US20150231533A1 - Underwater water treatment unit and method for cleaning said unit - Google Patents

Underwater water treatment unit and method for cleaning said unit Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20150231533A1
US20150231533A1 US14/430,052 US201314430052A US2015231533A1 US 20150231533 A1 US20150231533 A1 US 20150231533A1 US 201314430052 A US201314430052 A US 201314430052A US 2015231533 A1 US2015231533 A1 US 2015231533A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
water
cleaning
membrane
underwater
hydraulic
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US14/430,052
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Luc Riviere
Pierre Pedenaud
Didier Bigeonneau
Stéphane Anres
Raymond Hallot
Wayne Evans
David Lothian
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Saipem SA
Veolia Eau Compagnie Generale des Eaux SCA
TotalEnergies SE
VWS Westgarth Ltd
Original Assignee
Saipem SA
Total SE
Veolia Eau Compagnie Generale des Eaux SCA
VWS Westgarth Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Saipem SA, Total SE, Veolia Eau Compagnie Generale des Eaux SCA, VWS Westgarth Ltd filed Critical Saipem SA
Assigned to SAIPEM S.A., VEOLIA EAU- COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES EAUX, TOTAL SA, VWS WESTGARTH LTD. reassignment SAIPEM S.A. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: LOTHIAN, DAVID, EVANS, WAYNE, BIGEONNEAU, DIDIER, ANRES, Stéphane, PEDENAUD, PIERRE, HALLOT, RAYMOND, RIVIERE, LUC
Publication of US20150231533A1 publication Critical patent/US20150231533A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D61/00—Processes of separation using semi-permeable membranes, e.g. dialysis, osmosis or ultrafiltration; Apparatus, accessories or auxiliary operations specially adapted therefor
    • B01D61/58—Multistep processes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D29/00—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor
    • B01D29/62—Regenerating the filter material in the filter
    • B01D29/66—Regenerating the filter material in the filter by flushing, e.g. counter-current air-bumps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D65/00—Accessories or auxiliary operations, in general, for separation processes or apparatus using semi-permeable membranes
    • B01D65/02—Membrane cleaning or sterilisation ; Membrane regeneration
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/001—Processes for the treatment of water whereby the filtration technique is of importance
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/44—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by dialysis, osmosis or reverse osmosis
    • C02F1/442—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by dialysis, osmosis or reverse osmosis by nanofiltration
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/44—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by dialysis, osmosis or reverse osmosis
    • C02F1/444—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by dialysis, osmosis or reverse osmosis by ultrafiltration or microfiltration
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2311/00—Details relating to membrane separation process operations and control
    • B01D2311/10—Temperature control
    • B01D2311/103—Heating
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2321/00—Details relating to membrane cleaning, regeneration, sterilization or to the prevention of fouling
    • B01D2321/08—Use of hot water or water vapor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D61/00—Processes of separation using semi-permeable membranes, e.g. dialysis, osmosis or ultrafiltration; Apparatus, accessories or auxiliary operations specially adapted therefor
    • B01D61/02—Reverse osmosis; Hyperfiltration ; Nanofiltration
    • B01D61/027—Nanofiltration
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D61/00—Processes of separation using semi-permeable membranes, e.g. dialysis, osmosis or ultrafiltration; Apparatus, accessories or auxiliary operations specially adapted therefor
    • B01D61/14—Ultrafiltration; Microfiltration
    • B01D61/147—Microfiltration
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2101/00—Nature of the contaminant
    • C02F2101/10—Inorganic compounds
    • C02F2101/101—Sulfur compounds
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2103/00—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated
    • C02F2103/08—Seawater, e.g. for desalination
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2103/00—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated
    • C02F2103/10—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated from quarries or from mining activities
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2103/00—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated
    • C02F2103/34—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated from industrial activities not provided for in groups C02F2103/12 - C02F2103/32
    • C02F2103/36—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated from industrial activities not provided for in groups C02F2103/12 - C02F2103/32 from the manufacture of organic compounds
    • C02F2103/365—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated from industrial activities not provided for in groups C02F2103/12 - C02F2103/32 from the manufacture of organic compounds from petrochemical industry (e.g. refineries)
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/02—Temperature
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2303/00—Specific treatment goals
    • C02F2303/16—Regeneration of sorbents, filters
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2303/00—Specific treatment goals
    • C02F2303/20—Prevention of biofouling
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2307/00—Location of water treatment or water treatment device

