RU2778357C1 - Frame of joining the tool for connecting the pipeline with the possibility of its output to the middle position (options) - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: oil and gas industry.

SUBSTANCE: inventions group relates to the oil and gas industry, namely to methods for underwater connection of pipelines. The interface frame of the tool for connecting the pipeline with the possibility of its output to the middle position consists of a receiving frame for the tool, a frame with guides fixed on it with a hydraulic connector for connection with a remote-controlled uninhabited underwater vehicle. The hydraulic system contains hydraulic cylinders mounted on rails. The hydraulic system additionally comprises a four-way three-position valve with a fixed central position connected in series by means of springs, at least two flow rate dividers and at least two double-acting hydraulic cylinders for moving the receiving frame. Each of the hydraulic cylinders has a pair of equal force springs inside the rod end and inside the piston end of the hydraulic cylinder, respectively, and connecting the piston and the hydraulic cylinder body. The maximum components of the force action vectors of the springs are coaxial with the displacement vector of the hydraulic cylinder piston and are multidirectional for a pair of springs of one hydraulic cylinder. According to the second version, equal force springs are installed outside the rod end and outside the piston end of the hydraulic cylinder, respectively.

EFFECT: reducing the risk of jamming of replaceable products and the risk of damage to the sealing zones of the end bushings of pipelines due to the possibility of bringing the frame to the middle position.

2 cl, 17dwg

Description

The invention relates to the oil and gas industry, namely to methods of underwater connection of pipelines, and can be used to minimize the risk of jamming of replaceable products longitudinally moved by the interface frame of the equipment connection system (hereinafter referred to as CCO) in the end sleeves of the pipeline.

Subsea procedures for connecting pipeline bushings are lengthy, expensive activities with a high risk to life and equipment, carried out as part of the development of underwater fields, which is due to the involvement of a significant resource of personnel and marine equipment in the open sea. Subsea operations for connecting pipeline bushings, in general, include a sequence of the following operations performed using a set of specialized tools:

- installation and installation at the bottom of equipment units of the subsea production system (hereinafter referred to as SPD), which include pipelines with built-in pipeline end bushings;

- positioning of pipeline end sleeves;

- removal of conservation plugs and, if required, replaceable sealing elements from the end bushings of pipelines;

- underwater maintenance of the sealing zones of the end bushings of pipelines;

- control of sealing zones of pipeline end bushings;

- installation of replaceable sealing elements in the end bushings of pipelines;

- tightening the end bushings of pipelines to each other;

- compression of the tightened end bushings of pipelines with locking devices to achieve a tight connection that is operable for the life of the pipeline.

During these operations, there is a significant risk of tool jamming due to manufacturing inaccuracies, impact from underwater objects, corrosion and biofouling. In order to ensure environmental safety, as well as due to the high cost of tools and pipelines, all replacement equipment and tools must be retrieved to the surface. In the event of jamming, it is necessary to attract additional technical and labor resources to perform wedging and retrieval of tools, which leads to an increase in the list of operations for performing the underwater pipeline connection procedure and, consequently, to an increase in the total time to complete the connection procedure.

Thus, there is a production need to reduce the total time of the connection procedure, including by minimizing the risks of emergency situations in which operations to install, remove, lift replacement equipment (for example, tools) using a standard set of tools become impossible.

There are known solutions for underwater pipeline connection systems, where the list of standard tools for performing underwater operations includes a tool for cleaning the sealing zones of the bushings and a tool for installing a sealing element, an example of such a system is indicated in the patent GB 2323907 A (publ. 06/03/1998) For the longitudinal movement of these replaceable tools a mating frame can be used, which is installed on the supporting components of the end bushings of the pipeline, in which a replaceable tool for cleaning the sealing zones of the bushings and a replaceable tool for installing the sealing element are alternately installed. This system illustrates the general picture of the connection of pipelines, and, due to its scale, cannot act as an analogue.

