WO2012027476A1 - Leak detection and early warning system for capped or abandoned subsea wellheads - Google Patents
Leak detection and early warning system for capped or abandoned subsea wellheads Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2012027476A1 WO2012027476A1 PCT/US2011/048974 US2011048974W WO2012027476A1 WO 2012027476 A1 WO2012027476 A1 WO 2012027476A1 US 2011048974 W US2011048974 W US 2011048974W WO 2012027476 A1 WO2012027476 A1 WO 2012027476A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- leaks
- location
- wellhead
- electronic signal
- remote
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
- G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
- G01M3/04—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point
- G01M3/24—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic vibrations
- G01M3/243—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic vibrations for pipes
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B47/00—Survey of boreholes or wells
- E21B47/001—Survey of boreholes or wells for underwater installation
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N29/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object
- G01N29/14—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object using acoustic emission techniques
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N29/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object
- G01N29/22—Details, e.g. general constructional or apparatus details
- G01N29/225—Supports, positioning or alignment in moving situation
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N29/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object
- G01N29/22—Details, e.g. general constructional or apparatus details
- G01N29/24—Probes
- G01N29/2481—Wireless probes, e.g. with transponders or radio links
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N29/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object
- G01N29/22—Details, e.g. general constructional or apparatus details
- G01N29/26—Arrangements for orientation or scanning by relative movement of the head and the sensor
- G01N29/265—Arrangements for orientation or scanning by relative movement of the head and the sensor by moving the sensor relative to a stationary material
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q9/00—Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2209/00—Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems
- H04Q2209/80—Arrangements in the sub-station, i.e. sensing device
- H04Q2209/88—Providing power supply at the sub-station
- H04Q2209/886—Providing power supply at the sub-station using energy harvesting, e.g. solar, wind or mechanical
Definitions
- This invention is an advancement in the field of subsea wellhead leak detection, and, more paiticularly, to an improved method and apparatus for detection of potential and actual leaks in subsea wellheads and pipelines with acoustic emission devices and a means for communicating the existence, location and severity of said leaks to surface monitoring facilities in a quick and efficient manner.
- the typical approaches used by offshore operators to detect hydrocarbon leaks from subsea wellheads includes aerial observation where leaks are eventually detected as a sheen on the surface of the water, periodic flybys with underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) that scan the wellhead area with various types of sensors such as active acoustics (sonar) or infrared video, monitoring devices that detect acoustic noise in the water caused by a leak and sensors in the water near the wellhead that detect changes in the chemical makeup of the seawater.
- ROVs underwater remotely operated vehicles
- sensors such as active acoustics (sonar) or infrared video
- monitoring devices that detect acoustic noise in the water caused by a leak and sensors in the water near the wellhead that detect changes in the chemical makeup of the seawater.
- Leaks from abandoned wellheads are a major concern and could cause significant detrimental effects on the environment and subject the owners and operators of the wellheads to regulatory penalties.
- acoustic emission monitoring is desirable due to the sensitivity of certain acoustic emission devices and signal processing methods to the high frequency noise caused by leakage of hydrocarbon products on the pressurized side of the capped wellhead to the lower pressure area on the other side of closed valves or the environment.
- acoustic emission is known to provides an effective method to detect and provide early warning of leaks through valves and to the environment.
- acoustic emission sensors and signal processing that are different from previously applied art.
- the acoustic emission sensors employed herein are sensitive to much higher frequency ranges than those previously employed and instead of detecting the leakage noise as it travels through the hydrocarbon media or the surrounding seawater, the present invention detects the pressure wave caused by the leak that travels in the steel structure of the wellhead and surrounding steel structure.
- Acoustic emission sensors of the type described above are normally referred to as broadband acoustic emission sensors.
- these sensors In order to employ the commercial versions of these sensors in the high pressure subsea environment they must be manufactured into a robust sensor housing such that the acoustic coupling between the steel structure of the wellhead equipment and the sensing element of the sensor is maintained.
- Appropriately packaged sensors that are ROV deployable with long term battery life, that are structurally designed for deep sea operations are a desirable improvement in the industry.
- By coupling ROV deployable acoustic emission sensors with the capability of transmitting information regarding potential and actual leaks to the surface represents an improved method for leak detection in the industry.
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,760,280 to Covington which discloses a method and apparatus for delaying an electrical signal.
- the electrical signal to be delayed is converted into a frequency modulated signal which is coupled to a digital memory device that operates in response to a control signal.
- the rate of the control signal and the capacity of the memory device determine the delay of the FM signal.
- the delayed FM signal is then demodulated back to its original format.
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,903,729 to Covington discloses a method and apparatus for detecting a break or other occurrence in a pipeline containing gas under pressure.
- This patent discloses detecting the adiabatic pressure wave generated in the gas by the break and propagated through the gas at the speed of sound. The location of the break is determined by the change of pressure with respect to time of the leading wedge of adiabatic pressure wave.
- Spaced pressure-electrical transducers are utilized to detect the compression waves.
- Electronic circuitry is utilized to delay a selected one of the transduced electrical signals for a selective time interval to substantially eliminate the portion of the signal responsive to compressional wave traveling in the direction opposite the preselected direction.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,455,863 to Huebler, et al. discloses the sonic detection of gas leaks in underground pipes.
- the patent detects sound waives created by leaking gas using a sound transducer attached to an elongated probe inserted into the ground for a substantial portion of its length.
- the elongated probe and transducer combination has an effective mechanical resonant frequency equal to or below the electrical resonant frequency of the sound transducer.
- the passive sonic detection apparatus and process of this invention provides improved sensitivity for detection of sounds created by leaking gas and thereby more accurate pinpointing of the gas leak in an underground pipeline.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,101 ,774 to Marziale, et al discloses an acoustic leak detection system.
- the system is monitored for leaks by an acoustic leak detection system responsive to atmospherically carried sound transmissions.
- Energy level amplitudes of respective analog electrical signals generated sequence multiplicity of microphones are converted in a rapid time sequence to a first electric pulse signal sequence represented of a corresponding digital values.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,201 ,212 to Williams discloses a method and apparatus for testing underground fluid containing lines for leaks.
- the apparatus includes a differential pressure transducer mounted to a reservoir for indicating volumetric change in the reservoir, a temperature transducer mounted in the reservoir for monitoring temperature fluctuation in the reservoir, a gauge pressure transducer mounted in the reservoir, and a remote temperature sensor and data acquisition and processing system. Readings are taken and pressure and temperature fluctuations in the line are tested at 30 second intervals. Thereafter, the system calculates the leak rate during each 5 minute interval of the test, as well as a cumulative leak rate.
- This invention represents advancement in the area of leak detection in subsea wellheads, subsea production equipment and pipelines.
- the invention comprises a method and apparatus for acoustic detection of potential and actual leaks in subsea production equipment and pipelines, particularly in subsea valves and wellheads in the oil and gas industry, and a means for communicating the existence, location and severity of . said leaks to surface monitoring facilities in a quick and efficient manner.
- the acoustic emissions sensor is comprised of a broadband acoustic emission sensor that operates in the frequency band above 60 KHz up to 1 MHz.
- the acoustic emission sensor is acoustically coupled to the wellhead, wellhead valve or pipe such that high frequency vibrations traveling in the pipe wall are detected by the sensor.
- the sensor can use the natural coupling afforded by seawater or a silicon pad of appropriate acoustic properties may be used to achieve the desired coupling.
- the acoustic emission sensor is connected to a electronic signal processing such the sensor output can be appropriately captured, processed and transmitted to a surface monitoring facility.
- the subsea sensor and signal processing can communicate with the surface over wires provided they are available.
- subsea wellheads that are not actively producing do not usually have any type of nearby infrastructure on the seafloor that is capable of communicating data to nearby surface facilities or vessels. In many cases the closest surface facilities are many miles away from the wellhead.
- Data collected by the acoustic emissions sensor can also be electronically conveyed to a nearby underwater power and communications skid containing a wireless subsea modem and SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) communications module, whereby any data gathered is communicated to a communications antenna buoy and subsequently relayed via cellular communications or satellite to a surface data acquisition system.
- SCADA supervisory control and data acquisition
- All components of the power and communications skid shall be modular and serviceable by an ROV. Additionally, the power and communications skid shall contain a rechargeable battery pack which may be charged by an ocean current battery charger which utilizes the kinetic energy of ocean movement to create an electrical charge.
- An alternate embodiment of the present invention would include the sensors, electronic signal processing and software required to launch a balloon or other floating device that can transmit the data from a leaking wellhead once released to the surface.
- FIG. 1 is a detailed view of the broadband acoustic sensor (1) and its electrical components (2) having been affixed to a pipe of a wellhead by ROV with a flexible pad (3) of the broadband acoustic sensor (1) being in contact with the pipe.
- FIG. 2 shows a representation of the ROV (6) placing the broadband acoustic sensor (1) in contact with a pipe, said broadband acoustic sensor (1) affixing to the pipe via locking pins (5).
- FIG. 3 is an overview of the entire subsea apparatus including the broadband acoustic sensor (1) as comiected to the communications module (7), said communications module (7) further being comprised of a wireless means of communication (7a), and ocean current battery charge (7b) and a rechargeable battery pack (7c).
- FIG. 4 shows a representation of communication of data to above sea monitoring stations via stabilization by a buoy (8) with the data being transmitted beyond the local area via a communications antenna (9) Reference Numbers in Drawings
Abstract
A method and apparatus for acoustic detection of potential and actual leaks in pipelines, particularly in subsea valves and wellheads in the oil and gas industry via broadband acoustic emissions sensors, and a means for communicating the existence, location and severity of said leaks via an electronic signal processor to above-sea monitoring facilities via cellular or other means in a quick and efficient manner.
Description
PATENT APPLICATION SPECIFICATION Title of the Invention
Title: Leak Detection and Eai'ly Warning System for Capped or Abandoned
Subsea Wellheads
Inventors: Stanley Hale, Kennesaw, Georgia
US Patent References Cited (:|!=closest prior art)
US 6,668,619
US 3,859,845
US 4,301 ,006
US 3,903,729
US 4,445,863
US 5,101,774*
US 5,201,212
Background of the Invention
Field of the Invention
This invention is an advancement in the field of subsea wellhead leak detection, and, more paiticularly, to an improved method and apparatus for detection of potential and actual leaks in subsea wellheads and pipelines with acoustic emission devices and a means for communicating the existence, location and severity of said leaks to surface monitoring facilities in a quick and efficient manner.
Description of Related Art
In all subsea wellheads where hydrocarbon products such as crude oil or natural gas are extracted, the potential for leaks is a substantial issue with regard to
environmental protection and governmental regulation. Leakage from temporarily abandoned wellheads that have not been produced and are still at high pressure are of particular concern because facilities and personnel necessary to detect the presence of a leak are not typically left in the area of the temporarily abandoned or capped wellhead and detection of leakage by conventional means is less likely. The typical approaches used by offshore operators to detect hydrocarbon leaks from subsea wellheads includes aerial observation where leaks are eventually detected as a sheen on the surface of the water, periodic flybys with underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) that scan the wellhead area with various types of sensors such as active acoustics (sonar) or infrared video, monitoring devices that detect acoustic noise in the water caused by a leak and sensors in the water near the wellhead that detect changes in the chemical makeup of the seawater. Leaks from abandoned wellheads are a major concern and could cause
significant detrimental effects on the environment and subject the owners and operators of the wellheads to regulatory penalties. Of particular concern are abandoned wellheads in deep water fields where the leaked hydrocarbon product may not surface within many miles of the leaking wellhead and use of remote monitoring tools, aerial reconnaissance or periodic ROV flyby camiot occur on a regulai- and frequent basis. In these cases subsea wellheads can leak for many days and even weeks before detection and then an additional period of time is required before the precise location can be detected and repaired.
While the potential for such leaks is relatively low, the remoteness and isolation of the wellheads pose a challenge with regard to monitoring methods and communication of the presence or potential for leaks to surface monitoring stations. The use of acoustic emission monitoring is desirable due to the sensitivity of certain acoustic emission devices and signal processing methods to the high frequency noise caused by leakage of hydrocarbon products on the pressurized side of the capped wellhead to the lower pressure area on the other side of closed valves or the environment. Based on similar deployments of acoustic emission techniques to detect leaks through valves and process equipment on the surface such as on the platform or in a shore-based process plant environment, acoustic emission is known to provides an effective method to detect and provide early warning of leaks through valves and to the environment. These similar deployments rely on transmission of the leakage noise through the hydrocarbon media or through the air to the sensor where the noise is detected and processed using a variety of signal processing means. Similar approaches have been employed with limited success for the purpose of detecting leaks to the environment from capped and abandoned subsea wellheads. However, given the lack of infrastructure in the immediate vicinity of the
wellheads, there is a need for additional electronic and signal processing systems required to communicate the leakage data to a surface monitoring station such that offshore operators can manage and maintain remote subsea equipment and protect the
environment. It is also an object of this invention to employ acoustic emission sensors and signal processing that are different from previously applied art. The acoustic emission sensors employed herein are sensitive to much higher frequency ranges than those previously employed and instead of detecting the leakage noise as it travels through the hydrocarbon media or the surrounding seawater, the present invention detects the pressure wave caused by the leak that travels in the steel structure of the wellhead and surrounding steel structure.
Acoustic emission sensors of the type described above are normally referred to as broadband acoustic emission sensors. In order to employ the commercial versions of these sensors in the high pressure subsea environment they must be manufactured into a robust sensor housing such that the acoustic coupling between the steel structure of the wellhead equipment and the sensing element of the sensor is maintained. Appropriately packaged sensors that are ROV deployable with long term battery life, that are structurally designed for deep sea operations are a desirable improvement in the industry. By coupling ROV deployable acoustic emission sensors with the capability of transmitting information regarding potential and actual leaks to the surface represents an improved method for leak detection in the industry.
There are a wide range of acoustic emission devices and signal processing approaches used in industry, but the signal processing techniques and method of
application were designed for specific applications of AE and not customized for leak detection in this manner. Previous devices in the industry include:
U.S. Pat. No. 3,760,280 to Covington, which discloses a method and apparatus for delaying an electrical signal. The electrical signal to be delayed is converted into a frequency modulated signal which is coupled to a digital memory device that operates in response to a control signal. The rate of the control signal and the capacity of the memory device determine the delay of the FM signal. The delayed FM signal is then demodulated back to its original format.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,903,729 to Covington, discloses a method and apparatus for detecting a break or other occurrence in a pipeline containing gas under pressure. This patent discloses detecting the adiabatic pressure wave generated in the gas by the break and propagated through the gas at the speed of sound. The location of the break is determined by the change of pressure with respect to time of the leading wedge of adiabatic pressure wave. Spaced pressure-electrical transducers are utilized to detect the compression waves. Electronic circuitry is utilized to delay a selected one of the transduced electrical signals for a selective time interval to substantially eliminate the portion of the signal responsive to compressional wave traveling in the direction opposite the preselected direction.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,455,863 to Huebler, et al., discloses the sonic detection of gas leaks in underground pipes. The patent detects sound waives created by leaking gas using a sound transducer attached to an elongated probe inserted into the ground for a substantial portion of its length. The elongated probe and transducer combination has an
effective mechanical resonant frequency equal to or below the electrical resonant frequency of the sound transducer. The passive sonic detection apparatus and process of this invention provides improved sensitivity for detection of sounds created by leaking gas and thereby more accurate pinpointing of the gas leak in an underground pipeline.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,101 ,774 to Marziale, et al, discloses an acoustic leak detection system. The system is monitored for leaks by an acoustic leak detection system responsive to atmospherically carried sound transmissions. Energy level amplitudes of respective analog electrical signals generated sequence multiplicity of microphones are converted in a rapid time sequence to a first electric pulse signal sequence represented of a corresponding digital values.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,201 ,212 to Williams, discloses a method and apparatus for testing underground fluid containing lines for leaks. The apparatus includes a differential pressure transducer mounted to a reservoir for indicating volumetric change in the reservoir, a temperature transducer mounted in the reservoir for monitoring temperature fluctuation in the reservoir, a gauge pressure transducer mounted in the reservoir, and a remote temperature sensor and data acquisition and processing system. Readings are taken and pressure and temperature fluctuations in the line are tested at 30 second intervals. Thereafter, the system calculates the leak rate during each 5 minute interval of the test, as well as a cumulative leak rate.
None of the previous efforts of others, taken either alone or in combination, teach or suggest all of the elements of the present invention, nor the advantages and benefits of the present invention.
Brief Summary of the Invention
This invention represents advancement in the area of leak detection in subsea wellheads, subsea production equipment and pipelines. The invention comprises a method and apparatus for acoustic detection of potential and actual leaks in subsea production equipment and pipelines, particularly in subsea valves and wellheads in the oil and gas industry, and a means for communicating the existence, location and severity of . said leaks to surface monitoring facilities in a quick and efficient manner.
The acoustic emissions sensor is comprised of a broadband acoustic emission sensor that operates in the frequency band above 60 KHz up to 1 MHz. The acoustic emission sensor is acoustically coupled to the wellhead, wellhead valve or pipe such that high frequency vibrations traveling in the pipe wall are detected by the sensor. The sensor can use the natural coupling afforded by seawater or a silicon pad of appropriate acoustic properties may be used to achieve the desired coupling. The acoustic emission sensor is connected to a electronic signal processing such the sensor output can be appropriately captured, processed and transmitted to a surface monitoring facility.
The subsea sensor and signal processing can communicate with the surface over wires provided they are available. However, subsea wellheads that are not actively producing do not usually have any type of nearby infrastructure on the seafloor that is capable of communicating data to nearby surface facilities or vessels. In many cases the closest surface facilities are many miles away from the wellhead. Data collected by the acoustic emissions sensor can also be electronically conveyed to a nearby underwater power and communications skid containing a wireless subsea modem and SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) communications module, whereby any data
gathered is communicated to a communications antenna buoy and subsequently relayed via cellular communications or satellite to a surface data acquisition system.
All components of the power and communications skid shall be modular and serviceable by an ROV. Additionally, the power and communications skid shall contain a rechargeable battery pack which may be charged by an ocean current battery charger which utilizes the kinetic energy of ocean movement to create an electrical charge.
An alternate embodiment of the present invention would include the sensors, electronic signal processing and software required to launch a balloon or other floating device that can transmit the data from a leaking wellhead once released to the surface.
Description of the Drawings
FIG. 1 is a detailed view of the broadband acoustic sensor (1) and its electrical components (2) having been affixed to a pipe of a wellhead by ROV with a flexible pad (3) of the broadband acoustic sensor (1) being in contact with the pipe.
FIG. 2 shows a representation of the ROV (6) placing the broadband acoustic sensor (1) in contact with a pipe, said broadband acoustic sensor (1) affixing to the pipe via locking pins (5).
FIG. 3 is an overview of the entire subsea apparatus including the broadband acoustic sensor (1) as comiected to the communications module (7), said communications module (7) further being comprised of a wireless means of communication (7a), and ocean current battery charge (7b) and a rechargeable battery pack (7c).
FIG. 4 shows a representation of communication of data to above sea monitoring stations via stabilization by a buoy (8) with the data being transmitted beyond the local area via a communications antenna (9) Reference Numbers in Drawings
1 Broadband Acoustic Sensor
2 Electrical Components
3 Flexible Pad
4 Apparatus as installed by ROV
5 Locking Pins
6 ROV Handle
7 Communications Module
7a Wireless Means of Communication
7b Ocean Current Battery Charger
7c Rechargeable Battery Pack
8 Buoy
9 Communications Antenna
Claims
Claims
I claim,
1 A method and apparatus for detecting hydrocarbon leaks from subsea wellhead equipment consisting of :
broadband acoustic emission sensors
said broadband acoustic emission sensors being capable of detecting high frequency acoustic waves that are created by leaks in the wellhead equipment and that travel in the steel surface of the wellhead equipment away from the leak source location to the sensor and communicating the existence of leaks via average signal level,
an electronic signal processor
said electronic signal processer being capable of capturing the average signal level of the broadband acoustic emission sensor output and generating and transmitting data regarding leaks,
software
said software being capable of capturing data transmitted by the electronic signal processor, calculating the size of the leak based on the ASL level and generating a leakage alarm,
firmware
said firmware being capable of communicating the leakage alarm generated by the software to a surface monitoring facility such that responsible oil company personnel can tend to the leak in a timely manner.
2 The method and apparatus for detecting hydrocarbon leaks from subsea wellhead equipment of claim 1 wherein the electronic signal processor can be wired to a surface structure or vessel such that the electronics can be continuously powered and connected - to the monitoring station.
3 The method and apparatus for detecting hydrocarbon leaks from subsea wellhead equipment of claim 1 wherein the wellhead location is remote from surface structures or vessels and the broadband acoustic sensors and electronic signal processor must be powered by a local power source such as a battery that may or may not be rechargeable.
4 The method and apparatus of claim 3 wherein the wellhead location is remote from surface structures or vessels and the electronic signal processor must communicate to the monitoring station by wireless means such as by floating buoy and antenna that utilizes the existing cellular telephone infrastructure of the above sea location transmit leakage data to the monitoring facility.
5 The method and apparatus of claim 3 wherein the wellhead location is remote from surface structures or vessels and outside of the range of cellular networks and the information must be communicated to a satellite and then to the monitoring facility.
6 The method and apparatus of claim 3 wherein the wellhead location is remote from surface structures or vessels and the signal processing is performed at the subsea wellhead location and firmware and software in the system automatically calculate leakage level and release a floating ball or balloon that rapidly ascends to the surface where the leakage alarm is transmitted to the nearby cellular network and then to the monitoring station.
7 The method and apparatus of claim 3 wherein the wellhead location is remote from surface structures or vessels and the signal processing is performed at the subsea wellhead location and firmware and software in the system automatically calculate leakage level and release a floating ball or balloon that rapidly ascends to the surface where the leakage alarm is transmitted to a satellite and relayed to the monitoring station.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP11820599.6A EP2635771A1 (en) | 2010-08-24 | 2011-08-24 | Leak detection and early warning system for capped or abandoned subsea wellheads |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US37632610P | 2010-08-24 | 2010-08-24 | |
| US61/376,326 | 2010-08-24 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2012027476A1 true WO2012027476A1 (en) | 2012-03-01 |
| WO2012027476A4 WO2012027476A4 (en) | 2012-04-26 |
Family
ID=45723792
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2011/048974 WO2012027476A1 (en) | 2010-08-24 | 2011-08-24 | Leak detection and early warning system for capped or abandoned subsea wellheads |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP2635771A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2012027476A1 (en) |
Cited By (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2891761A3 (en) * | 2013-12-23 | 2016-03-30 | General Electric Company | Subsea equipment monitoring system |
| WO2016048958A1 (en) * | 2014-09-28 | 2016-03-31 | Rheidiant, Llc | Pipeline wireless sensor network |
| CN105863604A (en) * | 2016-05-26 | 2016-08-17 | 石家庄鼎存电子科技有限公司 | Protective device for shut-down sealed motor-pumped well |
| WO2018013995A1 (en) * | 2016-07-14 | 2018-01-18 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Estimation of flow rates using acoustics in a subterranean borehole and/or formation |
| CN108729900A (en) * | 2018-04-26 | 2018-11-02 | 中国科学院电工研究所 | A kind of underwater abandoned well monitoring system of self-powered and monitoring method |
| CN108831139A (en) * | 2018-06-04 | 2018-11-16 | 杭州电子科技大学 | Paralic environment monitoring data Transmission system based on more cableless communications |
| CN109580354A (en) * | 2018-12-29 | 2019-04-05 | 上海工程技术大学 | A kind of acoustic emission signal acquisition analysis system of textile material |
| GB2573661A (en) * | 2018-05-08 | 2019-11-13 | Sentinel Subsea Ltd | Apparatus and method |
| WO2022010777A3 (en) * | 2020-07-06 | 2022-02-17 | Ion Geophysical Corporation | Well monitoring system for monitoring a subsea, sub-surface well |
| US11933163B1 (en) | 2022-09-06 | 2024-03-19 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Landing base with extended pressure monitoring coverage |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3462240A (en) * | 1966-07-12 | 1969-08-19 | Shell Oil Co | Acoustic apparatus for examining a pipeline for leaks |
| US5533383A (en) * | 1994-08-18 | 1996-07-09 | General Electric Company | Integrated acoustic leak detection processing system |
| US6640900B2 (en) * | 2001-07-12 | 2003-11-04 | Sensor Highway Limited | Method and apparatus to monitor, control and log subsea oil and gas wells |
| US7643945B2 (en) * | 2006-12-28 | 2010-01-05 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Technique for acoustic data analysis |
-
2011
- 2011-08-24 WO PCT/US2011/048974 patent/WO2012027476A1/en active Application Filing
- 2011-08-24 EP EP11820599.6A patent/EP2635771A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3462240A (en) * | 1966-07-12 | 1969-08-19 | Shell Oil Co | Acoustic apparatus for examining a pipeline for leaks |
| US5533383A (en) * | 1994-08-18 | 1996-07-09 | General Electric Company | Integrated acoustic leak detection processing system |
| US6640900B2 (en) * | 2001-07-12 | 2003-11-04 | Sensor Highway Limited | Method and apparatus to monitor, control and log subsea oil and gas wells |
| US7643945B2 (en) * | 2006-12-28 | 2010-01-05 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Technique for acoustic data analysis |
Cited By (13)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2891761A3 (en) * | 2013-12-23 | 2016-03-30 | General Electric Company | Subsea equipment monitoring system |
| WO2016048958A1 (en) * | 2014-09-28 | 2016-03-31 | Rheidiant, Llc | Pipeline wireless sensor network |
| CN105863604A (en) * | 2016-05-26 | 2016-08-17 | 石家庄鼎存电子科技有限公司 | Protective device for shut-down sealed motor-pumped well |
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| CN109580354A (en) * | 2018-12-29 | 2019-04-05 | 上海工程技术大学 | A kind of acoustic emission signal acquisition analysis system of textile material |
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Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2012027476A4 (en) | 2012-04-26 |
| EP2635771A1 (en) | 2013-09-11 |
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