WO1994010492A1 - Cable ombilical marin ameliore et son procede de production - Google Patents

Cable ombilical marin ameliore et son procede de production Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1994010492A1
WO1994010492A1 PCT/US1993/010003 US9310003W WO9410492A1 WO 1994010492 A1 WO1994010492 A1 WO 1994010492A1 US 9310003 W US9310003 W US 9310003W WO 9410492 A1 WO9410492 A1 WO 9410492A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
offshore
fluid flow
further characterized
flow conduits
umbilical
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1993/010003
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Kevin Gendron
Original Assignee
Kevin Gendron
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 Kevin Gendron filed Critical Kevin Gendron
Priority to AU53645/94A priority Critical patent/AU5364594A/en
Publication of WO1994010492A1 publication Critical patent/WO1994010492A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
    • E21B17/20—Flexible or articulated drilling pipes, e.g. flexible or articulated rods, pipes or cables
    • E21B17/203—Flexible or articulated drilling pipes, e.g. flexible or articulated rods, pipes or cables with plural fluid passages
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
    • E21B17/20—Flexible or articulated drilling pipes, e.g. flexible or articulated rods, pipes or cables
    • E21B17/206—Flexible or articulated drilling pipes, e.g. flexible or articulated rods, pipes or cables with conductors, e.g. electrical, optical
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L9/00—Rigid pipes
    • F16L9/18—Double-walled pipes; Multi-channel pipes or pipe assemblies

