GB2124855A - Remote control and monitoring of well shut-off systems - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for the remote control and monitoring of shutoff systems for oil and gaswells, comprising - mechanically operable shutoff valves 2 and/or gates - which are adapted to be controlled by peripheral units equipped with driving means and control circuits, - including at least one device provided with display means, for controlling and monitoring one or more peripheral units, - and including a monitoring device receiving the condition- indicating signals, wherein the control circuits of the peripheral unit 16 are connected to a radio remote controlled element 7 initiating the switching operations, with said pheripheral unit 16 is connected to a transmitter 30 to transmit signals in an encoded form which serve for monitoring the performing of the switching operations. A pair of identically equipped transmitter 12 and receiver 13 devices (transceivers) are adapted both to initiate the motion processes of individual ones of the shutoff valves and gates of the well shutoff system via the peripheral unit (16) by means of radio signals,and to permit reading of the open/closed condition signals of the shutoff valves and gates by means of corresponding signal display devices. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Apparatus for remote control and monitoring of well shutoffsystems The present invention relates to an apparatus for remote control and monitoring of shutoffsystemsfor ofshutoffsystems for oil and gas wells, comprising - mechanically operable shutoffvalves and/or gates which are adapted to be controlled by peripheral units equipped with driving means and control circuits, - including at least one device provided with display means, for controlling and monitoring one or more peripheral units, -and including a monitoring device receiving the condition-indicating signals.

Forthe operation and exploitation of oil and gas wells beiton-shore oroff-shore, a cooperation between the drilling supervisor (driller) and the so-called toolpusher has been developed, with the driller normally operating directly in the vicinity of the well, while the toolpusher, equipped with a corresponding monitor system, is positioned remote from the well system. Conventional units forthe monitoring of well shutoff systems are therefore equipped with a central unitwhich has extending therefrom a pair of controlcommunication lines which feed a monitoring device forthe driller and an auxiliary monitoring deviceforthetoolpusher. Further, hydraulic or pneumatic control means extend from the central unit, with the lines or leads being passed across greater distances.In the conventional remote controls for the special purpose of monitoring and controlling well shutoffsystem, a number or cables, pipes and hoses are passed across long distances,this resulting in the well-known risks involved with long distance lines of this kind, which risks may reside particularly in damage (breaking or shearing) orfire actions.

In the case of systems installed in shallow water regions, the respective lines pass across platforms and floating bodies which constitutes undesirable obstacles to operation inthevicinityofdrilling platforms and the like. Further, the monitor and control panel forthe driller is stationarily installed in the vicinity ofthe well. Under dangerous or hazardous conditions, however, the driller is forced to leave this position such that control ofthe well shutoff system can be effected only through the auxiliary control unit ofthe toolpusher.

It is thereforethe object of the present invention to provide an apparatusforthe remote control and monitoring of well (drill hole) shutoff systems, in which, by utilizing radio remote control (telecontrol) means, positive cooperation between the toolpusher and the driller may be maintained even under conditions of fire and blowout so asto improve safety on the whole as compared to the operation of conventional systems.

This object is solved in an apparatus of the type as outlined above, wherein the control circuits of the peripheral unit are connected to a radio remote controlled element initiating the switching operation with said peripheral unit further being adapted to transmit signals in an encoded form which serve for monitoring the performing ofthe switching operation.

There are provided of leasta pairof identically equipped transmitter and receiver devices (transceivers) adapted both to initiate the motion processes of individual ones of the shutoffvalves and gates of the well shutoffsystem via the peripheral unit by means of radio signals, and to permit reading of the open/closed condition signals ofthe shutoffvalves and gates by means of corresponding signal display devices.

In contrast with the conventional apparatus, this apparatus has the characteristic that the remotecontrollable peripheral unit may be positioned near the well in an enclosed state. Long hydraulic connecting lines are unnecessary. Further, the periperal unit may be protected and enclosed, e.g. in a capsule so as to be capable of withstanding, at least over some period of time, moments of danger, such as fire or gas blowout. The stationarily installed display and control panels provided for the driller and the toolpusher as well as the central unit are substituted by portable transmitter and receiver devices (transceivers) which are formed astransponders. In dangerous situations, these devices may be removed from the well platform.

Even in the case of an accident which places the driller out offunction, the toolpusher is in a position to control every essential emergency operation. In the established hierarchy orworkoroperation, toolpusher and driller may each act as such that every action, and every change of state attained by actions, of the well shutoff system is recognizable in both transmitter and receiver devices.

Actually, radio remote control systems are known for various purposes; in the present instance, howev er,therearisesthespecial problem of rendering possible safe functioning even with work sharing between the driller and thetoolpusher, and to secure maximum safety of information and control for emergency situations in well shutoff systems.

The operational and transmission safety or reliability is increased in thatthe two portable transmitter and receiver devices are additionally provided with a mutually compatible radiotelephone device.

Operational reliability and protection againstoperating errors are improved in thatthe portabletrans- mitten and receiver devices are provided with a safeguarded unlocking or releasing member which may be unlocked priorto sending a signal for one of the shutoff valves or gates. An unlocking device ofthis kind may be either an electronic switch or a hinged lid adapted to be mechanically pivoted to cover a corresponding switch, and which must be lifted prior to the unlocking operation.

A embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention is illustrated in the drawing, in which: Figure 1 illustrates the circuit system of a well (drill hole) shutoff system; and Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a portable transmitter and receiver device.

Figure 1 shows a pipeline 1 of a well or drill hole, which is provided with a hydraulically operable shutoffvalve (damper) 2which in turn is connected to an magneticvalve assembly 4via at least on line 3. The magnetic valve assembly 4 has associated therewith a radio remote controlled element7 effecting electro mechanical switching operations. The electro-mechanically operable components, i.e. the magnetic valves 8 associated with the magnetic valve assembly 4, are controlled in response to corresponding radio signals generated with the aid of a stationarily mounted receiver 10 associated with element 7. Radio remote controls ortelecontrols of this type are known per se.

Furthermore, element 7 includes a plurality of pressure conduits, a pressure - generating pump, control circuits, valves and the like (not illustrated), which permittheelement7tofunction. Components 4,7,8 and 10 are disposed to be protected under a heat and pressure resistant enclosure 6. These componentsform a peripheral unit 16 which is controlled and monitored by one or more devices, as will be explained below. In the place of hydraulic control means, it is also possible to use electrical or electromechanical control means.

Pipeline 1 has associated therewith a shutoff or stopper system 9 which is also termed blow-out preventer (B.O.P.). This system functions to prevent a so-called blow-out from occurring with a sudden pressure increase. The locks or gates 9' of the shutoff system 9, which operate in a mannersimilarto valves, are likewise connected to corresponding magnetic valves 8 ofthe peripheral unit 16. Further, the peripheral unit 16 is connected to a transmitter 30 which transmits condition - indicating signals from the peripheral unitto a monitor device 12,13,14, 15, as will be explained below. Forthe continuous function (operation)ofthe peripheral unit 16, batteries 11 including a charger are further provided underthe pressure and heat resistant enclosure 6.

The apparatus for the remote control and monitor ing ofthewell shutoff system further includes a pair of portable transmitter and receiver devices or transceiv ers 12,13 of identicai structure and a pair of receiver devices, namely a radio controlled indicator 1 4for the toolpusherand a display unit 15forthe driller. By means ofthe transceivers 12, 13, it is possible both to induce the motions of individual ones ofthe shutoff valves2and ofthe gates ofthe well shutoff system via radio signals transmitted to the peripheral unit 16, and to display in a readable state the open or closed positions ofthe shutoff valves ofthe shutoff system 9 by signal display devices forwhich corresponding signals are sentfrom the peripheral unit.

Figure 2 illustrated an embodiment of a transreceivear 12which is provided, inter alia, with five operating or control switches 17, 18 each, which in turn are each provided with both green and red light emitting diodes. The number of switches depends on the type and numberofvalvesoftheshutoffsystem 9to be operated. A related symbolic diagram for the respec tiveshutoffvalves ofthe pipeline orshutoffsystem 9 is shown in the Figure.

Further, each device 12 has on its upper side a lock-type switch 20which is adapted to be closed or covered by a pivotable, spring-biased protective lid 21. Likewise, the abovementioned control check panel including the operating or control switches 17 and 18 is covered by an associated protective lid 22. The device is housed within an approximately square casing and further includes an antenna 23 on its upper side. On one side, an ON/OFF switch 24 and a microphone switch key 25 are provided. Still further, a control lamp 26 is provided for indicating the locked state of the relief or choke line. Both transceivers 12,13 are equipped with identical units so asto be interchangeable.

The two portable transceivers 12,13 are intended to be used bythe toolpusher and the driller, respectively.

