US20120085276A1 - Subsea autonomous dispersant injection system and methods - Google Patents

Subsea autonomous dispersant injection system and methods Download PDF

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Publication number
US20120085276A1
US20120085276A1 US13/271,059 US201113271059A US2012085276A1 US 20120085276 A1 US20120085276 A1 US 20120085276A1 US 201113271059 A US201113271059 A US 201113271059A US 2012085276 A1 US2012085276 A1 US 2012085276A1
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Prior art keywords
dispersant
subsea
outlet
manifold
inlet
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Abandoned
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US13/271,059
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Graham Openshaw
Harold Reeves
John D. Hughes
Jon Rogers
Pat Chilton
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BP Exploration Operating Co Ltd
BP Corp North America Inc
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BP Exploration Operating Co Ltd
BP Corp North America Inc
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Priority to US13/271,059 priority Critical patent/US20120085276A1/en
Assigned to BP CORPORATION NORTH AMERICA INC., BP EXPLORATION OPERATING COMPANY LIMITED reassignment BP CORPORATION NORTH AMERICA INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ROGERS, JON, CHILTON, PAT, HUGHES, JOHN D., REEVES, HAROLD J., OPENSHAW, GRAHAM
Publication of US20120085276A1 publication Critical patent/US20120085276A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • 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
    • E21B43/0122—Collecting oil or the like from a submerged leakage
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C7/00—Salvaging of disabled, stranded, or sunken vessels; Salvaging of vessel parts or furnishings, e.g. of safes; Salvaging of other underwater objects
    • B63C7/006—Emptying the contents of sunken, stranded, or disabled vessels, e.g. by engaging the vessel; Underwater collecting of buoyant contents, such as liquid, particulate or gaseous contents, escaping from sunken vessels, e.g. using funnels, or tents for recovery of escaping hydrocarbons
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63G—OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE ARRANGEMENTS ON VESSELS; MINE-LAYING; MINE-SWEEPING; SUBMARINES; AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
    • B63G8/00—Underwater vessels, e.g. submarines; Equipment specially adapted therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/78—Large containers for use in or under water

Definitions

  • the invention relates generally to subsea dispersant systems and methods. More particularly, the invention relates to autonomous dispersant systems and methods for managing the subsea release or venting of hydrocarbons.
  • Chemical dispersing agents aid in breaking up hydrocarbon solids and liquids, and dissipating oil slicks on the surface of water by forming water-soluble micelles that are rapidly diluted. As a result, the hydrocarbons are effectively spread throughout a larger volume of water.
  • dispersants are believed to facilitate and accelerate the digestion of oil by microbes. Dispersants can also delay the formation of persistent oil-in-water emulsions.
  • oil dispersants have been sprayed onto the oil at the surface of the water. Normally, this process is controlled and delivered from surface vessels or from the air immediately above the oil at the surface.
  • aircraft may be employed to spray oil dispersant over an oil slick on the surface of the sea. In general, minimizing the quantity and distribution of dispersants is generally preferred.
  • oil at the surface is often spread out over a relatively large area (e.g., hundreds or thousands of square miles). To sufficiently cover all or substantially all of the oil that reaches the surface, relatively large quantities of dispersant must be distributed over the relatively large area encompassed by the oil slick.
  • dispersants by limiting distribution of dispersants to the surface, only those microbes at or proximal the surface have an opportunity to begin digestion of the oil. In addition, it may occasionally be necessary to evacuate due to anticipated hurricane activity. Since distribution of dispersants at the surface typically involves human intervention, it may not be possible during such evacuations.
  • a system for autonomously supplying a chemical dispersant to a subsea hydrocarbon discharge site comprises a subsea storage vessel configured to store the chemical dispersant subsea.
  • the storage vessel includes a dispersant outlet in fluid communication with the subsea hydrocarbon discharge site.
  • the method comprises (a) installing a system on the sea floor, the system comprising a plurality of subsea storage vessels, each storage vessel including a dispersant outlet.
  • the method comprises (b) storing a chemical dispersant in the subsea storage vessels.
  • the method comprises (c) flowing the chemical dispersant from one or more of the subsea storage vessels to the subsea hydrocarbon discharge site.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of an autonomous subsea dispersant system in accordance with the principles described herein;
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the dispersant storage assemblies of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one of the storage vessels of FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of one of the storage assemblies and corresponding distribution manifold of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the distribution manifold of FIG. 4 ;
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the delivery manifold of FIG. 6 ;
  • FIG. 9 is a front view of the manifold discharge site of FIGS. 1 and 6 ;
  • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the venturi eductor of FIGS. 6 and 9 .
  • the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . .”
  • the term “couple” or “couples” is intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection, or through an indirect connection via other devices, components, and connections.
  • the terms “axial” and “axially” generally mean along or parallel to a central axis (e.g., central axis of a body or a port), while the terms “radial” and “radially” generally mean perpendicular to the central axis. For instance, an axial distance refers to a distance measured along or parallel to the central axis, and a radial distance means a distance measured perpendicular to the central axis.
  • a well may be intentionally vented into the surrounding sea water from a subsea BOP or manifold upon evacuation of associated surface operations in anticipation of a hurricane.
  • oil may be unintentionally emitted into the surrounding sea water from a damaged or broken subsea oil conduit or BOP.
  • system 100 The components of system 100 are delivered subsea, coupled together subsea, and operated subsea with one or more remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Due to the time and effort that may be necessary to install system 100 , it is preferably implemented as part of the long-term plan for the development of an offshore field. For example, if system 100 is not already installed, it may be too late to do so once a specific hurricane risk has been identified.
  • ROVs remotely operated vehicles
  • each storage assembly 120 includes six total storage vessels 122 arranged in two staggered rows of three vessels 122 each.
  • the storage assemblies e.g., storage assemblies 120
  • each storage vessel 122 is shown, it being understood that each storage vessel 122 of system 100 is configured the same.
  • storage vessels 122 are devices designed to contain chemical dispersants subsea, and supply the chemical dispersants to the remainder of system 100 .
  • each storage vessel 122 includes a stand or support structure 123 and a flexible dispersant storage bladder 130 supported within structure 123 .
  • Support structure 123 has a lower rectangular base 124 , a plurality of guide columns or rails 125 extending perpendicularly upward from base 124 , and a rectangular upper compression plate or member 126 slidably mounted to rails 125 .
  • conduit 132 includes an outlet valve 210 positioned between outlet 135 and T-connector 133 , an inlet valve 211 positioned between inlet 134 and T-connector 133 , and a check valve 212 positioned between inlet valve 211 and T-connector 133 .
  • Check valve 212 is configured and oriented to allow one-way fluid flow from inlet 134 through valve 211 to T-connector 133 and bladder 130 . In other words, check valve 212 prevents dispersant in bladder 130 and conduit 132 from exiting conduit 132 via inlet 134 .
  • a pressure gauge or sensor 220 is provided to measure the pressure of dispersant in conduit 132 and bladder 130 .
  • each valve 210 , 211 is a quarter-turn butterfly valve that is physically and directly actuated by one or more subsea remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).
  • ROVs subsea remotely operated vehicles
  • each valve 210 , 211 may comprise any suitable valve capable of being transitioned between an open position allowing fluid flow therethrough and a closed position preventing fluid flow therethrough. Examples of suitable valves including, without limitation, ball valves and butterfly valves.
  • valves 210 , 211 are manual valves operated by subsea ROVs in this embodiment, in general, valves 210 , 211 may be actuated by other suitable means including, without limitation, hydraulically actuation, electrical actuation, pneumatic actuation, or combinations thereof.
  • outlet valve 210 and inlet valve 211 of each vessel 122 are preferably closed until it is time to inject the dispersant into the subsea hydrocarbon stream.
  • one or more subsea ROVs are employed to releasably connect the female receptacle or coupling 201 on the end of a dispersant supply line 230 to mating male coupling 200 at inlet end 132 a, and then open inlet valve 211 .
  • outlet valve 210 With outlet valve 210 in the closed position, dispersant is pumped through supply line 230 through inlet 134 , inlet valve 211 , check valve 212 , T-connector 133 , and bladder coupling 131 into bladder 130 .
  • the pressure of dispersant in conduit 132 and bladder 130 is monitored with pressure gauge 220 while filling. The pressure may be monitored with a subsea ROV and/or communicated to the sea surface via telemetry (e.g., acoustic telemetry), and then communicated by satellite to a remote location for periodic or real time monitoring of dispersant pressure within bladder 130 .
  • telemetry e.g., acoustic telemetry
  • each distribution manifold 140 collects the dispersant supplied by each vessel 122 of one storage assembly 120 , and then supplies the collected dispersant to delivery manifold 160 .
  • FIG. 4 shows only one distribution manifold, each distribution manifold 140 is configured the same.
  • a plurality of dispersant pipelines or conduits 231 supply dispersant stored in storage vessels 122 to manifold 140 —each conduit 231 extends from one storage vessel 122 of storage assembly 120 to manifold 140 .
  • each conduit 231 has a first or inlet end 231 a comprising a female coupling 201 releasably connected to a mating male coupling 200 at outlet 135 of one storage vessel flow line 143 , and a second or outlet end 231 b comprising a female coupling 201 that is releasably coupled to a mating male coupling 200 of manifold 140 .
  • each conduit 231 may comprise any suitable rigid or flexible tubular or pipe for flowing chemical dispersants.
  • Each conduit 231 is preferably made from a material suitable for both the harsh subsea conditions and the chemical properties of the dispersant such as a hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) liner with a neoprene cover.
  • the diameter of conduits 231 may be increased or decreased as desired to decrease or increase, respectively, the internal friction and associated resistance to fluid flow therethrough.
  • each conduit 231 comprises a four inch diameter flexible hose.
  • a stand or support structure 150 supports manifold 140 above the sea floor 101 .
  • Structure 150 includes a frame 151 , a generally horizontal lower plate 152 coupled to the bottom of frame 151 and disposed along the sea floor 101 , and a generally horizontal upper plate 153 coupled to the top of frame 151 and spaced above lower plate 152 .
  • lower plate 152 distributes the weight of structure 150 and manifold 140 along the sea floor 101 , thereby restricting and/or preventing structure 150 from sinking into the sea floor 101 .
  • parallel plates 152 , 153 cover and shield mud along the sea floor 101 from turbulence induced by ROV thrusters, thereby reducing visibility loss due to disturbed mud.
  • Manifold 140 is secured to upper plate 153 and comprises a plurality of dispersant inlets 141 and a pair of dispersant outlets 142 .
  • Each inlet 141 is in fluid communication with one storage vessel 122
  • each outlet 142 is in fluid communication with delivery manifold 160 .
  • each inlet 141 comprises a male coupling 200 that releasably connects to mating female coupling 201 on outlet end 23 lb of one conduit 231 extending from one storage vessel 122
  • each outlet 142 comprises a male coupling 200 that releasably connects to a mating female coupling 201 on inlet end 231 a of one conduit 231 extending to delivery manifold 160 .
  • each inlet 141 includes a check valve 212 configured and oriented to allow one-way fluid flow from supply conduit 231 through inlet 141 into manifold 140 .
  • dispersant can flow from storage vessels 122 through conduits 231 into manifold 140 , however, dispersant is restricted and/or prevented by check valves 212 from flowing from manifold 140 through one or more conduits 231 to storage vessels 122 . Consequently, in the event a subsea bladder 130 tears or ruptures, dispersant flowing through manifold 140 from other bladders 130 is prevented from back-flowing from manifold 140 to the torn bladder 130 , thereby limiting and/or preventing further emission of dispersant into the surrounding sea through the tear in the damaged bladder 130 .
  • each outlet 142 includes an outlet valve 210 and a pressure gauge or sensor 220 to measure the pressure of dispersant flowing therethrough.
  • Inlets 141 are in fluid communication with each outlet 142 that has its corresponding outlet valve 210 opened.
  • each inlet 141 is in fluid communication with both outlets 142 ;
  • each inlet 141 is in fluid communication with outlet 142 associated with the opened valve 210 and is not in fluid communication with outlet 142 associated with the closed valve 210 ; and if both outlet valves 210 are closed, no inlet 141 is in fluid communication with either outlet 142 .
  • each distribution manifold 140 supplies dispersant to delivery manifold 160 via conduits 231 extending from outlets 142 .
  • delivery manifold 160 collects the dispersant supplied by each distribution manifold 140 , and then delivers the collected dispersant to one or more subsea hydrocarbon discharge sites 110 .
  • a plurality of dispersant conduits 231 as previously described supply dispersant from distribution manifold 140 to delivery manifold 160 —each conduit 231 extends from one distribution manifold outlet 142 to manifold 160 .