The patent of the company "Cameron International Corp" - "Hydraulic tool and assembly sealing unit" (patent US 10550657 B2, publ. 04.02.2020) is known from the existing state of the art.

The tool is fixed in the equipment of the subsea production system (in this case, in the system of subsea string heads (hereinafter referred to as SPCH) using a locking mechanism. The tool installs and fixes the metal seal with a longitudinal force created, among other things, by hydraulic action on the pistons included in Composition of the tool After the seal is installed in the SPCG, the tool is disconnected from the seal by a rotational movement, then the tool is lifted from the equipment of the subsea production system.

Disadvantages of this device:

1) between longitudinal movements, the tool must be rotated to correctly perform seal installation operations, which requires continuous communication with additional devices or a platform through drill pipes;

2) in case of mechanical damage to the hydraulic supply port, there is a high risk of damage to the place of power interface with the lifting mechanisms, which will greatly complicate the lifting of the tool to the surface.

The closest analogue, taken as a prototype, is a device for connecting pipes (patent AU 2008341224 B2, publ. 07/02/2009) of the company "FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS".

The tool is fixed on the head of the connecting device of the pipe insert. The device serves for longitudinal movement of the annular component of the collet locking device of the pipeline end sleeve: the tool longitudinally moves the thrust ring, which, when moving, extends and compresses the fingers of the collet locking device on the connecting sleeve. The tool provides longitudinal movement of the thrust ring using hydraulic cylinders, to which hydraulics are supplied from a remote-controlled uninhabited underwater vehicle (hereinafter referred to as ROV).

The disadvantage of analogue is that in case of mechanical damage to the hydraulic supply port during the operation of crimping the collet locking device, there is a high risk of jamming of the thrust ring on the collet, which may require the use of specialized equipment for emergency removal of a tool or a pipeline end sleeve, and, as a result, time costs.

The objective of the invention is to reduce the risk of emergency jamming of tools in the end sleeve of the pipeline.

The technical result of the invention is to reduce the risk of damage to the sealing zones of the end bushings of pipelines, reduce labor and time costs for performing operations to remove tools, no need to spend on developing a specialized tool for removing jammed tools due to the logic of the hydraulic circuit of the interface frame, which allows, in case of loss of power from the remotely controlled uninhabited underwater vehicle, push the frame to the middle position.

The tool mating frame with output to the middle position is used for longitudinal movement of replaceable CCO products to the end bushings of pipelines to perform standard procedures.

The solution of the problem lies in the fact that in the tool interface frame with output to the middle position, consisting of a receiving frame, a frame with guides fixed on it with a hydraulic connector for connection with ROV, a hydraulic system containing hydraulic cylinders mounted on guides, according to the invention, the hydraulic system additionally comprises a four-way three-position valve with a fixed central position connected in series, at least two flow rate dividers, and at least two hydraulic cylinders for moving the receiving frame, having springs.

At the same time, structural springs can be located in the following versions:

1) springs inside the rod and piston cavities of the hydraulic cylinders, while the springs connect the piston and the hydraulic cylinder body;

2) springs outside the rod and piston chambers of the hydraulic cylinders, while the springs connect the movable part of the hydraulic cylinder with the interface frame frame.

The turning operation for the correct execution of operations in the tool interface frame is excluded due to the absence of a shear pin in the design.

The constructive solution of the hydraulic system and the operation of the hydraulic cylinders, in addition to performing the standard tasks of the interface frame, allows, during an emergency power loss at the connector, to transfer the interface frame to the middle position, which allows for the standard extraction of a replaceable tool, including without damage.

The tool interface frame with output to the middle position is illustrated by the following drawings:

in fig. 1 shows a general view of the device;

in fig. 2 shows a general view of the device with a replaceable tool and end bushings of the pipeline;

in fig. 3 shows the hydraulic system with the receiving frame in the middle position (without tool change);

in fig. 4 shows the hydraulic system with the take-up frame in the primary end position (without tool change);

in fig. 5 shows the hydraulic system with the take-up frame in the secondary end position (without tool change);

in fig. 6 shows the receiving frame with the tool installed in the middle position;

in fig. 7 shows the receiving frame with the tool installed in the primary end position;

in fig. 8 shows the receiving frame with the tool installed in the secondary end position;

in fig. 9 shows a diagram of the hydraulic system of the tool interface frame with the output to the middle position;

in fig. 10 shows the hydraulic diagram with the receiving frame in the primary end position;

in fig. 11 shows the hydraulic diagram with the receiving frame in the primary extreme fixed position;

in fig. 12 shows the hydraulic diagram with the receiving frame in the secondary end position;

in fig. 13 shows the hydraulic diagram with the receiving frame in the secondary end fixed position;

in fig. 14 shows the hydraulic diagram with the receiving frame in the middle position;

in fig. 15 shows the hydraulic diagram with the receiving frame in the middle de-energized position;

in fig. 16 shows a diagram of the hydraulic system of the tool interface frame with the output to the middle position with the springs of the hydraulic cylinders outside the rod and piston cavities;

Fig.17 shows a three-dimensional image of the tool interface frame with the output to the middle position.

The frame 1 serves to absorb the total loads from the weight of the interface frame and the forces from the extension of the bodies of the double-acting hydraulic cylinders, as well as to fix the hydraulic system 2 on it, which transports hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic connector 3 for connection with the ROV to at least two hydraulic cylinders 4 ( Fig. 1). The components of the hydraulic system 2 provide the desired working characteristics of the working environment and will be discussed in more detail below.

Hydraulic connector 3 is a hydraulic power supply connection unit, carried out with ROV (not included in the described product, not shown in the images). The working bodies of the double-acting hydraulic cylinders 4 contain a receiving frame 6 fixed on the guides 5, and are made with the possibility of moving the receiving frame (fixedly fixed on the hydraulic cylinders 4) when power is supplied from the hydraulic connector 3 through the hydraulic system 2.

The guides 5 are fixedly fixed on the frame 1, they transmit transverse loads from the weight of the mating frame during the longitudinal movement of the working bodies of the hydraulic cylinders 4 to the frame 1. The receiving frame 6 is designed to accommodate and fix interchangeable CCO products in it (they are not included in the described product, in Fig. . 1 not shown) with the help of TNLA manipulators, as well as for the perception of total loads from the weight of replaceable products of the SSO and efforts from hydraulic cylinders 4.

The operation of the device is as follows. The mating frame 7 is installed on the supporting surfaces of the assembly units of the end bushings of the pipeline 8 (Fig. 2). The tool that cleans the bushings 9, or the seal replacement tool is installed in the receiving frame 6 of the interface frame 7 using ROV as shown in Fig. 2.

Next, the ROV is connected to the connector 3 for supplying hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic system 2 of the interface frame 7. The hydraulic system 2 distributes the hydraulic fluid over the hydraulic cylinders 4, which in turn move the receiving frame 6 together with the replaceable tool 9 installed in it from the middle position (Fig. 3) to the primary end position (FIG. 4), then from the primary end position the receiving frame 6 is moved to the secondary end position (FIG. 5). The replacement tool is not shown in the images.

If necessary, the movements of the receiving frame with the installed tool are repeated until the operation is completed. At the end of the operations with the tool 9, the receiving frame with the installed tool is moved to the middle position by the method described above (Fig. 6), after which the tool 9 and the mating frame 7 are removed from the end bushings of the pipeline vertically upwards. The removal of the tool 9 and the interface frame 7 can take place alternately or together.

The sealing zones of the end bushings of the pipeline 8 are located on the inner diameter of the through holes of the bushings, therefore, the tool 9, installed on the interface frame 7, during operations with the sealing zones (which corresponds to the primary extreme (Fig. 7) and secondary extreme (Fig. 8) positions ) is partially located inside the end sleeves of the pipeline 8 at a depth D (Fig. 7, Fig. 8).

In order to avoid jamming of the tool in the end bushings, the design solution of the interface frame ensures that the receiving frame with the tool is retracted to the middle position (Fig. 3) by supplying hydraulic fluid to hydraulic cylinders 4, as well as by mechanical means without supplying hydraulic fluid to hydraulic cylinders 4.

To perform the standard operations described above, the hydraulic system 2 of the interface frame includes the following components (Fig. 9):

- hydraulic connector 3 for connection with ROV, which is a node for supplying hydraulic power to the hydraulic system 2;

- hydraulic lines 10, which is a pipeline for transporting hydraulic fluid with specified performance characteristics supplied from connector 3 to hydraulic cylinders 4;

- four-way three-position valve 11 with a central position fixed by means of springs 12, the position of which, in accordance with Fig.9, determines the presence or absence of a hydraulic fluid flow between the connector 3 and the cavities of the hydraulic cylinders 4, and also determines the presence or absence of a hydraulic fluid flow between the cavities hydraulic cylinders 4;

- at least two flow dividers 13, providing an equal flow rate of hydraulic fluid transported through hydraulic lines 10 from connector 3 to piston cavities 14 or rod cavities 15 of hydraulic cylinders 4, as well as from piston or rod cavities of hydraulic cylinders 4 to connector 3, as well as from piston cavities of hydraulic cylinders 4 to the rod cavities and from the rod cavities to the piston ones;

- hydraulic cylinders 4, the supply of hydraulic fluid into the piston cavities 14 or rod cavities 15 which leads to the movement of the movable part of the hydraulic cylinder, not fixed on the frame 1 of the interface frame 7 and on which the receiving frame 6 is fixed (frame 1, receiving frame 7 are not shown in Fig. 9 ). In the piston cavity 14 and in the rod cavity 15 of each hydraulic cylinder 4, springs 16 and 17 are placed, providing a force sufficient to return the piston 18 to the position corresponding to the middle position of the receiving frame 6, in the absence of hydraulic power supply to the hydraulic cylinder 4.

During the installation of the mating frame 7 on the end sleeve or sleeves of the pipeline 8, in the hydraulic system 2 there is no hydraulic supply from the ROV, due to which the valve 11 is in the central position due to the action of the springs 12, the hydraulic cylinders 4 are in a position corresponding to the middle position of the receiving frame , due to the springs 16 and 17. After installing the mating frame, the tool 9 is vertically lowered into the receiving frame 6.

In the normal connection mode, through connector 3 of the interface frame, ROV supplies hydraulic power to line L4 (according to Fig. 10), overcoming the force of springs 12 and ensuring that valve 11 is moved to the extreme position, which ensures the flow of fluid of a given pressure and flow rate from the port of line L2 of the connector 3 to the cavities 15 of the hydraulic cylinders, as well as bleeding the liquid from the cavities 14 to the line port L1. Then hydraulic power is supplied to the line L2, in the cavity 15 of the hydraulic cylinders, ensuring the movement of the receiving frame 6 from the middle position to the primary extreme (extended) position. Lines L1, L3 serve to drain the liquid.

To hold the receiving frame 6 with the tool 9 installed in it in the primary extreme (extended) position (Fig. 10) (the tool is partially in the terminal sleeve of the pipeline), pressure is applied to line L3 (line L4 serves to bleed liquid), turning valve 11 into the extreme position providing the closed course of hydraulic lines. The hydraulic cylinders 4 are fixed in the current position, while the frame is in the primary extreme fixed position (Fig. 11).

After performing operations on the end sleeve of the pipeline, to perform operations on the other sleeve, it is necessary to unlock the hydraulic cylinders (according to Fig. 12-14). To do this, pressure is applied to line L4 (line L3 serves to bleed liquid), ensuring that valve 11 is moved to the extreme position, which ensures the flow of fluid from connector 3 to the corresponding cavities of the hydraulic cylinders. Then hydraulic power is supplied to the line L1, in the cavity 14 of the hydraulic cylinders, ensuring the movement of the receiving frame 6 to the secondary extreme position (Fig. 12). Lines L2, L3 are used for bleeding. The position of the hydraulic cylinders 4 is fixed in the current position by moving the valve 11 to the extreme position, closing the fluid flow, while the frame is in the secondary extreme fixed position (Fig. 13). After completion of the underwater operation, the valve 11 is moved to the extreme position, ensuring the flow of liquid, then hydraulic power is supplied to the line L2, in the cavity 15 of the hydraulic cylinders, ensuring the return of the receiving frame to the middle position (Fig. 14).

The above-described constructive solution of the hydraulic system 2 and hydraulic cylinders 4, in addition to performing the standard tasks of the interface frame, allows, during an emergency power loss at connector 3, to transfer the interface frame to the middle position, which allows for the regular extraction of a replaceable tool. In the event of an emergency loss of hydraulic power at any stage of the operation, the centering springs 12 of the valve 11, in the absence of power in the lines L3 and L4, set the valve 11 in the central position, establishing the connection of the piston cavities 14 and the rod cavities 15 of the hydraulic cylinders 4 of the interface frame, through which the fluid flows and the pressure in the piston and rod cavities of the hydraulic cylinders is equalized. Under conditions of equal pressures in the piston and rod cavities of the hydraulic cylinders and equal forces created by the indicated pressures, the springs 16 and 17 of the hydraulic cylinders of the mating frame set the piston 18 to the middle de-energized position (Fig. 15).

The device can be made with a different design and location of the springs 16 and 17 - outside the rod and piston chambers of the hydraulic cylinders (respectively, the springs 19 and 20 in Fig. 16 show the design and location of the springs in this case). In this case, a pair of springs of each hydraulic cylinder connects the movable part of the hydraulic cylinder with the frame of the interface frame, and the maximum components of the vectors of the force action of the springs are coaxial with the displacement vector of the piston of the hydraulic cylinder and are multidirectional for a pair of springs of one hydraulic cylinder. The principle of operation of the system, the sequence of operations and the final result is preserved.

For clarity, in Fig. 17 shows a three-dimensional image of the tool interface frame with the output to the middle position.

Claims (2)

1. Tool interface frame for connecting the pipeline with the possibility of its output to the middle position, consisting of a receiving frame for the tool, a frame with guides, a hydraulic connector fixed on it for connection to a remote-controlled uninhabited underwater vehicle, a hydraulic system containing hydraulic cylinders mounted on guides , characterized in that the hydraulic system additionally comprises a four-way three-position valve with a fixed central position connected in series by means of springs, at least two flow rate dividers and at least two hydraulic cylinders of double-acting displacement of the receiving frame, each of which has a pair of springs of equal effort inside the rod cavity and inside the piston cavity of the hydraulic cylinder, respectively, and connecting the piston and the hydraulic cylinder housing, and the maximum components of the force vectors of the springs are coaxial with the displacement vector of the hydraulic cylinder piston and are different directed for a pair of springs of one hydraulic cylinder. 2. A tool interface frame for connecting the pipeline with the possibility of its withdrawal to the middle position, consisting of a receiving frame for the tool, a frame with guides, a hydraulic connector fixed on it for connection to a remote-controlled uninhabited underwater vehicle, a hydraulic system containing hydraulic cylinders mounted on guides , characterized in that the hydraulic system additionally comprises a four-way three-position valve with a fixed central position connected in series by means of springs, at least two flow rate dividers and at least two hydraulic cylinders of double-acting displacement of the receiving frame, each of which has a pair of springs of equal effort outside the rod cavity and outside the piston cavity of the hydraulic cylinder, respectively, and connecting the piston and the hydraulic cylinder body, and the maximum components of the force vectors of the springs are coaxial with the displacement vector of the hydraulic cylinder piston and ra are omnidirectional for a pair of springs of one hydraulic cylinder.

Images