KR20100087094A - Method for installing a drilling apparatus on a rig and for preparing drilling operations - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for preparing a drilling operation, in which the drilling device 10 equipped with the equipment in the rig 20 can be moved to another place in one operation, and the upper portion 21 of the rig is exposed. Includes one or more top decks 16. This method utilizes a semi-submersible feed barge 1 in which the hull comprises two parallel projections 1a, 1b for supporting the lifting means 7a, 7c. The drilling device 10 is first installed on the two legs 1a, 1b of the barge via the interface means 15b, and the barge moves near the rig 20. The barge moves to place the raised part 21 of the rig between the protrusions, raises the drilling device 10 to a position higher than the upper deck of the rig by using lifting means while removing the ballast, and the top of the rig 20 The drilling device is placed on the deck in a single operation and then removed from it.

Description

METHOD FOR INSTALLING A DRILLING APPARATUS ON A RIG AND FOR PREPARING DRILLING OPERATIONS}

The present invention relates to a method of preparing a drilling operation, which uses a semi-submersible feed barge, having a fully equipped drilling device installed at the bottom of a sea or lake or having a raised portion while being fixed. This is a one-time installation on the platform.

There are several ways to perform drilling in shallow water, usually up to 300 m. In one of these methods, drilling is separate from production and uses a drilling only platform called a "wellhead platform". The platform usually consists of a tower-like structure on the bottom of a sea or lake called "jacket", which is neither inhabited nor equipped with equipment, and is metallic, with a drilling device on it. The device is only installed for drilling or well maintenance work ("work over"). The device also consists of a sub-structure, crane and drilling equipment such as a "blow out preventer" (BOP), a handling winch for the drill pipe, a chamber for receiving the measuring device; Such a drilling device is known under the name "crane set" or "rig", and its weight usually ranges from 600 to 800 tons.

The platform ("jacket") is strictly installed in the borefield before the decked drilling operation takes place but without the drilling device.

The problem is to install the drilling device on the upper deck of such a platform where it is located at a very high speed, for example about 20 meters, from sea level, quickly and relatively at the lowest possible cost. In addition, when the drilling or maintenance work is finished, the reverse operation must also be possible, for example by relocating the drilling device to another platform.

In addition, drilling operations include many other facilities (technical support zones, residential spaces, fluid tanks, helicopter landing platforms, etc.) to accommodate human and supply energy and to accommodate and store drilling equipment such as drill tubes and drilling rigs. ..) also needs. These facilities are very bulky and weigh many thousands of tons.

One known solution (British patent publication UK 2199791, French patent publication FR 2474992) involves placing a complete superstructure called the "top side" as an integral part on the platform, which is used for all drilling and production. It includes facilities. This facility is usually carried out by one or more large floating cranes or by ballast according to the "float over" method, in order to maintain adequate stability in ships and to adjust the draft and the ship's forward and backward slopes. The heavy load on the lower part of the barge is made. However, ballasting does not make it possible to raise the superstructure above several meters. In addition, this work is irreversible to the life and use of the platform.

Another solution is a self-lifting barge or "jack-up" type platform lying on the floor near the platform, providing a platform sized to accommodate the site and equipment needed for drilling. It is to use. The drilling device is seated in a cantilevered beam that is integral with the barge and moves on a platform, possibly at a significant height, into one part. However, this is a solution that is very expensive and mechanically demanding, but also requires sophistication. In addition, very large self-lifting barges leave very deep depressions at the bottom of the sea or lake, making it very difficult to later re-install another barge of the same type.

Another solution is to use a barge or support vessel called a "tender", which uses a hoist to distribute about 30 to 100 tonnes to install a drilling device on the platform and to assemble the drilling device gradually. It is going to do. This is a very long, tricky and dangerous solution in terms of safety, and is therefore costly because the weather conditions must be very good for several days.

The present invention provides a preferred solution to solve the above-mentioned problems by repositioning the drilling equipment, which is fully equipped with equipment, on a platform where the deck for supporting the wellhead and the drilling apparatus is already installed in one operation. Its purpose is to present. A device that requires the installation of a drilling device at a very high level uses a semi-submersible barge. The method can also be applied to platforms anchored to the bottom of the "Spar" type, for example, and the important point is that the platform is not affected by the lifting motion caused by the waves. In the reverse order of these steps, the method of the present invention enables the removal of a fully equipped drilling rig in one operation.

For this purpose, the present invention provides a method for preparing a drilling operation, in which the drilling apparatus, which is completely equipped with equipment, is installed in a platform installed or fixed at the bottom of the sea or lake, and repositionably installed in one operation. The raised part includes one or more wellheads and one or more upper decks to accommodate the drilling rig, using semi-submersible feed barges with longitudinal axes, the hulls of the barges have two parallel protrusions to form a space. Wherein the barge includes lifting means and ballast and ballast removal means supported by the protrusions,

A first step of placing the interface means on the lifting means of the barge,

A second step of placing the drilling device on the interface means;

A third step of transporting a supply barge having a drilling device integral with the interface means near the platform,

When the barge arrives near the platform, the fourth step of elevating the interface means and the drilling device by performing ballast removal on the barge and actuating the lifting means to position the interface means above the platform's upper deck above sea level. Wow,

A fifth step of manipulating the supply barge to place the raised portion of the platform between the two protrusions of the supply barge,

Ballasting the supply barge and operating the lifting means provides a method comprising the sixth step of lowering the interface means and drilling device onto the upper deck of the platform.

In the first step, a means which can be used as an interface between the barge and the drilling device, and then between the platform and the drilling device, is installed in the lifting means of the barge in the projection, and the barge is for example at the pier in the port facility. It uses the lifting means such as the crane of the dock or barge.

In a second step, the drilling device is disposed over the interface means via the sub-structure, via one or more operations made by using lifting means such as a dock or barge crane.

During the transportation process, which is the core of the third stage, the assembly consisting of the interface means and the drilling device is integrated with the lifting means, and the lifting means are preferably arranged below to improve the stability of the barge.

In the fourth step of the invention, when the barge reaches very close to the platform, the drilling device and the interface means are raised continuously or simultaneously by performing ballast removal on the barge and using the lifting means. By combining these two, the assembly can be raised to a significant height.

In the next step, the barge is adjusted closer to the platform so that the raised part of the platform can be placed between the protrusions. In order not to damage the platform, the barge will perform anchoring using anchors, automatic positioning or both. Thus, adjustments are made using ground tackle and / or dynamic positioning.

The drilling device and the interface means are lowered down on the upper deck of the platform, for example, by descending the ballast work of the rapid barge and / or by lowering the speed of the lifting means.

Finally, a connecting means such as, for example, a crew leg, an electric wire, a fluid channel is installed between the barge and the platform with the drilling system. Large drilling materials, for example drill pipes, are gradually transferred to the platform using crane loaders installed on barges. In terms of providing human and logistical support for drilling operations, the barge must be large enough to accommodate all equipment (technical support zones, residential areas, energy generation, mud plants, helicopter platforms ...). do.

Once the drilling device is placed on the platform and the barge is removed from the platform, it is desirable to cover the space between the protrusions of the barge's hull using a removable deck or retractable device of the folding deck or articulated hatch cover type. Thus, the surface of the deck available for placing drilling materials, such as, for example, drill pipes, can be greatly increased, making drilling easier. Once deployed, it also helps with the rigidity of the barge's structure.

In certain cases, for example, if the platform is old and partially corroded, the platform may not be sufficient to support and withstand the load of the drilling device and its interface means, including the drill tube, with a fully equipped machine. In this case, in the sixth step, it is preferable to transfer the load of the drilling device to the platform, ie to distribute the load over the lifting support of the barge and to the deck. In order to offset the inevitable movement of the barge, a strength sensor (eg, strain gauge) and an auxiliary power unit are required between the interface means and the deck on which the interface means rest. In this case, for drilling purposes, barges are arranged so that the platform remains between the projections and the seventh to eighth steps do not occur.

The interface means can be formed, for example, of a structure comprising two parallel beams perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the barge during the first step and seated in the lifting means of the barge at the end.

Throughout the unfolding operation of the method of the invention, the drilling device is seated in the interface beam. The interface beam rests on the platform during all drilling operations and the drilling device rests over the entire beam. This makes it possible to remove the drilling device very quickly with the same type of barge by placing the steps of the invention in reverse order, for example on different platforms. In known methods, the interface beam can also move the drilling device in the upper deck along two directions of plane to access each wellhead in the platform.

However, the beam is the same length as the inner space of the barge's protrusions, and is longer than the side of the deck on which the beam rests, and if the beam remains stationary it may interfere with maneuvering the barge later. In addition, the beam unnecessarily loads the platform. Thus, each beam comprises at each end a separable portion which can be integrated during the first to sixth steps, for example by splicing and then separated using the lifting means of the barge. , desirable.

The method of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1A and 1B are two perspective views of a barge used to practice the method of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of a fully equipped drilling device disposed on an interface beam, adapted to be installed on a platform. FIG.
3A and 3N are side views of a barge that tabulates the steps of the method of the present invention.
4 is a side view of the interface beam.
5 is a side view illustratively showing a barge used by the method of the present invention.

The hull of the semi-submersible barge 1 shown in FIG. 1a includes two protrusions 1a and 1b at the stern of the ship, which extend for example one of the decks of the barge and onto the surface of the platform. The exposed part forms a sufficient space 2 to occupy a position of, for example, 30 × 40 m. These projections are designed to support the weight of a fully equipped drilling rig. The barge also has technical support zones 3a and 3b, helicopter landing platform 4, residential area 5, main crane 6a and an auxiliary crane 6b capable of providing all necessary support for drilling operations. It is included. Barges include ballasting and deballsting means in the structure, such as hollow hollow bodies, for example, which can be filled and emptied of sea water or other fluids using pumps (not shown). This can significantly change the freeboard. The barge includes a longitudinal axis A-A '.

The barge 1 is four lift towers, and includes lift towers 7a and 7b resting on the protrusion 1a and lift towers 7c and 7d resting on the protrusion 1b. The lift towers are typically 10 to 15 meters in height, and the lift towers include a lift support, the drilling device being mounted to the support via the interface means, for example a powerful hydraulic system that can lift up to 250 t each. Winches or other lift systems are provided.

In this figure, the foldable deck 8 is folded so that the space 2 between the protrusions 1a, 1b of the hull is in an open state. In FIG. 1B, the folding deck 8 is in an unfolded state, in which a drilling device such as a drill pipe is arranged.

Although the barge of Figure 1 is shown with the propulsion omitted, it can be seen that self-propulsion may be possible. The barge includes a dynamic positionin means, although not shown but for example a multi-directional propeller.

2 shows a fully equipped drilling apparatus installed on platform 20. The device comprises a sub-structure 11, a crane 12, a drilling rig 13 such as a BOP, and other equipment 14. The drilling device is seated on the interface beams 15a, 15b. The platform 20 comprises a raised surface 21 comprising two decks, which includes an upper deck 16 on which the interface means 15a, 15b are seated. . The upper deck 16 is usually about 18 to 20 meters above sea level O.

3A-3N illustrate various steps by the method of the present invention. 3a to 3e, for example in a port facility, it can be seen that the drilling device 10 and the interface means 15 are installed on a lift tower supported by the barges 1a and 1b of the barge, In sub-steps; The number of sub-steps may depend, for example, on the performance and / or time of the lift means available for the barge. In the example shown, the drilling device 10 is arranged in the lower lift support of the barge lift towers 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d.

3g shows that the barge supporting the drilling device is transported self-propelled towards the platform; The barge may be towed. During transport, for example near the coast, the barge can be secured using ballast to ensure more safety.

In FIG. 3H, the barge begins to steer closer to the platform 20, approaching from behind so that the portion 21 extending above the platform is disposed between the protrusions 1a, 1b of the barge. Maneuvering is done by using a tackle (not shown) on the ground or by using dynamic anchoring means. The anchor may be prepared in advance or provided on the barge itself.

In FIG. 3 i, the barge is closer to the platform 20 and raises the drilling device 10 so that the interface means 15 is higher than the upper deck 16 of the platform 20. The lifting operation is completed by fixing the barge by removing the ballast and operating the lift tower 7.

In the next step shown in FIG. 3J, the barge was steered to place the portion 21 emerging above the platform between the hull protrusions 1a and 1b. 3K is an elevational view of the barge, drilling device 10 and platform 20 in the same state. The drilling device 10 lies on the beam 15a (invisible) and the beam 15b in the upper part of the lift means 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, and the part 21 extending above the platform is the projection of the barge. You can see that it is between (1a, 1b).

As shown in FIG. 3L, the drilling device 10 utilizes ballasts or actuates the lift towers 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d downwards or both to implement the interface means 15a, 15b. Slowly descending to be seated on the upper deck 16 of the platform 20 via the. A buffer (not shown) is arranged between the interface means 15a, 15b and the upper deck 16 of the platform 20, which is for example excessive contact with the drilling device 10 which may arise due to lifting the barge. This is to avoid damaging the platform 20 by. Once in contact, the barge continues to remove the ballast from the drilling rig.

In the last step of the invention shown in FIG. 3N, the barge is secured near the platform 20 supporting the drilling device 10 using ground tackle (not shown) and / or dynamic anchor means. The folding deck 8 is spread out to cover the space 2 between the protrusions 1a and 1b of the barge; Drilling equipment is preferably placed here.

Finally, connecting means 22 such as bridges, conductors, and pipes are installed between the barge and the platform 20 to allow drilling.

FIG. 4 shows one of the interface beams 15b, 15a of the interface beams resting on the upper deck 16 of the platform 20, with the interface beams being two separable portions 15c and 15d, 15e and 15f. It is integrated with the main body of the beam, for example by splicing, and the interface beam is separated when the drilling device is placed on the platform, for example using cranes 6a, 6b of the barge.

5 shows an example of a barge used by the method of the present invention. The hull comprises two projections 1a, 1b forming the space 2 at the rear, in which the part 21 exposed above the platform 20 can be located. The protrusions 1a and 1b carry four lift towers 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d. The flow piers 30a and 30b and the vertical portions 31a and 31b include hollow volumes used as ballasts. The structure 32 houses a technical support area and a residential area.

1A and 1B are retractable, for example in the form of a foldable wharf or articulated hatch cover, which makes it possible to cover the space 2 when the drilling device 10 is placed on the platform 20. An example of a barge comprising the means 8 is shown.

Claims (9)

The fully equipped drilling device 10 is repositionably installed in one operation on the platform 20, which is installed or fixed at the bottom of the sea or lake, with one or more wellheads with a raised part 21 of the platform. And at least one upper deck 16 for receiving the drilling device, comprising a longitudinal axis A-A 'and comprising two parallel protrusions 1a, 1b so that the hull forms a space 2. Using a semi-submersible supply barge 1, wherein the barge 1 includes lifting means 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d and ballast and ballast removal means supported by the protrusions 1a, 1b, In the method of preparing a drilling operation,
A first step of placing the interface means 15a, 15b on the lifting means 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d of the barge 1;
A second step of placing the drilling device 10 on the interface means 15a and 15b,
In the vicinity of the platform 20 a third step of transporting a supply barge with a drilling device 10 integrated with the interface means 15a, 15b;
When the barge arrives near the platform 20, the ballast is removed from the barge and elevated to place the interface means 15a, 15b higher than the upper deck 16 of the platform 20 above sea level. A fourth step of raising the interface means 15a, 15b and the drilling device 10 by operating the means 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d,
A fifth step of manipulating the supply barge such that the raised part 21 of the platform 20 is disposed between the two protrusions 1a and 1b of the supply barge,
A sixth to lower the interface means 15a, 15b and drilling device 10 onto the upper deck 16 of the platform by ballasting the supply barge and activating the elevating means 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d. Method of preparing a drilling operation comprising the steps. The method of claim 1,
Moving the barge away from the platform 20 and positioning it near the platform;
And an eighth step of arranging the connecting means 22 between the barge and the drilling device 10 so as to carry out drilling operations by transporting energy, people, goods, and liquid between the supply barge and the drilling device. How to prepare for a drilling operation. The method of claim 1,
Further comprising a ninth step of covering the space 2 between the two projections 1a, 1b of the barge by unfolding the retractable device 8 to have a large deck surface for drilling operations. How to prepare for drilling work. The method of claim 1,
In the sixth step, the load is distributed over the platform 20 and the barge 1 so that the interface means 15a on the upper deck 16 of the platform 20 are reduced so that the stress on the platform 20 is reduced. 15b) and load transfer of the drilling device (10) in part. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The interface means takes the form of a structure comprising at least two beams 15a, 15b,
In the first step, the beams 15a, 15b are arranged on the elevating means 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A-A 'of the barge, and along the longitudinal axis. 15a is at the forefront and beam 15b is at the rear,
In the second step, the drilling device 10 is arranged in the beams 15a and 15b,
In the sixth step, the beam (15a, 15b) is arranged on the upper deck (16) of the platform and the drilling device (10) is seated on the beam. The method of claim 5,
Each beam 15a, 15b includes separable portions 15c, 15d, 15e, 15f at each end, and the separable portion is integral with the beam during the first to sixth steps. It is,
Separating at least one of said separable portions (15c, 15d, 15e, 15f). The method according to any one of claims 1, 4, 5 and 6,
A buffer means is disposed between the upper deck 16 of the platform 20 and the interface means 15a, 15b so that the drilling device 10 can be arranged without impact during the sixth step. How to prepare for a drilling operation. A semi-submersible barge for carrying out a method for preparing a drilling operation according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
Two parallel flow piers 30a, 30b comprising pointed stems 33a, 33b, each of which is provided with hollow vertical structures 31a, 31b, which flow It is formed from the rear of the pier to the vicinity of the stem of the floating pier, the vertical structures 31a, 31b are connected at the top by a horizontal structure 32, and two protrusions defining a space 2 at the rear of the barge. The barge is characterized in that the horizontal structure is formed on the front portion of the vertical structure (31a, 31b) so as to form (1a, 1b), the protrusion supporting the elevating means (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d). The method of claim 8,
The barge comprises a retractable means (8) which, when unfolded, covers the space (2) between the protrusions (1a, 1b).

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