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to control umbilicals and specifically to offshore control umbilicals for transporting fluid and communicating control signals between first and second offshore sites.
  • Umbilicals comprised of multiple lines in a bundled configuration are currently used offshore in oil and gas drilling and production systems to transport hydraulic fluids and electrical signals over long distances for control systems, to transport injection fluids used to facilitate drilling, production, and workover operations, and for well monitoring activities.
  • Conventional umbilicals consist of an array of thermoplastic hoses cabled together and protected by an outer plastic jacket and/or metal armoring.
  • Umbilical applications can be divided into two primary categories: drilling and production.
  • umbilicals are used to control blow- out prevention equipment located on the seabed. Since these blow-out prevention stacks only see short term continuous usage (typically about 3 months) drilling umbilicals do not have to be designed for long periods of continuous service.
  • Most subsea drilling is performed in water of depths less than 5,000 feet, which limits required umbilical length since the umbilical is typically strapped to the outside of the drilling riser connecting the surface vessel to the seabed.
  • drilling umbilicals may be subjected to significant dynamic loading. This loading is created by current and wave loads on the umbilical and by movement of the drilling vessel caused by current, wind, and wave forces.
  • Control systems used in drilling applications typically include hydraulic signals at an operating pressure of 10 or 20 MPa (1,500 or 3,000 psi) .
  • Umbilicals used in production applications often are subject to more demanding design requirements. Offshore production systems typically require a design life of at least 20 years, with little opportunity for significant maintenance.
  • the umbilicals often connect a subsea installation to a remote production and control center located many miles away, thus creating the need for very long umbilical lengths.
  • Production system umbilicals transport hydraulic fluid for direct control systems or piloted hydraulic control systems and hydraulic fluid and electrical signals for multiplex control systems. In each case, other lines may provide conduits for chemical injection and/or pressure monitoring.
  • Umbilicals are used in both static loading and dynamic loading applications. Umbilicals between subsea installations and floating vessels are dynamic, subjected to many load cycles. Umbilicals laid with pipelines or tying flowlines to fixed platforms are relatively static, with less significant cyclic loading. Conventional umbilicals are limited by problems inherent to their thermoplastic conduits. The most significant of these problems are:
  • thermoplastic conduits permeation of contaminants through thermoplastic conduits and contamination of the fluid contained therein;
  • thermoplastic conduits which are in contact with the thermoplastic and eventual erosion of thermoplastic conduits
  • thermoplastic conduits which results from strength limitations of thermoplastic material
  • thermoplastic conduits (5) the limited collapse resistance of thermoplastic conduits
  • thermoplastic conduits (6) the limited temperature range of thermoplastic conduits.
  • thermoplastic hose results in significant expansion of the hose when subjected to fluid pressure.
  • This hose expansion combined with intrinsic thermoplastic material properties causes long response times for traveling hydraulic signals.
  • the long response time frequently causes designers of control systems to specify a piloted hydraulic system or multiplex system (that is, a combination hydraulic and electrical control system) in lieu of a less expensive direct hydraulic control system when the umbilical length exceeds several thousand feet.
  • Lags in response time due to characteristic changes in hoses cause slow response of well control equipment, which in turn can damage the well control equipment and cause serious safety issues.
  • the lack of strength and stiffness of thermoplastic lines also results in a lack of significant resistance to hydrostatic collapse when subjected to external pressure.
  • thermoplastic hoses limit the sizes of hoses available for use at certain pressures. For example, thermoplastic hoses rated to 52 MPa (7,500 psi) to control surface-controlled subsurface safety valves are typically limited in interior diameter size to about 6.35 mm (.25 inches). In such high- pressure applications these size limitations restrict obtainable flowrate, further effecting response time.
  • the problems with thermoplastic umbilicals have been consistently cited for years in the offshore industry, creating the need for alternative umbilical designs.
  • umbilicals with steel and stainless steel conduits as an alternative to thermoplastic hoses. The greater strength and stiffness of metal lines significantly decreases response time and increases collapse resistance.
  • An offshore umbilical is provided for extending between first and second offshore sites, which allows for the selective communication of fluid and/or hydraulic control signals between the first and second offshore sites.
  • the offshore umbilical includes a plurality of fluid flow conduits, at least one of which is formed from alloyed or unalloyed titanium, and a bundling member for maintaining the plurality of fluid flow conduits in substantially fixed positions relative to a central axis.
  • the bundling member may extend continuously over the plurality of fluid flow conduits between the first and second offshore sites, or may be provided at selected locations between the first and second sites.
  • the bundling member may comprise a jacket which extends continuously between the first and second sites, or jacket segments which surround selected portions of the plurality of fluid flow conduits between the first and second sites, at selected locations.
  • the bundling member may also comprise a spreader bar which holds the plurality of fluid flow conduits in relative parallel fixed positions.
  • the offshore umbilical may be provided in a variety of shapes, including circular and rectangular shapes.
  • an offshore umbilical which extends between first and second offshore sites.
  • the offshore umbilical includes a plurality of alloyed or unalloyed titanium fluid flow conduits which are formed in a helical pattern about a foundation member, and which are self-sustained in a fixed position relative thereto, thus not requiring the use of a bundling member to hold the array of fluid flow conduits in a fixed position.
  • the present invention may also be characterized as a method of communicating fluids between first and second offshore sites, which includes a number of method steps. At least one continuous tubular member is provided which is formed for alloyed or unalloyed titanium. This continuous tubular member is extended between first and second offshore sites.
  • the offshore umbilical may be formed by a method which includes a number of steps. At least one continuous strip of alloyed or unalloyed titanium is provided. The at least one continuous strip of alloyed or unalloyed titanium is bent into at least one tubular shape. The continuous strip of alloyed or unalloyed titanium is longitudinally welded to define at least one uninterrupted tubular member.
  • the tubular member may be jacketed and combined with other tubular members, and spooled for storage and transportation.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of an offshore umbilical extended between offshore sites
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of an array of fluid flow conduits connecting an offshore site to other offshore sites;
  • FIGS 3a and 3b depict one embodiment of the preferred offshore umbilical of the present invention
  • Figures 4a and 4b depict another embodiment of the preferred offshore umbilical of the present invention
  • Figures 5a and 5b depict yet another embodiment of the preferred offshore umbilical of the present invention
  • Figures 6a and 6b depict still another embodiment of the preferred offshore umbilical of the present invention
  • Figures 7a and 7b depict yet another embodiment of the preferred offshore umbilical of the present invention
  • FIGS 8a and 8b depict still another embodiment of the preferred offshore umbilical of the present invention.
  • Figure 9 depicts one technique for forming titanium fluid flow conduits
  • Figure 10 depicts in plan view, a manufacturing assembly for producing offshore umbilicals according to the present invention.
  • Titanium alloys provide a unique combination of properties and attributes that are very attractive for offshore flowline and umbilical applications. These characteristics include:
  • Titanium is commercially available in a variety of ASTM grades. Four of these grades are considered “commercially pure”. The remaining grades are considered to be alloyed titanium. In the present invention, it is contemplated that ASTM Grades 2, 9, and 12 are most likely to be used, although the invention contemplates the use of any type of alloyed or unalloyed titanium to form a fluid flow conduit in an offshore control umbilical.
  • titanium and its alloys have a density which is approximately 55% that of steel, resulting in a weight of approximately one-half that of steel. More specifically, titanium and its alloys have a density of about 4.4 g/mL (0.16 pounds per cubic inch) , as compared to oil field grade steels which generally have a density of about 7.8 g/mL (0.283 pounds per cubic inch) . Titanium and its alloys generally have a low modulus of elasticity as compared to steel. Specifically, titanium and its alloys have a modulus of elasticity of about 103 GPa (15,000,000 pounds per square inch) , as compared to the modulus of elasticity for oil field grade steels which is approximately 207 GPa (30,000,000 pounds per square inch). The result is that fluid flow conduits which are formed from titanium and its alloys are very flexible as compared to steel.
  • titanium and its alloys are less dense than steel, and more flexible than steel, titanium and its alloys have a strength which at least partially overlaps the range of strengths found in standard oil field grade steels. More specifically, titanium and its alloys have a yield strength in the range of 27.6 MPa to 1,379 MPa
  • Titanium and its alloys are also quite corrosion and erosion resistant. Specifically, titanium and its alloys are substantially inert in seawater. In contrast, standard oil field grade steels are very easily degraded in seawater. Titanium and its alloys is also substantially inert to water-based or oil-based hydraulic fluids which are commonly used in the industry to communicate control signals between the first and second offshore sites. Furthermore, titanium and its alloys are substantially inert to most common performance-enhancing chemicals which may be injected during the drilling and/or production of subsea wells. The common chemicals include hydrated methanol, and many fracturing fluids, acids, corrosion inhibitors, paraffin modifiers, and emulsifiers.
  • titanium alloys are somewhat reactive with anhydrous methanol, but this does not present a problem since hydrated methanol is commonly used as a performance enhancing chemical. Therefore, fluid flow conduits formed from titanium and its alloys are substantially inert to most fluids which are likely to come into contact with an offshore umbilical during drilling, production, and workover operations.
  • Titanium conduits provide an offshore umbilical with the significant advantages inherent with the use of metal in lieu of thermoplastic materials, such as greater strength, increased stiffness, greatly improved response times, increased collapse resistance, reduced susceptibility to damage, and elimination of fluid permeation problems.
  • the superior corrosion resistance of titanium lines compared to steel, stainless steel, and thermoplastic lines in a marine environment increases reliability and service life.
  • Using titanium also eliminates the need to rely on expensive coatings on the exterior surface of steel lines to protect against corrosion and surface treatments on the interior surface of steel lines to minimize fluid contamination due to scaling. Titanium lines eliminate thermoplastic hose contamination problems caused by leeching of thermoplastic particles into the transported fluid.
  • the greater flexibility and lighter weight of titanium flowlines compared to steel and stainless steel lines, due to titanium's lower modulus of elasticity and density, will provide significant advantages during installation, storage, and shipping.
  • the weight of a titanium flowline could be less than one-third the weight of an equivalent steel line, due to lower density, elimination of wall thickness corrosion allowances, and potential increases in strength.
  • the greater flexibility of titanium flowlines for umbilicals compared to steel lines may increase response time, the reduction in response time with titanium lines compared to thermoplastic hoses will be far greater than the difference in the response times of the metal lines.
  • the greater flexibility, combined with a greater fatigue strength, will also enable the titanium lines to withstand dynamic loading with less detrimental fatigue damage.
  • titanium flowlines over steel and stainless steel flowlines currently being developed are: (1) superior corrosion resistance on the interior and exterior surfaces without coatings; (2) higher cleanliness level on the interior surface;
  • offshore umbilicals The purpose of offshore umbilicals is to allow for the communication of hydraulic control signals and/or performance enhancing chemicals and/or electrical power and control signals between a plurality of offshore sites.
  • "offshore sites” is intended to comprehend all types of above-surface and below-surface marine equipment, as well as shoreline equipment, including but not limited to: platforms, wellheads, pipelines, valve assemblies (such as Christmas trees) , drilling templates, production templates, manifolds, blow-out prevention equipment, shoreline valving, shoreline oil and gas storage and processing facilities, and shoreline safety equipment.
  • offshore umbilical 15 may extend between first offshore site 11 and second offshore site 13 to allow for the communication of hydraulic control signals through a hydraulic data communication medium, electrical control signals through electrical conductors, and performance-enhancing fluids through fluid flowlines.
  • Figure 1 depicts the extension of offshore umbilical 15 between platform 11 and production template 13.
  • offshore umbilical 15 comprises a bundled offshore umbilical which includes a plurality of fluid flow conduits and electrical conductors, which are jacketed continuously between first offshore site 11 and second offshore site 13.
  • conduit array 19 is depicted as extending from offshore site 17 to a remote (but undepicted) offshore site.
  • conduit array 19 is composed of a plurality of fluid flow conduits which are disposed in substantially parallel alignment, and which are not "bundled" as is offshore umbilical 15 of Figure l.
  • a spreader bar such as that depicted in Figures 8a and 8b, or other means, is provided to hold the conduit array 19 in alignment to prevent the lines from becoming damaged by repeated contact with one another as wave and current forces act upon conduit array 19.
  • FIG. 3a and 3b A typical nine-line umbilical with electrical lines is shown in Figures 3a and 3b.
  • This umbilical has a central titanium conduit around which the other lines are cabled.
  • all titanium lines could be cabled around a central member (of another material) which may encapsulate electrical lines.
  • the resulting array of titanium tubes could be surrounded by a plastic jacket to assist in holding the titanium lines in a tight bundle.
  • the individual titanium flowlines would be sized to meet pressure and flowrate requirements.
  • all titanium lines are 12.7 mm (0.5 inch) outer diameter tubing with a wall thickness of .889 mm (.035 inches), rated to 34 MPa (5,000 psi) working pressure.
  • the tubes are fabricated from ASTM Grade 12 titanium, having a minimum yield strength of 379 MPa (55 ksi) in the annealed condition, with a typical cold- worked strength of 483 MPa (70 ksi) .
  • ASTM Grade 12 titanium having a minimum yield strength of 379 MPa (55 ksi) in the annealed condition, with a typical cold- worked strength of 483 MPa (70 ksi) .
  • Other titanium grades such as Grade 2 and Grade 9 could be used, depending on strength and corrosion requirements.
  • FIGs 3a and 3b depict one embodiment of the preferred offshore umbilical of the present invention, with Figure 3a providing a perspective view, and Figure 3b providing a cross-section view.
  • offshore umbilical 21 includes central conduit 23, which is preferably formed of alloyed or unalloyed titanium, and which includes interior surface 25 which defines a fluid flow conduit which may be used either for communicating performance enhancing chemicals to a remote location, or transmitting hydraulic control signals through a fluid contained therein.
  • central axis 27 is defined with regard to central conduit 23.
  • a plurality of insulated electrical conductors, such as insulated electrical conductors 31, 33, may be provided about central conduit 23. Spacers 29 may be employed to fill in the space between insulated electrical conductors.
  • Interior jacket 35 which is preferably formed of a plastic or thermoplastic material, surrounds insulated electrical conductors 31, 33, spacers 29, and central conduit 23. Interior jacket 35 may be formed of plastic or metal. As is also shown in Figures 3a and 3b, a plurality of fluid flow conduits, such as fluid flow conduits 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47, 49, and 51 surround interior jacket 35, and are disposed in a helical pattern relative to central axis 27 and interior jacket 35. One or more of these fluid flow conduits may be formed from alloyed or unalloyed titanium. Finally, outer jacket 53, which is preferably composed of a plastic such as thermoplastic, is disposed over the helical array of fluid flow conduits.
  • outer jacket 53 is extruded in molten form over the helical array of fluid flow conduits.
  • Outer jacket 53 serves to maintain the helical pattern of fluid flow conduits in a fixed position relative to central axis 27.
  • the molten plastic or thermoplastic of outer jacket 53 also serves as a filler which eliminates voids between the plurality of fluid flow conduits.
  • inner jacket 35 and outer jacket 53 comprise a bundling member which maintains the plurality of fluid flow conduits and insulated electrical conductors in fixed relative positions, and which eliminates voids between the plurality of fluid flow conduits and insulated electrical conductors.
  • FIGs 4a and 4b provide a view of an alternative embodiment of the preferred offshore umbilical of the present invention, with Figure 4a providing a perspective view, and Figure 4b providing a cross- section view.
  • offshore umbilical 55 includes insulated electrical conductors 57, 59, and spacer 61 which are centrally disposed within offshore umbilical 55. Strapping 63 is provided about insulated electrical conductors 57, 59 and spacer 61 to hold them together.
  • Inner jacket 65 is disposed over strapping 63, and is preferably formed from extruded molten plastic, and in particular extruded molten thermoplastic which hardens about strapping 63, insulated electrical conductors 57, 59 and spacer 61, and defines a cylindrical central body, about which helical array of fluid flow conduits 67 is disposed.
  • helical array of fluid flow conduit 67 includes fluid flow conduits 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, and 87, with one or more of the fluid flow conduits being formed from alloyed or unalloyed titanium.
  • outer jacket 69 is disposed about helical array of fluid flow conduits 67.
  • molten plastic or thermoplastic material is extruded about the outer surface of helical array of fluid flow conduit 67, and hardens to define a cylindrical outer surface.
  • the plastic or thermoplastic material fills voids in the helical array of fluid flow conduit 67, and overall serves to maintain all the components of the offshore umbilical 55 in relative fixed positions.
  • the embodiments of Figures 3a, 3b, 4a, and 4b contemplate having an outer jacket which extends continuously between the first and second offshore sites.
  • Figures 5a and 5b contemplates the use of a bundling member which is disposed at selected portions of the array of fluid flow conduits, but which allows exposure of the exterior surface of the helical array of fluid flow conduits to seawater.
  • Figure 5a is a perspective view of this embodiment, while Figure 5b is a cross-section view of this embodiment.
  • offshore umbilical 89 includes insulated electrical conductors 91, 93 and spacer 95 which are surrounded by strapping 97.
  • inner jacket 99 surrounds insulated electrical conductors 91, 93, spacer 95, and strapping 97 and provides a cylindrical outer surface about which helical array of fluid flow conduits 101 is disposed.
  • inner jacket 99 is composed of a plastic or thermoplastic material which is extruded in molten form over strapping 97, and which hardens into a cylindrical shape which holds insulated electrical conductors 91, 93, and spacer 95 in a fixed position with respect to central axis 127.
  • one or more of the fluid flow conduits in helical array of fluid flow conduits 101 is formed of alloyed or unalloyed titanium.
  • a plurality of bundling members, such as bundling members 103, 105 surround selected portions of the helical array of fluid flow conduits 101 at selected locations, and holds them together in a fixed position relative to central axis 127.
  • each of fluid flow conduits 107, 109, 111, 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, and 123 of helical array of fluid conduits 101 are exposed to seawater.
  • Bundling members 103, 105 are disposed at selected positions between the first and second offshore sites and may be hundreds of feet apart.
  • Bundling member 103, 105 may be formed of metal, plastic, or rubberized fabric, which is wrapped around a selected portion of the helical array of fluid flow conduits 101.
  • Fasteners such as fastener 125 which is depicted in Figure 5b, are used to secure the ends of the bundling members together.
  • FIGs 6a and 6b depict still another embodiment of the preferred offshore umbilical of the present invention, with Figure 6a providing a perspective view, and with Figure 6b providing a cross-section view.
  • offshore umbilical 129 includes insulated electrical conductor 131, insulated electrical conductor 133, and spacer 135 which are surrounded by strapping 137.
  • inner jacket 139 is disposed over strapping 137, insulated electrical conductors 131, 133, and spacer 135.
  • an inner jacket is formed from extruded molten plastic or thermoplastic which hardens in a cylindrical shape, and which holds insulated electrical conductors 131, 133, and spacer 135 in a fixed position relative to central axis 159.
  • inner jacket 139 provides a surface for receiving helical array of fluid flow conduits 141, which includes fluid flow conduit members 143, 145, 147, 149, 151, 153, 155, 157, and 159.
  • Inner jacket 139 provides a foundation member about which the fluid flow conduits are wrapped.
  • each of the fluid flow conduits is formed from alloyed or unalloyed titanium, and is thus substantially insusceptible to corrosion from long exposure to salt water. It has been discovered that the helical array of fluid flow conduits which are formed from alloyed or unalloyed titanium does not need a bundling mechanism to maintain them in a tight helical arrangement about inner jacket 139. Therefore, no bundling mechanism, or plastic jacket is provided in this embodiment, and the helical array sustains itself in this configuration during normal use.
  • offshore umbilical 163 includes fluid flow conduits 165, 167, 169, and 171, one or more of which are formed from alloyed or unalloyed titanium.
  • the fluid flow conduits are disposed in a single plane, and are encapsulated by rectangular plastic jacket 173 which is extruded over the fluid flow conduits in molten form, and which hardens into the rectangular shape shown in Figures 7a and 7b.
  • This embodiment depicts an alternative geometry to the circular offshore umbilicals of the other embodiments.
  • Figures 8a and 8b depict yet another embodiment of the preferred offshore umbilical of the present invention. This embodiment corresponds to the system depicted in Figure 2, and is especially useful to provide a plurality of alloyed or unalloyed titanium fluid flow conduits which are held together with a selected spacing by a spreader bar.
  • Figure 8a provides a perspective view
  • Figure 8b provides a cross- section view.
  • alloyed or unalloyed titanium fluid flow conduits 175, 177, 179, and 181 are provided, and secured together in a desired spacing pattern by a plurality of spacers, such as first and second spacers 183, 185.
  • first spacer 183 is best depicted in the cross- section view of Figure 8b. As is shown, first spacer 183 includes rear plate 187 which includes a plurality of arcuate segments 189, 191, 193, 195, each of which is adapted to surround a selected portion of the alloyed or unalloyed titanium fluid flow conduits. A plurality of hinged arcuate segments 197, 199, 201, 203 are provided for surrounding another selected portion of the alloyed or unalloyed titanium fluid flow conduits.
  • Hinges 205, 207, 209, and 211 are provided to allow arcuate segments 197, 199, 201, and 203 to be moved outward relative to rear plate 187.
  • Pins 213, 215, 217, and 219 are provided to selectively secure arcuate segments 197, 199, 201, 203 in a fixed position relative to rear plate 187.
  • first spacer 183 and the other spacers, operate to grip and hold each of the plurality of fluid flow conduits in a fixed position relative to every other one of the plurality of fluid flow conduits. Since the alloyed or unalloyed titanium fluid flow conduits are substantially inert in seawater, they will not degrade over extended periods of use.
  • the spacers operate to maintain the fluid flow conduits in a tight configuration, while preventing undesirable physical contact between the fluid flow conduits which could damage or degrade the conduits over time as a result of wave or current forces.
  • the titanium flowlines may be manufactured using a continuous welding and spooling process, as shown in Figure 9.
  • a power reel would be added to a conventional continuous welding tube mill, enabling long continuous lengths of titanium tubing (without circumferential seams) to be produced.
  • Prior art tube mills form titanium strip into a cylindrical configuration using a series of rollers, and then seam weld the tubing using arc welding methods.
  • individual tubing lengths are typically produced, with the tubing automatically cut-off in 40 to 80 foot lengths as it comes off the mill.
  • stainless steel flowlines for umbilicals have been produced in long lengths by welding short sections of tubing together. These welds introduce potential weak spots in tubing, increasing risk.
  • a continuous welding and spooling process like that currently used to fabricate steel coiled tubing for oilfield applications, eliminates a need for circumferential welds in the titanium tubing, decreasing overall costs and increasing reliability.
  • the spooled titanium flowlines are fed individually, along with any electrical lines, into a conventional type of cabling machine, like those used to cable thermoplastic umbilicals or heavy wire rope (like that used in mooring lines) . Slight changes may need to be made to existing cabling equipment due to the greater forces required to helically form titanium flowlines than thermoplastic lines or steel wire.
  • the cabled titanium flowline assembly is then fed into an extruder where a plastic jacket is formed around the tube bundle. This jacket can be made from different conventional jacket materials, depending on desired abrasion and corrosion properties.
  • Figure 9 depicts one technique for forming titanium fluid flow conduits for use in the present invention.
  • Figure 10 depicts, in plan view, a manufacturing assembly for producing offshore umbilicals with titanium flow lines according to the present invention.
  • a continuous tube mill 251 which receives continuous titanium strip 253 from feed reel 255.
  • Feed roller array 257 aligns the continuous titanium strip 253 before it is fed into bending arrays 259, 261, which include a plurality of rollers which serve to bend the continuous flat titanium strip 253 into a tubular shape.
  • the tubular-shape titanium is fed into arch welding housing 263 which longitudinally welds the tubular- shaped titanium strip to form a continuous tubular member which is fed through output rollers 265 onto power reel 267. Power reel 267 is actuated by prime mover 269.
  • Titanium is a reactive metal, and thus must be welded in an inert environment.
  • arch welding housing 263 is filled with an inert gas, such as either argon gas or nitrogen gas, which displaces the oxygen within arc welding housing 263.
  • the continuously welded and spooled titanium tubing may be stored on power reel 267, which may be removed from prime mover 269. An empty reel may be placed on prime mover 269, for receipt of additional sections of continuously welded titanium tubing.
  • Each reel may contain hundreds or thousands of feet of continuously longitudinally welded titanium tubing. When a sufficient amount of titanium tubing is obtained, they may be combined in an offshore umbilical according to the process which is depicted in plan view in Figure 10. As is shown in Figure ⁇ o, feed reels 271, 273, 275 contain continuously longitudinally welded titanium tubing of preselected lengths. Feed reels 277, 279 contain insulated electrical conductors of preselected lengths.
  • Insulated electrical conductors 301, 303 are combined and encapsulated in plastic at extruder 281. As is shown, the encapsulated insulated electrical conductors 301, 303, and continuously longitudinally welded titanium tubing members 305, 307, 309 are all routed to cabling apparatus 285 which helically winds the continuously longitudinally welded titanium tubing members 305, 307, 309 about encapsulated insulated electrical conductors 301, 303.
  • the output 287 of cabling apparatus 285 is an array of alloyed or unalloyed continuously longitudinally welded and spooled titanium fluid flow conduits arranged in a helical pattern about encapsulated insulated electrical conductors 301, 303.
  • Output 287 is spooled onto storage/feeder reel 289 for subsequent storage and/or transportation, or for subsequent encapsulation in a plastic or thermoplastic jacket.
  • output 287 is directed to jacket extruder 291 which receives molten thermoplastic material from reservoir 293 and extrudes it about the helical array of alloyed or unalloyed, continuously longitudinally welded titanium flow conduits jacket.
  • Output 295 is directed to cooling bath 297 which cools the outer thermoplastic jacket before storage of the umbilical on storage reel 299.
  • a plurality of binding members may be placed at selected locations along the length of the helical array of continuously longitudinally welded alloyed or unalloyed titanium flow conduits (such as depicted in Figures 5a and 5b) .
  • a plurality of continuously longitudinally welded alloyed or unalloyed titanium tubing flow conduits may be fed into an assembly line where spreader bars, such as first and second spacers 183, 185 of Figure 8, are placed about the array to set the array in a predetermined spacing pattern. It is most probable that the placement of spacers is going to be performed on location at an offshore platform as the lines are fed into the sea.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Rigid Pipes And Flexible Pipes (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un câble ombilical marin (15) amélioré présentant un ou plusieurs conduits d'écoulement (35-51) en titane allié ou non allié, soudé longitudinalement en continu, caractérisé par un matériau d'un rapport de résistance-poids élevé de faible densité, inerte dans l'eau de mer, et améliorant le rendement lorsqu'il est en contact avec des agents chimiques classiques.
PCT/US1993/010003 1992-10-26 1993-10-26 Cable ombilical marin ameliore et son procede de production WO1994010492A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU53645/94A AU5364594A (en) 1992-10-26 1993-10-26 Improved offshore umbilical and method of forming an offshore umbilical

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US96673092A 1992-10-26 1992-10-26
US07/966,730 1992-10-26

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1994010492A1 true WO1994010492A1 (fr) 1994-05-11

Family

ID=25511790

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1993/010003 WO1994010492A1 (fr) 1992-10-26 1993-10-26 Cable ombilical marin ameliore et son procede de production

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU5364594A (fr)
WO (1) WO1994010492A1 (fr)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001086183A1 (fr) * 2000-05-05 2001-11-15 Havtroll As Cable de commande
WO2002089019A2 (fr) * 2001-04-30 2002-11-07 Jdr Cable Systems Limited Outils de conception pour articles composites
GB2385615A (en) * 2002-02-26 2003-08-27 Halliburton Energy Serv Inc Multiple tube structure
US7721807B2 (en) 2004-09-13 2010-05-25 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Method for managing hydrates in subsea production line
EP2212511A1 (fr) * 2007-10-17 2010-08-04 Collin Morris Elément de colonne de production à conduit auxiliaire
WO2010108976A1 (fr) * 2009-03-25 2010-09-30 Nexans Protection externe pour câble de chauffage électrique direct
CN103390454A (zh) * 2013-08-13 2013-11-13 青岛迪玛尔海洋工程有限公司 抗拉抗压的脐带缆
WO2015014332A3 (fr) * 2013-07-31 2015-04-16 Kme Germany Gmbh & Co. Kg Procédé de fabrication de tubes gainés

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1918575A1 (de) * 1968-04-12 1969-11-06 North American Rockwell Mehrradrige Unterwasserleitung
DE1940188A1 (de) * 1969-08-07 1971-02-18 Kabel Metallwerke Ghh Meerwasserentsalzungsanlage
US4188156A (en) * 1978-06-01 1980-02-12 Cameron Iron Works, Inc. Riser
JPS57144897A (en) * 1981-03-05 1982-09-07 Kiyoteru Takayasu Heat exchanger
EP0177475A2 (fr) * 1984-10-04 1986-04-09 Kvaerner Subsea Contracting A/S Câble de conduit de tuyaux pour utilisation sous l'eau
JPS6244560A (ja) * 1985-08-19 1987-02-26 Kawasaki Steel Corp 耐水素透過性に優れた断熱２重管用鋼
JPH01283322A (ja) * 1988-05-10 1989-11-14 Sumitomo Metal Ind Ltd 耐食性に優れた高強度油井管の製造方法
EP0505815A2 (fr) * 1991-03-28 1992-09-30 Camco International Inc. Tubage flexible avec câble électrique pour système de pompage au fond de puits

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1918575A1 (de) * 1968-04-12 1969-11-06 North American Rockwell Mehrradrige Unterwasserleitung
DE1940188A1 (de) * 1969-08-07 1971-02-18 Kabel Metallwerke Ghh Meerwasserentsalzungsanlage
US4188156A (en) * 1978-06-01 1980-02-12 Cameron Iron Works, Inc. Riser
JPS57144897A (en) * 1981-03-05 1982-09-07 Kiyoteru Takayasu Heat exchanger
EP0177475A2 (fr) * 1984-10-04 1986-04-09 Kvaerner Subsea Contracting A/S Câble de conduit de tuyaux pour utilisation sous l'eau
JPS6244560A (ja) * 1985-08-19 1987-02-26 Kawasaki Steel Corp 耐水素透過性に優れた断熱２重管用鋼
JPH01283322A (ja) * 1988-05-10 1989-11-14 Sumitomo Metal Ind Ltd 耐食性に優れた高強度油井管の製造方法
EP0505815A2 (fr) * 1991-03-28 1992-09-30 Camco International Inc. Tubage flexible avec câble électrique pour système de pompage au fond de puits

Non-Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 006, no. 249 (M - 177) 5 March 1981 (1981-03-05) *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 011, no. 232 (C - 437) 29 July 1987 (1987-07-29) *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 014, no. 057 (C - 0684) 2 February 1990 (1990-02-02) *

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001086183A1 (fr) * 2000-05-05 2001-11-15 Havtroll As Cable de commande
WO2002089019A2 (fr) * 2001-04-30 2002-11-07 Jdr Cable Systems Limited Outils de conception pour articles composites
WO2002089019A3 (fr) * 2001-04-30 2003-02-20 Jdr Cable Systems Ltd Outils de conception pour articles composites
GB2385615A (en) * 2002-02-26 2003-08-27 Halliburton Energy Serv Inc Multiple tube structure
US6729410B2 (en) 2002-02-26 2004-05-04 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Multiple tube structure
GB2385615B (en) * 2002-02-26 2005-11-02 Halliburton Energy Serv Inc Multiple tube structure
US7721807B2 (en) 2004-09-13 2010-05-25 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Method for managing hydrates in subsea production line
EP2212511A1 (fr) * 2007-10-17 2010-08-04 Collin Morris Elément de colonne de production à conduit auxiliaire
EP2212511A4 (fr) * 2007-10-17 2015-04-01 Collin Morris Elément de colonne de production à conduit auxiliaire
WO2010108976A1 (fr) * 2009-03-25 2010-09-30 Nexans Protection externe pour câble de chauffage électrique direct
US8759724B2 (en) 2009-03-25 2014-06-24 Nexans External protection for direct electric heating cable
WO2015014332A3 (fr) * 2013-07-31 2015-04-16 Kme Germany Gmbh & Co. Kg Procédé de fabrication de tubes gainés
CN103390454A (zh) * 2013-08-13 2013-11-13 青岛迪玛尔海洋工程有限公司 抗拉抗压的脐带缆

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU5364594A (en) 1994-05-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6538198B1 (en) Marine umbilical
US7473844B2 (en) Subsea umbilical
CN100498028C (zh) 承重、轻量和紧凑的超绝热系统
US6901968B2 (en) Fluid conduit
CA2655039C (fr) Procede d'assemblage
US8104797B2 (en) Extended collar
US20150076813A1 (en) Radius control
US7493918B2 (en) Fluid conduit
WO2011026801A1 (fr) Procédé de protection anti-corrosive d'un tuyau flexible, et tuyau flexible
US10641065B2 (en) Depressurisation method and apparatus for subsea equipment
CA2655503C (fr) Contacts rainures
WO1994010492A1 (fr) Cable ombilical marin ameliore et son procede de production
US20030103811A1 (en) Control cable
GB2337366A (en) Transmitting power underwater using coiled tubing
US11236550B2 (en) Fabrication of pipe bundles offshore
Gloaguen et al. Dalia flowlines, risers, and umbilicals
Colquhoun et al. Design and materials consideration for high pressure flexible flowlines
Espinasse et al. Design and Application of a Dynamic Flexible Pipe Array for Placid's GC 29 FPS
Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) et al. Low Cost Subsea Systems Flexible Pipe-The Way Forward
Smith et al. Ivanhoe/Rob Roy Flexible Riser System
Haug et al. Development And Test Results Of A Steel Tube Umbilical
Heng The installation of flexible flowlines and their protection

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AU BR NO

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE

DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase