (d) longitudinally inserting a second length of riser pipe into said frame, (e) advancing said second length into end to end abutment with said first length, and (f) welding said lengths together.
9. A method according to Claim 8 wherein a further length of riser pipe is welded to said second length by releasing said first length, advancing said second length to the welding
station, and repeating steps (c) to (f).
10. A method of constructing a marine riser substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Drawings.
11. A marine riser whenever constructed according to the method of any one of Claims 7 to 10.
12. A method of installing a marine riser comprising constructing a marine riser in the upright position using the construction frame as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 6 or the method as claimed in any of Claims 7 to 10, releasing the marine riser from the elongated frame, moving the riser in the upright position to the desired location at the site of a production platform, and securing the riser in said desired location.
13. A method of installing a marine riser substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Drawings.
14. A marine riser whenever installed by the method of Claim 12 or Claim 13.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB898778A GB1594535A (en) | 1978-05-16 | 1978-05-16 | Construction and installation of marine risers |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB898778A GB1594535A (en) | 1978-05-16 | 1978-05-16 | Construction and installation of marine risers |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB1594535A true GB1594535A (en) | 1981-07-30 |
Family
ID=9863180
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB898778A Expired GB1594535A (en) | 1978-05-16 | 1978-05-16 | Construction and installation of marine risers |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB1594535A (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0148768A2 (en) * | 1984-01-06 | 1985-07-17 | Webco Industrial Rubber Limited | Clamp |
| EP0499737A1 (en) * | 1991-02-22 | 1992-08-26 | Mcdermott International, Inc. | Installation of conductors for offshore well platforms |
| WO2003006783A1 (en) * | 2001-07-12 | 2003-01-23 | Phoenix Beattie Limited | Riser system for water intake |
| EP1321671A1 (en) * | 2001-12-18 | 2003-06-25 | PLAMBECK, Norbert | Barge for the transport of offshore wind turbines |
| WO2007091884A1 (en) * | 2006-02-09 | 2007-08-16 | Heerema Marine Contractors Nederland B.V. | Crane assisted pipe lay |
-
1978
- 1978-05-16 GB GB898778A patent/GB1594535A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0148768A2 (en) * | 1984-01-06 | 1985-07-17 | Webco Industrial Rubber Limited | Clamp |
| EP0148768A3 (en) * | 1984-01-06 | 1985-11-13 | Webco Industrial Rubber Limited | Clamp |
| EP0499737A1 (en) * | 1991-02-22 | 1992-08-26 | Mcdermott International, Inc. | Installation of conductors for offshore well platforms |
| WO2003006783A1 (en) * | 2001-07-12 | 2003-01-23 | Phoenix Beattie Limited | Riser system for water intake |
| EP1321671A1 (en) * | 2001-12-18 | 2003-06-25 | PLAMBECK, Norbert | Barge for the transport of offshore wind turbines |
| WO2007091884A1 (en) * | 2006-02-09 | 2007-08-16 | Heerema Marine Contractors Nederland B.V. | Crane assisted pipe lay |
| US7722294B2 (en) | 2006-02-09 | 2010-05-25 | Heerema Marine Contractors | Crane assisted pipe lay |
| AU2007212815B2 (en) * | 2006-02-09 | 2012-09-20 | Heerema Marine Contractors Nederland S.E. | Crane assisted pipe lay |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS | Patent sealed | ||
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |