MX2011005321A

MX2011005321A - Subsea well intervention module.

Info

Publication number: MX2011005321A
Application number: MX2011005321A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Joergen Hallundbaek
Original assignee: Welltec As
Priority date: 2008-12-12
Filing date: 2009-12-11
Publication date: 2011-06-01
Also published as: EP2196622A1; CN102245855A; AU2009324302B2; WO2010066874A3; EP2373870A2; BRPI0923372A2; AU2009324302A1; US20110240303A1; CA2743008A1; WO2010066874A2

Abstract

Subsea well intervention module for well intervention operations to be performed in a well from a surface vessel via a wireline. The intervention module comprises a supporting structure, an attachment means for removably attaching the supporting structure to a structure of a well head or an additional structure, a well manipulation assembly, a navigation means having at least one propulsion unit for manoeuvring the module in the water, and a control system for controlling the intervention operations. The invention also relates to an intervention system and an intervention method.

Description

SUBMARINE WELL INTERVENTION MODULE The present invention relates to an intervention module in submarine well for intervention operations that are carried out in a well from a surface vessel by wired or wired way. The invention also relates to an intervention system and an intervention method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION During the production of crude oil it may be necessary to perform maintenance work on a well or open a production well. This work in the well is known as well intervention. Inside the well, a production pipe is located. { production casing) which at its upper end is closed by means of a wellhead. The well head can be located on land, on a platform or on the seabed under water.

When a well head is located on the seabed in deep water, the intervention of the well is more complicated as the visibility under the water may be poor. On the other hand, the climatic conditions at sea can interfere with the operation of intervention and in cases where the sea is agitated, interrupt it.

With respect to such subsea intervention operations, it is a known practice to perform them by lowering, on the structure of the wellhead, an intervention module from a surface vessel by means of a plurality of vehicles (ROVs) operated remotely. First, the ROVs are submerged to fix a set of guide wires to the structure of the wellhead for the subsequent conduction and coupling of the intervention module. These guide wires must remain straight while the module descends to the wellhead where it is then held by the operating arms of the ROVs. Afterwards, the ROVs are used to carry out the intervention operations.

To lower these intervention modules on the well head requires a special construction vessel that has a large crane. In this way, each intervention operation must be fully planned since special vessels are not available in all ports and it is necessary to transport them to the nearest port, due to which the time and costs in each operation are increased.

An intervention solution is set forth in United States Patent No. 7,331,394. Although propellers mounted on the module are used to help in the operation of the module on the well head, the intervention module also needs to be lowered and lifted by means of a crane on the surface vessel. On the other hand, the ROVs are needed even in the coupling procedure to guide the module during the descent and fix it on the well head and to control the operation of intervention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION One aspect of the present invention is, at least in part, to overcome the disadvantages of the aforementioned solutions in subsea intervention operations by providing an intervention module in underwater wells that can be used with surface vessels in common use.

This aspect and the advantages that become evident from the following description, are obtained by means of an intervention module in a submarine well for the well intervention operations to be carried out from a surface vessel by wiring, which comprises: a support structure, a fixing means for removably fixing the support structure to a structure of a wellhead or an additional structure, - a means of navigation, and a well handling unit, wherein the navigation means comprises a flotation system adapted to regulate the flotation of the submerged well intervention module.

By providing the intervention module with a flotation system, it is ensured that the module does not strike with force against the seabed or against the well head and other elements are damaged or damaged. On the other hand, the intervention module is handled more easily by means of a remote operation vehicle (also called ROV).

In one embodiment, the subsea well intervention module may have an upper part and a lower part, the lower part having a greater weight than the upper part.

In another embodiment, the navigation means may have at least one propulsion unit for manipulating the module in the water.

In addition, the support structure can be a frame with height, length and width corresponding to the dimensions of a standard transport container.

The subsea intervention module may also have a control system to control the well handling unit, the navigation means, the flotation system and the operations of intervention .

On the other hand, the navigation means may have detection means for detecting a position of the intervention module.

The subsea well intervention module for intervention operations carried out in a well from a surface vessel through wiring, may also include: a support structure, - fixing means for removably fixing the structure to a structure of a wellhead or additional structure, a well handling unit, navigation means having at least one propulsion unit for manipulating the module in the water, and a control system to control the well handling unit, the navigation means and the intervention operations, wherein, the navigation means has a detection means for detecting a position of the intervention module.

By providing the intervention module with detection methods to detect a position of the intervention module, an intervention module is obtained improved that eliminates the need for support from remote operation vehicles (ROV) since the intervention module can be manipulated from the surface. Also, the navigation medium allows the module to. intervention is handled independently in the water, also eliminating the need for external conduction or guide cables when coupling to the wellhead.

In one embodiment, the support structure can be a frame having an exterior shape and defining an interior space containing the well handling unit and the navigation means, the well handling unit and the navigation means are enlarged inside the outer form.

In another embodiment, the navigation means may have at least one guide arm for securing another structure in order to guide the module into place.

In yet another embodiment, the detection means can use ultrasound, acoustic means, electromagnetic, optical and the like to detect the position of the module and make it navigate.

In one embodiment, this flotation system comprises: - one displacement tank, - control means to control filling of the tank, and - means of expansion to expel seawater from the displacement tank by imparting buoyancy to the module, to compensate for the weight of the module in the water.

In another embodiment, the flotation system may have at least a first inflatable means and an expansion means for inflating the inflatable means.

Naturally, the elements of these two alternative modes of the flotation system can be combined in a flotation system.

In one embodiment of the invention, the subsea well intervention module can have a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal extension of the well and the module is practically symmetrical in weight about its longitudinal axis.

According to some modalities, the module can also include a power supply system for supplying power to an intervention operation, this system comprises an energy supply means, such as a cable from the surface vessel, a battery, a battery of fuel, a generator of diesel current, an alternator or similar means of producing or supplying energy.

In one embodiment of the invention, the system of The energy located in the module can provide power to at least the well handling unit by means of hydraulic energy, pressurized gas, electricity or similar energy sources.

On the other hand, in some embodiments, the energy system may comprise an energy storage system for storing energy generated from an intervention operation, for example, submersion into the well of an operating tool.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the power system may have at least one cable to supply power from the top surface to the module, the cable is connected to the module in a removable manner.

In one embodiment, the cable may also include means for transmitting signals between the module and the surface.

In some embodiments, the control system may have disconnection means for disconnecting the cable that supplies power to the system, wiring for the connection of the module to the ship or fixing means.

In a convenient embodiment, the detection means may include at least one image recording medium.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the well handling unit of the subsea well intervention module may comprise: - a tool provision system, comprising: - at least one tool for submersion in the well, and tool submersion means to submerge it into the well through the well head, - at least one connecting means for the well head for connection to the wellhead, and - Valve control means for the well head to manipulate at least one first well head valve that provides access to the tool into the well through the connection means of the wellhead.

On the other hand, the tool supply system can have at least one drive unit for driving the tool forward in the well.

In one embodiment, the means for submerging the tool may include intervention means, such as a winder for unthripping an intervention means, for example, local wiring, a braided cable or a lightweight composite cable, connected to the 52-716 tool to submerge the tool into the well and wind the intervention means when pulling the tool up from the well.

In another embodiment, the tool provisioning system may comprise a plurality of tools in a tool exchange unit.

In an alternative embodiment, the well handling unit may have a hood removal means to remove the protective hood from the wellhead.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the control system may include disconnection means for disconnecting the connecting means from the well head.

In one embodiment, the energy system may have a reserve energy amount large enough for the control system to disconnect from the wellhead the connection means of the well head, the power supply cable of the power system, energy, the wiring of the module or the means of fixing the structure of the well head.

On the other hand, the support structure can be made, at least partially, of hollow profiles.

Additionally, hollow profiles can 52-715 include a lodging that contains gas.

On the other hand, the invention relates to an underwater well intervention system comprising: - at least one underwater intervention module according to any of claims 1 to 19, and at least one remote operation vehicle (ROV) to drive navigation of the intervention module at the wellhead or in another subsea module.

The subsea well intervention system also comprises at least one remote control means for remotely controlling some or all of the functionalities of the intervention module, the remote control means being located above the water.

In one mode, the well intervention system may also include: at least one autonomous communication relay device for receiving signals from the intervention module, converting the signals to aerial signals and transmitting the aerial signals to the remote control means and vice versa to receive and convert signals from the remote control means and transmit the converted signals to the intervention module.

In another modality of the intervention system 52-716 in an underwater well, the autonomous communication relay device can be designed as a buoy and have a resilient communication cable hanging below.

In addition, the intervention module or parts of the intervention module can be made of metal, such as steel or aluminum or a light material that weighs less than steel, such as polymers or a composite material, for example, fiberglass reinforced polymers or of coal.

These parts of the intervention module can be, at least, parts of the fixing means, the well handling unit, the navigation means, the propulsion unit, the control system, the detection means, the unwind winch of the intervention medium, for example, local wiring, the tool exchange unit, the tool supply system, the energy storage system or similar means of the intervention module.

On the other hand, the invention relates to an underwater well intervention method consisting of the following steps: position a surface vessel in the vicinity of the submarine wellhead, 52-716 - connect a submarine well intervention module with the wiring on the vessel, - dumping the submarine well intervention module from the surface vessel into the water by pushing the module on one side or one end of the vessel, control the navigation means in the intervention module, - manipulate the module on the wellhead, - connect the module to the wellhead, - control the control system to perform one or more intervention operations, Separate the module from the wellhead after performing the operations, and - recover the module on the surface vessel by pulling the wiring.

In one embodiment of the subsea well intervention method, one or more additional subsea well intervention modules may be dumped successively or simultaneously with respect to the first module.

In a second mode of the subsea well intervention method, from the beginning of the intervention procedure, the submarine well intervention module may be connected to the surface vessel by an umbilical cord and the intervention may then also include a step consisting of 52-716 releasing the umbilical cord from the module while the module is submerged, after which the module can ascend into the water by its own means of navigation without any physical connection to the surface vessel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The invention is explained in detail below with reference to the figures, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of an intervention operation, Figure 2 is a schematic view of an intervention module according to the invention that is coupled to a well head, Figure 3 is a schematic view of an intervention module according to the invention, Figures 4 and 5 are schematic views of two embodiments of flotation systems according to the invention, Figure 6 is a schematic view of one embodiment of an intervention module, Figure 7 is a schematic view of another embodiment of an intervention module, Figure 8 shows a modality of an underwater well intervention system, Figure 9 shows another system modality 52-716 of intervention, and Figure 10 shows another modality of the intervention system.

The figures are only schematic and are presented for illustrative purposes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an underwater well intervention module (100) for performing intervention operations on submarine crude oil wells (101), as shown in Figure 1. The underwater intervention module (100) is launched from a surface vessel (102), for example, by simply pushing the module (100) into the sea from the deck at the stern of the ship (102) or from the side (103) of the ship (102). Since bouncing the intervention module can be done by simply dumping the module (100) into the water, it is feasible to launch the module from a variety of vessels, including the most common vessels. In this way, the intervention module (100) can also be thrown into the water (104), for example, by means of a crane (not shown).

After throwing it into the water, the intervention module (100) navigates to the well (101) by means of the navigation means (105) to perform the intervention as shown in Figure 1 or by means of a remote operation vehicle (also called ROV).

In another embodiment, the navigation means (105) comprises communication means that allow an operator located, for example, on the surface vessel (102), to remotely control the intervention module (100) by means of the control (126). The remote control signals for the navigation means (105) and the energy for the intervention module (100) are provided through a cable (106), for example, an umbilical cord or a holding strap, which is uncoils or unwinds from the winch (107).

The well head (120) placed on the sea floor, shown in Figure 2 and Figure 7, is the upper end of the well (101) and comprises two wellhead valves (121) and terminals for the connection of a production pipeline (not shown) and for several permanent and temporary connections. The valves (121) are generally operated mechanically or hydraulically or both. In its upper part, the wellhead (120) has a protective hood (123) that must be removed before continuing with the other intervention tasks. Generally, underwater wellheads (120) are surrounded by structures carriers (112) that provide lightening of the load to the wellhead (120) when the external units are connected. The carrier structure (112) can be equipped with two, three or four fixing posts (113). The fixing means (111) of the intervention module (100) must be adapted to the specific type of carrier structure (112) in the well head (120) on which the intervention module will be coupled. The fixing means (111) can support the intervention module in the carrier structure (112) simply by gravity or can include one or more latches to hold the module (100) in place over the wellhead (120) after that the coupling has been made.

The coupling of the intervention module (100) is done by remote control. The intervention module (100) is navigated to the wellhead (120), rotated to align with the structure of the wellhead and directed to engage the structure. This can be done by means of an ROV or navigation means (105) having propulsion means provided in the subsea intervention module (100).

In order to obtain good vertical handling capacity, the navigation means (105) is provided with a flotation system (117) adapted to regulate the flotation of the subsea well intervention module (100). By controlling the buoyancy of the intervention module (100) while it is submerged, the module can sink (negative float), maintain a given depth (neutral float) or raise (positive float) in the water (104). Using this principle to obtain better vertical handling capacity, even heavy objects can be controlled efficiently as exemplified by submarines that use these configurations. In one embodiment, minor adjustments to the vertical position can be made with a propulsion unit (116) oriented appropriately.

Providing the well intervention module (100) with a considerable increase in buoyancy has an additional effect which consists of decreasing the resultant force exerted on the well head by the weight of the module (100). Preferably, the intervention module (100) must be maintained with almost neutral buoyancy, ie, "without weight". This reduces the risk of rupture at the wellhead (120), which would otherwise result in a massive ecological disaster.

To facilitate this coupling procedure, the navigation means (105) includes detection means (109) for detecting the position of the intervention module (100) in the water (104). 52-716 With an intervention module (100) that has the capacity to handle independently in the water (104) the requirements of the surface vessel (102) are reduced since the vessel (102) only needs to bounce the water (104) to the module of intervention, after which the module (100) is able to descend into the water by its own command and this decreases the need to have surface vessels with special equipment and costly, for example, with large systems of cranes compensated crane (heave compensated crane systems) (not shown).

On the other hand, the lower part of the submarine intervention module (100) weighs more than the upper part of the submarine intervention module in order. This is done to ensure that the module does not turn upside down when submerged so that the bottom part and not the top part of the module (100) faces the structure of the wellhead or other module on which it is to be mounted .

The intervention module (100) can be controlled remotely by a combined power and control cable (106), by separate cables or even without cables. Since the intervention module (100) includes the navigation means (105) that allows the module to move freely in the water, there is no need 52-716 guide wires or other external guiding mechanisms for coupling to the module on the well head (120). In some cases, the wired connection (108, 118) between the surface vessel (102) and the module (100) needs to be disconnected and in these cases, the module of the present invention can still continue with the operation. On the other hand, there is no need to dump additional vehicles, such as ROVs, to control the intervention module. This results in a simpler operation in which the surface vessel (102) has a greater degree of flexibility, for example, to move away from approaching objects, etc.

The navigation means may have a propulsion unit (115, 116), a detection means (109) and / or a flotation system (117). If the navigation means (105) of the module (100) has a propulsion unit (115, 116) and a detection means (109), the propulsion unit is capable of moving the module and placing it on another module or on a module. Well head structure on the seabed. If the module (100) only has a float system (117), a remote operation vehicle is still needed to move the module to the position, however, the float system makes navigation much easier.

On the other hand, when the bottom of the 52-716 module (100) weighs more than the top, it ensures that the module will always have the correct orientation.

The subsea well intervention module (100, 150, 160) according to the invention is formed by a supporting structure (110) on which the various subsystems of the intervention module can be mounted. The support structure (100) comprises fixing means (111) for removably fixing the support structure (110) to a structure (112) of a wellhead (120) or an additional structure of the wellhead. In this way, the fixing means (111) allows the intervention module (100) to be coupled to the upper part of the wellhead (120). In another embodiment, the fixing means (111) of a second intervention module (160) can be coupled to the upper part of the first intervention module (150) already coupled to the wellhead (120). The first module is used to remove the hood from the well head (120) and the second module is used in the intervention operation to throw a tool into the well (101).

When one intervention module operates in the well (101), another intervention module is assembled with another tool to perform a second operation in the well, also called second run. When the 52-716 module for the second run is ready to be used, the module is thrown into the water (104) and waits in the vicinity of the wellhead (120) ready to be placed when the "first run" is finished. In this way, the placement of the tool for the next run can be done while the previous run is carried out.

As a result, each module can be assembled with a specific tool thus decreasing the weight of the module on the well head (120) since a module does not have a large tooling supply system (170) with many tools and means to handle them. On the other hand, there is no risk that a tool is locked in the tool provision system (170). In addition, they can be designed in a more particular way for a certain purpose since other auxiliary means related to the tool can be constructed, which is not possible in a system for the provision of tools (170).

As shown in Figure 2, the intervention module (100) comprises a well handling unit (125) that allows the intervention module to perform several well intervention operations necessary to complete an intervention task. On the other hand, the intervention module (100) has a 52-716 navigation means (105) with a propulsion unit (115, 116) for manipulating the module laterally in the water (104). However, the drive unit (115, 116) can also be designed to move the module (100) up and down. Additionally, the intervention module (100) has a control system (126) for controlling the well handling unit (125), the navigation means (105) and the intervention operations, as a tool (171) that operates in the well (101).

The support structure (110) is made to allow water to pass through the structure, minimizing the cross-sectional area over which the water flow can act. Thus, the module (100) can navigate faster through the water by reducing the resistance opposed by the module. On the other hand, an open structure allows easy access to the components of the intervention module (100).

In another modality, the support structure (110) is constructed, at least in part, as a tubular frame structure, since such a construction reduces the weight to a minimum. Thus, the support structure (100) can be designed from hollow profiles, such as tubes, to further lighten the structure. 52-716 A light intervention module such as this results in a lower weight in the well head (120) when the module is coupled to it and thus reduces the risk of damaging the well head. On the other hand, a light intervention module allows easier handling of the module (100), for example, while on board the surface vessel (102).

The support structure (100) may be made of metal, such as steel or aluminum or a light material that weighs less than steel, such as a composite material, for example, polymers reinforced with fiberglass or carbon. Some parts of the support structure (110) can also be made of polymeric materials.

Other parts of the intervention module (100) can also be made of metals, such as steel or aluminum or a light material that weighs less than steel, such as polymers or a composite material, for example, fiberglass or carbon reinforced polymers . These other parts of the intervention module (100) may be at least part of the fixing means (111), the well handling unit (125), the navigation means (105), the propulsion unit (115). , 116), the control system (126), the detection means (109), the unwinder winch (127) of the intervention means, for example, local wiring, the 52-716 exchange of tools, the system of provision of tools (170), the energy storage system (119) or similar means of the intervention module (100).

The support structure (110) can also be made of hollow profiles that house gas, thus providing more buoyancy to the module (100) when submerged in the sea.

Figure 3 shows how the support structure (110) of a mode of the intervention module contains all the navigation means (105), the control system (126) and the well handling unit (125) within the external form of the structure. Thus, the support structure (110) protects the navigation means (105), the control system (126) and the well handling unit (125) against impact, for example, against the seabed or with objects in the surface vessel (102). Therefore, the intervention module (100) is able to withstand blows against the seabed when descending and remain directly there, for example, while waiting to be coupled with the wellhead (120).

In order to carry out a well intervention, the hood of the well head (120) has to be removed and then a tool is thrown into the well (101). 52-716 as shown in Figure 6. Therefore, the first intervention module (150) which is coupled to the well head (120) is a module in which the well handling unit (125) includes means for removing a protective hood (123). In a next step of intervention, a second intervention module (160) comprising means for putting a tool (171) into use in the well (101) is coupled over the first intervention module (150). The first module (150) and the second module (160), in another embodiment, may be comprised in a module as shown in Figures 2 and 7.

The detection means (109) uses ultrasound, acoustic means, electromagnetic means, optical means or a combination thereof to detect the position of the module (100) and to navigate the module over the wellhead (120) or other module . When a combination of navigation techniques is used, the detection means (109) can detect the depth, position and orientation of the module (100). Ultrasound can be used to estimate the water depth below the intervention module (100) and determine the vertical position and at the same time a gyroscope can be used to determine the orientation of the intervention module. Can be used one or more accelerometers to determine the movement in the horizontal plane with respect to a known initial position. Such a system can provide complete position information of the intervention module (100).

In another embodiment, the detection means (109) comprises at least one image recording medium, for example, a video camera. On the other hand, the image recording medium includes means for transmitting the image signals to the surface vessel (102) through the control system (126). The video camera is preferably oriented in such a way as to show the fixing means (111) of the intervention module (100) and also the well head (120) during the coupling procedure. This allows an operator to guide the intervention module (100) by sight, for example, while the module is being coupled to the wellhead (120). As shown in Figure 2, the image recording medium can be mounted on the support structure (110) of the intervention module (100) in a fixed position or mounted on a directional base that can be controlled remotely by an operator. It is evident to the person skilled in the art that the vision system can include any number of suitable sources of light to illuminate the objects that are within the path of the vision system.

In another embodiment, the image recording medium also includes means for analyzing the signal of the recorded image, for example, to make it easier for an autonomous navigation system to manipulate the intervention module (100) by vision.

To achieve better handling capacity of the intervention module (100) while submerged, it must be able to maintain its vertical position within the water (104) and at the same time have the ability to move in the horizontal plane and to rotate around a vertical axis (114), allowing the fixing means (111) to align with the fixing posts (113) of the carrier structure (112) of the well head (120) for coupling.

The ease of horizontal handling as well as rotation can be provided by one or more propulsion units (115, 116), such as propellers, water jets or any other suitable means of underwater propulsion. In one embodiment, the propulsion units (115, 116) are mounted in the intervention module (100) in a fixed position, that is, each propulsion unit (115, 116) has a fixed propulsion direction relative to the module. of intervention (100) In this embodiment, at least three propulsion units (115, 116) are used to impart mobility to the module (100). In another embodiment, the propulsion direction of one or more of the propulsion units (115, 116) can be controlled, either by rotating the propulsion unit itself or by directing the flow of water, for example, by using a rudder configuration or similar. This type of configuration makes it possible to achieve total handling capacity with fewer propulsion units (115, 116) than would be required if the units are fixed to the intervention module (100).

The intervention module (100) can be manipulated remotely by means of an autonomous system or a combination of the two. For example, in one embodiment, the coupling of the module is performed by a remote operator, but an autonomous system maintains, for example, neutral float while the intervention module (100) is fixed to the wellhead (120). The flotation system (117) may also provide means for adjusting buoyancy as a function of changes in the density of the surrounding water, which come, for example, from changes in temperature or salinity.

Figures 4 and 5 show two different embodiments of flotation systems (117). In general, 52-716 the flotation system (117) must have the ability to displace a body of water corresponding to the total weight of the intervention module (100) itself. For example, if the module weighs 30 tons, the mass of displaced water should be 30 tons, which approximately correspond to a volume of 30 cubic meters, to establish neutral flotation. However, it is not necessary to fill the volume with water so that the module (100) drops, since this would cause the module to go to the bottom very fast. Therefore, one part of the flotation system (117) can be configured to impart permanent buoyancy to the module while another part of the flotation system (117) can displace a volume to adjust the negative buoyancy to positive. The permanent buoyancy of the flotation system (117) can be imparted by means of an airtight compartment of the displacement tank (130) containing or a suitable low density material, such as syntactic foam. The minimum buoyancy will depend on the drag of the module (100) as it descends. In the same way, the maximum buoyancy that can be obtained should be selected in such a way as to allow the module (100) to ascend with a reasonably high speed to speed up the operations, but no more than what is determined by the safe navigation of the intervention module (100 ). 52-716 Figure 4 shows a flotation system (117) comprising a displacement tank (130) that can be filled with seawater or with a such as air. To increase the buoyancy of the module (100), the is introduced into the tank (130), displacing the seawater. To decrease the buoyancy, the is allowed to escape from the tank (130) using the control means (131) and allowing the seawater to enter. The control means (131) for controlling the filling of the tank with seawater can be simply one or more valves remotely manipulated, let the gas escape from the tank (130). The tank may have the bottom open or may encapsulate the contents completely. In the case of the open tank, the water will automatically fill the tank (130) when the gas escapes and in the case of a closed tank, an inlet valve is required that allows the water to enter the tank (130).

Figure 5 shows the flotation system (117) comprising several inflatable means (140) that can be inflated by the expansion means (132). Any number of inflatable means (140) can be conceived, for example, one, two, three, four, five or more. Inflatable means (140) can have balloons, air-tight air bags or the like and can be inflated to increase buoyancy, for example, 52-716 when the intervention module (100) ascends to the sea surface after the intervention procedure. The expansion means (132) may include compressed gas, for example, air, helium, nitrogen, argon, etc. As an alternative, the gas required for inflation of the inflatable means (140) is generated by a chemical reaction similar to the systems used for the inflation of the airbags in automobiles. The inflatable means (140) must be manufactured from materials strong enough to withstand the water pressure that exists at the desired operating depth. These materials could be a polymeric material reinforced with aramid or carbon fibers, metal or other suitable reinforcing material. A flotation system (117) such as that shown in Figure 5, as an option, may include means to partially or fully release gas from an inflatable medium (440) or even to release all inflatable medium (140). ) per se.

In one modality, the intervention module (100, 150, 160) has a longitudinal axis parallel to a longitudinal extension of the well (101) and the module is symmetrical in weight about the longitudinal axis. This symmetrical weight distribution ensures that the intervention module (100) does not distort the wellhead (120) 52-716 and the corresponding structure of the well head when coupled to the wellhead.

In another embodiment, the flotation system (117) is adapted to ensure that the center of flotation on which the flotation force acts is located on the same longitudinal axis as the center of mass of the intervention module (100) and that the center of flotation is located above the center of mass. This modality guarantees directional stability of the intervention module (100).

As shown in Figure 2, the intervention module (100, 150, 160) comprises an energy system (119) that is located in the module. The power system (119) may be in the form of a cable (106) connected to the surface vessel (102) or in the form of a battery, a fuel cell, a diesel generator, an alternator or producing or processing means. Similar local power supply. In one embodiment, the power system (119) feeds the well handling unit (125) and / or other means of the module by means of hydraulic power, pressurized gas, electricity or similar energy sources. By supplying local energy supply means or reserve energy to the intervention module (100), the intervention module can be released from the head of 52-716 well (120) or another module and if necessary, bring a tool to the well (101). This, at least, allows the intervention module (100) to raise itself to the surface (self-surface) if damage or other critical situations occur. In another embodiment, the local power generation means allows the intervention module (100) to independently perform parts of the intervention procedure without an external energy source.

In some modalities, the energy system (119) comprises an energy storage system (133) for storing the energy generated in the intervention operations, such as submerging an operation tool (171) in the well (101). In an embodiment of this type, the energy storage system (133) comprises the mechanical storage of the energy released as the tool (171) descends into the well (101), this stored energy can be used to subsequently raise the energy. tool. The energy storage system (133) may comprise mechanical storage means which can be any type of tension system, pneumatic storage means, hydraulic storage means or any other suitable mechanical storage means. By providing the intervention module 52-716 (100) with an energy storage system (133), decreases the required capacity, for example, decreases the electrical energy necessary for operations, thanks to the reuse of stored energy. Of course, the intervention module (100) can include any combination of two or more power supply means.

On the other hand, the power system (119) of the intervention module (100) can be powered by at least one cable (106) to bring energy from the surface to the intervention module. The cable (106) is removably connected to the intervention module (100) through a connection (108) that allows easy separation between the cable and intervention module in case the surface vessel (102) needs move. This is shown in Figure 6, where the cable (106) has been disconnected. The cable (106) can be adapted to supply the intervention module (100) with electrical energy from the surface vessel (102) and can be provided, for example, with an umbilical cord or a holding strap.

The communication with the surface vessel (102) allows the intervention module (100) to be manipulated remotely and transmits to the ship several measurement data and the situation. The module 52-716 intervention (100) can be communicated in wired or wireless form with the surface vessel (102) or with other units, submerged or on the surface. The communication cable can be a dedicated communication line arranged as an independent cable or a separate line inside a power cable or a wired connection of power supply, for example, a power cable. In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the intervention module (100) comprises wireless communication means, such as radiofrequency communication, acoustic data transmission, an optical link or any other suitable means of underwater communication. Wireless The communication can be made directly with the destination receiver or intermediary, that is, intermediary sending and receiving units, such as the relay devices (190). The communication means will allow bi or unidirectional communication to communicate data of the intervention module (100) such as, the transmission of video during the coupling procedure, the position, the current depth reading, the status of the subsystems or other data of measurements, for example, coming from inside the well (101). The communication with the intervention module (100) could be, for example, requests for data from 52-716 return, handling operations, control data for the well handling unit, that is, to control the intervention process itself, etc.

In one embodiment, the control system (126) comprises wired and wireless communication means, for example, so that the video feed that demands high bandwidth can be transmitted by wire until the intervention module (100) fit to the wellhead (120). When the module has been coupled, communications that require less bandwidth, such as communications that are needed during the intervention itself, can be done wirelessly through relay devices (190).

If the communication cable, for example, combined with a power cable, is released from the intervention module (100), no physical connection is required between any submerged surface or vessel and the intervention module, due to the fact that the module The intervention can still be controlled by the wireless connection (180, 191). Thus, in one embodiment, the control system (126) comprises disconnection means (108), for disconnecting the wiring that supplies power to the system, wiring for connection of the intervention module (100) with the ship (102) or the 52-716 fixing means (111). After disconnection, the intervention module (100) continues to operate by its own power supply. When the cable has been released from the intervention module (100) and recovered in the surface vessel (102), the vessel is free to navigate and exit position, for example, to avoid risks by floating obstacles such as icebergs, ships, etc .

As already mentioned, to perform the real intervention tasks, the intervention module (100) includes a well handling unit (125) which can be a means for removing the hood (134) or a tool provision system (170) The tool supply system (170) comprises at least one tool (171) that will be immersed in the well (101) and means for submerging the tool (172) to immerse the tool into the well (101) through the wellhead (120). Having the means for submerging the tool (172) of the tool supply system (170) mounted on the module (100) makes the handling of the tool independent of the surface vessel (102). This ensures that the well head (120) is not subjected to any undesirable stress or torque, for example, by a long cable or guide wire extending from the well head (120) to the vessel 52-716 surface (102). This tension or torque is quite undesirable because it can ultimately result in the breakdown of the wellhead (120), which could potentially lead to a massive environmental disaster.

To connect the well handling unit (125) with the wellhead (120), the unit also comprises at least one connection means to the well head (173) and wellhead valve control means ( 174) for manipulating at least a first well head valve (121) that provides access of the tool to the well (101) through the connection means to the well head (173). Well heads, in general, have valves that work mechanically or hydraulically. Thus, the wellhead valve control means (174), controlled by the control system (126) of the intervention module, comprises means for manipulating the controls of the valves, for example, a mechanical arm or a hydraulic connection and a system to supply the valve controls with the required mechanical or hydraulic force.

The means for submerging the tool (172) can be an uncoiling winch (127) of an intervention means, for example, local wiring, a 52-716 braided cable or a light composite cable, connected with the tool to immerse the tool into the well (101) and coiled the intervention means when pulling the tool upwards from the well.

Well interventions commonly require submerging tools in the well (101) by wiring, coiled tubing, etc. In the event that part of the well (101) is not essentially vertical, a downhole tractor can be used as a driving unit to drive the tool in the well to its position throughout the trajectory. A downhole tractor is any kind of driving tool capable of pushing or pulling tools at the bottom of a well, such as the Well Tractor®.

The support structure (110) is a frame with height, length and width corresponding to the dimensions of a standard transport container. A transport container can have different dimensions, for example, units of 2,438 m (8 ft.) Cubic (2.44 m? 2.44 mx 2.44 m) used by the United States Army or standardized containers that have greater length, for example, 3.05 m (10 feet), 6.10 m (20 feet), 12.19 m (40 feet), 14.63 m (48 feet) and 16.15 m (53 feet) long. The European and Australian containers are usually 52-716 slightly wider, for example, 50.8 mm (2 inches).

The connecting means (173), generally, comprises a lubricator (178) for connecting the well head (120) and for raising the tool when it is not in use. On the other hand, the connecting means (173), generally, includes a grease injection head to generate an airtight seal around the tool submerging means (172) while allowing the submersion means to pass through the seal to move the tool in and out of the well (101). In one embodiment, the control system (126) comprises disconnection means (108) for disconnection of the connection means of the well head (173) that allow the lubricator (178) to be disconnected from the wellhead ( 120). In case of a critical situation, the tool includes a release device to free the cable from the tool in case the tool locks in the bottom of the well.

In another embodiment, the power system (119) has a reserve energy amount large enough for the control system (126) to disconnect the wellhead connection means (173) from the wellhead (120). ), the power supply cable of the power system (119), the 52-716 wiring of the module and / or fixing means (111) of the structure of the wellhead. In this way, the intervention module (100) can come out afloat, even if a cable needs to be disconnected, for example, due to a risk approaching the surface vessel (102). In one embodiment, the required reserve energy can be provided by equipping the intervention module (100) with an adequate number of batteries that allow the required operations.

The intervention module (100, 150) may also include two or more tools that are housed in a tool exchange unit while the tools are not in use. The tool exchange unit, controlled by the control system (126), allows the exchange of two or more tools to be performed by the same module without the need for the module to rise again to the surface or to have another influence external A typical operation requires at least one additional configuration of the well handling unit (125) in addition to the configuration with a tool. As mentioned, the additional configuration can be a hood removal unit (151) comprising a hood removal means (134), as shown in Figure 6. This means of 52-716 hood removal (134) will be adapted to pull unscrew the protective hood (123) from the well (101), depending on the design of the well head (120) and / or the protective hood (123). On the other hand, the hood removal means (134) can be adapted to vibrate the hood (123) to loosen debris and sediment that may be deposited on the hood.

As mentioned, the hood removal unit (151) can be mounted on a special intervention module dedicated as a hood removal module (150). This hood removal module 150 can be adapted in such a way as to allow the intervention modules 100, 160 to be coupled as their own extension when they are fixed to the wellhead 120. The module shown in Figure 6 comprises a receiving means (155) in the direction of the upper part of the supporting structure (110) wherein the receiving means (155) is adapted to receive the fixing means (111). ) of a following intervention module (100, 160). In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the cable has not been disconnected from the module (100) to be retrieved by the surface vessel (102). The control system of the hood removal module (150) is now connected to communicate with the vessel 52-716 of surface (102) by a wireless link.

As shown in Figure 9Some embodiments of the underwater well intervention system (100) comprises at least one autonomous communication relay device (190) for wirelessly receiving signals via water (180) of the intervention module (100, 150, 160), which converts signals from the module (100) into aerial signals (191) and transmits the aerial signals to the remote control means (192) and vice versa to receive and convert signals from the remote control means and transmit the converted signals to the intervention module (100) In one embodiment, the autonomous communication relay device (190) is designed as a buoy and has a resilient communication cable (194, 199) hanging below. The autonomous communication relay device (190) can be a small vessel, a small vessel, a buoy or any other floating structure. Preferably, the autonomous communication relay device (190) includes navigation means (105) that allows it to be controlled remotely from the surface vessel (102), for example, to maintain a specific position. Also, in some embodiments, the autonomous communication relay device (190) includes means for detecting its current position, 52-716 for example, a receiver (193) for the global positioning system (GPS - Global Positioning System).

In Figure 8, the resilient communication cable (194, 199) hangs below the ship (102) and the end of the cable has means for communicating with a first module (100, 150) and a second module (100, 160) .

The air communication between the intervention module (100) is retransmitted between the underwater communication medium and the communication medium on the surface, such as the antennas (192), as shown in Figure 9. The underwater communication medium it can be a cable that is connected to the intervention module (100) (see, Figure 10) or it can be a wireless underwater communication means, for example, using radio frequency signals or optical or acoustic signals. If wireless communication is used, the communication relay device (190) can be adapted to lower the underwater communication means to the bottom of the water, for example, reaching funds of 10 to 100%, alternatively 25 to 75% or even 40 to 60% of the depth of the water. This limits the required distance of wireless underwater transmission as this may be necessary to avoid very large transmission losses of electromagnetic radiation in water from 52-716 sea. The air communication can be carried out with the surface vessel (102) or, for example, with a remote operation center.

Figure 10 shows a mode in which the underwater communication means of the relay device (190) is a communication cable (199) connected to the intervention module (100) and that can be taken out of the relay device (190) as it descends the intervention module. The relay device (190) may be provided to unwind the cable (199) or the cable simply leaves the coil by the weight of the intervention module (100) as the module descends. The cable (199) can be lifted by electromechanical means, with a winch, for example, or by mechanical means only such as a tension system.

A subsea well intervention using intervention modules according to the present intervention then comprises the following steps: positioning a surface vessel (102) in the vicinity of the submarine well head (120), connecting an underwater well intervention module ( 100) with wiring in the vessel, submerging in the sea the intervention module in submarine well (100) from the surface vessel (102) pushing the module on one of the edges of the vessel, controlling the navigation means (105) in the module 52-716 intervention (100), operate the module (100) in the wellhead (120), connect the module (100) to the wellhead (120), control the control system (126) to perform one or more operations of intervention, separating the module (100) from the well head (120) after performing the operations and recovering the module (100) in the surface vessel (102) pulling, the wiring. The surface vessel (102) need not be positioned exactly above the well head (120) since the module (100) is independently navigated and not suspended from the vessel. On the other hand, the procedure, often critical, of the prior art for putting the intervention module into use in water is significantly simplified since the module (100) can simply be pushed on the side (103) of the surface vessel (102). This allows the use of an intervention module (100) in turbulent conditions in which intervention operations would otherwise be prohibitive. Also, since the module (100) is manipulated remotely, there is no need to use additional vehicles such as ROVs and thus the intervention operation is simplified further.

In some embodiments of the method of intervention according to the invention, one or more additional subsea well intervention modules are submerged 52-716 consecutively, simultaneously or after the first module. As the first intervention module performs the designated operations, the next intervention module is prepared on the surface vessel (102) and launched into the sea to descend to the wellhead (120). When the first intervention module has performed its operations it can return to the surface by its own means while the second intervention module waits in a position close to the well head (120) for coupling with it. By having a second intervention module waiting, it is possible to make an agile change from one intervention module to the next, considering a situation in which it is required to lower several intervention modules by means of a crane over the wellhead, example, by a set of cables. In that case, more time is required to carry out the intervention. 52-716

Claims

1. Submarine well intervention module (100) for intervention operations that are performed in the well (101) from a surface vessel through wiring (102), which comprises: - a support structure (110), - fixing means (111) for removably fixing the support structure to a structure of a well head (120) or an additional structure, - navigation means (105), and - a well handling unit (125), wherein the navigation means comprises a flotation system (117) adapted to regulate the buoyancy of the submerged well intervention module.

2. Submarine well intervention module according to claim 1, wherein the subsea well intervention module has an upper part and a lower part, the weight of the lower part is greater than that of the upper part.

3. Submarine well intervention module according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the support structure is a frame structure having an exterior shape and defining an interior space containing the well handling unit and the navigation means, the Well handling unit and medium 52-716 of navigation are extended to the outer form.

. Submarine well intervention module according to claim 1, wherein the navigation means has at least one propulsion unit (115, 116) for manipulating the module in the water.

5. Submarine well intervention module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure is a frame structure with height, length and width corresponding to the dimensions of a standard transport container.

6. Submarine well intervention module according to any of the preceding claims, which also comprises a control system (126) for controlling the well handling unit, the navigation means, the flotation system and the intervention operations.

7. Submarine well intervention module according to claim 6, wherein the support structure is a frame structure having an exterior shape and defining an interior space containing the control system, the control system extends within the shape Exterior.

8. Submarine well intervention module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the navigation means comprises at least one arm 52-716 guide to hold another structure in order to guide the module to its place.

9. Submarine well intervention module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the navigation means comprises detection means (109) for detecting a position of the intervention module.

10. Submarine well intervention module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flotation system comprises: - one displacement tank (130) control means (131) for controlling tank filling, and - expansion means (132) for expelling seawater from the displacement tank by floating the module, to compensate for the weight of the intervention module in the water.

11. Submarine well intervention module according to claims 9 or 10, wherein the detection means comprises at least one image recording medium.

12. Submarine well intervention module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the well handling unit comprises: - a tool arrangement system (170), comprising: - at least one tool (171) for submersion in the well, and - tool submersion means (172) for immersing the tool in the well through the well head, - at least one connecting means for the well head (173) for connecting the well head, and - Wellhead valve control means (174) for manipulating at least one first valve (121) Well head that provides access to the tool in the well through the connection means of the well head.

13. Submarine well intervention module according to claim 12, wherein the tool supply system comprises at least one drive unit for driving the tool forward in the well.

14. Submarine well intervention module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the well handling unit comprises means (134) for removing the hood (123) to remove the protective hood at the wellhead.

15. Submarine well intervention module according to any of the preceding claims, which also comprises an energy system (119) for supplying energy to an intervention operation, such as a cable (106) from the surface vessel, a battery, a fuel cell, a diesel generator, an alternator or similar producing or supplying power sources.

16. Submarine well intervention module according to claim 15, wherein the energy system comprises an energy storage system (133) for storing the energy generated from an intervention operation, for example, submersion into the well of an operation tool (171).

17. Submarine well intervention module according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the energy system has a quantity of reserve energy stored in the energy storage system large enough for the control system to disconnect from the well head the connecting means for the wellhead, the power supply cable of the power system, the cable of the intervention module or the fixing means, of the structure of the wellhead.

18. Submarine well intervention module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure, at least in part, is made of hollow profiles.

19. Submarine well intervention module according to claim 18, wherein the hollow profiles enclose a housing containing gas.

20. Submarine well intervention system (200), comprising: - at least one underwater intervention module according to any of claims 1 to 19, and - at least one remote operation vehicle for driving the navigation of the intervention module in the well head or in another subsea module.

21. Submarine well intervention module according to the indication rei 20, which also comprises at least one remote control means (192) to remotely control some or all of the functionalities of the intervention module, the remote control means is located above the water .

22. Submarine well intervention system according to claims 20 or 21, which also comprises: - at least one communication relay device (190), autonomous, to receive signals from the intervention module, convert the signals into aerial signals (191) and transmitting the aerial signals to the remote control means and vice versa to receive and convert signals from the remote control means and transmit the signals 52-716 converted to the intervention module.

23. Underwater well intervention system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the intervention module or parts of the intervention module can be made of metal, such as steel or aluminum or a light material that weighs less than steel, such as polymers or a composite material, for example, polymers reinforced with fiberglass or carbon.

24. Submarine well intervention method, which includes the following steps: position a surface vessel in the vicinity of the submarine wellhead, - connect a submarine well intervention module with the cable on the vessel, - dump the subsea well intervention module in the water from the surface vessel by pushing the module on one side (103) or one end of the vessel, controlling the navigation means in the intervention module, - manipulate the module on the wellhead, - connect the module to the wellhead, - control the control system to perform one or more intervention operations, - disassemble the well head module after performing the operations, and 52-716 - retrieve the module on the surface vessel by pulling the cable.

25. Submarine well intervention method according to claim 24, which also consists of the following steps: connect a second subsea well intervention module to the cable on the ship, dump into the water the second subsea intervention module from the surface vessel by pushing the module on one side or one end of the vessel, before retrieving the previous subsea intervention module. 52-716