The transmitter 30 and the receiver 10 which constitute parts of the peripheral unit 16, communicate with these devices. Accordingly, both condition - indicating signals and control pulses may be exchanged between the peripheral unit 16 and devices 12, 13.

The function ofthe apparatus may be explained below by referring to an exemplary sequence: In the open state or position of all shutoffvalvesand gates the diodes of the respective switches 17 emit green light. The control lamp forthe choke line is illuminated in red, thereby indicating thatthe choke line is blocked.

Via radiotelephone system, the tool pusher informs the drillerthatthe upper gates should be closed and the choke line be opened. Thetoolpusher confirms this message, and the driller operatesthe lock-type switch 20 which is protected bythe lid 21 so that inadvertent operation thereof is prevented.

Upon releasing or unlocking the switch 20, the drilleractuatesthe upper right-hand control key 181 "pipe-rams closed" as well as the ON/OFF switch 24at the side of the device 12. This simultaneous actuation initiates the electro - mechanical parts of the valve, and these parts start to close this valve. At the same moment, the green switch control lamp of switch 171 for "pipe-rams open" on the opposite side is extinguished. This process is signalized via radio to the receiver ofthe second portable device 13; the green control lamp of switch 171 correspondingly turns off, too. The respective signal is simultaneously transmitted to the peripheral unit 16 where respective magnetic valves 8 are driven through electronic circuits.

When the operation proves successful, a pulse is transferred from the magnetic valves 8 to the transmitter30 atthe peripheral unit 16, which pulse signalizes to the two transreceivers 12, 13 the successful accomplishment of the action. When the red control lamp of switch 1 81 for "pipe-rams closed" turns on, driller and toolpusher are informed of the fact that, for example, valve 2 is closed.

In the case of electrically operated systems, the action is correspondingly communicated tothetrans- mitten and receiverwhich then in turns gives a reply.

When a control lamp atthetransceivers 12, 13failsto light, this indicates eitherthat a given valve operation has not taken place, orthatthe device 12,13 is defective.

In addition, all actions are also received and displayed atthe indicators or display devices 14,15.

Conversely-again explained as an example-, the respective choke lines are opened in the same way.

Upon termination of all actions, locking is effected by moving the respective switch 20 and the lid 21.

It should be notedthatthe hydril may be similarly opened and closed in continuous fashion via the transceiver. To this end, a manometer 28 controlled by radio pulses is provided onthetransceiverforcontrol or check purposes.

The radio remote control ofthe closing (shutoff) and opening functions results in improved safety or reliability, because the driller is enabled to both perform actions directly from the driller stand, and also to control essential processes of the well shutoff apparatus from a safe distance. The integrated radio-telephone communication permitsthedriller and the toolpusherto contact each other in ready manner. Even so-called catastrophic situations (explosion, fire and like) do not result in immediate interruption of the communication, if the driller succeeds to leave with his device the well ordrill hole plafform.

The portable devices 12,13 as well as transmitter 30 and receiver 10 at the shutoff system as such are equipped, for example, with plug-in cards (circuit boards) and designed with redundance with respect to the switching or circuit units. Furthermore, they are designed so that external radio communication cannot affect this system. The system may be used both in on-shore and off-shore operations.

Claims (4)

1. Apparatus for remote control and monitoring of shutoff systems for oil and gas wells, comprising - mechanically operable shutoffvalves and/or gates which are adapted to be controlled by peripheral units equipped with driving means and control circuits, - including at least one device provided with display means, for controlling and monitoring one or more peripheral units, -and including a monitoring device receiving the condition - indicating signals, characterized in thatthe control circuits of the peripheral unit are connected to a radio remote controlled element initiating the switching operation, with said peripheral unitfurther being adapted to transmit signals in an encoded form which serve for monitoring the performing ofthe switching operation, and characterized by at least a pair of identically equipped transmitter and receiver devices (transceivers) adapted both to initiate the motion processes of individual ones oftheshutoffvalves and gates of the well shutoff system via the peripheral unit by means of radio signals, and to permit reading ofthe open/closed condition signals ofthe shutoff valves and gates by means of corresponding signal display devices.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said two portable transmitter and receiver devices are both additionally provided with a compatible radiotelephone system.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized inthatsaid portable transmitter and receiver devices are provided with a safeguarded unlocking or releasing member which may be unlocked prior to sending a signal for one of the shutoffvalves or gates.

4. Apparatus for remote control and monitoring of shutoffsystems for oil and gas wells substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.