KR102398249B1 - Variable length device of drilling riser system - Google Patents

Abstract

A variable length device of a drilling riser system according to an embodiment comprises a first pipe; a second pipe insertable into the first pipe; and a sealing unit that prevents seawater from flowing in between the first pipe and the second pipe or prevents drilling mud from leaking out. While the second pipe is inserted into the first pipe, an overall length of the variable length device of the drilling riser system in an axial direction may be adjusted. The sealing unit may seal between the first pipe and the second pipe. The variable length device of a drilling riser system can be used universally regardless of the depth of the seabed.

Description

VARIABLE LENGTH DEVICE OF DRILLING RISER SYSTEM

The following embodiments relate to a variable length arrangement of a drilling riser system.

In the development of subsea oil wells and petroleum resources, a drilling riser system (drilling riser system) serves as a flow passage for drilling fluid and drill pipes.

Among the components constituting this drilling riser system, the pipe utility piece joint plays a role in adjusting the overall length (height) of the riser system in consideration of the depth of the specific drilling area. It is determined by considering the depth of the sea area to be used and the uncertainty of sea conditions, etc. Therefore, the drilling vessel must be equipped with pub joints of various lengths, and each time the sea area changes, it is replaced with a pub joint of a different length according to the depth of the water.

For example, Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1164086 discloses a method of drilling in a subsea drilling facility.

The above-mentioned background art is possessed or acquired by the inventor in the process of derivation of the present invention, and cannot necessarily be said to be a known art disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of the present invention.

An object according to one embodiment is to provide a device for variable length of a drilling riser system that can be used universally regardless of the depth of the seabed.

An object according to one embodiment is to provide a variable-length device of a drilling riser system in which drilling mud does not leak to the outside between the connection parts of the variable-length device.

It is an object of one embodiment to provide a device for variable length of a drilling riser system capable of reducing a material loading space required for a drilling vessel during offshore drilling.

An object according to one embodiment is to provide a device for variable length of a drilling riser system that can reduce the cost of material purchase during offshore drilling.

An object according to one embodiment is to provide a device for variable length of a drilling riser system that can reduce the installation time of the drilling riser system during offshore drilling.

The variable length device of the drilling riser system according to an embodiment includes a first pipe, a second pipe insertable into the first pipe, and seawater flowing between the first pipe and the second pipe, or drilling mud flowing out to the outside. It may include a sealing part to prevent.

As the second pipe is inserted into the first pipe, the total length in the axial direction of the variable length device of the drilling riser system may be adjusted.

The sealing part may be disposed at an overlapping portion of the first pipe and the second pipe.

In addition, the sealing portion may include an airtight element disposed in the overlapping portion and a close contact element for closely contacting the airtight element toward the center of the first pipe and the second pipe.

The hermetic element may surround the outside of the overlapping portion.

The adhesion element may apply an adhesion force from the outside of the airtight element in a center direction of the first pipe and the second pipe.

Also, at least a portion of the hermetic element may be made of an elastic material, and the close-fitting element may be a clamp for fixing the hermetic element.

In addition, the sealing part may include an airtight element interposed between the first pipe and the second pipe and a close contact element for closely contacting the airtight element toward the centers of the first pipe and the second pipe.

In addition, the airtight element may be a ring-shaped elastic member interposed between the first pipe and the second pipe, and the close contact element is from the outside of the airtight element to the center direction of the first pipe and the second pipe. can apply force.

In addition, the tight element may include a receiving space in which the airtight element is accommodated and a pressurizing space extending out of the first pipe from the receiving space, from which pressure may be applied to the airtight element.

In addition, the pressurized space may communicate with the outside of the first pipe from the accommodation space, and a fluid may be injected into the pressurized space from the outside of the first pipe to form a pressure.

The adhesion element may further include a fluid injector located at an end of the first pipe outer side of the pressurized space.

The variable length device of the drilling riser system according to the second embodiment may further include a check valve for preventing additional fluid injection when a predetermined pressure is formed in the pressurized space.

In the variable length device of the drilling riser system according to the first and second embodiments, the first pipe may include a first adjusting element on an inner surface of one side in the longitudinal direction, and the second pipe in the longitudinal direction A second adjustment element may be included on the outer surface of one side, wherein the first adjustment element and the second adjustment element are capable of adjusting the overall axial length of the variable length device of the drilling riser system while being engaged with each other.

