NZ623256B2 - Method for connecting a flexible line to a structure of a fluid exploitation installation and associated connection device - Google Patents
Method for connecting a flexible line to a structure of a fluid exploitation installation and associated connection device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ623256B2 NZ623256B2 NZ623256A NZ62325612A NZ623256B2 NZ 623256 B2 NZ623256 B2 NZ 623256B2 NZ 623256 A NZ623256 A NZ 623256A NZ 62325612 A NZ62325612 A NZ 62325612A NZ 623256 B2 NZ623256 B2 NZ 623256B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- bend limiter
- flexible line
- retaining
- releasable
- engaging
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 24
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title claims description 15
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 title claims description 15
- 230000003100 immobilizing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 50
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 14
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 3
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000006866 deterioration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003208 petroleum Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013019 agitation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009849 deactivation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002542 deteriorative effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000630 rising effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
- E21B17/01—Risers
- E21B17/017—Bend restrictors for limiting stress on risers
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
- E21B19/002—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables specially adapted for underwater drilling
- E21B19/004—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables specially adapted for underwater drilling supporting a riser from a drilling or production platform
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
- E21B43/01—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells specially adapted for obtaining from underwater installations
- E21B43/0107—Connecting of flow lines to offshore structures
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B7/00—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections
- F16B7/18—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections using screw-thread elements
- F16B7/182—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections using screw-thread elements for coaxial connections of two rods or tubes
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B7/00—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections
- F16B7/22—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections using hooks or like elements
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
- Y10T29/49908—Joining by deforming
Abstract
connecting device and associated method for attaching a flexible line, pipe or riser to a bend limiter or guide. The bend limiter subsequently affixes to a floating structure e.g. a marine oil and gas platform or rig. The line (18) is surrounded by the bend limiter (42) and they are attached by a releasable axial immobilising mechanism (46) that consists of a segmented nut attached to the limiter and a threaded fastener or screw attached to the line, or vice versa. The line and the bend limiter can be disconnected once both are engaged in a channel or shaft (40) in the oil rig (10), allowing the line to move upward through the bend limiter. releasable axial immobilising mechanism (46) that consists of a segmented nut attached to the limiter and a threaded fastener or screw attached to the line, or vice versa. The line and the bend limiter can be disconnected once both are engaged in a channel or shaft (40) in the oil rig (10), allowing the line to move upward through the bend limiter.
Description
Method for connecting a flexible line to a structure of a fluid exploitation installation
and associated connection device
An embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for connecting a
flexible line to a structure of a fluid exploitation installation, comprising the following steps:
- providing a flexible line and a bend limiter axially immobilized around the flexible
line by a releasable immobilizing mechanism;
- partially inserting the flexible line through a hollow rigid member secured to the
structure;
- immobilizing the bend limiter on the hollow rigid member;
- deactivating the releasable immobilizing mechanism;
- moving the flexible line relative to the bend limiter in the hollow rigid member, the
bend limiter remaining substantially axially stationary relative to the hollow rigid member.
Such a method is in particular implemented in hydrocarbon exploitation solutions
passing through an expanse of water, for example comprising a rigid structure fixed on the
sea bottom or a floating structure such as a naval surface support, a semi-submersible
platform, a floating riser, or a ship.
The flexible line to be connected on the structure is for example a flexible rising
fluid transport pipe, also referred to as a riser. "Flexible pipes" refers to those described in
the normative documents published by the American Petroleum Institute (API), API 17J
and API RP 17 B and well known by those skilled in the art. More generally, the flexible
line may be a composite bundle, a set of umbilicals or electrical cables.
The method of the aforementioned type is used during the installation and
connection of the flexible line on the surface structure.
To that end, to reduce the risks of damage to the structure and the flexible line, it is
known to submerge the flexible line in the expanse of water below the surface structure,
and to raise it up to the connection area situated on the surface structure using a winch.
Such a connection is referred to as a "pull-in".
The flexible line is guided on the structure by inserting it through a hollow rigid tube
secured to the structure, oriented vertically, which constitutes a protective sleeve. The
hollow tube is for example of the "I-tube" or "J-tube" type.
At the upper output of the tube, the flexible line is connected on the surface
installation.
To avoid deteriorating the flexible line, in particular under the effect of the agitation
of the water that may cause it to come into contact with the structure, it is known to mount
a bend limiter, engaged around the flexible line, capable of locally imposing a bend radius
greater than the minimum bend radius that the flexible line may occupy.
6231441_2.docx
In the rest of the text, "bend limiter" refers to bend limiters for example made up of
hinged rigid elements called "vertebrae", and limiters for example made up of multiple
blocks of plastic material, as well as combinations of those elements.
A bend limiter is for example positioned around the flexible line in the vicinity of its
upper end to cooperate with the hollow tube during the insertion of the flexible line into the
tube.
To that end, first, the bend limiter and the flexible line are moved jointly toward the
lower end of the hollow tube until the limiter is partially inserted into the hollow tube. Then,
secondly, the flexible line is moved upward relative to the bend limiter to raise it through
the hollow tube in order for it to be connected on the surface structure.
During the second phase, the bend limiter is kept immobile in translation in the
hollow tube by embedding and/or fastening using gripping collars.
WO 98/23845 describes a method using a single winch to pull the flexible line and
the bend limiter while temporarily securing the bend limiter to the flexible line using a
frangible pin.
During the raising of the bend limiter toward the lower end of the hollow tube, the
bend limiter and the flexible line move jointly. The bend limiter is then fastened to the
lower end of the tube. Sufficient upward traction is then applied on the flexible line so as
to break the frangible pin to allow the upward movement of the flexible line relative to the
bend limiter.
Such a method is not fully satisfactory. In fact, to allow the release of the flexible
line relative to the bend limiter, it is necessary to move the line locally relative to the bend
limiter to cause the frangible pins to break. Such movement results from the
implementation of an upward traction force on the flexible line. Such a force may
deteriorate the pipe.
Furthermore, the method is complex and requires great reliability of the
mechanical parts inserted between the flexible line and the bend limiter.
An embodiment of the invention seeks to provide a method for connecting a
flexible line on a structure of a fluid exploitation installation that is easy and reliable to use,
with a very limited risk of deterioration of the flexible line.
Alternatively or additionally, an embodiment of the invention seeks to at least
provide the public with a useful choice.
The present invention provides a method for connecting a flexible line to a
structure of a fluid exploitation installation, comprising the following steps:
- providing a flexible line and a bend limiter axially immobilized around the flexible
line by a releasable immobilizing mechanism;
6231441_2.docx
- partially inserting the flexible line through a hollow rigid member secured to the
structure;
- immobilizing the bend limiter on the hollow rigid member;
- deactivating the releasable immobilizing mechanism;
- moving the flexible line relative to the bend limiter in the hollow rigid member, the
bend limiter remaining substantially axially stationary relative to the hollow rigid member;
wherein the releasable immobilizing mechanism includes a retaining member
secured to one of the flexible line and the bend limiter and an engaging assembly
mounted on the other of the bend limiter and the flexible line,
the retaining member being formed by a threaded rod,
the engaging assembly being a segmented nut including a moving engaging
member formed by separated threaded segments, said moving engaging member being
capable of being placed in an engaging configuration of the retaining member, the
deactivating step including moving the moving engaging member from the engaging
configuration to a released configuration of the retaining member, independently of the
movement of the flexible line with respect to the bend limiter.
The term ‘comprising’ as used in this specification and claims means ‘consisting at
least in part of’. When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which
include the term ‘comprising’, other features besides the features prefaced by this term in
each statement can also be present. Related terms such as ‘comprise’ and ‘comprised’
are to be interpreted in similar manner.
The method according to an embodiment of the invention may comprise one or
more of the following features, considered alone or according to any technically possible
combination:
- the releasable retaining member includes an actuator, advantageously a
hydraulic actuator, the actuator being driven during the deactivating step to allow the
passage of each moving member from its engaged configuration to its release
configuration.
- the releasable immobilizing member includes a retaining cage for the moving
member, and during the deactivating step, the actuator moves the retaining cage between
a first position keeping each moving member in the engaged configuration, and a second
position in which each moving member is able to go into its released configuration.
- the flexible line includes at least one bearing flange, the bend limiter including a
retaining flange applied on the bearing flange when the releasable immobilizing
mechanism is activated, the releasable immobilizing mechanism keeping the bearing
flange pressed on the retaining flange during the immobilization of the bend limiter on the
6231441_2.docx
hollow rigid member, the bearing flange being free to move relative to the retaining flange
after deactivation of the releasable immobilizing mechanism.
- the hollow rigid member includes at least one retaining collar, the bend limiter
including at least one pre-fastening member on the collar, the engagement of the bend
limiter on the hollow rigid member including the engagement of the pre-fastening member
on the collar.
- the method includes, after the step for deactivating the releasable immobilizing
member, the permanent fastening of the bend limiter on the hollow rigid member using at
least one fastening member.
The present invention further provides a connecting device, designed to be
mounted on a structure of a fluid exploitation installation, including:
- a flexible line;
- a hollow rigid member designed to be fastened on the structure, the flexible line
being designed to be engaged through the hollow rigid member;
- a bend limiter engaged around the flexible line, the bend limiter being designed to
be axially immobilized on the hollow rigid member;
- a releasable axial immobilizing mechanism for the flexible line on the bend limiter;
wherein the releasable immobilizing mechanism includes a retaining member
secured to one of the flexible line and the bend limiter and an engaging assembly
mounted on the other of the bend limiter and the flexible line,
the retaining member being formed by a threaded rod,
the engaging assembly being a segmented nut including a moving engaging
member formed by separated threaded segments radially movable between a retracted
engaged configuration of the retaining member and a deployed released configuration of
the retaining member in order to deactivate the releasable immobilizing mechanism
independently of the movement of the flexible line relative to the bend limiter.
The device according to an embodiment of the invention may comprise one or
more of the following features, considered alone or according to any technically possible
combination:
- the releasable retaining mechanism includes an actuator, advantageously a
hydraulic actuator, the actuator being controllable then to allow the passage of each
moving member from the engaged configuration to its released configuration.
- the releasable immobilizing mechanism includes a cage for retaining the moving
member, and the actuator can be controlled to move the retaining cage between a first
position keeping each moving member in the engaged configuration and a second
position in which each moving member is capable of going into its released configuration.
6231441_2.docx
- the flexible line includes at least one bearing flange, the bend limiter including a
retaining flange pressed on the bearing flange when the releasable immobilizing
mechanism is activated, the releasable immobilizing mechanism keeping the bearing
flange pressed on the retaining flange during the immobilization of the bend limiter on the
hollow rigid member, the bearing flange being free to move relative to the retaining flange
after the releasable immobilizing mechanism is deactivated.
- the hollow rigid member includes at least one retaining collar, the bend limiter
including at least one pre-fastening member on the collar.
- the device includes at least one fastening member for fastening the bend limiter
on the collar capable of axially immobilizing the bend limiter relative to the collar.
In the description in this specification reference may be made to subject matter
which is not within the scope of the appended claims. That subject matter should be
readily identifiable by a person skilled in the art and may assist in putting into practice the
invention as defined in the presently appended claims.
The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description,
provided solely as an example, and done in reference to the appended drawings, in
which:
- Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view, in cross-section along a median vertical plane,
of a fluid exploitation installation including a first connecting device according to the
invention;
- Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view, along an axial plane, of the flexible line
designed to be mounted on the installation of Figure 1, provided with a bend limiter
connected on the line by a releasable immobilizing mechanism;
- Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2, during a first step for carrying out a
connecting method according to the invention;
- Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3, during a second step of the connecting
method according to the invention;
- Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 3, during a third step for carrying out a
connecting method according to the invention, the releasable immobilizing means having
been deactivated;
- Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of the releasable immobilizing means, in an
activated configuration;
- Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6 in the deactivated configuration; and
- Figure 8 is a partial view similar to Figure 4 illustrating an alternative pre-
fastening member.
6231441_2.docx
Figure 1 illustrates a fluid exploitation installation 10 according to the invention.
This installation 10 is for example designed to collect a fluid, in particular a hydrocarbon
withdrawn from the bottom 12 of the expanse of water 14, or to transfer the hydrocarbon
to a carrier ship.
The installation 10 comprises a structure 16 floating on the expanse of water and a
connection device 17 according to the invention including a flexible line 18 designed to be
connected on the structure 16.
The expanse of water 14 is for example a lake, sea or ocean. The depth of the
expanse of water at the floating structure 16 is for example comprised between 15 m and
3000 m.
The floating structure 16 is for example a naval surface support, a semi-
submersible platform, a floating riser, or a ship.
Alternatively, the structure 16 is a fixed rigid structure of the "jacket" type or an
oscillating structure subjected to the bottom of the sea.
The structure 16 has an upper surface 22 on which a maneuvering winch 24 for
maneuvering the flexible line 18 is advantageously mounted and a manifold 26 suitable for
connecting one end of the flexible line 18.
The winch 24 advantageously comprises a single cable 28 that can be deployed to
pull the flexible line 18.
In the example shown in Figure 1, the flexible line 18 is a flexible fluid transport
tubular pipe 30 inwardly delimiting a fluid circulation passage. This pipe, also called a
riser, is designed to connect a collection assembly (not shown) situated on the bottom 12
of the expanse of water to the manifold 26 situated on the surface 22 of the floating
structure 16.
Alternatively, the flexible line 18 is for example a composite bundle of the umbilical
or "integrated service umbilical" (ISU) or IPB type well known by those skilled in the art
and described in the normative documents published by the American Petroleum Institute
(API) API RP 17 B paragraph 4.3.4. Alternatively, the flexible line 18 may be a bundle of
electrical cables.
At its upper end 32, the pipe 30 has a head 33 for connecting to the working line
cable 28.
As illustrated by Figure 2, the head 33 comprises a connection sleeve 34 fastened
to the upper end of the pipe 30 and an eyelet 35 for inserting the lower end of the working
line cable 28. The eyelet 35 is advantageously rotatably mounted on an upper part of the
sleeve 34 around a circulation axis A-A' of the line 18, corresponding to the longitudinal
axis A-A' of the line 18.
6231441_2.docx
The head 33 further includes a lower bearing flange 36 extending transversely
relative to the longitudinal axis A-A'.
The pipe 30 is for example unwound and submerged in the expanse of water 14
from a surface placement ship and is stored on the bottom 12 of the expanse of water 14,
then the end of the pipe 30 (section not placed on the sea bottom) is abandoned on the
bottom 14 via an abandonment cable.
Aside from the flexible line 18, the connecting device 17 comprises a hollow rigid
tube 40 for guiding and protecting the tubular line 18, secured to the structure 16, a local
bend limiter 42 for limiting the bend of the line 18, engaged around the line 18 separated
from the upper end 32, and an assembly 44 for fastening the bend limiter 42 to the lower
end of the hollow rigid tube 40.
According to the invention, the device 17 further comprises a releasable
mechanism 46 for axially immobilizing the bend limiter 42 on the flexible line 18.
In the example shown in Figure 1, the hollow rigid tube 40 is a straight tube of the
"I-tube" type. Alternatively, the tube 40 is a "J-tube" that has a straight vertical upper part
and a bent lower part.
The tube 40 comprises a hollow vertical sleeve 50, secured to the structure 16,
and a lower end collar 52 situated at the lower end of the sleeve 50.
The sleeve 50 delimits an inner passage that emerges in the expanse of water 14
at the lower end and that emerges at its upper end in the vicinity of the upper surface 22
of the structure, above the expanse of water 14.
The end collar 52 is submerged in the expanse of water 14.
In this example, the bend limiter 42 comprises, from bottom to top in figures 2 and
3, a rigid lower assembly 62 and a hinged upper assembly 64, connected on the flexible
lower assembly 62.
The flexible lower assembly 62 includes a stiffening block 66 and an intermediate
fastening flange 68 on the hollow rigid tube 40.
The lower block 66 is for example molded from a plastic material such as
polyurethane. It has a downwardly converging tapered shape.
The intermediate flange 68 is attached above the block 66. It has a peripheral rim
that protrudes radially away from the axis A-A' relative to the stiffening block 66.
The articulated upper assembly 64 comprises multiple tubular vertebrae 70A, 70B
axially assembled end-to-end using annular collars 71 (visible in Figure 2).
The lower vertebra 70B is fastened on a square 72 borne by the intermediate
flange 68.
6231441_2.docx
The vertebrae 70A, 70B are slightly movable relative to one another between a
linear configuration along the axis A-A’ and a slightly curved configuration relative to the
linear configuration.
The block 66, the flange 68 and the vertebrae 70A, 70B inwardly delimit a central
lumen 76 for circulation the flexible line 18 that defines the circulation axis A-A’ of the line
18 in the bend limiter 42, combined with the local longitudinal axis of the line 18.
In the block 66 and in the vertebrae 70A, 70B, the lumen 76 has a transverse
section substantially conjugated to the outer transverse section of the line 18.
The blocks 66 and the vertebrae 70A, 70B thus locally impose a bend radius on
the flexible line 18 greater than the minimum bend radius that the flexible line 18 may
have.
The bend limiter 42 further includes an upper retaining flange 73 designed to
receive, by bearing, the lower bearing flange 36 secured to the flexible line 18.
The upper flange 73 protrudes radially from the upper assembly 64. A through
opening 73A is formed through the upper flange 73 to accommodate the immobilizing
mechanism 46.
As will be seen below, the bend limiter 42 is movable between a disassembled
position shown in figure 2, in which it is placed separated from the hollow rigid tube 40,
and a position assembled on the hollow rigid tube 40, shown in Figures 1 and 5, in which
the intermediate flange 68 of the limiter 42 is fastened to the lower end of the collar 52.
The fastening assembly 44 comprises pre-fastening members 75 for fastening the
bend limiter 42 on the hollow rigid tube 40 and final fastening members 76 for fastening
the bend limiter 42 on the hollow rigid tube, shown in Figure 5.
The pre-fastening members 75 are positioned at the periphery of the intermediate
flange 68. They are mounted radially movable relative to the intermediate flange 68,
between a radially contracted position for catching on the hollow rigid tube 40 (Figures 2,
4 and 5) and a radially separated position for drawing alongside the tube 40 (Figure 3).
The radially contracted position forms an idle position.
In this example, the pre-fastening members 75 are formed by hooks rotatably
mounted on the periphery of the flange 68 around respective axes B-B' perpendicular to
the axis A-A'.
As illustrated by Figure 4, the pre-fastening members 75 are designed to be
engaged around the end collar 52 of the tube 40 to bear on an upper surface of that collar
52 and thus axially retain the bend limiter 42 while preventing it from moving axially
downward.
6231441_2.docx
The pre-fastening members 75 do not oppose the upward axial movement of the
bend limiter 42 relative to the tube 40.
The permanent fastening members 76 are capable of keeping the intermediate
flange 68 of the bend limiter 42 and the collar 52 of the hollow rigid tube 40 pressed
against each other. These members 76 are capable of axially immobilizing the bend
limiter 42 upward and downward along the axis A-A’ relative to the hollow rigid tube 40.
The fastening members 76 are for example formed by nut-screw systems inserted
through the flange 68 and the collar 52 to keep them pressed against each other.
As shown by figure 2, the releasable immobilizing mechanism 46 includes a
retaining member 80 borne by the flexible line 18 and an engaging assembly 81
assembled on the bend limiter 42.
In reference to figures 6 and 7, the engaging assembly 81 includes multiple
moving engaging members 82 designed to be engaged around the retaining member 80.
The engaging assembly 81 further includes an outer retaining cage 84 for retaining the
moving members 82 and the support piston 85 for the cage 84.
The immobilizing mechanism 46 also includes an actuator 86, shown
diagrammatically in figures 6 and 7, designed to move the outer cage 84 to allow the
release of the moving members 82.
The retaining member 80 is formed by a rod, advantageously a threaded rod that
protrudes downward through the flange 73.
When the head 33 of the flexible line 18 is pressed against the upper flange 73,
the retaining member 80 is inserted through the through opening 73A formed in the upper
flange 73 and protrudes downward past the upper flange 73 to be received in the
engaging assembly 81.
The engaging assembly 81 is for example a segmented nut. Such a segmented
nut is for example marketed under the name "HYDRAQUICK" by the company
"HYDRATIGHT".
It is mounted below the upper flange 73. The cavity 88 of the cage 84 emerges
across from the through openings 73A.
The moving members 82 are formed by separated threaded segments radially
movable between a retracted engaged configuration of the retaining member 80, shown in
figure 6, and a deployed released configuration of the retaining member 80, shown in
figure 7.
The cage 84 is movably mounted along the axis C-C' of the support piston 85
between a distal retaining position of the moving members 82 and a distal released
6231441_2.docx
position of the moving members 82. It delimits an inner cavity 88 for receiving the moving
members 82.
In the distal position, the cage 84 outwardly covers the moving members 82. It
keeps each moving member 82 in its engaged configuration and prevents each moving
member 82 from moving radially toward its released configuration.
In the proximal position of the cage 84, the moving members 82 are radially
exposed to the outside and are free to move radially toward the released configuration.
The actuator 86 is for example a hydraulic actuator that can be connected to the
cage 84 to cause it to move between the distal position and the proximal position. The
actuator 86 is for example borne by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and can be
reversibly connected on the cage 84.
Alternatively, the actuator 86 is a mechanical actuator.
The releasable immobilizing mechanism 46 can be controlled between an axial
activated immobilizing configuration of the flexible line 18 relative to the bend limiter 42,
shown in figures 2 to 4, and a deactivated released configuration of the flexible line 18.
The immobilizing mechanism 46 can be activated independently of the movement
of the line 18, in particular without having to exert a pulling force on the line 18, by a
simple command of the actuator 86.
In the activated configuration of the mechanism 46, the cage 84 is thus in its distal
position outwardly covering the moving members 82. The moving members 82 are kept in
the retracted configuration. They are capable of engaging the retaining member 80.
In the deactivated configuration, the actuator 86 has moved the cage 84 to its
proximal position to radially expose the moving members 82.
The moving members 82 are capable of moving radially toward their deployed
configuration to release the retaining member 80.
A method for connecting the flexible line 18 on the floating structure 16 will now be
described.
Initially, the bend limiter 42 is engaged around the flexible line 18 and is axially
immobilized on the flexible line 18 by means of the immobilizing mechanism 46.
To that end, the pipe 30 is inserted through the rigid lower assembly 62 and the
hinged upper assembly 64. The head 33 of the flexible line 18 is placed in contact with the
bend limiter 42. The lower flange 36 borne by the flexible line 18 is advantageously
applied against the upper flange 73 borne by the bend limiter 42.
The releasable immobilizing mechanism 46 is placed in its activation configuration.
The retaining member 80 is inserted through the lower flange 73 of the bend limiter 42
and through the upper flange 36 present on the head 33.
6231441_2.docx
The retaining member 80 then protrudes past the lower flange 73 downward. The
free end of the retaining member 80 is then inserted into the inner cavity 88 of the cage 84
between the moving members 82.
The moving members 82 are then in their contracted configuration engaged on the
retaining member 80.
In this configuration, the bend limiter 42 is axially fastened on the flexible line 18.
The bend limiter 42 and the flexible line 18 are then jointly movable while being fastened
on one another.
The assembly formed by the flexible line 18 and the bend limiter 42 is then
submerged in the expanse of water 14.
When the line 18 must be connected to the manifold 26 of the structure 16, the
winch 24 is activated to lower the cable 28 through the hollow rigid tube 40, then to
connect the lower end of the cable 28 to the connection head 33.
The line 18 and the bend limiter 42 are then placed below the end collar 52 of the
hollow rigid tube 40, separated from the latter.
Then, the winch 24 is activated to raise the cable 28 toward the upper end 56 of
the hollow rigid tube 40. Raising the cable 28 causes the joint movement of the flexible
line 18 and the bend limiter 42 toward the collar 52. During that movement, the bend
limiter 42 is partially inserted into the rigid tube 40.
As illustrated by figure 3, when the upward movement of the flexible line 18
continues, the pre-fastening members 75 come into contact with the peripheral edge of
the collar 52. This causes the radial movement toward their separated position shown in
Figure 3.
When the upward movement of the line 18 continues, the free ends of the pre-
fastening members 75 pass above the collar 52 and are brought into the contracted
position to be pressed against the upper surface of the collar 52. The bend limiter 42 then
rests on the hollow tube 40, while being kept in position by the pre-fastening members 75.
Then, in a first alternative, the fastening members 76 are put into place. The
intermediate flange 68 of the bend limiter 42 is then pressed against the lower surface of
the flange 52 and the fastening members 76 are inserted between the flange 68 and the
collar 52 to ensure axial fastening of the bend limiter 42 to the lower end of the hollow
rigid tube 40.
Once that is done, the releasable immobilizing member 46 is passed into its
deactivated configuration. In this example, the actuator 86 is controlled to move the cage
84 from its distal position, shown in figure 6, to its proximal position, shown in figure 7.
6231441_2.docx
During this passage, the radial space located outside the moving members 82 is
released, allowing a radial movement of each moving member 82, toward the deployed
configuration. The retaining member 80 is then released from the moving members 82.
No pulling force is applied on the line 18 to cause the passage into the deactivated
configuration. The line 18 remains axially stationary relative to the bend limiter 12 during
the transition.
Once this is done, the flexible line 18 is free to move axially upward relative to the
bend limiter 42.
The immobilizing mechanism 46 is therefore deactivated independently of the
movement of the flexible line 18, without it being necessary to apply a pulling force on the
flexible line 18. This considerably limits the risk of deterioration of the flexible line 18.
Furthermore, the reliability of the release of the flexible line 18 is increased, since it
is not necessary to have calibrated mechanical parts such as pins. Even if a local traction
stress is accidentally applied on the flexible line 18, the releasable immobilizing
mechanism 46 is only released when the operator of the device 17 decides to do so,
which contributes to ensuring the reliability thereof.
Next, the flexible line 18 is raised through the central lumen of the bend limiter 42
and through the circulation passage of the hollow rigid tube 40, as far as the manifold 26.
During that raising, the bend limiter 42 remains immobile relative to the tube 40.
Then, the line 18 is connected to the manifold 26 to allow the circulation of fluid
between the bottom assembly (not shown) and the surface structure 16.
In one alternative, the step for installing the fastening members 76 is done after
releasing the immobilizing mechanism 46, after raising the flexible line 18 outside the
critical path of the operation.
In another alternative, the pre-fastening members 75 are borne by the hollow rigid
tube 40 and are for example assembled at the periphery of the lower collar 52 while
protruding downward.
In still another alternative, the retaining member 80 of the releasable immobilizing
mechanism 46 is borne by the bend limiter 42.
The engaging assembly 81 is then borne by the hollow rigid tube 40. In this
alternative, the retaining member 80 protrudes upward from the upper flange 73 of the
bend limiter 42. It is inserted into a through opening formed in the lower flange 36 of the
head 33 to pass through the flange 36, so as to be engaged with the moving members 82
in the inner cavity 88 of the cage 84.
The operation of this device 17 is similar to that of the device previously described.
6231441_2.docx
In the alternative illustrated in Figure 8, the fastening assembly 44 includes a
support 200 mounted at the periphery of the intermediate flange 68 and including a part
202 protruding downward relative to the flange 68.
The axis of rotation B-B' of each pre-fastening member 75 is mounted in the
protruding part 202. The pre-fastening member has a longitudinal slot 204 for receiving
the axis B-B'. It is thus able to move longitudinally perpendicular to the axis B-B' over a
given travel.
Such an arrangement further improves the mechanical strength and the reliability
of the fastening assembly 44.
6231441_2.docx
Claims (8)
1.- A method for connecting a flexible line to a structure of a fluid exploitation
installation, comprising the following steps:
- providing a flexible line and a bend limiter axially immobilized around the flexible
5 line by a releasable immobilizing mechanism;
- partially inserting the flexible line through a hollow rigid member secured to the
structure;
- immobilizing the bend limiter on the hollow rigid member;
- deactivating the releasable immobilizing mechanism;
10 - moving the flexible line relative to the bend limiter in the hollow rigid member, the
bend limiter remaining substantially axially stationary relative to the hollow rigid member;
wherein the releasable immobilizing mechanism includes a retaining member
secured to one of the flexible line and the bend limiter and an engaging assembly
mounted on the other of the bend limiter and the flexible line,
15 the retaining member being formed by a threaded rod,
the engaging assembly being a segmented nut including a moving engaging
member formed by separated threaded segments, said moving engaging member being
capable of being placed in an engaging configuration of the retaining member, the
deactivating step including moving the moving engaging member from the engaging
20 configuration to a released configuration of the retaining member, independently of the
movement of the flexible line with respect to the bend limiter.
2.- The method according to claim 1, wherein the releasable retaining mechanism
includes an actuator, the actuator being controllable then to allow the passage of the
25 moving engaging member from the engaged configuration to its released configuration.
3.- The method according to claim 2, wherein the actuator is a hydraulic actuator.
4.- The method according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the releasable
30 immobilizing mechanism includes a cage for retaining the moving engaging member, and
wherein during the deactivating step, the actuator moves the retaining cage between a
first position keeping the moving engaging member in the engaged configuration and a
second position in which the moving engaging member is capable of going into its
released configuration.
6231441_2.docx
5.- The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible
line includes at least one bearing flange, the bend limiter including a retaining flange
pressed on the bearing flange when the releasable immobilizing mechanism is activated,
the releasable immobilizing mechanism keeping the bearing flange pressed on the
5 retaining flange during the immobilization of the bend limiter on the hollow rigid member,
the bearing flange being free to move relative to the retaining flange after the releasable
immobilizing mechanism is deactivated.
6.- The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow
10 rigid member includes at least one retaining collar, the bend limiter including at least one
pre-fastening member on the collar, the engaging of the bend limiter on the hollow rigid
member including engaging the pre-fastening member on the collar.
7.- The method according to any one of the preceding claims, including, before or
15 after the step for deactivating the releasable immobilizing member, the permanent
fastening of the bend limiter on the hollow rigid member using at least one fastening
member.
8.- A connecting device, designed to be mounted on a structure of a fluid
20 exploitation installation, including:
- a flexible line;
- a hollow rigid member designed to be fastened on the structure, the flexible line
being designed to be engaged through the hollow rigid member;
- a bend limiter engaged around the flexible line, the bend limiter being designed to
25 be axially immobilized on the hollow rigid member;
- a releasable axial immobilizing mechanism for the flexible line on the bend
limiter;
wherein the releasable immobilizing mechanism includes a retaining member
secured to one of the flexible line and the bend limiter and an engaging assembly
30 mounted on the other of the bend limiter and the flexible line,
the retaining member being formed by a threaded rod,
the engaging assembly being a segmented nut including a moving engaging
member formed by separated threaded segments radially movable between a retracted
engaged configuration of the retaining member and a deployed released configuration of
35 the retaining member in order to deactivate the releasable immobilizing mechanism
independently of the movement of the flexible line relative to the bend limiter.
6231441_2.docx
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
FR1157958 | 2011-09-07 | ||
FR1157958A FR2979658B1 (en) | 2011-09-07 | 2011-09-07 | METHOD FOR CONNECTING A FLEXIBLE LINE TO A STRUCTURE OF A FLUID OPERATING INSTALLATION AND CONNECTING DEVICE THEREFOR |
PCT/EP2012/067271 WO2013034574A1 (en) | 2011-09-07 | 2012-09-05 | Method for connecting a flexible line to a structure of a fluid exploitation installation and associated connection device |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ623256A NZ623256A (en) | 2015-08-28 |
NZ623256B2 true NZ623256B2 (en) | 2015-12-01 |
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