Definitions

  • the present invention is to be found in the field of underwater applications, in particular within the oil and gas sector. More specifically, the invention concerns an underwater water treatment unit which has specific cleaning means, as well as a method for cleaning the membrane of the underwater water treatment unit.
  • injection water into hydrocarbon fields is a well-known technique in the oil and gas sector. It is an operation which consists in injecting water, commonly known as injection water, into an oil and gas well, on the one hand to recover the hydrocarbons and on the other hand to avoid the wells collapsing, which can come about due to the drop in pressure as a result of the hydrocarbons being extracted.
  • the origin of the injection water generally depends on its availability and on the constraints around the site of the hydrocarbon extraction. For example, in the case of offshore extraction, using water drawn from the sea is known. Treatment steps, however, are generally essential in order to obtain from the seawater water which has the quality sufficient to enable it to be reintroduced into the underground formation.
  • the injection water is always obtained by means of a filtration step, aiming to reduce or even eliminate suspended matter, and by means of a deoxygenation step.
  • a supplementary treatment in the form of desulphurization is used if the contents of the underground formation are such that reduction in the sulfate ions is necessary.
  • the injection water can also be aquifer water, river or lake water, and possibly domestic or industrial wastewater.
  • treatment steps can be necessary to obtain water which has a quality which is compatible with injection into the underground formation.
  • the presence of sulfates in the water is typically a problem if the underground formation contains barium, calcium or strontium ions. Indeed, the sulfate ions form mineral deposits (scaling) with the barium, calcium or strontium ions and these are disadvantageous to good hydrocarbon extraction. Furthermore, the presence of sulphates can be the cause of the generation by bacteria of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), a toxic and corrosive gas, which can cause piping that is used for recovering hydrocarbons to corrode. The elimination of the sulfates from the water before it is injected into the underground formation is therefore often necessary.
  • H 2 S hydrogen sulfide
  • a conventional method enabling the elimination of sulphates from the water consists in a nanofiltration membrane method which retains the multivalent ions and allows the monovalent ions to pass.
  • Another conventional method enabling water desalination consists in a reverse osmosis method. Such methods are described, for example, in patent applications WO 2006/134367 and WO 2007/138327.
  • the water treatment units are placed close to the hydrocarbon field.
  • said units are conventionally installed on the surface, on the offshore platform for extracting hydrocarbons or on attached floating platforms, currently called FPSO units (acronym of “Floating Production, Storage and Offloading” according to Anglo-Saxon terminology, signifying a floating unit for production, storage and offloading).
  • the true underwater environment cannot be defined solely by conditions of pressure and temperature. It is a complex environment, with variable chemical compositions, above all including micro-organisms that are specific to great depths and to the ultra-great depths.
  • Said micro-organisms tend to hang onto and build up on certain surfaces, and more particularly to clog up all underwater devices rapidly.
  • Said phenomenon of clogging up which is biological in origin is currently designated by the Anglo-Saxon term of biofouling. It is a question of the degradation or deterioration of a surface or of an object left in an aquatic environment, as typically in the sea, by the growth of living organisms such as bacteria, protozoa, algae and crustaceans.
  • the underwater water treatment units When they are placed at great depths or at ultra-great depths, the underwater water treatment units, and in particular the filtration membranes that they contain, are therefore subject to very specific environmental conditions.
  • patent application WO 2012/049618 describes a water treatment method which enables the risks of the membrane filters clogging up to be reduced thanks to a treatment of the retentate prior to its recycling.
  • patent U.S. Pat. No. 7,600,567 describes backwashing the filtration membranes.
  • gas can be added to the wash water. Said embodiment is not suitable for the case where the units which contain the filtration membranes are situated at great depths.
  • Another embodiment consists in adding a biocide and/or an anti-fouling agent to the wash water. Said chemical products are for the most part organic molecules. After the wash phase, they are discharged into the environment and are therefore susceptible to causing ecological problems, especially when the filtration membranes are situated at great depths or at ultra-great depths where the biological environment is still not well understood.
  • said units preferably have to remain operational for several months, or even several years without any intervention whatsoever. Furthermore, it is preferable for the unit to be as sturdy as possible so as to reduce the number of essential maintenance operations.
  • the inventors have discovered an alternative solution, which is advantageous from an ecological point of view, enabling the filtration membranes to be washed using acid and/or alkaline solutions in underwater conditions.
  • the acid and/or alkaline solutions can possibly be discharged into the environment after use.
  • the invention also provides means which enable the discharge of said solutions into the environment to be avoided.
  • an underwater water treatment unit which is suitable for injection into a hydrocarbon field, said unit including:
  • a further object of the invention is a method for cleaning the filtration membrane of an underwater unit such as defined previously, said method including the steps consisting in:
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the underwater water treatment unit according to the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the means for cleaning a unit according to the invention.
  • the underwater unit according to the invention is designed for treating water in such a way that said water is able to be injected into a hydrocarbon field.
  • the water which is treated is preferably seawater and the water obtained is injection water.
  • the underwater unit first of all includes a means for supplying the underwater unit with power and an underwater water treatment system.
  • Said water treatment system comprises at least one filtration membrane, a water intake which is suitable to bring a flow of water drawn from the environment of the system into the underwater unit, a pipe connecting said water intake and said filtration membrane, a discharge pipe for treated water and at least one supply pump which is suitable for filtering the water.
  • the filtration membranes are devices that are well known to the expert which enable different components of a liquid flow to be separated.
  • the nature of the separation is determined in part by the dimension of the pores in the membranes.
  • osmosis membranes are specific membranes which are well known to the expert.
  • An osmosis membrane is a semi-permeable membrane which only allows solvent (in general water) to pass and not other substances in solution.
  • the filtration membrane of the present invention can be a microfiltration membrane, an ultrafiltration membrane, a nanofiltration membrane, or even a reverse osmosis membrane.
  • the filtration membrane in the present invention is a membrane for desulfation.
  • membrane for desulfation refers in the present invention to a membrane which enables sulfate ions to be separated from water. It is a particularly advantageous embodiment for the oil industry as said membranes enable the elimination of sulfates in the seawater which is intended to be re-injected into the underground formations which contain hydrocarbons.
  • the membranes SR90 of DOW Filmtec and the NANO-SW of Hydranautics can be cited, among others.
  • the underwater water treatment system can include several filtration membranes, arranged in series and/or in parallel, which are identical or different.
  • the underwater water treatment system includes a nanofiltration membrane and an ultrafiltration membrane, said ultrafiltration membrane being situated upstream of said nanofiltration membrane.
  • the underwater water treatment system can therefore include, in order with respect to the normal flowing of the water flow in the system:
  • the underwater water treatment system includes a microfiltration membrane and/or an ultrafiltration membrane.
  • the underwater water treatment system can include other filters which can be selected, for example, from among a sieve and a pre-filter.
  • a sieve is a grid having a mesh that is more or less fine or a surface that is perforated with holes. The job of a sieve is generally to separate different sized solid particles from a liquid flow, the size of the particles separated depending on the size of the mesh or the holes in the filter.
  • the term “pre-filter” designates a filter that is likely to stop relatively large-sized solid particles, that is to in excess of 100 micrometers. The pre-filter enables coarse filtering.
  • a water inlet is a conventional system which includes an opening enabling a flow of water to enter the system.
  • the water inlet can possibly be provided with a strainer screen which holds back large diameter solid elements, thus avoiding the filtration system quickly becoming blocked by large elements.
  • the location of the water inlet determines the quality of the water entering the underwater water treatment system.
  • the water inlet can be mobile, for example by means of a telescopic system which enables the site of the water inlet to be varied without modifying the location of the underwater water treatment unit itself.
  • a telescopic system or a rewinding means can allow the level of the water inlet to be moved, referenced with respect to the bottom of the water or to the surface.
  • the filtration membrane can be placed in a specific module which includes two chambers, a first chamber upstream of the filtration membrane and a second chamber downstream of the filtration membrane, the filtration membrane forming a partition between the two chambers.
  • the first chamber upstream is provided with at least one pipe which enables the inlet of the water flow.
  • the second chamber downstream is provided with at least one discharge pipe.
  • the first chamber upstream is possibly also equally provided with a second discharge pipe.
  • the dimensioning of the chambers upstream and downstream can be made by the expert, in particular in terms of the type of filter and the nature of the speed of the flow to be filtered.
  • the flow of water can be brought into the first chamber of the filter by a supply pipe.
  • the portion of the flow which crosses the filter and reaches the second chamber, downstream of the filter, is commonly called the filtrate.
  • the portion of the flow which is retained by the filter is commonly called the retentate.
  • the retentate can be solid, liquid or a mixture of the two.
  • the underwater water treatment system includes at least one pump which is suitable for filtering water.
  • Said pump can be situated on the pipe which connects the water inlet and the filter.
  • the pump can be controlled by an electronic system.
  • Said electronic system can be controlled by a pre-recorded program which does not require the intervention of an operator.
  • it can be controlled by an operator, preferably located on the surface, and the information exchanged between the operator and the electronic system can be transmitted via cable or online (for example, over the air, notably wirelessly or acoustically in the water).
  • the job of the discharge pipe downstream of the filter is to discharge the filtrate from the system.
  • Said filtrate constitutes treated water which is suitable to be used as injection water in a hydrocarbon field.
  • the filtrate discharge pipe is therefore preferably connected to a well for extracting hydrocarbons.
  • the underwater water treatment system according to the invention can possibly include a discharge pipe for the filter retentate. Not recovering the retentate is preferred and it is therefore preferably released directly into the environment, close to the underwater water treatment system.
  • the underwater water treatment unit includes a means for supplying said underwater unit with power.
  • the underwater water treatment unit is supplied with power from the surface via an umbilical.
  • An umbilical is a well-known device in the area of underwater oil production.
  • the umbilical can conduct an electric current. It can therefore supply the underwater water treatment unit with electricity from the surface.
  • the umbilical can connect the underwater water treatment unit to a floating control unit, typically a boat or a floating platform, for example in line with the submerged underwater water treatment unit, or in a satellite field a few kilometers from the surface unit.
  • the same umbilical can ensure several functions at once.
  • the same umbilical can serve as a pathway for supplying the underwater water treatment unit with power and for transmitting instructions.
  • the underwater water treatment unit is electrically autonomous and is supplied with power thanks to a battery located within the underwater water treatment unit.
  • the presence of batteries is not preferred on account of their volume and weight.
  • the advantage of said embodiment is to make the underwater water treatment unit autonomous and easily movable.
  • the underwater water treatment unit can preferably be in a compact form, with the possible exception of the water inlet and the discharge pipe which can extend beyond the structure.
  • the dimensions of said structure can be between 8 m (length) ⁇ 5 m (width) ⁇ 5 m (height) and 20 m (length) ⁇ 10 m (width) ⁇ 15 m (height) inclusive.
  • the total weight of the unit out of the water is between 100 tons and 800 tons inclusive.
  • the underwater water treatment unit is intended to be placed underwater at a depth of at least 500 meters, notably of at least 800 meters.
  • the depth of the underwater water treatment unit is in a preferred manner between 800 meters and 3000 meters inclusive, in a more preferred manner between 1000 meters and 3000 meters inclusive, and in an even more preferred manner between 1500 meters and 3000 meters inclusive.
  • the underwater water treatment unit is placed in the sea, and the flow of water drawn from the environment is a flow of seawater.
  • the underwater water treatment unit is subject to an outside pressure which, in a preferred manner, is between 80 and 300 bar inclusive, said pressure naturally being a function of the depth at which the underwater water treatment unit is positioned.
  • the temperature existing at the site where the underwater water treatment unit is positioned is also a function of the depth at which the underwater water treatment unit is situated, but also more generally of the geographic location where the underwater water treatment unit is placed. For example, if the underwater water treatment unit is positioned at a depth of 3000 meters in the Gulf of Guinea, the temperature of the water will be approximately 4° C. If the underwater water treatment unit is positioned at a depth of 500 meters, notably at 800 meters, in the Arctic Ocean, the temperature of the water will be approximately ⁇ 2° C. In a general manner, the underwater water treatment unit is subject to an outside temperature of between 20° C. and ⁇ 2° C. inclusive, preferably between 14 ° C. and ⁇ 2° C. inclusive.
  • the underwater water treatment unit according to the present invention further includes specific cleaning means.
  • the underwater water treatment unit includes:
  • the filtration membrane of the underwater water treatment system is provided with at least one heating means, and at least one of the water tanks is provided with at least one means for heating the tank.
  • the hydraulic cleaning circuit according to the invention forms a closed circuit of which the filtration membrane is part.
  • the hydraulic cleaning system circuit includes a discharge pipe which can be controlled by a valve. As long as said discharge valve is kept closed, a liquid flow can be circulated in the hydraulic cleaning circuit, and it flows following said loop in a continuous manner, continually crossing the filtration membrane.
  • the opening of the discharge valve enables the loop to be broken and the liquid flow to be discharged out of the hydraulic cleaning circuit, for example when the cleaning is completed.
  • the underwater water treatment system includes a nanofiltration membrane, and an ultrafiltration membrane, said ultrafiltration membrane being situated upstream of said nanofiltration membrane.
  • the hydraulic cleaning circuit according to the invention can advantageously form:
  • the choice of the number of loops in the hydraulic cleaning circuit can depend on the need for cleaning the underwater water treatment unit. Said need can vary in terms of the type of filtration membranes used, but also in terms of the aquatic environment of the underwater water treatment unit, for example the water quality, its temperature, its pressure, its chemical composition and the micro-organisms that it contains.
  • the hydraulic cleaning circuit preferably forms two loops between the inlet and the outlet of the nanofiltration membrane on the one hand and between the inlet and the outlet of the ultrafiltration membrane on the other hand, valves being situated in the loops in order to select the membrane which requires cleaning
  • the means for cleaning the underwater water treatment unit according to the invention include a certain number of storage tanks At least two storage tanks are intended for storing water. At least one storage tank is intended for storing a cleaning product which is selected from among an acid and a base.
  • the tanks are suitable for fulfilling their storage function in an aquatic environment, at the temperature and at the pressure to which the underwater water treatment unit is subject.
  • the dimensioning of the tanks can be calculated by the expert in terms of the quantity of water and of cleaning product necessary for cleaning the filtration membrane for the desired amount of time.
  • the tanks are dimensioned in such a manner that the underwater unit is autonomous for at least six months. As the space required is not a limiting constraint within the framework of an underwater water treatment unit, sturdy equipment is preferred, requiring the least possible maintenance.
  • the storage tank or tanks are flexible, as a result of which they collapse or flatten when the liquid is withdrawn when the tank is drained.
  • the flexible storage tank or tanks are surrounded by a rigid shell enabling them to tolerate low overpressures and enabling the water to circulate within the rigid structure when the tank collapses.
  • Each tank is connected to the cleaning circuit.
  • a valve is arranged at the outlet of each tank so as to be able to control the opening and closing of the each tank.
  • the acid which can be used as a cleaning product can be an organic or mineral acid. It can be chosen from among the conventional compounds known to the expert. It can be selected, in particular, from the group consisting of citric acid and hydrochloric acid. The acids are suitable for dissolving the mineral deposits.
  • the base that can be used as a cleaning product can be an organic or mineral base, in a preferred manner a mineral base. It can be chosen among the conventional compounds known to the expert. It can be chosen in particular from among caustic soda or a detergent having an exclusive chemical formula.
  • the bases are specially developed to eliminate organic colonization or microbial residues.
  • the cleaning products are preferably in the form of concentrated aqueous solutions, the concentration can be between 1% and 4% inclusive.
  • the underwater unit includes at least two storage tanks for the cleaning product, at least one of the tanks being a storage tank for an acid and at least one of the tanks being a storage tank for a base, the acid and base tanks being connected to the cleaning circuit.
  • the underwater water treatment unit is subject to specific pressure and temperature conditions as a result of its submersion. Especially, the underwater water treatment unit is subject to an outside temperature of between 20° C. and ⁇ 2° C. inclusive, in a preferred manner between 14 ° C. and ⁇ 2° C. inclusive.
  • the inventors have noted that, in these conditions, the means for cleaning have had to be suitable.
  • the underwater water treatment unit further includes means for heating.
  • the filtration membrane of the underwater water treatment unit is provided with at least one heating means, and at least one of the water tanks is provided with at least one means for heating the tank.
  • Said means for heating advantageously enable the filtration membrane to be cleaned at a temperature that is higher than the outside temperature.
  • the heating means can be placed in an appropriate manner close to the filtration membrane in order to heat the filtration membrane and close to or in the water tank in order to heat the water contained therein.
  • the heating means can be supplied with power by the means for supplying the underwater unit with power.
  • Heating can be effected, for example, at one location of the circulation loop and the hot liquid can be continuously circulated across the filtration membrane.
  • the heating means are such that they enable the water surrounding the filtration membrane to be heated rather than heating the circulation loop directly.
  • the underwater water treatment unit includes at least three water storage tanks, at least two of the water tanks being provided with at least one means for heating the tank.
  • the underwater water treatment unit further includes at least one cleaning pump suitable for setting the liquids in the cleaning circuit into motion.
  • Said cleaning pump can be supplied with power by the means for supplying the underwater unit with power.
  • the cleaning pump is placed in the hydraulic cleaning circuit.
  • the supply pump and the cleaning pump can be mounted on the same shaft.
  • Said embodiment enables the sturdiness of the underwater unit according to the invention to be increased. This represents an important advantage as the maintenance of the unit, when it is submerged at a great depth or an ultra-great depth, is complicated and costly.
  • the underwater water treatment unit according to the invention can therefore be used to treat a flow of water drawn from the aquatic environment of the unit, and to treat it in such a manner that it is usable as injection water.
  • the method of treating water using the underwater unit according to the invention includes the steps consisting in:
  • the underwater water treatment unit can be placed underwater at a depth of at least 500 meters. Furthermore, the hydrocarbon field into which the treated water is injected is preferably an offshore field.
  • the filtration membrane can be cleaned from time to time in order to maintain its filtration capacity and to prevent it clogging up.
  • An object of the present invention is a method for cleaning the membrane of an underwater unit such as defined previously, said method including the steps consisting in:
  • Step a) consists in cutting off the inlet of water into the filtration membrane. If it is desirable, however, not to cut off the production of water treated for injection, it is possible to provide several filtration membranes and/or several water treatment systems, arranged in parallel in the same underwater unit.
  • a step b) water contained in one of the water tanks is injected into the hydraulic cleaning circuit, and said water is made to circulate in a loop in the hydraulic cleaning circuit using the cleaning pump.
  • the water injected during step b) into the hydraulic circuit is at the same temperature as the filtration membrane.
  • the filtration membrane is therefore a priori at the outside ambient temperature as it has been in contact with the water drawn from the outside environment during the normal water treatment.
  • the water injected during step b) into the hydraulic circuit is therefore in a preferred manner at the outside ambient temperature, which can be between 20° C. and ⁇ 2° C. inclusive, in a preferred manner between 14° C. and ⁇ 2° C.
  • said water can be treated water which has been obtained by means of the water treatment method thanks to the underwater unit itself.
  • step b) can be determined by the expert in such a way that the flow of water into the hydraulic cleaning circuit is constant.
  • Step c) of the cleaning method according to the invention consists therefore in heating the filtration membrane up to a temperature of between 15° C. and 40° C. inclusive using the heating means.
  • Said step can be performed by starting up the heating means which is situated close to the filtration membrane.
  • the heating of the filtration membrane also causes the water circulating in the hydraulic cleaning circuit to heat.
  • said step can be performed by heating at a location on the circulation loop and by maintaining circulation of hot liquid across the filtration membrane.
  • step c) is finished when the filtration membrane and the water circulating in the hydraulic cleaning circuit have reached a desired stable temperature.
  • the expert can determine the length of said step c) in terms of, in particular, the initial temperature of the membrane and of the water, the volume, the flow of water and the heating power.
  • the desired temperature to be reached during step c) can be defined in terms of the type of cleaning product which is injected during the subsequent step d).
  • step d) a cleaning product which is contained in at least one storage tank is injected into the hydraulic cleaning circuit.
  • the injection can be controlled by means of a valve which is situated at the inlet of the storage tank.
  • the quantity of cleaning product injected can depend of the type of product, on its concentration in the storage tank and on the desired cleaning effect.
  • the circulation of water in the hydraulic cleaning circuit is maintained during step c).
  • the cleaning product is diluted or dispersed in the water.
  • the means for heating the filtration membrane, in a preferred manner, is kept operating in such a manner that the temperature remains stable.
  • the filtration membrane is therefore crossed by a flow which contains cleaning product.
  • the circulation of said flow is maintained in the hydraulic cleaning circuit for a sufficient amount of time to ensure that the cleaning of the filtration membrane is effective.
  • the contents of the hydraulic cleaning circuit are discharged during step e) of the cleaning method via the discharge pipe.
  • the contents of the hydraulic cleaning circuit can be discharged directly into the environment surrounding the underwater water treatment unit, in particular directly into the sea when the cleaning products used are not toxic to the flora and fauna present in the environment.
  • the contents of the hydraulic cleaning circuit can be discharged into the water tanks which have been drained following step b).
  • the discharging can be controlled thanks to a valve which is situated in the discharge pipe.
  • the unit can therefore further include a discharge pipe which enables the contents of the hydraulic cleaning circuit to be discharged into the water tank or tanks
