KR20230029830A - Unmanned vessels for offshore hydrocarbon production, storage and offloading - Google Patents

Abstract

In a marine hydrocarbon production storage and offloading vessel located in a water body, it includes a ship-type hull, hydrocarbon processing equipment and a mooring system. The vessel includes a superstructure accommodating hydrocarbon processing equipment extending longitudinally from the stern to the bow and arranged in at least three sections, with the non-hydrocarbon processing module in the first section and the low pressure/low explosion hazard hydrocarbon processing module in the first section. in the second section, and the high-pressure hydrocarbon gas and toxic compound processing module is installed in the third section. A vessel has one or more central handling and/or maintenance structures. A track is provided on the upper level or uppermost level of the sections and is configured to receive the one or more structures and allow movement of the structure on the track.

Description

Unmanned vessels for offshore hydrocarbon production, storage and offloading

The present invention relates to a vessel for offshore hydrocarbon production, storage and offloading. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a vessel.

While unmanned wellhead facilities in the offshore industry are very well established and have a 40-year track record, there are far fewer minimally manned facilities where process elements (separation, dewatering or compaction) occur at sea. In particular, the operation of floating facilities such as floating hydrocarbon production, storage and offloading platforms or ships still requires a large crew consisting of, for example, production personnel, maintenance and support personnel. Generally, the ship or platform, hereinafter referred to as the FPSO, is far from shore and the crew is aboard the FPSO for a relatively long time. As a result, a relatively large proportion of FPSOs are used in facilities supporting crews.

Also, in the prior art, process equipment is positioned and laid out in such a way that operations can be performed by humans, which may not be an optimal layout for hydrocarbon processing.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or mitigate the disadvantages of the prior art.

incorporated herein.

The object is achieved by a marine hydrocarbon production storage and offloading vessel located in a body of water comprising a vessel-type hull, hydrocarbon processing equipment and a mooring system,

The vessel includes a topsides structure accommodating hydrocarbon processing equipment extending longitudinally from aft to bow and arranged in at least three sections, a non-hydrocarbon processing module in a first section, The low pressure / low explosive hazard hydrocarbon process module is installed in the second section, and the high pressure hydrocarbon gas and toxic compound process module is installed in the third section, the second section is located between the first and third sections;

The vessel has one or more movable central handling and/or maintenance structures;

The track is provided on the uppermost layer of the sections or on the uppermost layer;

A track is configured to accommodate one or more central handling and/or maintenance structures and allow movement of the structure on the track.

According to one embodiment, the track is equipped with a vessel as described above comprising rails and/or plated structures on which one or more central handling and/or maintenance structures can move.

According to one embodiment, a vessel as described above is provided in which the track extends substantially along the length of the vessel.

According to one embodiment, a vessel as described above is provided in which the tracks are arranged along the side walls of the hull or along the centerline of the vessel.

According to one embodiment, a vessel as described above is provided, wherein the central handling and/or maintenance structure is a maintenance structure with large capacity lifting equipment and the ability to deploy one or more robotic devices on the superstructure. do.

According to one embodiment, a vessel as described above is provided in which the central handling and/or maintenance structure is a maintenance structure with one or more robotic arms equipped with robotic devices.

According to one embodiment, the superstructure comprises one process deck or a plurality of process decks located on different floors, optionally service aisles on each process deck between and along each process module. A vessel as described above is equipped with service aisles and each service aisle is configured for access by a robotic device.

According to one embodiment, a tactic wherein each process deck includes a garage for accommodating a robotic device, and optionally the garage has an elevator to allow movement of the robotic device between different floors of the process decks. A vessel as described above is provided.

The garage provides a dock for the robotic equipment when not in use and protects the robotic equipment from the marine environment. In addition, the workshop has space for storing spare equipment and tools used by the robot equipment. In addition, the workshop may have a power supply that can be connected to restore the energy level of the robotic device.

Elevators allow robotic equipment to be transferred from one process deck level to another. In this way, if required, equipment can be shared between the various deck levels. Additionally, the elevators may be controlled by robotic equipment in such a way that the robotic equipment can move autonomously between the various deck levels.

According to an embodiment, high-energy rotating equipment including at least a generator and a compressor on at least one process deck is disposed outside of each process module adjacent to the hull side wall, and the high-energy equipment is another component of the process module. A vessel as described above is provided which consists of a coupler for detachably coupling to the element and includes a connector on the equipment for the crane.

This arrangement provides relatively easy access to types of equipment that typically require relatively frequent maintenance and/or replacement that may exceed the service capabilities of the robotic equipment. By equipping the rig with a connector for the crane, the rig can be removed or replaced by a crane on the vessel but alternatively also by a crane on the support vessel.

According to one embodiment, a vessel as described above is provided in which static equipment on at least one process deck is arranged inside process modules facing away from the side walls of the hull. This equipment generally requires less maintenance or replacement and can therefore be located further away from the support vessel. Also, this type of equipment can be fully serviced by robotic equipment.

According to one embodiment, a vessel as described above is provided in which the at least one process deck includes a central corridor extending longitudinally and the tracks are disposed above the central corridor.

According to one embodiment, a vessel as described above is provided in which the central aisle includes at least one service aisle for robotic device(s) disposed from one or more central handling and/or maintenance structures.

According to one embodiment, the hull has a central vertical passage for placement and accommodation of risers for connection between a subsea hydrocarbon well and said hydrocarbon processing equipment in a production position, optionally a third section adjacent to the bow. and a vessel as described above located above the central aisle.

The FPSO according to this embodiment is configured for spread mooring, having a fixed orientation at a location over an offshore hydrocarbon field. Still inside the hull, a central passage is provided to allow risers, lines, etc. to enter the vessel. This arrangement of risers can free up space for ship-to-ship access along the side of the hull by eliminating riser balconies. This provides the flexibility for support vessels to freely access the FPSO from both sides for campaigns by maintenance or other necessary interventions. Furthermore, placing the process equipment in three different zones with varying operating hazards makes the hydrocarbon production process safer because the process flow substantially follows the zone arrangement.

According to one embodiment, the vessel further comprises a flare tower, the flare tower located at the stern adjacent to the first section of the process module and/or comprising at least a metering unit, at least one auxiliary generator and a pump unit. An auxiliary equipment module comprising an auxiliary equipment module positioned between the stern and the first section of the process module and/or a floating hose for coupling to a shuttle tanker. and an unloading equipment preferably located at the stern, the unloading equipment comprising a docking station for docking the free end of the floating hose when not coupled to the shuttle tanker.

By placing flare towers aft and in the first section, the flares are isolated from the second and third sections of process equipment, which have a relatively high risk of explosion when exposed to fire. According to the prior art, auxiliary equipment would be arranged inside the hull. In this embodiment, by placing the equipment on deck, relatively more hull volume is available for fluid storage for liquid chemicals used in the hydrocarbon production process.

Depending on the requirements, equipment can be stacked so that equipment with similar hazards can be placed within the same section.

In some embodiments, service aisles are provided on each process deck between and along each process module, each service aisle configured for access by robotic equipment. The presence of service passages between and along the process modules allows maintenance procedures to be performed by robotic equipment designed to interact with the process modules. Depending on the maintenance required, the robot equipment is equipped with specific tools to perform the maintenance.

According to one embodiment, the at least one process deck includes a central aisle extending longitudinally and including an area for one or more interconnecting pipe racks between the various equipment in the process modules on the process deck. A vessel as described above is provided.

According to one embodiment, a vessel as described above is provided in which the central aisle includes at least one service aisle for robotic equipment.

In some embodiments, a vessel as described above is provided, preferably located at the stern, and further comprising an unloading equipment having a floating hose for coupling to the shuttle tanker, wherein the unloading equipment is provided with the freedom of the floating hose when not coupled to the shuttle tanker. Includes a docking station for docking the end.

In some embodiments, a vessel as described above is provided in which the hull is configured to allow access by walk-to-work vessels at each hull sidewall by means of gangways, preferably It has a landing porch extending overboard.

incorporated herein.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings in which an exemplary embodiment thereof is shown. The drawings are used for illustrative purposes only. The scope of the present invention is limited only by the definitions set forth in the appended claims.
1 shows a perspective view of a vessel according to one embodiment.
Figure 2 shows a perspective view of part of the hull of the vessel of Figure 1;
Figures 3a and 3b show a perspective view and a top view, respectively, of the process module area of the vessel.
Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a process module area in a vessel.

1 shows a perspective view of a vessel 100 according to one embodiment.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the offshore hydrocarbon production storage and offloading vessel 100 is equipped for mooring at an offshore location above an oil and/or gas field. The vessel is moored to that location by multi-point mooring using mooring lines 110 attached to subsea anchors (or stakes), not shown here. Alternatively, vessel 100 may be configured with a turret mooring system.

In vessel 100 the hydrocarbon processing equipment is located on a superstructure on the process deck comprising one or more process deck tiers. The fairing deck includes at least three sections (20, 21, 22, 23).

In the first section 20, non-hydrocarbon process modules related to processes not involved in hydrocarbon processes are installed.

The second section 21 is equipped with a low pressure / low explosion hazard hydrocarbon processing module relating to the processing of hydrocarbons from the feed in a process operating at relatively low pressure and/or low explosion hazard.

Processes involving high pressure hydrocarbon gases and toxic compounds are performed in the third section 22 of the hydrocarbon process module.

Sections 1, 2 and 3 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vessel. The second section (21) of intermediate danger of explosion is located between the first (20) and third (22) sections.

In one embodiment, the third high risk section 22 is located near and/or above the central aisle. The low risk first section 21 is located adjacent to the stern of the vessel.

The additional section 23 can be installed on a superstructure flanking either the third section or the first section, depending on the risks associated with the processes carried out in the further section.

For example, the further section 23 may contain equipment for the introduction of high pressure hydrocarbons.

As shown in FIG. 1 , an additional section 23 is located adjacent to the third section 22 .

According to one embodiment, separations are provided between the sections in the superstructure to protect the sections from each other.

The superstructure may include one or more cranes 26 (see FIG. 2).

According to one embodiment, a track 70 is provided at or at the uppermost level of the sections 20, 21, 22, 23, which allows movement of one or more central handling and/or maintenance structures (not shown). is configured for The track may include rails and/or plate structures along which one or more central handling and/or maintenance structures may move.

In a preferred embodiment the track 70 extends substantially along the length of the vessel. The tracks can be arranged, for example, along the side walls of the hull or along the centerline of the vessel, depending on the layout of the section's superstructure.

A central handling and/or maintenance structure that is movable in this way can be positioned anywhere on the section. The function of one or more central handling and/or maintenance structures will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2-4 .

Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the vessel of Fig. 1;

On the track 70, one or more central handling and/or maintenance structures are located.

In an exemplary embodiment two central handling and/or maintenance structures 71 and 72 are provided.

In this example, the first structure 71 is a maintenance structure equipped with a large-capacity lifting equipment and a positioning function of at least one robotic device. This central handling and/or maintenance structure 71 is configured to place the robot 73 at a position on the hull, for example in one of the sections where the robot can perform some task such as maintenance.

Moreover, the second structures 72 are disposed at different locations on the track. One or more robotic arms 74 are mounted on the second central handling and/or maintenance structure 72 . Accordingly, the second central handling and/or maintenance structure 72 is configured to perform local tasks in one or more sections by robotic arm(s) 74 . Similar to the first structure 71, the second structure 72 is movable to a selected location on a track where work by the robotic arm(s) is desired.

The robot(s) and/or robotic arm(s) are configured to operate autonomously or remotely controlled via wired (electrical or optical) connections or wireless connections. In one embodiment the wireless connection is provided by a satellite link.

According to one embodiment, the flare tower 28 comprising flare drums is located at the stern of the ship (distant from the second and third sections 21, 22, 23), which have a relatively medium and higher risk of explosion. 25) is located.

Inside the hull, the vessel contains storage tanks 30, 31, 32 for hydrocarbons and by-products.

According to one embodiment, the unloading system 33, 34 is arranged at the stern of the vessel. The unloading system comprises a pumping system (33) and at least (33) a flotation hose (34) connected at one end to the unloading point of the vessel. The other free end configured to float on the water surface is arranged to be connected to the shuttle tanker during the unloading process. When not in use, the free end of the float hose can be connected to a vessel near the water supply. The use of a permanently floating floating hose makes the connection procedure with the tanker relatively easy and reduces the time of the unloading process.

Typically, the float hose may have a length of at least 250 meters to allow a safe distance between the vessel and the tanker.

Optionally, the vessel's hull 10 has a central shaft 27 through which risers from oil and/or gas fields enter and are connected to hydrocarbon processing equipment on the vessel to provide processed oil and gas from the origin. Additionally, other connections to subsea equipment, such as power lines or communication lines, may be arranged to enter the vessel through a central passage. With this alternative arrangement of risers and other railings in the central aisle, the arrangement of riser balconies for connecting subsea risers on the side walls of the hull 10 is not necessary. By keeping the side walls free, support vessels can moor directly to the ships on each side wall. Ship-to-ship access will be improved in this optional deployment. Inside the hull 10, a central passage 27 serving as a passage for a riser connecting subsea wells 120 and 125 to hydrocarbon processing equipment mounted on the ship is disposed. In addition, the central passage 27 can be used as a passage for other lines and conduits such as power lines, communication lines, and water lines. The central passage 27 may be a moon pool or may consist of a central section of the hull 10 with one or more pipes passing through the hull.

Figures 3a, 3b show a perspective view and a top view, respectively, of a process module area 40 on a vessel.

In Figure 3a a superstructure 20; 21; 22; 23 according to an embodiment is shown. The superstructure includes a plurality of process decks 42, 43, 44 positioned above one another at various levels from the upper deck of the hull. On the process deck, (hydrocarbon) process equipment 45 and 46 are installed as described above with reference to FIG. 1 . Depending on the area required for the process equipment, the number of tiers of the process deck can vary from one to three or more.

In one embodiment, the tracks 70 are arranged on the side of the uppermost deck 42 such that the tracks extend along the length of the vessel and the central handling and/or maintenance structure(s) 71; 72 along the sides. can move

At each floor 42, 43, 44 of the process deck, the infrastructure 50 moves the robot equipment 51, 52 arranged by the first structure 71 to a location on the deck, for example, service process equipment (service process equipment). It is laid out to guide to process equipment, 45, 46). As shown in FIG. 3B, there is an infrastructure on the process deck including a passage 50 detectable by robotic equipment 51, 52. Additionally, the infrastructure may include a number of (electronic) beacons 53 detectable by robotic equipment for navigation.

According to one embodiment, the lifting equipment of the first central handling and/or maintenance structure 71 is provided with vertical pull-up openings 75 in each tier, the process section 20 ; 21; 22; 23) to any floor 42, 43, 44.

The infrastructure has a layout in which robots can place themselves in pre-determined locations near process modules to perform specific maintenance or service on the modules.

The robots 51 and 52 may be configured as dedicated tools for specific maintenance tasks. Alternatively, the robots can be arranged to exchange tools depending on the actual maintenance task to be performed.

When the robot is attached to the robot arm of the second structure 72, the second central handling and/or maintenance structure 72 is the target equipment on which the robotic tools 73 mounted on the robot arm(s) can work. It can be moved along the track 70 to the position of. Robotic arms typically consist of manipulators that position and align robotic tools to target equipment.

The superstructure further includes one or more garages 54 for storing robotic equipment on the various levels of process decks (see FIG. 3A ). The garage is included in the layout of the fair deck so that robotic equipment can reach the location of the garage.

According to one embodiment, the garages on the various levels of the process deck are located on top of each other and are configured with elevators to allow robotic equipment to move from one level of the process deck to another.

In an alternative embodiment, the garage(s) and elevator(s) are separate units.

According to one embodiment, one or more garages 54 may be located on the process deck to store and protect robotic equipment when not in use. In addition, the garage can be used for storage and exchange of various tools used by robotic equipment. Preferably, the one or more service station(s) includes one or more docks for providing energy to the robotic equipment.

4 shows a cross-sectional view of process module area 40 on vessel 100 .

In Figure 4 the superstructure is shown in a transverse direction across the vessel.

In this exemplary embodiment, the superstructure includes three tiers of process decks 42, 43, 44. Corridors 55 are arranged along the centerline of the vessel 100 including areas for interconnecting pipe-racks 56 and longitudinal passages 57 for robots and transport equipment. On each side of the aisle, process equipment 45, 46 is placed on the process deck level. A track 70 is arranged above the aisle 55 to allow one or more movable central handling and/or maintenance structures 71, 72 to perform robotic maintenance on either side of the track. As discussed above, structure 71 may be configured to place a robotic device on any floor 42, 43, 44 of a process section.

In some embodiments, the track 70 has a width that allows central handling and/or maintenance structures 71 and 72 to pass through each other.

According to one embodiment, process equipment is distributed between the side wall and the aisle area corresponding to (estimated) requirements for maintenance of the equipment. Process equipment with higher requirements is placed on the outer part 60 of the process deck adjacent to the side wall, while other equipment is placed on the inner part 61 closer to the aisle area. Also, the process equipment of the outer part is configured to be removed by a support vessel using a crane. In this way, equipment can be removed for maintenance or repair and replaced with other equipment provided by a support vessel (not shown). Alternatively or additionally, crane 26 may be located on vessel 100 .

Process equipment with higher maintenance requirements consists of dynamic equipment such as rotating equipment such as generators and pumps. Equipment with lower maintenance requirements consists of static equipment such as separators, scrubbers, storage tanks, valve equipment, etc.

The offshore hydrocarbon production storage and offloading vessel as described above may also be implemented as a circular FPSO type vessel configured for multi-point mooring at the production location, which provides a link between a subsea hydrocarbon well and hydrocarbon processing equipment at the production location. It will be appreciated that it is possible to have a hull with a central passageway for placing and receiving a riser for connection.

The circular FPSO consists of a superstructure accommodating hydrocarbon process equipment divided into at least three sections, a non-hydrocarbon process module is installed in the first section, and a low pressure / low explosion hazard hydrocarbon process module is installed in the second section, In the third section, the high-pressure hydrocarbon gas and toxic compound processing module is installed. Separating walls may be placed between the sections for shielding.

In a manner similar to that described above, the superstructure includes a process deck or a plurality of process decks located on different levels.

A service aisle may be provided on each process deck between and along each process module, each service aisle configured for access by robotic equipment. Each process deck may include a garage for housing robotic equipment that may be connected to the other process decks by an elevator.

The invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. Modifications and changes will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the foregoing detailed description. This invention should be construed to include all such modifications and changes as come within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (15)

A marine hydrocarbon production storage and offloading vessel located in a water area, comprising a ship-type hull, hydrocarbon processing equipment and a mooring system,
The vessel includes a superstructure accommodating the hydrocarbon process equipment extending longitudinally from the stern to the bow and arranged in at least three sections, a non-hydrocarbon process module in the first section, a low pressure / low explosion hazard hydrocarbon process module is installed in the second section, and the high-pressure hydrocarbon gas and toxic compounds processing module is installed in the third section, the second section is located between the first and third sections, and the vessel has one or more movable central handling and/or or with a maintenance structure;
A track is provided on the upper layer or the uppermost layer of the sections,
wherein the track is configured to receive the one or more central handling and/or maintenance structures and allow movement of the structure on the track.
According to claim 1,
wherein the track comprises a rail and/or plate structure on which the one or more central handling and/or maintenance structures are movable.
According to claim 1 or 2,
wherein the track extends substantially along the length of the vessel.
According to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Wherein the track is disposed along the sidewall of the hull or along the centerline of the vessel.
According to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Wherein the central handling and/or maintenance structure is a maintenance structure with a large capacity lifting equipment and the ability to place one or more robotic devices on the superstructure.
According to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Wherein the central handling and/or maintenance structure is a maintenance structure with one or more robotic arms equipped with robotic devices.
According to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The superstructure includes one process deck or a plurality of process decks located on different floors, optionally provided with service passages on each process deck between and along the respective process modules; , wherein each service aisle is configured for access by a robotic device.
According to claim 7,
Each process deck includes a garage for accommodating the robotic device, optionally the garage having an elevator to allow movement of the robotic device between the different floors of the process decks.
According to any one of claims 1 to 8,
High-energy rotating equipment, including at least a generator and a compressor, on at least one process deck is disposed outside of each process module adjacent to the hull side wall, the high-energy equipment being detachable from other components of the process module. A vessel comprising a coupler for fastening and a connector on said equipment for a crane.
According to any one of claims 1 to 9,
Static equipment on the at least one process deck is disposed inside the process module facing away from the side wall of the hull.
According to any one of claims 1 to 10,
wherein the at least one fairing deck includes a longitudinally extending central aisle and the track is disposed above the central aisle.
According to claim 11,
wherein the central aisle comprises at least one service aisle for robotic device(s) disposed from the one or more central handling and/or maintenance structures.
According to any one of claims 1 to 12,
the hull having a central vertical passage for placement and accommodation of a riser for connection between a subsea hydrocarbon oil well and the hydrocarbon processing equipment in a production position;
Optionally the third section is positioned adjacent the bow and above the central aisle.
According to any one of claims 1 to 13,
further comprising a flare tower, the flare tower located at the stern adjacent to the first section of the process module; and/or
an auxiliary equipment module comprising at least a metering unit, at least one auxiliary generator and a pump unit, the auxiliary equipment module being located between the stern and the first section of the process module;
and/or
further comprising an unloading equipment having a floating hose for coupling to the shuttle tanker and preferably located at the stern, the unloading equipment comprising a docking station for docking the free end of the floating hose when not coupled to the shuttle tanker. to ship.
According to claim 13 or 14,
wherein the power cables, control and communication cables enter the vessel through the central vertical passage.

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