  • female coupling 201 at inlet end 231 a of each conduit 231 is releasably connected to mating male coupling 200 at one outlet 142
  • female coupling 201 at outlet end 23 lb of each conduit 231 is releasably coupled to a mating male coupling 200 of manifold 160 .
  • a stand or support structure 170 supports manifold 160 above the sea floor 101 .
  • Structure 170 is similar to structure 151 previously described. Namely, support structure 170 includes a frame 171 , a generally horizontal lower plate 172 coupled to the bottom of frame 171 and disposed along the sea floor 101 , and a generally horizontal upper plate 173 coupled to the top of frame 171 and spaced above lower plate 172 . Similar to mud mats 121 previously described, lower plate 172 distributes the weight of structure 170 and manifold 160 along the sea floor 101 , thereby restricting and/or preventing structure 170 from sinking into the sea floor 101 . In addition, parallel plates 172 , 173 cover and shield mud along the sea floor 101 from turbulence induced by ROV thrusters, thereby reducing visibility loss due to disturbed mud.
  • manifold 160 is secured to upper plate 173 and comprises a plurality of dispersant inlets 161 , a pump outlet 162 a, a pump inlet 162 b, and a plurality of discharge outlets 163 .
  • Inlets 161 receive dispersant from distribution manifolds 140 via conduits 231
  • pump outlet 162 a supplies dispersant from manifold 160 to subsea pumping system 180
  • pump inlet 162 b receives dispersant from pumping system 180
  • outlets 163 supply dispersant to discharge sites 110 .
  • system 100 is configured to supply dispersant to subsea BOP 110 a and subsea manifold 110 b— one pair of outlets 163 , also labeled as outlets 163 a, provide dispersant to BOP 110 a, and a second pair of outlets 163 , also labeled as outlets 163 b, provide dispersant to manifold 110 b.
  • outlets 163 also labeled as outlets 163 a
  • outlets 163 b also labeled as outlets 163 b
  • each inlet 161 , 162 b , and each outlet 162 a, 163 comprises a male coupling 200 that releasably connects to a mating female coupling 201 of a dispersant conduit or pipeline.
  • coupling 200 at each inlet 161 is releasably connected to female coupling 201 at outlet end 231 b of one conduit 231 extending from distribution manifold 140 .
  • each outlet 163 includes an outlet valve 210 as previously described.
  • each inlet 161 includes an inlet valve 211 as previously described. Downstream of valves 211 , inlets 161 merge together and the dispersant flowing through inlets 161 passes through a single gate valve 213 that controls the flow of dispersant through the remainder of manifold 160 and system 100 . To minimize supplying an excessive quantity of dispersant, a flowmeter 221 measures the total flow rate of dispersant passing through gate valve 213 , manifold 171 , and system 100 .
  • the flow rate of dispersant measured by flowmeter 221 may be monitored with a subsea ROV and/or communicated to the sea surface via telemetry (e.g., acoustic telemetry), and then communicated by satellite to a remote location for periodic or real time monitoring of the total dispersant flowrate.
  • the flowmeter 221 also records the flowrate for later retrieval and analysis.
  • a pressure gauge or sensor 220 is provided to measure the pressure of dispersant in delivery manifold 171 .
  • Manifold 160 also includes a valve 214 positioned between pump outlet 162 a and pump inlet 162 b, an outlet valve 210 associated with pump outlet 162 a, and an inlet valve 211 associated with pump inlet 162 b.
  • valve 214 When valve 214 is closed and valves 210 , 211 of pump outlet 162 a and pump inlet 262 b, respectively, are open, dispersant flows from flowmeter 221 through pump outlet 162 a to pump system 180 , and dispersant returns to manifold 160 from pump system 180 through pump inlet 162 b.
  • valve 214 is a manual valve operated by subsea ROVs in this embodiment, in general, valve 214 may be actuated by other suitable means including, without limitation, hydraulically actuation, electrical actuation, pneumatic actuation, or combinations thereof.
  • pump system 180 includes a dispersant inlet 181 , a dispersant outlet 182 , a primary pump 183 , a first backup pump 184 , and a second backup pump 185 .
  • inlet 181 comprises a supply conduit 232 a releasably connected to male coupling 200 of delivery manifold outlet 162 a with a mating female coupling 201
  • outlet 182 comprises a return conduit 232 b releasably connected to male coupling 200 of deliver manifold inlet 162 b with a mating female coupling 201 .
  • supply conduit 232 a flows dispersant from delivery manifold 160 to pump system 180 and a return conduit 232 b flows dispersant from pump system 180 to manifold 160 .
  • each outlet 187 includes a check valve 212 as previously described to allow one-way fluid flow from outlet 187 to return conduit 232 b.
  • check valves 212 in pump system 180 prevent dispersant in return conduit 232 b from back flowing into pumps 183 , 184 , 185 .
  • each power and control system 188 includes a plurality of batteries in two independent circuits 188 a that supply electrical power to drive mechanism 189 , and a controller 188 b that monitors and regulates power delivery and the operation of drive mechanism 189 (e.g., on/off, speed, dispersant flowrate.). For instance, controllers 188 b may measure and record the dispersant delivery profile during dispersant delivery operations for later retrieval and analysis.
  • each drive mechanism 189 creates a pressure differential between the dispersant in corresponding inlet 186 and corresponding outlet 187 , thereby moving dispersant therethrough.
  • each drive mechanism 189 may comprise any suitable device capable of creating a pressure differential to move a fluid including, without limitation, a positive displacement pump (e.g., gear pump, progressive cavity pump, reciprocating piston pump, etc.), a velocity pump (e.g., centrifugal pump, radial flow pump, axial flow pump, etc.), or combinations thereof.
  • a positive displacement pump e.g., gear pump, progressive cavity pump, reciprocating piston pump, etc.
  • a velocity pump e.g., centrifugal pump, radial flow pump, axial flow pump, etc.
  • Pumps 183 , 184 , 185 provide multiple levels of redundancy—pump 184 serves as a backup to pump 183 , and pump 185 serves as a backup to pump 184 .
  • pumps 183 , 184 , 185 are arranged and configured such that pump 183 initiates pumping operations with pumps 184 , 185 off, first backup pump 184 kicks in when the output of primary pump 183 is insufficient (e.g., primary pump 183 fails or begins to run out of power, etc.), and second backup pump 185 kicks in when the output of primary pump 183 and first backup pump 184 are both insufficient.
  • system 180 includes a plurality of pressure sensors 221 that communicate with controllers 188 b.
  • Outlet 187 of primary pump 183 includes two pressure sensors 221 that measure the pressure of dispersant therein, and outlet 187 of first backup pump 184 includes one pressure sensor 221 that measures the pressure of dispersant therein.
  • One pressure sensor 221 on outlet 187 of primary pump 183 communicates with controller 188 b of first backup pump 184
  • the other pressure sensor 221 on outlet 187 of primary pump 184 is in series with pressure sensor 221 on outlet 187 of first backup pump 184 and communicates with controller 188 b.
  • pump system 180 also includes a pressure control bypass system 190 disposed between outlets 187 of pumps 183 , 184 , 185 and return conduit 232 b.
  • pressure control bypass system 190 protects pumps 183 , 184 , 185 from excessive backpressures and allows pumps 183 , 184 , 185 to be bypassed in the event pumps 183 , 184 , 185 have failed, are not being used, or are pumping insufficiently.
  • System 190 includes an “inactive open” hydraulic valve 215 extending between conduits 232 a, b, a first variable pressure controlled valve or regulator 216 in fluid communication with valve 215 , pump outlets 187 , and conduit 232 b, and a second variable pressure controlled valve or regulator 217 in fluid communication with valve 215 , regulator 216 , and pump outlets 187 .
  • regulators 216 , 217 allow dispersant to pass therethrough above a certain predetermined threshold pressure. As a result, regulators 216 , 217 generate backpressure in system 190 .
  • the backpressure in system 190 resulting from regulators 216 , 217 transitions hydraulic valve 215 from its normally open position to a closed position.
  • regulator 217 is configured such that its predetermined pass-through threshold pressure of is below the pressure at which damage to pumps 183 , 184 , 185 may occur.
  • regulator 217 will open and allow dispersant to vent to the sea, thereby protecting pump system 180 from damage.
  • BOP injection member 190 may comprise any device that allows dispersant to be injected into the hydrocarbon stream being vented at BOP 110 .
  • BOP injection member 190 comprises a ring mounted to BOP 110 a that includes an injection port in fluid communication with the hydrocarbons flowing through BOP 110 a.
  • injection member 190 includes a pair of inlets 191 , an injection outlet or port 192 , and a pair of outlet valves 210 .
  • Each inlet 191 comprising a female coupling 201 coupled to one outlet end 233 b.
  • each conduit 234 comprises a plurality of conduits or hoses releasably connected end-to-end.
  • Each conduit 234 has an inlet end 234 a comprising a female coupling 201 releasably connected to one outlet 163 b, an outlet end 234 b comprising a male coupling 200 releasably connected to a venturi eductor 195 mounted to manifold 110 b .
  • Each conduit 234 also includes an outlet valve 210 .
  • a pressure gauge or sensor 222 measures the differential pressure between conduits 234 .
  • venturi eductor 195 is mounted to the upper end of subsea manifold 110 b and includes a hydrocarbon inlet 196 , a dispersant inlet 197 , and an outlet 198 .
  • Dispersant inlet 197 is positioned at the intersection of hydrocarbon inlet 196 and outlet 198 .
  • Hydrocarbon inlet 196 includes a converging frustoconical flow path 196 a that extends to dispersant inlet 197
  • outlet 198 includes a diverging frustoconical flow path 198 a extending from dispersant inlet 197 .
  • paths 196 a, 198 a define a converging-diverging nozzle that results in a fluid pressure decrease in outlet 198 that draws dispersant into eductor 195 via inlet 197 .
  • outlet 198 dispersant mixes with the hydrocarbon stream.
  • venturi eductor 195 e.g., venturi eductor 195
  • pump system 180 may be relied upon to drive the flow of dispersant through system 100 .
  • system 100 is preferably installed subsea with ROVs as part of the long term development plan.
  • the ROVs may be used to position the components of system 100 subsea (e.g., manifolds 140 , 160 and associated stands 150 , 170 , storage vessels 122 , etc.) and make the connections between the various components (e.g., connect conduits 231 between storage vessels 122 and distribution manifolds 140 , connect conduits 231 between manifolds 140 and manifold 160 , etc.).
  • system 100 is placed in “stand-by” until the time it is needed to inject chemical dispersants into a subsea hydrocarbon stream or leak.
  • Dispersant storage bladders 130 may be filled as described above upon installation or on an as needed basis (i.e., once a decision to operate system 100 has been made).
  • outlet valve 210 of each storage vessel 122 is preferably closed. Select downstream valves may be left open prior to use of system 100 to minimize the time and effort required for ROVs to open the numerous valves necessary for the operation of system 100 once it is needed.
  • outlet valves 210 of each distribution manifold 140 ; and inlet valves 211 , gate valve 213 , and outlet valves 210 of delivery manifold 160 may be configured in their open positions prior to actual use of system 100 .
  • valves 210 in BOP supply conduits 233 and manifold supply conduits 234 are preferably configured in their closed positions. Since system 100 may be driven by pump system 180 , venturi eductor(s) 195 , or combinations thereof, there are several possible configurations for valve 214 , outlet valve 210 of pump outlet 162 a, and inlet valve 211 of pump inlet 162 b.
  • valve 214 is opened, outlet valve 210 of pump outlet 162 a is closed, and inlet valve 211 of pump inlet 162 b is closed.
  • valve 214 is closed, outlet valve 210 of pump outlet 162 a is opened, and inlet valve 211 of pump inlet 162 b is opened.
  • system 100 may be transitioned from the “stand-by” mode to an “operating” or activated” mode, in which dispersant is supplied from storage vessels 122 to discharge sites 110 , upon the subsea discharge and/or venting of hydrocarbons at one or more discharge sites 110 .
  • hydrocarbons may be intentionally vented from one or more discharge sites 110 for pressure control during subsequent evacuation of surface operations and surface facilities associated with discharge sites 110 .
  • system 100 is activated to inject dispersant into the subsea hydrocarbon streams.
  • one or more ROVs may be employed to fill bladders 130 (if not filled upon installation) and configure the valves of system 100 , as appropriate, to allow dispersant to be flowed through system 100 from bladders 130 to discharge sites 110 .
  • ROVs may be employed to initiate pumping operations with pump system 180 .
  • pump system 180 may be adapted for remote activation from the surface or other location.
  • system 180 can operate autonomously (i.e., without human intervention or intervention from the surface) and continuously to flow dispersant to sites 110 .
  • the low pressure region in venturi eductor 195 will pull dispersant from storage vessels 122 through system 100 .
  • power and control systems 188 of pump system 180 can operate pumps 183 , 184 , 185 as long as associated batteries in circuits 188 a provide sufficient power to drive pumps 183 , 184 , 185 .
  • system 100 can deliver dispersant to sites 110 until bladders 130 have been emptied or ROVs shut down system 100 (e.g., turn off pump system 180 , close valves that allow dispersant to flow through system 100 , etc.).
  • dispersant is supplied from storage vessels 122 to distribution manifolds 140 with conduits 231 , and then supplied from distribution manifolds 140 to delivery manifold 160 with conduits 231 . From delivery manifold 160 , the dispersant may be pumped through supply conduits 233 to site 110 b, and pumped and/or be pulled through supply conduits 234 to venturi eductor 195 at site 110 a.
  • system 100 may also be described as including one or more dispersant storage assemblies that store dispersant subsea (e.g., assembly 120 ), one or more subsea hydrocarbon discharge sites that emit a hydrocarbon stream subsea (e.g., sites 110 ), and a dispersant delivery system that delivers the dispersant from the storage assemblies to the discharge sites (e.g., conduits 231 , distribution manifolds 140 , delivery manifold 160 , pump system 180 , and supply conduits 233 , 234 ).
  • dispersant storage assemblies that store dispersant subsea (e.g., assembly 120 )
  • one or more subsea hydrocarbon discharge sites that emit a hydrocarbon stream subsea e.g., sites 110
  • a dispersant delivery system that delivers the dispersant from the storage assemblies to the discharge sites (e.g., conduits 231 , distribution manifolds 140 , delivery manifold 160 , pump system 180 , and supply conduits 233 ,
  • the dispersant delivery system in system 100 includes a plurality of interconnected conduits (e.g., conduits 231 , 233 , 234 ) and manifolds (e.g., manifolds 140 , 160 ), in other embodiments, other suitable connections, components, etc. may be provided to deliver the dispersant from the storage assemblies to the discharge sites.
  • conduits 231 , 233 , 234 manifolds
  • manifolds e.g., manifolds 140 , 160
  • other suitable connections, components, etc. may be provided to deliver the dispersant from the storage assemblies to the discharge sites.
  • distribution manifolds 140 could be eliminated and storage assemblies 120 directly connected to inlets 161 of delivery manifold 160 .
  • embodiments of system 100 enable the direct injection of chemical dispersants into one or more subsea hydrocarbon streams.
  • injecting dispersant at the point of subsea hydrocarbon release offers the potential to greatly improve dispersant efficiency, as compared to spreading dispersant over an oil slick on the surface of the sea, by maximizing mixing of the dispersant and hydrocarbons before substantial diffusion of the hydrocarbons.
  • injecting dispersant at the point of subsea hydrocarbon release offers the potential to minimize VOCs at the surface.
  • embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for autonomously and continuously flowing chemical dispersants to one or more subsea hydrocarbon discharge sites, even when surface operations are not feasible.
  • inclusion and specific placement of outlet valves 210 , gate valve 214 , check valves 212 , flowmeter 221 , and pressure gauges 220 , 222 in embodiments described herein offers the potential to reduce the likelihood of an inadvertent subsea dispersant leak or discharge, undesirable tear or damage to storage bladders, and damage to the pump system (e.g., pump system 180 ).

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CN115123656A (zh) * 2022-08-22 2022-09-30 王宝玲 一种耕种土壤监测用的土样保存设备

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WO2017173192A1 (en) * 2016-03-30 2017-10-05 Oceaneering International, Inc. Dual method subsea chemical delivery and pressure boosting
EP3719249A4 (en) * 2017-12-01 2021-08-18 FMC Technologies Do Brasil LTDA DEVICE FOR CONNECTING UNDERWATER PIPES
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EA201300437A1 (ru) 2013-09-30
WO2012051168A2 (en) 2012-04-19
CA2814046A1 (en) 2012-04-19
WO2012051168A3 (en) 2012-12-20
CN103210178A (zh) 2013-07-17
AU2011316751A1 (en) 2013-05-02
MX2013003933A (es) 2013-10-25
BR112013008731A2 (pt) 2016-06-28

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