The first adjusting element may comprise a threaded form and the second adjusting element may comprise a threaded form, wherein the variable length device of the drilling riser system is disposed between the first adjusting element and the second adjusting element. It may further include a lubricating material.

The variable length device of the drilling riser system according to an embodiment can be universally used regardless of the depth of the seabed.

The variable length device of the drilling riser system according to an embodiment does not leak drilling mud through the connection part of the variable length device to the outside.

The variable length device of the drilling riser system according to an embodiment may reduce a material loading space required for a drilling vessel during offshore drilling.

The variable length device of the drilling riser system according to an embodiment can reduce the cost of purchasing materials during offshore drilling.

The variable length device of the drilling riser system according to an embodiment may reduce the installation time of the drilling riser system during offshore drilling.

The effect of the variable length device of the drilling riser system according to an embodiment is not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

1 shows a drilling riser system installed for offshore drilling operations;
2a shows a variable-length arrangement of a drilling riser system according to a first embodiment;
Fig. 2b is a cross-sectional view of the variable length device of the drilling riser system according to the first embodiment taken along line AA of Fig. 2a;
3a shows a variable-length arrangement of a drilling riser system according to a second embodiment;
Fig. 3b is a cross-sectional view of the variable length arrangement of the drilling riser system according to the second embodiment with the packing element deactivated, taken along line AA of Fig. 3a ;
Fig. 3c is a cross-sectional view of the variable length arrangement of the drilling riser system according to the second embodiment with the packing element activated, taken along line AA of Fig. 3a ;

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, since various changes may be made to the embodiments, the scope of the patent application is not limited or limited by these embodiments. It should be understood that all modifications, equivalents and substitutes for the embodiments are included in the scope of the rights.

Terms used in the examples are used for the purpose of description only, and should not be construed as limiting. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to designate that a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or a combination thereof described in the specification exists, but one or more other features It should be understood that this does not preclude the existence or addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiment belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related art, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal meaning unless explicitly defined in the present application. does not

In addition, in the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same components are given the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and the overlapping description thereof will be omitted. In describing the embodiment, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the embodiment, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In addition, in describing the components of the embodiment, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only for distinguishing the elements from other elements, and the essence, order, or order of the elements are not limited by the terms. When it is described that a component is "connected", "coupled" or "connected" to another component, the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component is between each component. It will be understood that may also be "connected", "coupled" or "connected".

Components included in one embodiment and components having a common function will be described using the same names in other embodiments. Unless otherwise stated, a description described in one embodiment may be applied to another embodiment, and a detailed description in the overlapping range will be omitted.

The drilling riser system used for subsea drilling may be named variously for each part according to its longitudinal direction. The variable length device to be described herein means a structure that can be applied to any part of a drilling riser system. As a specific example, the variable length device of the drilling riser system may be applied to a pub joint of the drilling riser system.

In the following, details will be described assuming a situation in which the variable length device is applied to the pub joint of the drilling riser system. However, the descriptions to be described later may be applied not only to the pub joint but to the entire drilling riser.

1 shows a drilling riser system installed for offshore drilling operations; The drilling riser system can extend from the drill floor (D) of the drilling vessel to the seabed (B), so that the drilling riser system can mine oil or gas from the seabed (B).

On the other hand, the distance between the bottom surface (B) and the drill floor (D) may be different. Therefore, from the drill floor (D), while proceeding downward while installing a tubular body with a certain unit length, when it arrives near the sea floor (B), for connection with the sea floor (B), each individual tube with a suitable length shorter than the unit length is used. body is needed

To this end, a variable-length device may be applied to the drilling riser system, and in FIG. 1 , a drilling riser system to which such a variable-length device is applied is shown on the upper part of the drilling riser system. Herein, the variable-length device 100 according to the first embodiment and the variable-length device 200 according to the second embodiment will be mainly described.

Fig. 2a shows a variable length device 100 of a drilling riser system according to a first embodiment, and Fig. 2b shows a variable length device 100 of a drilling riser system according to the first embodiment taken along the line A-A in Fig. 2a is a cross section of

The variable length device 100 according to the first embodiment is a first pipe 110, which may be referred to as an outer tube or an outer tube, and a second pipe that can be inserted into the first pipe 110 and may also be referred to as an inner tube or an inner tube. Between the pipe 120 , the first pipe 110 , and the second pipe 120 , the sealing part 130 may include a sealing part 130 that prevents seawater from flowing into the inside or drilling mud from flowing out to the outside.

