GB2496665A - Pressure Testing Subsea Modules, Piping or Components - Google Patents
Pressure Testing Subsea Modules, Piping or Components Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2496665A GB2496665A GB1119967.6A GB201119967A GB2496665A GB 2496665 A GB2496665 A GB 2496665A GB 201119967 A GB201119967 A GB 201119967A GB 2496665 A GB2496665 A GB 2496665A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- module
- pressure
- fluid
- text
- temperature
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 24
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 42
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 2
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003134 recirculating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
-
- 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
- E21B47/00—Survey of boreholes or wells
- E21B47/10—Locating fluid leaks, intrusions or movements
- E21B47/117—Detecting leaks, e.g. from tubing, by pressure testing
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
- G01M3/002—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using thermal means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
- G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
- G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
- G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
- G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
- G01M3/28—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
- G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
- G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
- G01M3/28—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds
- G01M3/2807—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds for pipes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
- G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
- G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
- G01M3/28—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds
- G01M3/2807—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds for pipes
- G01M3/2815—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds for pipes using pressure measurements
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Geophysics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Examining Or Testing Airtightness (AREA)
- Testing Resistance To Weather, Investigating Materials By Mechanical Methods (AREA)
- Measuring Fluid Pressure (AREA)
- Testing Of Devices, Machine Parts, Or Other Structures Thereof (AREA)
Abstract
A method of pressure testing a module containing fluid, the method comprising: sealing the module; applying heat to the module to increase the temperature and thus the pressure of the fluid from a working pressure to a test pressure; and conducting a test, and subsequently cooling the module or allowing the module to cool until the fluid pressure returns substantially to the working pressure. Application of heat may be by fluid recirculation by pump 6 around the piping in the isolated test section 3, and the loop 7. Electric motor 9 drives the pump 6 and this motor heats up in use and imparts heat to the fluid within the isolated section 3 and the pressure of the fluid increases as a result. Figure 2 shows an alternative method of heating which comprises using a heat exchanger to increase the temperature in the isolated section 3.
Description
METHOD
Description
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for pressure testing, particularly pressure testing subsea modules, piping and/or oomponents used in the hydrocarbon
industry. It is useful in the field of hydrooarbon
exploration and particularly in subsea oil and gas pumping applioations. It can also be used topside and for other more general applications in which pressure testing of fluids is required.
Background of the invention
Traditional pressure testing of a module involves adding mass, for example a fluid of some type, to increase the pressure in the module to test whether there are any weaknesses in joints, valves, or any other components of the module, assuming that there are steady state conditions including stable temperatures. One example is described in WO 2009/129240 where testing of a subsea module is controlled at the surface, and pressure data is measured using a sensor which is lowered into the well on coiled tubing with a submersible pump. Extra fluid is pumped into the module through the coiled tubing.
In subsea conditions, where environmentally unfriendly materials (such as hydrocarbons) are being handled at considerable depths, this can present problems. Any mass added to the system will be contaminated by the fluid of the system and must be disposed of in a controlled way when the pressure is relieved again. Normally this could be done by opening a valve to a reservoir, which will dump the pressure instantly and could potentially generate a shock. Not all applications could be design to handle a shock like this. In these cases, the pressure must be relieved in a slow and controlled manner. This could in some cases be achieved by moving and storing the added fluid mass to another place in the module or manifold. This would require a separate line to take the added fluid mass back to a topside installation or a retrievable unit, where the waste fluid can be treated in an appropriate manner, for example decontaminated.
It is preferable in subsea systems to reduce the dependence on additional mechanical accessories, such as additional valves and piping, and to reduce the risk of transients due to the opening of valves subjected to high differential pressures.
Summary of the invention
A first aspect of the invention, is a method of pressure testing a module containing fluid, the method comprising: sealing the module; applying heat to the module to increase the temperature and thus the pressure of the fluid from a working pressure to a test pressure; and conducting a test, and subsequently cooling the module or allowing the module to cool until the fluid pressure returns substantially to the working pressure.
The module may for example be or comprise a length of piping containing fluid.
The pressure sealing is so that the module does not leak to its surroundings.
The method generally uses the physical principle of thermal expansion, where applying heat to the fluid in the module, increases the temperature and thus also the pressure of the fluid from a working pressure to the reguired test pressure; and then conducting the test. Subseguently cooling down the pipe and/or module allows the pressure to return substantially to the working pressure.
A second aspect of the invention provides corresponding apparatus for pressure testing a module containing fluid including apparatus for generating heat.
Preferably the step of heating the module comprises applying an external heat source to increase the temperature of the fluid.
The external heat source could be a general electrical heating device (such as comprising a resistor) or heating the module may be effected using a pump or compressor to circulate fluid in a closed loop within the sealed module.
Brief Description of the Drawings
For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram a system according to the present invention, using a pump or a compressor as a heat source.
Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a system according to the present invention, using a general heat source.
Detailed Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 schematically illustrates a fluid module 1 comprising fluid flowing in piping 2. A section 3 of the module 1 is isolated between valves 4 and 5 and a pump or compressor 6 is used to recirculate the fluid in a closed loop 7 through a minimum flow valve 8. An electrical motor 9 drives the pump or compressor 6 and is supplied with electricity via electrical cable 10.
The energy from the motor 9 is converted to heat within the isolated section 3 and this heats the fluid in the piping in the isolated section 3. As the fluid temperature rises (measured by temperature transmitter instrument IT) the pressure of the fluid in that section 3 rises (measured by pressure transmitter instrument PT) , in a controlled manner, as is well known to the skilled person, according to the equations: K = -VdP/dV Equation 1 a = 1/V dV/dT Equation 2 where: P = pressure, V = volume, I = temperature, K = bulk modulus, a = volumetric coefficient of thermal expansion.
Before pressure testing begins, the isolation valves 4 and 5 are first closed to seal off the module 1. The energy from the motor 9 is converted to heat which increases the temperature of the fluid in the piping 2 within the isolated section 3, and this causes thermal expansion of the fluid.
Since the section 3 is sealed, the expansion is converted into increased pressure according to the equations above.
when the target pressure is reached, the pump/ compressor 6 is shut off and the temperature will fall again as the piping 2 cools from the surrounding environment. Thus the pressure in the isolated section 3 reduces, eventually reaching the original working temperature and pressure of the module 1.
In the embodiment of Figure 2 the isolated section 3 is heated by a separate heating element 11 rather than from a pump / compressor recirculating fluid. The principle of operation is otherwise the same as in Figure 1. This embodiment would be applied where no compressor or pump is available in the relevant section, which would be the case for example in a X-mass tree or subsea manifold.
Another alternative is to use a heat exchanger to increase the temperature in the isolated section 3.
The invention applies particularly to modules containing liquid but can generally be applied to other fluids, for example multiphase fluids which comprise a mixture of liquid and gas and are common in the petrochemical industry. In this case the efficiency will be lower because of the reationship of the pressure and temperature differences (dP/dT) and so it would require more differential in temperature to achieve the same differential pressure.
Claims (1)
- <claim-text>CLAIMS1. A method of pressure testing a module containing fluid, the method comprising: sealing the module; applying heat to the module to increase the temperature and thus the pressure of the fluid from a working pressure to a test pressure; and conducting a test, and subsequently cooling the module or allowing the module to cool until the fluid pressure returns substantially to the working pressure.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A method acoording to claim 1 wherein the step of heating the module comprises applying an external heat source to increase the temperature of the fluid.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A method according to olaim 1 wherein the step of heating the module comprises using a pump or compressor to oiroulate fluid in a closed loop within the sealed module.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 1 or Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. Apparatus for pressure testing a module containing fluid, comprising: means for pressure sealing the module; means for applying heat to the module to increase the temperature and hence the pressure from a working pressure to a test pressure; means for conducting one or more predetermined tests; and means for subseguently cooling the module or allowing the module to cool, to reduce the temperature and hence the pressure of the fluid in the module substantially to the 6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the means for heating the module comprises means for applying an external heat souroe to increase the temperature of the fluid.7. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the means for heating the module comprises a pump or compressor powered by a motor, to circulate fluid in a closed loop within the sealed module.8. Apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 1 or Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.</claim-text>
Priority Applications (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1119967.6A GB2496665A (en) | 2011-11-18 | 2011-11-18 | Pressure Testing Subsea Modules, Piping or Components |
| PCT/EP2012/072334 WO2013072261A1 (en) | 2011-11-18 | 2012-11-09 | Pressure testing of subsea modules using heat |
| GB1410358.4A GB2512222B (en) | 2011-11-18 | 2012-11-09 | Pressure testing of subsea modules using heat |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1119967.6A GB2496665A (en) | 2011-11-18 | 2011-11-18 | Pressure Testing Subsea Modules, Piping or Components |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201119967D0 GB201119967D0 (en) | 2012-01-04 |
| GB2496665A true GB2496665A (en) | 2013-05-22 |
Family
ID=45475400
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1119967.6A Withdrawn GB2496665A (en) | 2011-11-18 | 2011-11-18 | Pressure Testing Subsea Modules, Piping or Components |
| GB1410358.4A Active GB2512222B (en) | 2011-11-18 | 2012-11-09 | Pressure testing of subsea modules using heat |
Family Applications After (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1410358.4A Active GB2512222B (en) | 2011-11-18 | 2012-11-09 | Pressure testing of subsea modules using heat |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (2) | GB2496665A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2013072261A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN112729716B (en) * | 2020-12-04 | 2023-07-14 | 上海宝冶集团有限公司 | Integral pressure test method for long-distance pipeline of refrigerating system for snowmobile sledge track |
Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1063006A (en) * | 1964-07-24 | 1967-03-22 | Karl Maeder | Improvements in or relating to a method and apparatus for testing pressurized containers for leaks |
| GB1248899A (en) * | 1969-05-06 | 1971-10-06 | Hans Schwarzkopf G M B H | Testing fluid-filled containers for leaks |
| AT399225B (en) * | 1989-07-14 | 1995-04-25 | Schrack Components Ag | Arrangement for leak testing or establishing the gas and/or liquid content of objects |
| GB2304904A (en) * | 1995-09-02 | 1997-03-26 | Weatherford Oil Tool | Testing threaded joints and threaded members for leaks |
| WO1999027340A1 (en) * | 1997-11-26 | 1999-06-03 | Thermedics Detection Inc. | Leak analysis |
| GB2351565A (en) * | 1999-07-01 | 2001-01-03 | Bwi Plc | Aerosol container testing apparatus for leaks or weakspots |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3711123A (en) * | 1971-01-15 | 1973-01-16 | Hydro Tech Services Inc | Apparatus for pressure testing annular seals in an oversliding connector |
| US3765240A (en) * | 1971-08-27 | 1973-10-16 | Cons Edison Co | Method and apparatus for detecting oil leaks in cables |
| GB2267352B (en) * | 1992-05-15 | 1995-06-21 | Lagoven S A | Method and apparatus for testing the physical integrity of production tubing and production casing in gas-lift well systems |
| AU8008794A (en) * | 1993-10-20 | 1995-05-08 | Autoliv Development Ab | A sensor apparatus |
| US20080060415A1 (en) * | 2006-09-13 | 2008-03-13 | Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. | Method for testing a stored gas container |
| US20090260807A1 (en) | 2008-04-18 | 2009-10-22 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Selective zonal testing using a coiled tubing deployed submersible pump |
-
2011
- 2011-11-18 GB GB1119967.6A patent/GB2496665A/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2012
- 2012-11-09 WO PCT/EP2012/072334 patent/WO2013072261A1/en active Application Filing
- 2012-11-09 GB GB1410358.4A patent/GB2512222B/en active Active
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1063006A (en) * | 1964-07-24 | 1967-03-22 | Karl Maeder | Improvements in or relating to a method and apparatus for testing pressurized containers for leaks |
| GB1248899A (en) * | 1969-05-06 | 1971-10-06 | Hans Schwarzkopf G M B H | Testing fluid-filled containers for leaks |
| AT399225B (en) * | 1989-07-14 | 1995-04-25 | Schrack Components Ag | Arrangement for leak testing or establishing the gas and/or liquid content of objects |
| GB2304904A (en) * | 1995-09-02 | 1997-03-26 | Weatherford Oil Tool | Testing threaded joints and threaded members for leaks |
| WO1999027340A1 (en) * | 1997-11-26 | 1999-06-03 | Thermedics Detection Inc. | Leak analysis |
| GB2351565A (en) * | 1999-07-01 | 2001-01-03 | Bwi Plc | Aerosol container testing apparatus for leaks or weakspots |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201410358D0 (en) | 2014-07-23 |
| WO2013072261A1 (en) | 2013-05-23 |
| GB2512222A (en) | 2014-09-24 |
| GB2512222B (en) | 2018-02-28 |
| GB201119967D0 (en) | 2012-01-04 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |