WO2011154733A1 - Appareil et procédé pour le confinement d'hydrocarbures sous-marins et d'autres émissions - Google Patents

Appareil et procédé pour le confinement d'hydrocarbures sous-marins et d'autres émissions Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011154733A1
WO2011154733A1 PCT/GB2011/051070 GB2011051070W WO2011154733A1 WO 2011154733 A1 WO2011154733 A1 WO 2011154733A1 GB 2011051070 W GB2011051070 W GB 2011051070W WO 2011154733 A1 WO2011154733 A1 WO 2011154733A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
containment vessel
conduit
distal end
matter
providing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2011/051070
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Alan Burns
Original Assignee
Bahamas Petroleum Company Plc
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 Bahamas Petroleum Company Plc filed Critical Bahamas Petroleum Company Plc
Publication of WO2011154733A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011154733A1/fr

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B15/00—Cleaning or keeping clear the surface of open water; Apparatus therefor
    • E02B15/04—Devices for cleaning or keeping clear the surface of open water from oil or like floating materials by separating or removing these materials
    • E02B15/08—Devices for reducing the polluted area with or without additional devices for removing the material
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
    • E21B43/01—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells specially adapted for obtaining from underwater installations
    • E21B43/0122—Collecting oil or the like from a submerged leakage
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B15/00—Cleaning or keeping clear the surface of open water; Apparatus therefor
    • E02B2015/005—Tent-like structures for dealing with pollutant emissions below the water surface
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
    • Y02A20/20—Controlling water pollution; Waste water treatment
    • Y02A20/204—Keeping clear the surface of open water from oil spills

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for containment of matter, such as, but not limited thereto, underwater hydrocarbon and other emissions and particularly, but not exclusively, to an offshore apparatus and method for containment of controlled or uncontrolled emissions originating from blowouts occurring at or near the seabed or at any point between the seabed and the surface of the water.
  • BOP Blowout Preventers
  • an apparatus for containment of underwater emissions of matter comprising:
  • buoyant containment vessel a buoyant containment vessel; and a conduit;
  • the conduit having a first distal end in communication with the containment vessel, and a second distal end adapted for capturing the emitted matter; and wherein the apparatus further comprises flow control means for controlling the flow rate of the matter entering and/or leaving the containment vessel.
  • Such control can be maintained by the use of one or more valve mechanisms and/or pumps between the conduit and the containment vessel.
  • flow metering devices are provided to estimate the rates and volumes of solids, liquids and/or gases as well as the rate of flow of the same.
  • the present invention has been devised for capturing hydrocarbon emissions but it will be appreciated that the invention is equally suitable for use with any fluids or solids, combustible or otherwise.
  • fluid is intended to include gases or liquids.
  • valves these may be choke valves, sliding sleeve valves, ball valves, gate valves, plug valve or any mechanism designed for shutting off or adjusting the flow of solids, liquids or gases.
  • the containment vessel is open, in use, to the atmosphere.
  • the containment vessel is sealed from the atmosphere.
  • the containment vessel comprises a lower base, and the first distal end of the conduit terminates within the containment vessel above the lower base.
  • a baffle member is provided at or near the first distal end of the conduit.
  • the containment vessel is adapted to allow for the containment of any type of matter, such as fluids and solids. Further preferably, the containment vessel is adapted to allow for the containment of liquid hydrocarbons. Also preferably, the gases which the containment vessel is adapted to contain include but not limited thereto, expanded air from a compressed air or nitrogen.
  • the containment vessel includes a means for varying the volume of the containment vessel.
  • a lower section of the containment vessel including a lower base of the containment vessel is movable with respect to an upper section of the containment vessel. This allows the distance between the lower base and upper section to be adjusted thereby adjusting the volume of the containment vessel.
  • the lower section is also movable with respect to the conduit.
  • a baffle member is fixed within the containment vessel and a surface thereof faces the first distal end of the conduit.
  • the baffle member is defined by an end cap on the conduit.
  • the baffle member is adapted to direct the matter laterally of the conduit.
  • the flow control means comprises at least one valve provided on the conduit to regulate flow within the conduit.
  • the valve is one of a sliding sleeve valve, a ball valve, a gate valve, a plug valve or a choke valve.
  • the flow control means comprises a pump for removing matter from the containment vessel to an external storage and/or separation facility.
  • valve(s) may incorporate electrically wired, pneumatic, hydraulic, optical, acoustic or electromagnetic control methods.
  • the valve(s) and/or pump(s) are dynamically adjustable manually or by automated software to optimize inflow performance at the location of emissions such that sufficient amount of emitted matter is captured while minimizing the intake of other surrounding matter, such as seawater.
  • the containment vessel comprises a lower base and the pump is located proximate the base and below the first distal end of the conduit.
  • the flow control means comprises a gas supply connected proximate the second open end of the conduit.
  • At least one buoyancy member is attached to the conduit.
  • the or each buoyancy member is attached annularly around the exterior surface of the conduit.
  • the conduit is a tubular riser.
  • the second distal end of the conduit has a portion having an enlarged diameter.
  • the enlarged diameter portion is provided in the form of a funnel having a narrower end facing the conduit and a wider end facing away from the conduit.
  • the apparatus is configured so that upon installation of the apparatus at a site, the first distal end is positioned above sea level thereby providing an overbalance to second distal end of the conduit, and thereby rendering the whole structure of the apparatus more stable yet flexible in various circumstances.
  • the apparatus comprises mechanical tethers for anchoring the conduit relative to the underwater surface.
  • the conduit is a reeled flexible conduit.
  • the use of a reeled flexible conduit makes the system easier to install and to control. Furthermore, this enables the apparatus to be compensated for during operation as the action of waves may affect the position of the second distal end relative to the seabed.
  • the provision of a reeled flexible conduit allows the components of the apparatus located above the second distal end to flex to adjust to the movements of the second distal end.
  • At least one aperture is defined in the first distal end of the conduit and the conduit extends within the containment vessel such that the aperture in the first distal end is spaced approximately 9.8 meters (approximately 32 feet) from the vessel's base.
  • At least one aperture is defined in the first distal end of the conduit and the first open distal end of the conduit is positioned such that, in use, the aperture is spaced at least 9.8 meters (approximately 32 feet) below a surface of a body of fluid in which the containment vessel floats.
  • the overall height of the containment vessel is greater then 19.5 meters (64 feet).
  • a sub-conduit connects the containment vessel to an external storage and/or separation facility.
  • the apparatus comprises a means for suspending the second distal end above a well such that second distal end is sufficiently spaced from well components so as to prevent blockage of the conduit at the second distal end by gas crystals which may form between the well and the second distal end.
  • the containment vessel comprises side walls and the buoyancy of the vessel is selected such that, in use the side walls project above the surface of a body of fluid in which the vessel floats.
  • the apparatus can be supplied in several sections, such as, for example, a second distal end section, a conduit section and a containment vessel section and several sections can be assembled at the site.
  • a guide wire system is preferably provided adapted for deployment of the sections of the apparatus.
  • the apparatus comprises one or more diverter lines arranged in communication with the containment vessel.
  • the diverter line(s) are adapted to be positioned in relation to the containment vessel so as to allow the gases to be vented from the containment vessel in the down wind direction.
  • the containment vessel is preferably sealed from the surrounding atmosphere, for example, by sealing an open top of the containment vessel.
  • the diverter line(s) comprise one or more burner heads with ignition devices for burning the gases.
  • one or more isolation valves are provided within each diverter line.
  • the apparatus comprises a cover structure at the second distal end of the conduit, the cover structure being configured to isolate the emissions from the surrounding environment.
  • the cover structure comprises an anchor means.
  • the anchor means is preferably provided in the form of a suction anchor.
  • the cover structure comprises a caisson which in use is lowered and placed onto the seabed covering the source of the emissions.
  • the anchor means is preferably defined by an annulus integral to the cover structure.
  • a suction means for example one or more vacuum pumps, is provided for creating a vacuum within the annulus, thereby creating a suction and drawing the cover structure into engagement with the seabed.
  • At least one video camera surveillance device is provided at the second distal end of the conduit.
  • the apparatus can comprise one or more gas lines adapted to convey the emissions from the apparatus thereby acting as a cleaning mechanism.
  • a closable valve is provided below the second distal end of the conduit.
  • a method of containing underwater emissions of matter comprising the steps of:
  • control means for controlling the flow rate of the matter entering and/or leaving the containment vessel.
  • the step of positioning the containment vessel and the second distal end of the conduit involves anchoring the apparatus to the underwater surface.
  • the step of positioning the containment vessel and the second open distal end of the conduit involves stabilising the apparatus by attaching one or more buoyancy members to the conduit.
  • the step of conveying the captured matter from the site of the emissions to the containment vessel is assisted by supplying gas from an external source into the conduit.
  • the step of removing the captured matter from the containment vessel in a controlled manner involves pumping the matter to an external storage and/or separation facility.
  • the step of removing the captured matter from the containment vessel in a controlled manner involves combusting the matter.
  • the step of removing the captured matter from the containment vessel in a controlled manner involves providing a baffle member at or near the second distal end of the conduit to prevent pressurised matter being expelled from the containment vessel.
  • the step of controlling the flow rate of matter entering and/or leaving the containment vessel involves monitoring the level of matter within the containment vessel and providing a valve on the conduit actuatable to maintain the level of matter within selected thresholds.
  • the step of providing a conduit having a first distal end in fluid communication with the containment vessel includes the step or positioning the first distal end of the conduit upwardly spaced from a lower base of the vessel.
  • the method comprises the step of spacing the first distal end of the conduit from the lower base by approximately 9.8 meters (approximately 32 feet).
  • the method comprises the step of positioning the first distal end or the conduit at least 9.8 meters (approximately 32 feet) below the water's surface.
  • the step of positioning the second distal end involves suspending the second distal end above a well such that the second distal end is sufficiently spaced from well components so as to prevent blockage or the conduit at the second distal end by gas crystals which may form between the well and the second distal end.
  • the method comprises the step of varying the volume of the containment vessel.
  • the step of varying the volume of the containment vessel includes moving a lower section of the containment vessel including a lower base of the containment vessel with respect to an upper section of the containment vessel thereby varying the distance between the lower base and upper section and thereby adjusting the volume of the containment vessel.
  • the method comprises the step of selecting the buoyancy of the vessel such that, in use, side walls of the containment vessel project above the surface of a body of fluid in which the vessel floats.
  • the method comprises the step of configuring the apparatus so that upon installation of the apparatus at a site, the first distal end is positioned above sea level thereby providing an overbalance to the second distal end of the conduit, and thereby rendering the whole structure of the apparatus more stable yet flexible in various circumstances.
  • the method comprises the step of providing mechanical tethers for anchoring the conduit relative to the underwater surface.
  • the method comprises the step of providing the conduit in the form of a reeled flexible conduit.
  • the method comprises the step of connecting the containment vessel to an external storage and/or separation facility with a sub-conduit.
  • the method comprises the step of supplying the apparatus in several sections, such as, for example, a second distal end section, a conduit section and a containment vessel section and assembling several sections at the site.
  • the method comprises the steps providing a guide wire system and deploying the sections of the apparatus using the guidewire system.
  • the method comprises the step of providing one or more diverter lines and arranging the diverter lines in communication with the containment vessel.
  • the method includes the step of positioning the diverter lines in relation to the containment vessel so as to allow the gases to be vented from the containment vessel in the down wind direction.
  • the method comprises the step of sealing the containment vessel from the surrounding atmosphere, for example, by sealing an open top of the containment vessel.
  • the method includes the step of equipping the diverter line(s) with one or more burner heads having ignition devices and burning the gases.
  • the method includes providing each diverter line with one or more isolation valves.
  • the method comprises the steps of providing a cover structure at the second distal end of the conduit and configuring the cover structure to isolate the emitted matter from the environment surrounding the cover structure.
  • the method comprises the steps of providing the cover structure with an anchor means, preferably, in the form of a suction anchor.
  • the method comprises the steps of providing the cover structure with a caisson, lowering the caisson and placing the caisson onto the seabed covering the source of the emissions.
  • the method comprises the steps of providing a suction means, for example one or more vacuum pumps, creating a vacuum within the annulus, thereby creating a suction; and drawing the cover structure into engagement with the seabed.
  • the method comprises the steps of providing at least one video camera surveillance device at the second distal end of the conduit.
  • the method comprises the steps of providing one or more gas lines adapted to convey the emissions from the apparatus thereby acting as a cleaning mechanism.
  • the method comprises the step of providing a closable valve is below the second distal end of the conduit.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of apparatus for containment of subsea emissions
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic representation showing the containment vessel of Fig.
  • Fig. 3 is a schematic representation showing an alternative embodiment for increasing emissions drawn into the apparatus
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic representation showing a further alternative embodiment for avoiding blockages in the apparatus
  • Fig. 5 is a schematic representation showing a yet further alternative embodiment
  • Fig. 6 is a schematic representation showing an adjustable containment vessel.
  • Fig. 7 is a schematic representation showing a sliding sleeve valve device on a conduit of the apparatus
  • Fig. 8 is a schematic representation showing a first distal end of the conduit positioned above sea level
  • Fig. 9 - 9b are schematic representations showing stages of deployment of an embodiment of the apparatus comprising a reeled conduit
  • Fig. 10 is a schematic representation showing optional combustion of emissions diverted from a sealed from the atmosphere containment vessel.
  • Fig. 1 1 is a schematic representation showing a cover structure including a suction anchor and a video surveillance device.
  • Fig. 1 shows a leaking well 10 emitting hydrocarbons 12 into a body of water 14 in an uncontrolled manner.
  • the body of water will be the sea.
  • the invention is equally applicable to lakes, rivers and other in-land bodies of water.
  • a buoyant containment vessel 16 provided with side walls 16a and a lower base 16b floats on the surface of the water 14 such that its side walls 16a lie above the surface of the body of water 14.
  • the upper end 16c of the containment vessel 16 may be open to the atmosphere.
  • a conduit in the form of a riser 18 passes through the vessel's lower base 16b in a sealed manner.
  • a first open distal end 18a of the riser 18 is located within the containment vessel 16 and is positioned to lie above the vessel's base 16b.
  • the riser 18 extends downwardly from the containment vessel 16 such that its opposite (second) open distal end 18b lies proximate, but spaced from, the leaking well 10.
  • Valves 17 are provided proximate opposite ends of the riser 18 and are actuatable to regulate the flow of hydrocarbon emissions therein.
  • the second distal end 18b terminates with a funnel 20 serving to increase the cross- sectional area presented to the leaking well 10, and thus maximise the volume of hydrocarbon emissions 12 captured by the apparatus.
  • the funnel 20 is anchored to the seabed 22 by means of chains 24 or other suitable tethers. If necessary, and depending upon the length and weight of the riser 18, the apparatus may be further stabilised by attaching buoyant collars 26 distributed along the length of the riser 18.
  • Fig. 2 shows the containment vessel 16 in more detail.
  • the containment vessel 16 is generally cylindrical so as to minimise the surface contact area with the surrounding sea water regardless of the direction of the currents.
  • a buoyant collar 28 fits annularly around the side walls 16a so as to enable the containment vessel 16 to float.
  • the buoyancy of the collar 28 is selected such that, in use, the side walls 16a project above the surface of the body of water 14. If the containment vessel 16 is to be used in open seas then its height h between the lower base 16b and the open end 16c is chosen such that the side walls 16a will extend significantly above the water's surface so as to avoid ingress of sea water during rough seas.
  • the first open distal end 18a of the riser 18 is located within the containment vessel 16 and is positioned to lie above the vessel's lower base 16b.
  • the riser 18 is provided with an end cap 18d so as to prevent hydrocarbons being emitted vertically.
  • one or more apertures are provided in the side wall of the riser 18 proximate its first open distal end 18a so as to allow hydrocarbons to be emitted in a radial direction.
  • the riser 18 extends vertically within the containment vessel 16 such that the aperture(s) in its first open distal end 18a is positioned approximately 32 feet (approximately 9.8 metres) above the vessel's base 16b. This height can be adjusted to suit different circumstances. This provides an annular volume around the riser 18 into which liquid hydrocarbon emissions 12 are collected after exiting the first open distal end 18a.
  • the first open distal end 18a of the riser 18 is also positioned such that, in use, its aperture(s) lies at least 32 feet (approximately 9.8 metres) below the surface of the body of water 14. Accordingly, the overall height h of the illustrated containment vessel 16 is greater than 64 feet (19.5 metres).
  • a sub-conduit 30 connects the base 16b of the containment vessel 16 to an external storage and/or separation facility, such as a floating barge 34.
  • a pump 32 is provided proximate the junction of the base 16b and the sub-conduit 30 for pumping the emitted hydrocarbons 12 from the containment vessel 16 into the floating barge 34.
  • the containment vessel 16 is manoeuvred into position directly above the leaking well 10.
  • the precise positioning of the containment vessel 16 may be assisted and maintained by use of GPS equipment.
  • the containment vessel 16 may be tethered to vessels or rigs on the surface of the body of water 14.
  • the full length of the riser 18 may be pre-attached to the containment vessel such that its second distal end 18b will inevitably be positioned over the leaking well 10.
  • the apparatus is provided in kit form (see Fig. 5), it will be necessary to build the riser up to the required length from multiple individual sections until the second distal end 18b is positioned at an appropriate height above the leaking well 10.
  • the second distal end 18b is correctly positioned, its funnel 20 is suspended above the leaking well 10 so as to capture emitted hydrocarbons 12.
  • it is anchored to the sea bed 22 by chains 24 or other appropriate tethers. Appropriate tensioning of the chains 24 will prevent unwanted movement of the funnel 20 caused by, for example, ocean currents or the volatility of the hydrocarbon emissions 12.
  • the riser 18 may be further stabilised by attaching buoyant collars 26 along its length.
  • the increased cross sectional area of the funnel 20 relative to the riser 18 serves to partially envelope the hydrocarbon emissions 12 without requiring any physical contact to be made between the apparatus and the leaking well 10.
  • the present invention can be quickly deployed to contain leaks irrespective of the technical characteristics of the well head, or the type of damage suffered.
  • the flow rate through the riser 18 be optimised so as to avoid any overspill of hydrocarbon emissions 12 around the exterior of the funnel 20.
  • the flow rate through the riser 18 can be regulated. In the examples shown in Figures 1 , 2, 6, 7, 9 and 10, by positioning the first open distal end 18a of the riser 18 at least 32 feet (approximately 9.8 metres) below the surface of the body of water 14 - as described above - the hydrostatic pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the riser will be maximised, thus serving to maximise the flow rate up through the riser 18.
  • the pressure differential between the funnel 20 and the first distal end 18a of the riser 18 can be very significant depending upon the depth at which the funnel 20 is situated. Therefore, as the hydrocarbon emissions 12 travel up through the riser 18 the progressive reduction in pressure will cause gasification to occur.
  • the expanding gas creates a large pressure differential within the riser 18 serving to draw hydrocarbon emission 12 into the funnel 20 at high pressure. The combined effect of these actions is that hydrocarbon emissions 12 may be expelled violently from the first distal end 18a of the riser 18 within the containment vessel 16.
  • hydrocarbon liquids are collected within the containment vessel 16. Hydrocarbon gases may be combusted within the containment vessel. Pump 32 is used to drain the liquid hydrocarbon emissions 12 from the containment vessel 16 and pump them onto a floating barge 34. Additional pumps (not shown) may be required depending upon the depth through which the hydrocarbons are to be pumped. The volume of liquid within the containment vessel 16 may be monitored by appropriate means to ensure that the liquid level is maintained within acceptable thresholds.
  • Figure 6 shows a containment vessel having an adjustable lower section 16d movable with respect to an upper section 16e of the containment vessel 16 and with respect to the riser 18 so as to vary the volume of the containment vessel 16.
  • the lower section 16d may be dynamically adjustable in-situ or the lower section 16d can be fixed at a required level prior to deployment.
  • a telescopically extendable/retractable lower section 16d is shown. It is envisaged that the extendable/retractable lower section 16d can be provided in various forms, such as, for example, by additional flanged sections.
  • Fig. 7 shows an embodiment utilising a sliding sleeve valve 41.
  • the valve 41 is dynamically adjustable hydraulically, pneumatically, manually or electrically, thereby enabling hydraulic communication between the inside of the riser 18 to the containment vessel 16.
  • first distal end 18a of the riser 16 is positioned above the sea level as shown in Fig. 8. The so positioned first distal end 18a of the riser 18 overbalances the second distal end 18b, thereby providing for greater stability and flexibility of the assembled structure of the apparatus.
  • the liquid level It is important for the liquid level to be kept below the height of the opening(s) in first distal end 18a of the riser 18. If the liquid level is found to be rising too quickly then the pumping rate of pump 32 may be increased to compensate; and/or the valve(s) 17 may be actuated to temporarily reduce or prevent any further intake of hydrocarbon emissions 12 into the containment vessel 16.
  • the flow rate may be artificially increased by providing a compressed gas supply 36 from an external source and introducing it into the riser 18 at or near the funnel 20.
  • a compressed gas supply 36 from an external source and introducing it into the riser 18 at or near the funnel 20.
  • the rising gas will serve to decrease the pressure gradient within the riser 18 and thus draw additional hydrocarbon emissions 12 into the funnel 20.
  • the apparatus of present invention is adapted to avoid any formation of methane hydrate crystals on its inner surfaces.
  • the funnel 20 is suspended above the leaking well 10 such that physical contact between the two is avoided.
  • the narrow end of the funnel 20 i.e. the end nearer the interior of the of the riser 18 and remote the wider end of the funnel 20 which faces the well 10, and the source of the leaking well 10, it is less likely that methane hydrate crystals will block the funnel 20.
  • the apparatus of the present invention may optionally be provided with further features to tackle the potential problem of methane hydrate crystal formation.
  • a methanol supply 38 from an external source and introducing it into the riser 18 proximate the funnel 20 the formation of methane hydrate crystals can be counteracted.
  • the hydrocarbon emissions 12 at the point of entry into the funnel 20 then the formation of methane hydrate crystals can be avoided. This can be achieved by igniting the hydrocarbon emissions 12 by using, for example, compressed air and/or liquid oxygen and/or propane.
  • An ignition system 40 is shown schematically in Fig. 4.
  • a separate baffle member 18g (Fig. 6 and Fig. 7) may be provided instead of providing the first distal end 18a of the riser 18 with an integral end cap 18d.
  • the baffle member 18g formed, for example, from toughened steel is attached to the inner surface of the containment vessel 16 and/or the riser so as to intercept the hydrocarbon emissions 12 being expelled from the first distal end 18a of the riser 18.
  • the invention need not be restricted to the use of particular types of valves 17 and any suitable valve arrangement may be employed.
  • the containment vessel 16 need not be cylindrical and could be any other shape which is stable when floating.
  • the apparatus of the present invention could be provided in kit form and stored on, for example, an offshore oil platform for rapid deployment during an emergency.
  • the kit would comprise a number of individual pipe lengths sufficient to reach the seabed under any given platform.
  • Each pipe section could be provided with flanged ends and sealing gaskets to facilitate quick connection by means of bolts or other suitable connectors.
  • Such a pipe arrangement is shown in Fig. 5 whereby the riser sections 18 are provided with flanged ends 19 which can be bolted or otherwise fastened together.
  • a standard oil well drill pipe in which the individual lengths are screwed together could be employed.
  • the funnel 20 could be attached by means of a screw connection.
  • Such an arrangement could dispense with any buoyancy members along the length of the riser 18 and rely solely on the buoyancy collar 28 provided around the containment vessel 16.
  • FIGs 9, 9a and 9b show an apparatus of the invention being assembled from three sections using a guide wire system 43.
  • the funnel section 20 is installed first.
  • the flexible riser section 42a is unwound from a reel 42 on the guide wire 43 to couple with the funnel 20.
  • the containment vessel 16 together with a riser section containing a first distal end 42b is coupled with the flexible riser portion 42a.
  • the apparatus can be assembled from any number of sections.
  • Fig. 10 shows an example of diverter lines 45 incorporating valves 46 and a commercial burner system 47.
  • the example of Fig. 10 shows two diverter lines 45, but in practice one or more can be provided.
  • the diverter lines 45 are preferably adapted to be positioned with respect to the containment vessel 16 so that the gases are vented in a down wind direction.
  • the containment vessel 16 is sealed from the atmosphere.
  • the diverter lines 45 are in communication with the interior of the containment vessel 16 to enable the venting of the gases from the containment vessel 16.
  • a burner system 47 is provided for combusting the gases diverted into the diverter lines 45.
  • Fig. 1 1 a cover structure a caisson 49 and a suction anchor device 48. Monitoring devices, potentially video camera(s) 55 may be included in the caisson 49.
  • the suction anchor 48 includes an annulus 48a and a pump 50. Liquid is pumped out from within the annulus 48a via the pump 50, thereby decreasing the pressure within the annulus 48a and, thereby sucking the caisson 49 down into the sea bottom 22.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
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  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un appareil destiné au confinement d'émissions sous-marines, telles que par exemple, mais sans limitation, des hydrocarbures liquides. L'appareil comprend un récipient flottant (16) de confinement des hydrocarbures et un conduit (18) ayant une première extrémité distale (18a) en communication avec le récipient de confinement (16) et une deuxième extrémité distale (18b) apte à capturer la matière émise ; et un moyen régulateur d'écoulement (17, 36, 38, 32) destiné à réguler le débit de la matière pénétrant dans le récipient de confinement (16) et/ou en sortant. L'invention porte aussi sur un procédé destiné au confinement des émissions sous-marines de matières.
PCT/GB2011/051070 2010-06-08 2011-06-08 Appareil et procédé pour le confinement d'hydrocarbures sous-marins et d'autres émissions WO2011154733A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1009544.6 2010-06-08
GBGB1009544.6A GB201009544D0 (en) 2010-06-08 2010-06-08 Apparatus and method for containment of underwater hydrocarbon emissions

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WO2011154733A1 true WO2011154733A1 (fr) 2011-12-15

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Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013184791A1 (fr) * 2012-06-07 2013-12-12 Kellogg Brown & Root Llc Dispositif de décompression sous-marin
WO2014037567A2 (fr) * 2012-09-07 2014-03-13 Total Sa Système de confinement
WO2015105952A1 (fr) * 2014-01-13 2015-07-16 Shell Oil Company Procédés pour empêcher la formation d'hydrates dans des dispositifs de capture d'eau à fond ouvert
US9388670B2 (en) 2012-09-07 2016-07-12 Total Sa Containment system and a method for using said containment system
US9506327B2 (en) 2012-09-07 2016-11-29 Total Sa Containment system and a method for using such containment system
GB2591117A (en) * 2020-01-16 2021-07-21 Hick Douglas Undersea oil or gas leak mitigation device

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013184791A1 (fr) * 2012-06-07 2013-12-12 Kellogg Brown & Root Llc Dispositif de décompression sous-marin
WO2014037567A2 (fr) * 2012-09-07 2014-03-13 Total Sa Système de confinement
WO2014037567A3 (fr) * 2012-09-07 2014-07-03 Total Sa Système de confinement
US9388670B2 (en) 2012-09-07 2016-07-12 Total Sa Containment system and a method for using said containment system
US9416632B2 (en) 2012-09-07 2016-08-16 Total Sa Containment system
US9506327B2 (en) 2012-09-07 2016-11-29 Total Sa Containment system and a method for using such containment system
WO2015105952A1 (fr) * 2014-01-13 2015-07-16 Shell Oil Company Procédés pour empêcher la formation d'hydrates dans des dispositifs de capture d'eau à fond ouvert
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US9752416B2 (en) 2014-01-13 2017-09-05 Shell Oil Company Method of preventing hydrate formation in open water capture devices
GB2591117A (en) * 2020-01-16 2021-07-21 Hick Douglas Undersea oil or gas leak mitigation device
GB2591117B (en) * 2020-01-16 2022-11-23 Hick Douglas Undersea oil or gas leak mitigation device

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