The second pipe 120 can be inserted into the first pipe 110, so that the axial length of the first pipe 110 and the second pipe 120 as a whole can be adjusted.

For the above-described length adjustment, the first pipe 110 and the second pipe 120 of the variable-length device 100 according to the first embodiment may include a length adjustment element. For example, the first pipe 110 may include a first adjustment element 111 on an inner surface on one axial side, and the second pipe 120 includes a second adjustment element 111 on an outer surface on the one axial side ( 121) may be included.

The first regulating element 111 and the second regulating element 121 may comprise a threaded form such that the first regulating element 111 and the second regulating element 121 engage with each other while the first pipe 110 and the second regulating element 121 are engaged. The two pipes 120 can be rotated with respect to each other, so that the total lengths in the axial direction of the first pipe 110 and the second pipe 120 can be continuously adjusted.

On the other hand, the shape of the first adjustment element 111 and the second adjustment element 121 is not limited to the screw thread structure as shown and may have various shapes. For example, the first regulating element 111 and the second regulating element 121 may be smooth machined surfaces, such that the second pipe 120 can smoothly slide into the interior of the first pipe 110 when appropriate tolerances are met. can slide As another example, the first regulating element 111 and the second regulating element 121 may have a concave-convex structure that engages with each other, so that the second pipe 120 smoothly enters the inside of the first pipe 110 along the guide of the convex and convexities. can slide

The engaging portions of the first pipe 110 and the second pipe 120 of the variable length device 100 according to the above-mentioned first embodiment, that is to say, the first regulating element 111 and the second regulating element 121 ), a lubricating material (eg grease) may be applied to each other for smooth rotation and/or displacement.

On the other hand, although the first pipe 110 and the second pipe 120 of the variable-length device 100 according to the first embodiment are shown as a pipe located at the lower part and the pipe located at the upper part, respectively, in the drawing, this orientation is absolute. not. Accordingly, the first pipe 110 may be located at the upper portion, and the second pipe 120 may be located at the lower portion.

Again, looking back to FIGS. 2A and 2B and looking at the overall appearance of the variable-length device 100 according to the first embodiment, the sealing part 130 of the variable-length device 100 according to the first embodiment appears.

As described above, the sealing part 130 serves to seal between the first pipe 110 and the second pipe 120 . Since the variable-length device 100 according to the first embodiment includes the first pipe 110 and the second pipe 120 as separate components, there is inevitably a gap between them, and the inflow of seawater through the gap. Alternatively, the sealing part 130 is provided to prevent the outflow of drilling mud.

The sealing part 130 of the variable-length device 100 according to the first embodiment is a first gas-tight element 131 and a gas-tight element 131 interposed between the first pipe 110 and the second pipe 120 . The pipe 110 and the second pipe 120 may include a close-fitting element 136 to close toward the center.

The airtight element 131 may surround or cover a portion exposed to the outside around a portion where the first pipe 110 and the second pipe 120 are connected in the variable-length device 100 according to the first embodiment. . Thus, the portion where the first pipe 110 and the second pipe 120 are connected may not be exposed to the outside.

At least a portion of the airtight element 131 may include an elastic material (eg, rubber). Thus, the airtight element 131 may cover the connection portion of the first pipe 110 and the second pipe 120 to be more closely attached to the external shape of the first pipe 110 and the second pipe 120 .

For example, the second adjustment element 121 may be formed on the outer surface of the second pipe 120, which may include various shapes, such as threads, as described above, and a hermetic element comprising an elastic material ( 131) can cover various shapes while being deformed to suit these various shapes.

Meanwhile, although the airtight element 131 of the variable-length device 100 according to the first embodiment is shown as a cylindrical shape of a specific length in the drawings, the shape is not limited to a cylinder and its length is also not limited. For example, the length of the airtight element 131 may be long enough to cover the entirety of the first pipe 110 and the second pipe 120 , or conversely short enough.

In addition, the material constituting the airtight element 131 is not limited to rubber, and may include, for example, a synthetic resin. In the case of the airtight element 131 including a non-elastic material, it is possible to prevent the connection portion from being exposed to the outside by being 'forced-fitted' around the connection portion of the first pipe 110 and the second pipe 120. . A corresponding device capable of engaging with an outwardly protruding portion of the second adjustment element 121 of the second pipe 120 may be formed inside the airtight element 131 .

The close contact element 136 of the sealing part 130 of the variable length device 100 according to the first embodiment moves from the outside of the airtight element 131 to the center direction of the first pipe 110 and the second pipe 120 . adhesion can be applied. In other words, the tightness element 136 assists the airtight element 131 to make the airtight element 131 more compact around the connection portion of the first pipe 110 and the second pipe 120 .

2a and 2b show a clamping element 136 in the form of a clamp. The tightness element 136 may include a circular ring surrounding the exterior of the airtight element 131 . This circular ring can be partially opened so that its diameter can be reduced depending on the clamping force.

Fastening structures for clamping can be located around the circular ring. This may be a bolt structure. The user may cause the tightness element 136 to apply a force to the airtight element 131 by rotating the bolt.

On the other hand, the adhesion element 136 of the sealing part 130 of the variable-length device 100 according to the first embodiment is not limited to the content shown in the above description and drawings. For example, the cohesive element 136 may be a ring made of an elastic material.

Next, the variable length device 200 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C .

Fig. 3a shows a variable length arrangement 200 of a drilling riser system according to a second embodiment, and Fig. 3b drilling according to a second embodiment, taken along line A-A in Fig. 3a, in which the packing element 236 is deactivated. A cross-sectional view of a variable length arrangement 200 of a riser system, FIG. 3c is taken along line A-A of FIG. 3a , of a variable length arrangement 200 of a drilling riser system according to a second embodiment in which the packing element 236 is activated It is a cross section.

The variable-length device 200 of the drilling riser system according to the second embodiment coincides with the variable-length device 100 of the drilling riser system according to the first embodiment in some configurations, and the connection portion of the first pipe and the second pipe There is a difference in the sealing portions 130 and 230 for sealing the circumference. Accordingly, descriptions of overlapping parts will be omitted, and the following description will be focused on parts with differences.

Similar to the sealing portion 130 of the variable length device 100 according to the first embodiment, the sealing portion 230 of the variable length device 200 according to the second embodiment also has a sealing element 231 and a tightness element 236 . ) may be included.

A striking difference between the two is that the airtight element 131 in the variable length device 100 according to the first embodiment seals on the outside of the first pipe 110 and the second pipe 120 , but the second The airtight element 231 in the variable-length device 200 according to the embodiment is interposed between the first pipe 210 and the second pipe 220 to perform sealing from the inside.

Specifically, the airtight element 231 of the sealing part 230 of the variable length device 200 according to the second embodiment is a ring-shaped elastic member interposed between the first pipe 210 and the second pipe 220 . can be The ring-shaped elastic member is in close contact with the outer wall of the second pipe 220 to seal between the first pipe 210 and the second pipe 220 .

The variable length device 200 according to the second embodiment may include a sealing element 236 for improving the sealing performance of the airtight element 231 , and the detailed structure of the sealing element 236 is shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C . is shown in detail in

The sealing element 236 of the variable length device 200 according to the second embodiment includes an accommodation space 237 in which the hermetic element 231 is accommodated and a passage for applying pressure to the hermetic element 231 accommodated in the accommodation space 237 . It may include a phosphorus pressurized space 238 .

Unlike the gas-tight element 131 of the variable-length device 100 according to the first embodiment, the gas-tight element 231 of the variable-length device 200 according to the second embodiment is located inside the variable-length device 200 . , the variable length device 200 according to the second embodiment requires a separate space to accommodate the airtight element 231 . The space for such accommodation may be formed inside the first pipe 210 to communicate with the inside of the first pipe 210 .

Also, as described above, the tightness element 236 may include a pressurized space 238 , which may extend outwardly from the receiving space 237 to the first pipe 210 .

Methods of closely contacting the airtight element 231 accommodated in the accommodation space 237 in the center direction of the first pipe 210 and the second pipe 220 may be varied. Hereinafter, a fluid injection method will be described with reference to FIGS. 3B and 3C , and then a method based on a mechanical structure (not shown) will be described.

3B and 3C , the pressurized space 238 may communicate with the outside of the first pipe 210 . The adhesion element 236 of the variable-length device 200 according to the second embodiment may further include a fluid injector 239 positioned at an outer side end of the first pipe 210 of the pressurized space 238 .

Through the fluid injector 239 , a fluid may be injected into the pressurized space 238 from the outside of the first pipe 210 to form a pressure, and also in the receiving space 237 communicating with the pressurized space 238 . The same pressure can be established.

Referring to FIG. 3C , as the pressure builds up, the hermetic element 231 is displaced opposite to the direction in which the pressure is built up. Accordingly, it is brought into close contact with the outer surface of the second pipe 220 .

The injected fluid may be a gas such as air, carbon dioxide and nitrogen, or may be a liquid. In particular, when the first pipe 210 or the second pipe 220 is made of a metal material, oil, which is a non-polar liquid, may be used to prevent corrosion thereof.

In addition, the variable length device 200 according to the second embodiment may further include a check valve 240 for preventing additional fluid injection when a predetermined pressure is formed in the pressure space 238 .

It is possible to prevent excessive pressure from being formed in the pressure space 238 or the accommodation space 237 by using the check valve 240 , and to prevent damage to the variable length device 200 according to the second embodiment.

Meanwhile, unlike those shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C , the variable-length device according to the second embodiment may include a contact element using a mechanical structure.

The pressure space of the variable-length device according to the second embodiment may include a spring structure, so that it is possible to mechanically apply pressure to the airtight element accommodated in the accommodation space.

As described above, although the embodiments have been described with reference to the limited drawings, those skilled in the art may apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, the described techniques are performed in an order different from the described method, and/or the described components of the system, structure, apparatus, circuit, etc. are combined or combined in a different form than the described method, or other components Or substituted or substituted by equivalents may achieve an appropriate result.

Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims are also within the scope of the following claims.

100: variable length device of drilling riser system
110: first pipe
120: second pipe
130: sealing part

Claims (11)

In the length variable device of the drilling riser system for offshore oil and gas mining,
a first pipe;
a second pipe insertable into the first pipe; and
a sealing part for preventing seawater from flowing between the first pipe and the second pipe or from flowing out of drilling mud to the outside;
including,
As the second pipe is inserted into the first pipe, the total length in the axial direction of the variable length device of the drilling riser system is adjusted,
The sealing part is disposed on the overlapping portion of the first pipe and the second pipe,
The sealing part,
a hermetic element disposed in the overlapping portion; and
a close-fitting element for adhering the airtight element toward the center of the first pipe and the second pipe;
including,
The adhesion element is
a receiving space in which the hermetic element is accommodated; and
a pressurized space extending outside the first pipe from the accommodating space;
including,
pressure is applied to the hermetic element from the pressurized space;
The pressurized space communicates with the outside of the first pipe from the receiving space,
In the pressurized space, a fluid is injected from the outside of the first pipe to form a pressure,
Variable length device for drilling riser system.
delete delete delete The method of claim 1,
The airtight element is a ring-shaped elastic member interposed between the first pipe and the second pipe,
The contact element applies a force from the outside of the airtight element in the direction of the center of the first pipe and the second pipe,
Variable length device for drilling riser system.


delete delete According to claim 1,
The adhesion element may include: a fluid injector located at an end of the first pipe outer side of the pressurized space;
further comprising,
Variable length device for drilling riser system.
9. The method of claim 8,
a check valve for preventing additional fluid injection when a predetermined pressure is formed in the pressurized space;
further comprising,
Variable length device for drilling riser system.
According to claim 1,
the first pipe comprises a first adjusting element on an inner surface on one axial side;
the second pipe comprises a second regulating element on an outer surface on one axial side;
wherein the first adjustment element and the second adjustment element engage with each other to adjust an overall axial length of the variable length device of the drilling riser system;
Variable length device for drilling riser system.
11. The method of claim 10,
the first adjustment element comprises a threaded form;
the second adjustment element comprises a threaded form;
The length variable device of the drilling riser system,
further comprising a lubricating material between the first adjustment element and the second adjustment element;
Variable length device for drilling riser system.

Images