  • step f) water contained in one of the water tanks is injected into the hydraulic cleaning circuit again, and said water is made to circulate in a loop in the hydraulic cleaning circuit.
  • Said step f) in an advantageous manner enables the filtration membrane to be rinsed and to be freed of any possible cleaning product residues.
  • said water which is injected into the hydraulic cleaning circuit during step f) can be treated water which has been obtained by means of the method for treating water thanks to the underwater unit itself.
  • the length of step f) for rinsing can be determined by an expert so that the rinsing procedure is effective.
  • steps e) and f) are performed simultaneously.
  • the contents of the hydraulic cleaning circuit are once again discharged via the discharge pipe during step g).
  • the contents of the hydraulic cleaning circuit are discharged directly into the environment surrounding the underwater water treatment unit, in particular directly into the sea.
  • the discharging can be controlled thanks to a valve which is situated in the discharge pipe.
  • the filtration membrane can be advantageously put back into service. It can be used once again in the method for treating water. It is possible to re-open the inlet for water drawn from the environment.
  • the cleaning method can be implemented on a one-off basis, or, in a preferred manner, on a regular basis over time.
  • the cleaning method according to the invention can be implemented at a frequency of between once a week and once a year inclusive, in a more preferred manner between once a month and once every six months.
  • the cleaning method according to the invention is particularly suitable for cleaning filtration membranes in the unusual conditions associated with use at great depths or at ultra-great depths.
  • the objectives of the invention which are to obtain efficient cleaning, without however causing damage to the environment, and without requiring complex and costly maintenance, are obtained by the method of the present invention which includes, in particular, a step for heating the filtration membrane.
  • Certain filtration membranes in particular ultrafiltration membranes, can however be damaged by thermal shock.
  • a thermal shock can take place when the membrane is heated, during step c) of the method according to the invention, and/or when the cleaning is finished and the membrane is put back into service in order to resume the water treatment in the water treatment system of the unit.
  • the temperature is increased slowly during step c) of the cleaning method according to the invention.
  • the water injected into the hydraulic cleaning circuit during step f) is heated to a temperature of between 15° C. and 40° C. inclusive thanks to the heating means of the water storage tank or tanks
  • the cleaning method can further include a step which consists in heating the water injected into the hydraulic cleaning circuit in step f) to a temperature of between 15° C. and 40° C. inclusive thanks to the means for heating the tank or tanks containing the water.
  • Said step can be performed by starting up the heating means which is situated close to or in said tank.
  • the temperature of the water can be the same as the temperature of the filtration membrane obtained during step c).
  • Said heating step can be implemented at the appropriate moment to ensure that the water is at the desired temperature at the moment of implementation of step f).
  • the means for heating the filtration membrane is stopped.
  • the rinsing step can therefore be continued for a length of time that is sufficient to enable the temperature of the filtration membrane and of the water which is circulating in the hydraulic cleaning circuit to drop, until, in a preferred manner, the outside ambient temperature is obtained.
  • cooling is effected slowly and naturally, by contact with the outside environment.
  • the cleaning product injected into the hydraulic cleaning circuit during step d) is an acid
  • the cleaning product injected into the hydraulic cleaning circuit during step d) is citric acid. Cleaning the filtration membrane with acid allows the mineral deposits which can clog up the membrane to be dissolved.
  • the temperature obtained during step c) is between 20° C. and 40° C. inclusive and in a more preferred manner is between 25° C. and 35° C. inclusive.
  • the cleaning product injected into the hydraulic cleaning circuit during step d) is a base. Cleaning the filtration membrane with the base enables organic and microbial matter to be eliminated.
  • the temperature obtained during step c) is between 20° C. and 40° C. inclusive, in a more preferred manner is between 30° C. and 40° C. inclusive and in a manner even more preferred is between 35° C. and 40° C. inclusive.
  • the filtration membrane can be cleaned several times, in a successive manner, with different cleaning products.
  • the cleaning method according to the invention can include, between step f) and step g), the steps consisting in:
  • the steps d′) to f′) correspond to steps d) a f), with the difference that the cleaning product injected during step d′) is different to the cleaning product injected during step d).
  • the steps d′) to f′) can be as described previously for steps d) to f).
  • the water injected into the hydraulic cleaning circuit during step f′) can possibly be heated to a temperature of between 15° C. and 40° C. inclusive thanks to the means for heating the tanks or tanks containing the water
  • the cleaning product injected into the hydraulic cleaning circuit during step d) can be a base and the cleaning product injected into the hydraulic cleaning circuit during step d′) can be an acid.
  • Said embodiment can be advantageous for cleaning in a more effective manner than cleaning with one single cleaning product. The cleaning may be carried out more frequently.
  • the method for cleaning can subsequently include, after step g), the steps consisting in:
  • each cleaning method can be implemented for each of said membranes, in a preferred manner each cleaning method being suitable for each membrane. Furthermore, each cleaning method can be performed at different frequencies.
  • the cleaning method according to the invention can be completely automated. Each step of the method can be triggered without direct human intervention, by electronic systems. This is particularly advantageous insofar as the underwater water treatment unit is situated in deep water. Any direct intervention requires either the use of underwater robots or raising the unit to the surface, which in all cases is a long, tricky, costly operation.
  • the method can be remote-controlled by an operator, in a preferred manner located on the surface, and the information exchanged between the operator and the electronic system can be transmitted via cable (for example an umbilical) or online (for example, wirelessly).
  • the electronic system can be controlled by a pre-recorded program which does not require the intervention of an operator.
  • the underwater water treatment unit according to the invention can include one or several other means intended to reduce, or even eliminate, the clogging up of the filtration membrane.
  • Said means can be chosen from among the group constituted by a recycling circuit which connects the treated water discharge pipe and the pipe upstream of the filtration membrane, a backwash circuit, and one or several biocide tanks, at least one of said tanks being placed so as to enable the injection of biocide into the pipe connecting the water inlet and the filter, in a preferred manner close to the water inlet.
  • a recycling circuit connecting the treated water discharge pipe and the pipe upstream of the filtration membrane enables part of the filtrate recovered at the outlet of the filtration membrane to be moved to the water flow which is intended to cross said filtration membrane.
  • the effect of said recycling system is to dilute the water flow intended to cross the filtration membrane, which, on the one hand, increases the incoming liquid flow rate, and, on the other hand, improves the quality of the incoming water flow, thus facilitating its filtration.
  • Backwashing is a method known for cleaning filters. It consists in making a flow of water circulate in the opposite direction to the direction of flow of the flow of water across the filter in normal mode. By doing so, the water circulating against the current can take with it elements that are more or less coarse which clog up the filter.
  • a backwashing step can include the stopping of the normal inlet of the water flow into the filtration membrane, the inlet of a water flow into the underwater water treatment system via a second water inlet, the pipe for said flow up to the face of the filtration membrane is initially on the downstream side, the recovery of a flow upstream of said filtration membrane and the discharging of said flow into the environment via a second discharge pipe.
  • the backwash step can consist in introducing the entire water flow coming into the underwater water treatment system toward just one of the filtration membranes, in recovering at least part of the filtrate of said filter and in conducting said filtrate up to the downstream face of a second filtration membrane situated in parallel with the first via the normal pipe for discharging the filtrate of said second membrane filtration, then in recovering said flow upstream of said membrane filtration and discharging said flow into the environment via a discharge pipe of the retentate of the second filtration membrane.
  • biocide into the water flow flowing in the underwater water treatment system according to the invention allows the phenomenon of biofouling to be reduced.
  • biocides well known for said application are, for example, DBNPA (dibromo nitrolo proprionamide) or isothiazoline.
  • the invention allows the quantities of biocide used for cleaning the membranes in the methods of the prior art to be reduced, even the use thereof to be completely eliminated.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the underwater water treatment unit according to the invention.
  • the underwater water treatment unit 1 includes an underwater water treatment system 2 , itself including a filtration membrane 3 , a water inlet 4 suitable for introducing in a flow of water drawn from the environment, a pipe 5 which connects the water inlet 4 to the filtration membrane 3 , a discharge pipe 6 and a supply pump 7 which is placed on the pipe 5 connecting the water inlet 4 to the filtration membrane 3 .
  • the underwater water treatment unit 1 also includes a means 8 for supplying the underwater unit with power, in particular for supplying the supply pump 7 and the cleaning pump 10 .
  • the underwater water treatment unit 1 includes a hydraulic cleaning circuit 9 and a cleaning pump 10 which is placed in the hydraulic cleaning circuit 9 .
  • the hydraulic cleaning circuit 9 forms a loop which includes the filtration membrane 3 .
  • the hydraulic circuit also includes a discharge pipe 11 .
  • the underwater water treatment unit 1 also includes two water storage tanks 12 and 13 and one cleaning product storage tank 14 . Each tank is connected to the hydraulic cleaning circuit 9 .
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the means for cleaning a unit according to the invention.
  • the membrane 20 can be an ultrafiltration membrane and the membrane 21 can be a nanofiltration membrane.
  • the hydraulic cleaning circuit 22 forms two loops, a first loop including the filtration membrane 20 and the second loop including the filtration membrane 21 .
  • the opening and closing of the circulating of the liquid in said two loops are controlled by way of valves 23 and 24 .
  • the valve 23 is opened and the valve 24 is closed.
  • the valve 24 is opened and the valve 23 is closed.
  • Each membrane is provided with a heating means 25 and 26 .
  • a cleaning pump 27 is placed in the hydraulic cleaning circuit 22 . Furthermore, the hydraulic cleaning circuit 22 includes a valve 28 which allows the circulation of the flow in the hydraulic cleaning circuit 22 to be controlled, and a discharge pipe 29 which has a valve 29 ′.
  • the cleaning means also include three water tanks 30 , 31 and 32 , and two cleaning product tanks 33 and 34 . Each tank is connected to the hydraulic cleaning circuit 22 .
  • the valves 35 and 36 are placed at the inlet of the cleaning product tanks 33 and 34 , in order to be able to control the injection of cleaning product into the hydraulic cleaning circuit 22 .
  • the water storage tanks 30 , 31 and 32 are themselves provided with pairs of valves 37 a / 37 b, 38 a / 38 b and 39 a / 39 b .
  • said pairs of valves allow the injection of water into the hydraulic cleaning circuit 22 to be controlled, but equally they allow the tanks 30 , 31 and 32 to be filled by a flow of water coming from the pipe 40 .
  • the water coming in through the pipe 40 is water obtained leaving the water treatment system.
  • the filling of the tanks can be controlled by the valve 41 and by the valve 42 .
  • the water storage tanks 31 and 32 are provided with heating means 43 and 44 .
  • valve 23 In order to clean the filtration membrane 20 , the valve 23 is opened and the valve 24 is closed.
  • the filtration membrane 20 is isolated from the water treatment system.
  • the valves 28 and 42 are open whilst the discharge valve 29 ′ is closed.
  • the hydraulic cleaning circuit 22 thus forms a loop which includes the filtration membrane 20 .
  • the valves 35 , 36 , 37 a / 37 b, 38 a / 38 b and 39 a / 39 b are closed, as well as the valve 41 .
  • the water contained in the tank 30 is injected into the hydraulic cleaning circuit 22 by opening the valve 37 b.
  • the water is at the ambient outside temperature. Said water is made to circulate in the hydraulic cleaning circuit 22 using the cleaning pump 27 .
  • the heating means 25 is switched on. This will enable the temperature of the filtration membrane 20 and of the water circulating in the hydraulic cleaning circuit 22 to be increased up to a temperature of between 15° C. and 40° C. inclusive.
  • the contents of the hydraulic cleaning circuit 22 are discharged via the discharge pipe 29 by opening the valve 29 ′. Once the discharging step is finished, the valve 29 ′ is re-closed.
  • Water contained in the tank 31 is then injected into the hydraulic cleaning circuit again by opening the valve 38 b.
  • the water contained in the tank 31 is at the temperature of the filtration membrane 20 , that is to say at a temperature of between 15° C. and 40° C. inclusive. Said temperature has been obtained by heating the tank using the heating means 43 . Said water is always made to circulate in the hydraulic cleaning circuit 22 using the cleaning pump 27 .
  • the treatment of the water in the water treatment system can be resumed using the filtration membrane 20 . Furthermore, it is possible to replace the water which has been used by injecting water obtained leaving the treatment system into the water storage tanks 30 and 31 via the pipe 40 . To do this, the valves 37 a, 38 a and 41 are opened and the valves 37 b, 38 b and 42 are kept closed.
  • valve 24 In order to clean the filtration membrane 21 , the valve 24 is opened and the valve 23 is closed.
  • the filtration membrane 21 is isolated from the water treatment system.
  • the valves 28 and 42 are open whilst the discharge valve 29 ′ is closed.
  • the hydraulic cleaning circuit 22 thus forms a loop which includes the filtration membrane 21 .
  • the valves 35 , 36 , 37 a / 37 b, 38 a / 38 b and 39 a / 39 b are closed, as well as the valve 41 .
  • the water contained in the tank 30 is injected into the hydraulic cleaning circuit 22 by opening the valve 37 b.
  • the water is at the ambient outside temperature. Said water is made to circulate in the hydraulic cleaning circuit 22 using the cleaning pump 27 .
  • the heating means 26 is switched on. This will enable the temperature of the filtration membrane 21 and of the water circulating in the hydraulic cleaning circuit 22 to be increased up to a temperature of between 15° C. and 40° C. inclusive.
  • a cleaning product contained in the storage tanks 34 is injected into the hydraulic cleaning circuit 22 by opening the valve 36 .
  • the contents of the hydraulic cleaning circuit 22 are discharged via the discharge pipe 29 by opening the valve 29 ′. Once the discharging step is finished, the valve 29 ′ is re-closed.
  • Water contained in the tank 31 is then once again injected into the hydraulic cleaning circuit by opening the valve 38 b.
  • the water contained in the tank 31 is at a temperature of the filtration membrane 21 , that is to say between 15° C. and 40° C. Said temperature has been obtained by heating the tank 31 using the heating means 43 . Said water is always made to circulate in the hydraulic cleaning circuit 22 using the cleaning pump 27 .
  • the contents of the hydraulic cleaning circuit 22 are discharged via the discharge pipe 29 by opening the valve 29 ′. Once the discharging step is finished, the valve 29 ′ is re-closed.
  • Water contained in the tank 32 is then once again injected into the hydraulic cleaning circuit by opening the valve 39 b.
  • the water contained in the tank 32 is at a temperature of the filtration membrane 21 , that is to say between 15° C. and 40° C. Said temperature has been obtained by heating the tank using the heating means 44 . Said water is always made to circulate in the hydraulic cleaning circuit 22 using the cleaning pump 27 .
  • the contents of the hydraulic cleaning circuit 22 are once again discharged via the discharge pipe 29 by opening the valve 29 ′.
  • the valve 29 ′ is re-closed.
  • the treatment of the water in the water treatment system can be resumed using the filtration membrane 21 .
  • the water which has been used is replaced by injecting water obtained leaving the treatment system into the water storage tanks 30 , 31 and 32 via the pipe 40 .
  • the valves 37 a, 38 a, 39 a and 41 are opened and the valves 37 b, 38 b, 39 b and 42 are kept closed.
US14/430,052 2012-09-20 2013-09-19 Underwater water treatment unit and method for cleaning said unit Abandoned US20150231533A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1258853A FR2995540B1 (fr) 2012-09-20 2012-09-20 Unite sous-marine de traitement de l'eau et procede de nettoyage de ladite unite
FR1258853 2012-09-20
PCT/FR2013/052167 WO2014044978A1 (fr) 2012-09-20 2013-09-19 Unité sous-marine de traitement de l'eau et procédé de nettoyage de ladite unité

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/FR2013/052167 A-371-Of-International WO2014044978A1 (fr) 2012-09-20 2013-09-19 Unité sous-marine de traitement de l'eau et procédé de nettoyage de ladite unité

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US16/813,309 Division US11498021B2 (en) 2012-09-20 2020-03-09 Underwater water treatment unit and method for cleaning said unit

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20150231533A1 true US20150231533A1 (en) 2015-08-20

Family

ID=47425036

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/430,052 Abandoned US20150231533A1 (en) 2012-09-20 2013-09-19 Underwater water treatment unit and method for cleaning said unit
US16/813,309 Active 2034-03-29 US11498021B2 (en) 2012-09-20 2020-03-09 Underwater water treatment unit and method for cleaning said unit

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US16/813,309 Active 2034-03-29 US11498021B2 (en) 2012-09-20 2020-03-09 Underwater water treatment unit and method for cleaning said unit

Country Status (16)

Country Link
US (2) US20150231533A1 (es)
EP (1) EP2897716B1 (es)
AP (1) AP2015008309A0 (es)
AU (1) AU2013320028B2 (es)
BR (1) BR112015006223B1 (es)
CO (1) CO7220326A2 (es)
CY (1) CY1123643T1 (es)
DK (2) DK2897716T3 (es)
EA (1) EA029732B1 (es)
FR (1) FR2995540B1 (es)
MX (1) MX2015003648A (es)
MY (1) MY180061A (es)
PH (1) PH12015500629A1 (es)
SG (1) SG11201502182SA (es)
WO (1) WO2014044978A1 (es)
ZA (1) ZA201501813B (es)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN106477785A (zh) * 2015-08-31 2017-03-08 通用电气公司 海底设备清洁系统和方法
WO2019000160A1 (en) * 2017-06-26 2019-01-03 General Electric Company METHOD FOR CLEANING A FILTRATION MEMBRANE CONTAINED IN A WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM AND WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM
EP3896250A1 (en) * 2020-04-14 2021-10-20 National Oilwell Varco Norway AS Processing seawater subsea
US11298661B2 (en) * 2016-07-01 2022-04-12 Total Sa Cleaning method of a water-filtration system under operation

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20180016487A1 (en) * 2015-01-06 2018-01-18 Total Sa Process of providing a viscosified water for injecting into an underwater subterranean oil bearing formation and associated underwater facility
US9868659B2 (en) 2015-04-17 2018-01-16 General Electric Company Subsurface water purification method
NO344853B1 (en) * 2015-07-02 2020-06-02 Vetco Gray Scandinavia As Method and system for water injection into an oil and/or gas containing subterranean formation
GB2575086B (en) 2018-06-28 2021-11-03 Subsea 7 Us Llc Sanitising seawater at subsea locations
GB2588602B (en) * 2019-10-25 2022-02-23 Equinor Energy As Operation of an unmanned production platform
WO2023101838A1 (en) * 2021-12-03 2023-06-08 Pawel Slusarewicz Method of fecal sample preparation for automated image analysis

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3827976A (en) * 1972-07-11 1974-08-06 Westinghouse Electric Corp Process for cleaning reverse osmosis membranes
US20080197064A1 (en) * 2007-02-06 2008-08-21 Blasco Remacha Carlos J Filter device, in particular fluid filter, with a heater
US7600567B2 (en) * 2004-05-28 2009-10-13 Bp Exploration Operating Company Limited Desalination method
US20110056878A1 (en) * 2009-09-10 2011-03-10 Takeshi Matsushiro Membrane filtration system
US20120073823A1 (en) * 2007-02-12 2012-03-29 Mcclanahan Jack L System for subsea extraction of gaseous materials from, and prevention, of hydrates

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5403479A (en) * 1993-12-20 1995-04-04 Zenon Environmental Inc. In situ cleaning system for fouled membranes
JPH08126886A (ja) * 1994-10-28 1996-05-21 Japan Organo Co Ltd 超純水の製造方法及び装置
JP2002530188A (ja) * 1998-11-23 2002-09-17 ゼノン、エンバイロンメンタル、インコーポレーテッド 浸漬型薄膜を用いる水の濾過
GB2451008B (en) * 2005-05-19 2009-04-22 Bp Exploration Operating Desalination method
GB0512248D0 (en) 2005-06-16 2005-07-27 Bp Exploration Operating Water flooding method
WO2007138327A1 (en) 2006-06-01 2007-12-06 Natco Uk Limited Method of providing a supply of water of controlled salinity and water treatment system
GB0806172D0 (en) 2008-04-04 2008-05-14 Vws Westgarth Ltd Fluid treatment system
US8506722B2 (en) * 2009-04-20 2013-08-13 Kolon Industries Inc. Method for cleaning filtering membrane
WO2011140602A1 (en) * 2010-05-12 2011-11-17 Hydrasyst Pty Ltd Water treatment apparatus, system and process
FR2966145B1 (fr) * 2010-10-14 2016-12-30 Total Sa Traitement de l'eau dans au moins une unite de filtration membranaire pour la recuperation assistee d'hydrocarbures

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3827976A (en) * 1972-07-11 1974-08-06 Westinghouse Electric Corp Process for cleaning reverse osmosis membranes
US7600567B2 (en) * 2004-05-28 2009-10-13 Bp Exploration Operating Company Limited Desalination method
US20080197064A1 (en) * 2007-02-06 2008-08-21 Blasco Remacha Carlos J Filter device, in particular fluid filter, with a heater
US20120073823A1 (en) * 2007-02-12 2012-03-29 Mcclanahan Jack L System for subsea extraction of gaseous materials from, and prevention, of hydrates
US20110056878A1 (en) * 2009-09-10 2011-03-10 Takeshi Matsushiro Membrane filtration system

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN106477785A (zh) * 2015-08-31 2017-03-08 通用电气公司 海底设备清洁系统和方法
WO2017039859A1 (en) * 2015-08-31 2017-03-09 General Electric Company Subsea equipment cleaning system and method
US10968118B2 (en) 2015-08-31 2021-04-06 Vetco Gray Scandinavia As Subsea equipment cleaning system and method
US11298661B2 (en) * 2016-07-01 2022-04-12 Total Sa Cleaning method of a water-filtration system under operation
WO2019000160A1 (en) * 2017-06-26 2019-01-03 General Electric Company METHOD FOR CLEANING A FILTRATION MEMBRANE CONTAINED IN A WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM AND WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM
EP3896250A1 (en) * 2020-04-14 2021-10-20 National Oilwell Varco Norway AS Processing seawater subsea
WO2021210988A1 (en) * 2020-04-14 2021-10-21 National Oilwell Varco Norway As Processing seawater subsea

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CY1123643T1 (el) 2022-05-27
MY180061A (en) 2020-11-20
BR112015006223B1 (pt) 2021-05-25
CO7220326A2 (es) 2015-03-20
PH12015500629A1 (en) 2015-05-11
BR112015006223A2 (pt) 2017-07-04
FR2995540B1 (fr) 2014-11-21
DK201570227A1 (en) 2015-04-27
WO2014044978A1 (fr) 2014-03-27
DK2897716T3 (da) 2020-06-22
MX2015003648A (es) 2015-10-15
AU2013320028B2 (en) 2018-03-08
EA029732B1 (ru) 2018-05-31
AU2013320028A1 (en) 2015-04-09
US20200269165A1 (en) 2020-08-27
SG11201502182SA (en) 2015-05-28
EP2897716A1 (fr) 2015-07-29
EP2897716B1 (fr) 2020-03-18
AP2015008309A0 (en) 2015-03-31
EA201500328A1 (ru) 2015-08-31
US11498021B2 (en) 2022-11-15
FR2995540A1 (fr) 2014-03-21
ZA201501813B (en) 2016-06-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US11498021B2 (en) Underwater water treatment unit and method for cleaning said unit
DK201570228A1 (en) Method and device for the underwater testing of a filtration system
US11325849B2 (en) Apparatus, method and system for desalinating water using energy recovery
US7600567B2 (en) Desalination method
US10329171B2 (en) Method and control devices for production of consistent water quality from membrane-based water treatment for use in improved hydrocarbon recovery operations
NO20120523A1 (no) Systemer og fremgangsmater for vanninjeksjon
WO2012026827A1 (en) Water treatment installation, method and use for removal, under water, of at least one undesirable component from water
KR101538477B1 (ko) 해수담수화를 위한 해수 전처리 장치 및 해수 전처리 방법
GB2430196A (en) Cleaning a membrane of a reverse osmosis desalination plant
US20160304372A1 (en) Subsurface water treatment system
GB2451008A (en) A desalination apparatus disposed in an injection well
KR20130128866A (ko) 가압형 막 모듈을 이용한 수처리 시스템 및 수처리 방법
OA17365A (en) Underwater water treatment unit and method for cleaning said unit.
Voutchkov Seawater pretreatment
KR101666718B1 (ko) 해수담수화 장치 및 해수담수화 방법
AU2016413093B2 (en) Cleaning method of a water-filtration system under operation
CN204607759U (zh) 一种工程船舶海水淡化处理装置
OA17364A (en) Method and device for the underwater testing of a filtration system.
OA18934A (en) Cleaning method of a water-filtration system under operation
FIELD " Consept* Kerr-McGee North Sea (UK) Ltd

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: TOTAL SA, FRANCE

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:RIVIERE, LUC;PEDENAUD, PIERRE;BIGEONNEAU, DIDIER;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20140425 TO 20150427;REEL/FRAME:035722/0580

Owner name: VEOLIA EAU- COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES EAUX, FRANCE

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:RIVIERE, LUC;PEDENAUD, PIERRE;BIGEONNEAU, DIDIER;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20140425 TO 20150427;REEL/FRAME:035722/0580

Owner name: SAIPEM S.A., FRANCE

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:RIVIERE, LUC;PEDENAUD, PIERRE;BIGEONNEAU, DIDIER;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20140425 TO 20150427;REEL/FRAME:035722/0580

Owner name: VWS WESTGARTH LTD., GREAT BRITAIN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:RIVIERE, LUC;PEDENAUD, PIERRE;BIGEONNEAU, DIDIER;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20140425 TO 20150427;REEL/FRAME:035722/0580

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION