US3795114A - Process and installation for the connection of a cable or flexible pipe to an underwater guide column - Google Patents

Process and installation for the connection of a cable or flexible pipe to an underwater guide column Download PDF

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Publication number
US3795114A
US3795114A US00322697A US3795114DA US3795114A US 3795114 A US3795114 A US 3795114A US 00322697 A US00322697 A US 00322697A US 3795114D A US3795114D A US 3795114DA US 3795114 A US3795114 A US 3795114A
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United States
Prior art keywords
module
cable
guide column
installation
guide
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Expired - Lifetime
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US00322697A
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English (en)
Inventor
Cremiers B De
G Chateau
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Engins Matra SA
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Engins Matra SA
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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
    • E21B41/00—Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00
    • E21B41/10—Guide posts, e.g. releasable; Attaching guide lines to underwater guide bases

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT This invention concerns a submerged installation for the connection of a guide Cable or flexible hydraulic pipe to an underwater well-head guide column, from a floating structure.
  • The'invention comprises a process and equipment for laying-the cable or flexible pipe, stored in a drum inside a module with a guide cone, which is lowered near the guide column and propelled into its final position by propulsion gear controlled from the floating structure on the basis of locating signals transmitted by detectors on the module.
  • This invention concerns an installation for the automatic connection of guide cables, electric cables, flexible hydraulic pipes or similar pipes to an underwater well or similar guide column, from a floating structure, possibly a ship, by means of a module, the lower part of which consists of an inverted funnel, with the end of the cable or flexible pipe to be connected to the guide column held at the narrow end of it, and which is also fitted with devices such as sonar equipment to detect the guide column, and means of propelling the module horizontally through the water.
  • a drill string re-entry device is lowered together with the guide cable, until the end of the cable can be connected to the guide column.
  • the whole drill string then has to be raised to the ship and the reentry device detached, after which any other equipmentrequired can be lowered along the guide cable.
  • the end is guided to the correct position entirely by hand in other words the operator on board the floating structure orientates the jet" propelling the end of the cable, on the basis of information transmitted to the surface by the sonar equipment, by controlling the rotary table and pumps on the platform.
  • This invention offers a different method, in which the flexible hydraulic cable or pipe is stored inside a module, preferably on a revolving drum, the module containing the cable is lowered as far as the guide column, to which the end of the cable is connected automatically, and the module is then raised to the surface, while the cable unwinds as it leaves the base of the module, the other end remaining connected to the module.
  • the invention also concerns an installation to apply this process, im which the module, which is negatively buoyant, comprises a structure suspended by the upper end from a cable carried on the floating structure, and containing means of housing the guide cable or pipe, which ends in a connector designed to be held elastically in the narrow part of the funnel, on the same axis as-the module suspension cable, which incorporates the cables or pipes to link the detectors and means of horizontal propulsion with the floating structure.
  • the funnel and suspension cable area on the same axis makes handling easier in particular, when the module is raised and loaded on to the ship, it can simply be laid on the funnel, which provides a completely stable base.
  • the negative buoyancy of the module allows it to be lowered steadily, without any special cables being required. Since the whole structure is centred on the axis of the suspension cable, there is no risk of couples forming, and hindering proper positioning of the connector on the guide column.
  • the sides of the funnel contain large apertures, improving the stability of the module during lowering.
  • the detectors are fitted to the end of a retractable arm formed of two hinged sections, the first projecting horizontally from the module and the second projecting vertically downwards from the end of this first section. This ensures greater accuracy in determining the angular position of the module by means of the sonar equipment, and when the arm is folded back the equipment is protected from blows during handling.
  • the module is propelled horizontally by means of separate and individually controlled propellers for linear and pivotal movements, the linear propellers preferably fitted to the module approximately level with the point of connection between the module and its suspension cable, to ensure maximum stability, and the pivotal propellers fitted to the arm carrying the detectors, to ensure more effective determination ofthe pivotal couple without creating any significant linear component.
  • the module is equipped with a drum for the cable or pipe for connection, fitted with a braking system, preferably remote controlled from the floating structure by means of lines or pipes incorporated in the suspension cable.
  • FIG. I is a cross-sectional view of the whole installation, with an underwater well-head guide column, and a ship forming the floating structure.
  • FIG. 2 is a larger-scale view of the main part of the module seen in FIG. I.
  • FIG. 3 is a front view corresponding to FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 4 is a vertical cross section, showing a system to disconnect the cable from the guide column.
  • FIG. I The installation shown in FIG. I is being used to connect a guide cable 1 to the upper end of the guide column 2 of an underwater well-head 3, from a floating structure, consisting in this example of a ship 4.
  • the same installation could be used to connect any flexible component similar to the guide cable, such as an electric cable or even a flexible hydraulic pipe.
  • the floating structure instead of being a ship, could equally well be a drilling platform or other suitable unit, and the guide column need not necessarily form part of an underwater well.
  • the main feature of this installation is a module 11, comprising a structure, made of welded tubes for instance, suspended by the upper end from a cable 12, which is stored on a winch 13 on the ship 4.
  • the whole guide cable 1 which can also be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, is inside the module, preferably coiled on a drum 14, on a horizontal shaft 18, attached to the module framework and fitted with a braking device 19, preferably remote-controlled from the ship 4 by means of electric cables incorporated in the suspension cable 12.
  • the lower end 31 of the connector 21, which can also be seen in FIG. 4, has a projecting rim, which is held by radial bevelled stops 32 fitted with springs 33, in the upper end of the guide column 2.
  • the suspension cable 12 is connected to the module by means of a slide 36, which can be seen in FIG. 3, the position of which can be adjusted in relation to the module, in a direction parallel to that of the drum shaft 18, by any standard regulating device (not shown here).
  • the guide column detectors in particular a sonar device 41, which can be seen in FIG, 1, are fitted to the end of an arm 42, formed of two sections, the first 42A projecting horizontally from the module and the secnd 428 projecting vertically downwards from the end of this first section.
  • This arm which is hinged on two axles 44 and 45, can be folded back against the module framework, as shown by the arrows'fl and )2 Horizontal movements of the module, to position it accurately above the guide column over which the funnel 16 is to fit, are produced by propulsion gear consisting of propellers to provide linear movement 46 and others 47 which cause the module to pivot on the axis of the suspension cable 12.
  • Retraction and extension of the arm carrying the sonar equipment and pivotal propellers are also remote controlled from the surface, by means not shown here.
  • FIG. 4 also shows a device to detach the connector 21 from the guide column 2, consisting of a tube 51 which can be lowered over the connector 21 and the bevelled lower rim of which 52 fits against the bevelled edges of the steps 32, pushing them apart sufficiently to let the wider part 31 of the connector be withdrawn upwards.
  • the installation functions as follows.
  • the module can be piloted manually from the ship 4, or automatically, particularly when it is close to the target formed by the guide column 2 to which the cable is to be attached. In the case of automatic piloting, the
  • sonar equipment sends up data for processing in a specialized computer on the ship, "which works out the orders to be sent to the linear and pivotal propellers. These are transmitted bycables or pipes incorporated in the suspension cable 12.
  • the cable 12 on'which the module is suspended is unwound until the module is near the seabed.
  • Automatic piloting of the pivotal movement starts, so that the module turns in the direction of the target.
  • the ship is brought directly over the target, with the linear propellers still not in operation.
  • the ship is stabilized and the automatic piloting unit brought into operation, for both linear and pivotal movements.
  • the funnel 16 is located directly above the guide column 2, and after checks have been made the module is lowered abruptly.
  • the funnel fits exactly over the guide column, and the connector 21 is inserted into the top of the guide column 2, and held there, as shown in FIG. 4.
  • the module is then raised slowly.
  • the sprung rods 23 are pushed apart by the wider section 26 of the connector 3, and the drum, with its braking system, lets the guide cable 1 unwind as the module rises. When it reaches the surface, it is tension.
  • a tube 51 shown in FIG. 4, is lowered along the guide cable 1 until it reaches the guide column, when its bevelled lower edge 52 pushes the stops 32 outwards, releasing the widerlower end 31 of the connector. This canthen be raised by pulling the guide cable I, which also raises the tube 51.
  • the negative buoyancy of the module ensures stable horizontal trim, making it easier to fit the connector on to the guide column, through the simple effect of gravity.
  • the large funnel or cone forms a heavypart of the module, so that the centre of gravity of the unit is quite low.
  • the funnel contains large perforations, reducing its resistance to movement through the water to a minimum, and facilitating launching.
  • the sonar equipment Since the sonar equipment is suspended vertically from the end of the remote-controlled retractable arm, it can be kept away from the axis of the cone, and conscquently from the guide column, during the final phase. In this way, there is less risk of damaging it during connection, and its effective precision is greater.
  • this arrangement allows the transducerhydrophone unit to be placed during guiding at a certain distance, for instance 2 metres, below the base of the cone, allowing vertical displacement of the module by the same distance, as the result of the ship heaving.
  • the arm carrying the sonar equipment is folded back against the'module, the whole unit becomes conveniently compact for launching and storage, and the sonar equipment is protected.
  • the male connector described in the example shown here can be replaced by any standard connector suitable for flexible hydraulic pipes or electric cables.
  • suspension cable is connected to the module by means of a slide, the position of which is adjustable in a direction parallel to the horizontal axis of the drum shaft.
  • An installation as defined in claim 1, comprising means of detecting and transmitting data to a computer concerning the relative position of the guide column in relation to the module, and means of controlling the linear and pivotal propellers on the basis of the data processed by the computer.
  • a guide cable or similar appliance such as an electric cable or flexible hydrau lic pipe

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Velocity Or Position Using Acoustic Or Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)
US00322697A 1972-01-26 1973-01-11 Process and installation for the connection of a cable or flexible pipe to an underwater guide column Expired - Lifetime US3795114A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR7202542A FR2169464A5 (nl) 1972-01-26 1972-01-26

Publications (1)

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US3795114A true US3795114A (en) 1974-03-05

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US00322697A Expired - Lifetime US3795114A (en) 1972-01-26 1973-01-11 Process and installation for the connection of a cable or flexible pipe to an underwater guide column

Country Status (12)

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US (1) US3795114A (nl)
JP (1) JPS4884001A (nl)
AU (1) AU469184B2 (nl)
CA (1) CA976477A (nl)
DE (1) DE2303598A1 (nl)
FR (1) FR2169464A5 (nl)
GB (1) GB1365058A (nl)
IT (1) IT978497B (nl)
NL (1) NL7301028A (nl)
NO (1) NO133822C (nl)
OA (1) OA04326A (nl)
SE (1) SE400807B (nl)

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3983708A (en) * 1974-07-02 1976-10-05 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Methods and apparatus for placing underwater guide lines
US4051685A (en) * 1975-10-13 1977-10-04 Hollandsche Beton Groep N.V. Positioning method and apparatus for submersible pile driving
US4109476A (en) * 1977-05-20 1978-08-29 Brown & Root, Inc. Docking an offshore structure with a submerged fixture
US4171922A (en) * 1977-03-18 1979-10-23 Seal Participants (Holdings) Limited Process for positioning and joining ducts of a block
US4214842A (en) * 1978-04-27 1980-07-29 Deep Oil Technology, Inc. Remotely controlled maneuverable tool means and method for positioning the end of a pipe string in offshore well operations
US4405263A (en) * 1981-12-14 1983-09-20 Armco Inc. Underwater devices with remotely operated latch means
US5069580A (en) * 1990-09-25 1991-12-03 Fssl, Inc. Subsea payload installation system
US6068427A (en) * 1995-12-22 2000-05-30 Abb Offshore Technology As System and method for replacement of components on sea bottom-based installations
GB2367079A (en) * 2000-08-14 2002-03-27 Schlumberger Holdings Subsea intervention
US20050189115A1 (en) * 2000-08-14 2005-09-01 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Subsea Intervention
US20110240303A1 (en) * 2008-12-12 2011-10-06 Hallundbaek Joergen Subsea well intervention module
US20120080193A1 (en) * 2010-09-30 2012-04-05 Vetco Gray Inc Running tool for deep water
CN102913197A (zh) * 2012-11-23 2013-02-06 中国海洋石油总公司 一种水下基盘导向桩连接器

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2525682A1 (fr) * 1982-04-26 1983-10-28 Elf Aquitaine Outil de deconnexion du connecteur de ligne-guide et procede pour sa mise en oeuvre
EP0146336A3 (en) * 1983-12-16 1987-10-14 George Alexander Hogg Stab connector assembly
GB2247573A (en) * 1990-08-30 1992-03-04 Yu Feng Cheng An improved electrical adapter for an automobile cigarette lighter.
TW322432B (nl) * 1993-06-14 1997-12-11 Degussa

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3215202A (en) * 1961-10-10 1965-11-02 Richfield Oil Corp Off-shore drilling and production apparatus
US3265130A (en) * 1962-05-23 1966-08-09 Shell Oil Co Method and apparatus for drilling underwater wells
US3516489A (en) * 1968-01-05 1970-06-23 Allen A Jergins Offshore drilling and well completion apparatus

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3215202A (en) * 1961-10-10 1965-11-02 Richfield Oil Corp Off-shore drilling and production apparatus
US3265130A (en) * 1962-05-23 1966-08-09 Shell Oil Co Method and apparatus for drilling underwater wells
US3516489A (en) * 1968-01-05 1970-06-23 Allen A Jergins Offshore drilling and well completion apparatus

Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3983708A (en) * 1974-07-02 1976-10-05 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Methods and apparatus for placing underwater guide lines
US4051685A (en) * 1975-10-13 1977-10-04 Hollandsche Beton Groep N.V. Positioning method and apparatus for submersible pile driving
US4171922A (en) * 1977-03-18 1979-10-23 Seal Participants (Holdings) Limited Process for positioning and joining ducts of a block
US4109476A (en) * 1977-05-20 1978-08-29 Brown & Root, Inc. Docking an offshore structure with a submerged fixture
US4214842A (en) * 1978-04-27 1980-07-29 Deep Oil Technology, Inc. Remotely controlled maneuverable tool means and method for positioning the end of a pipe string in offshore well operations
US4405263A (en) * 1981-12-14 1983-09-20 Armco Inc. Underwater devices with remotely operated latch means
US5069580A (en) * 1990-09-25 1991-12-03 Fssl, Inc. Subsea payload installation system
US6068427A (en) * 1995-12-22 2000-05-30 Abb Offshore Technology As System and method for replacement of components on sea bottom-based installations
GB2367079A (en) * 2000-08-14 2002-03-27 Schlumberger Holdings Subsea intervention
GB2367079B (en) * 2000-08-14 2002-12-18 Schlumberger Holdings Subsea intervention
US20050189115A1 (en) * 2000-08-14 2005-09-01 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Subsea Intervention
US7264057B2 (en) 2000-08-14 2007-09-04 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Subsea intervention
US20110240303A1 (en) * 2008-12-12 2011-10-06 Hallundbaek Joergen Subsea well intervention module
US20120080193A1 (en) * 2010-09-30 2012-04-05 Vetco Gray Inc Running tool for deep water
US8376049B2 (en) * 2010-09-30 2013-02-19 Vetco Gray Inc. Running tool for deep water
CN102913197A (zh) * 2012-11-23 2013-02-06 中国海洋石油总公司 一种水下基盘导向桩连接器
CN102913197B (zh) * 2012-11-23 2016-02-17 中国海洋石油总公司 一种水下基盘导向桩连接器

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IT978497B (it) 1974-09-20
SE400807B (sv) 1978-04-10
FR2169464A5 (nl) 1973-09-07
DE2303598A1 (de) 1973-08-02
OA04326A (fr) 1980-01-15
NL7301028A (nl) 1973-07-30
AU5140573A (en) 1974-07-25
GB1365058A (en) 1974-08-29
NO133822B (nl) 1976-03-22
CA976477A (en) 1975-10-21
NO133822C (nl) 1976-06-30
JPS4884001A (nl) 1973-11-08
AU469184B2 (en) 1976-02-05

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