WO2013072261A1 - Pressure testing of subsea modules using heat - Google Patents

Pressure testing of subsea modules using heat Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2013072261A1
WO2013072261A1 PCT/EP2012/072334 EP2012072334W WO2013072261A1 WO 2013072261 A1 WO2013072261 A1 WO 2013072261A1 EP 2012072334 W EP2012072334 W EP 2012072334W WO 2013072261 A1 WO2013072261 A1 WO 2013072261A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
module
pressure
fluid
temperature
increase
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2012/072334
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Thomas KAJANDER
Original Assignee
Framo Engineering As
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 Framo Engineering As filed Critical Framo Engineering As
Priority to GB1410358.4A priority Critical patent/GB2512222B/en
Publication of WO2013072261A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013072261A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • E21B47/10—Locating fluid leaks, intrusions or movements
    • E21B47/117—Detecting leaks, e.g. from tubing, by pressure testing
    • 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
    • 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
    • G01M3/002—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using thermal means
    • 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
    • G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
    • 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
    • G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
    • G01M3/28—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds
    • 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
    • G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
    • G01M3/28—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds
    • G01M3/2807—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds for pipes
    • 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
    • G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
    • G01M3/28—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds
    • G01M3/2807—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds for pipes
    • G01M3/2815—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds for pipes using pressure measurements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for pressure testing, particularly pressure testing subsea modules, piping and/or components used in the hydrocarbon industry. It is useful in the field of hydrocarbon exploration and particularly in subsea oil and gas pumping applications. It can also be used topside and for other more general applications in which pressure testing of fluids is required.
  • Traditional pressure testing of a module involves adding mass, for example a fluid of some type, to increase the pressure in the module to test whether there are any weaknesses in joints, valves, or any other components of the module, assuming that there are steady state conditions including stable temperatures.
  • mass for example a fluid of some type
  • pressure data is measured using a sensor which is lowered into the well on coiled tubing with a submersible pump. Extra fluid is pumped into the module through the coiled tubing.
  • a first aspect of the invention is a method of pressure testing a module containing fluid, the method comprising: sealing the module; applying heat to the module to increase the temperature and thus the pressure of the fluid from a working pressure to a test pressure; and conducting a test, and subsequently cooling the module or allowing the module to cool until the fluid pressure returns substantially to the working pressure.
  • the module may for example be or comprise a length of piping containing fluid.
  • the pressure sealing is so that the module does not leak to its surroundings.
  • the method generally uses the physical principle of thermal expansion, where applying heat to the fluid in the module, increases the temperature and thus also the pressure of the fluid from a working pressure to the required test pressure; and then conducting the test. Subsequently cooling down the pipe and/or module allows the pressure to return substantially to the working pressure.
  • a second aspect of the invention provides corresponding apparatus for pressure testing a module containing fluid including apparatus for generating heat.
  • the step of heating the module comprises applying an external heat source to increase the temperature of the fluid.
  • the external heat source could be a general electrical heating device (such as comprising a resistor) or heating the module may be effected using a pump or compressor to circulate fluid in a closed loop within the sealed module.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic diagram a system according to the present invention, using a pump or a compressor as a heat source.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a system according to the present invention, using a general heat source.
  • FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a fluid module 1 comprising fluid flowing in piping 2.
  • a section 3 of the module 1 is isolated between valves 4 and 5 and a pump or compressor 6 is used to recirculate the fluid in a closed loop 7 through a minimum flow valve 8.
  • An electrical motor 9 drives the pump or compressor 6 and is supplied with electricity via electrical cable 10.
  • Equation 1 l/y dV/dT Equation 2
  • P pressure
  • V volume
  • T temperature
  • K bulk modulus
  • a volumetric coefficient of thermal expansion
  • the isolation valves 4 and 5 are first closed to seal off the module 1.
  • the energy from the motor 9 is converted to heat which increases the temperature of the fluid in the piping 2 within the isolated section 3, and this causes thermal expansion of the fluid. Since the section 3 is sealed, the expansion is converted into increased pressure according to the equations above.
  • the pump/ compressor 6 is shut off and the temperature will fall again as the piping 2 cools from the surrounding environment. Thus the pressure in the isolated section 3 reduces, eventually reaching the original working temperature and pressure of the module 1.
  • the isolated section 3 is heated by a separate heating element 11 rather than from a pump / compressor recirculating fluid.
  • the principle of operation is otherwise the same as in Figure 1. This embodiment would be applied where no compressor or pump is available in the relevant section, which would be the case for example in a X-mass tree or subsea manifold.
  • Another alternative is to use a heat exchanger to increase the temperature in the isolated section 3.
  • the invention applies particularly to modules containing liquid but can generally be applied to other fluids, for example multiphase fluids which comprise a mixture of liquid and gas and are common in the petrochemical industry. In this case the efficiency will be lower because of the relationship of the pressure and temperature differences (dP/dT) and so it would require more differential in temperature to achieve the same differential pressure.
  • dP/dT pressure and temperature differences

Abstract

A method of pressure testing a module containing fluid, the method comprising: sealing the module; applying heat to the module to increase the temperature and thus the pressure of the fluid from a working pressure to a test pressure; and conducting a test, and subsequently cooling the module or allowing the module to cool until the fluid pressure returns substantially to the working pressure. Corresponding apparatus is also disclosed.

Description

PRESSURE TESTING OF SUBSEA MODULES USING HEAT
Description
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for pressure testing, particularly pressure testing subsea modules, piping and/or components used in the hydrocarbon industry. It is useful in the field of hydrocarbon exploration and particularly in subsea oil and gas pumping applications. It can also be used topside and for other more general applications in which pressure testing of fluids is required.
Background of the invention
Traditional pressure testing of a module involves adding mass, for example a fluid of some type, to increase the pressure in the module to test whether there are any weaknesses in joints, valves, or any other components of the module, assuming that there are steady state conditions including stable temperatures. One example is described in WO 2009/129240 where testing of a subsea module is controlled at the surface, and pressure data is measured using a sensor which is lowered into the well on coiled tubing with a submersible pump. Extra fluid is pumped into the module through the coiled tubing.
In subsea conditions, where environmentally unfriendly materials (such as hydrocarbons) are being handled at considerable depths, this can present problems. Any mass added to the system will be contaminated by the fluid of the system and must be disposed of in a controlled way when the pressure is relieved again. Normally this could be done by opening a valve to a reservoir, which will dump the pressure instantly and could potentially generate a shock. Not all applications could be design to handle a shock like this. In these cases, the pressure must be relieved in a slow and controlled manner. This could in some cases be achieved by moving and storing the added fluid mass to another place in the module or manifold. This would require a separate line to take the added fluid mass back to a topside installation or a retrievable unit, where the waste fluid can be treated in an appropriate manner, for example decontaminated. It is preferable in subsea systems to reduce the dependence on additional mechanical accessories, such as additional valves and piping, and to reduce the risk of transients due to the opening of valves subjected to high differential pressures. Summary of the invention
A first aspect of the invention, is a method of pressure testing a module containing fluid, the method comprising: sealing the module; applying heat to the module to increase the temperature and thus the pressure of the fluid from a working pressure to a test pressure; and conducting a test, and subsequently cooling the module or allowing the module to cool until the fluid pressure returns substantially to the working pressure.
The module may for example be or comprise a length of piping containing fluid.
The pressure sealing is so that the module does not leak to its surroundings.
The method generally uses the physical principle of thermal expansion, where applying heat to the fluid in the module, increases the temperature and thus also the pressure of the fluid from a working pressure to the required test pressure; and then conducting the test. Subsequently cooling down the pipe and/or module allows the pressure to return substantially to the working pressure.
A second aspect of the invention provides corresponding apparatus for pressure testing a module containing fluid including apparatus for generating heat. Preferably the step of heating the module comprises applying an external heat source to increase the temperature of the fluid.
The external heat source could be a general electrical heating device (such as comprising a resistor) or heating the module may be effected using a pump or compressor to circulate fluid in a closed loop within the sealed module. Brief Description of the Drawings
For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram a system according to the present invention, using a pump or a compressor as a heat source.
Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a system according to the present invention, using a general heat source.
Detailed Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 schematically illustrates a fluid module 1 comprising fluid flowing in piping 2. A section 3 of the module 1 is isolated between valves 4 and 5 and a pump or compressor 6 is used to recirculate the fluid in a closed loop 7 through a minimum flow valve 8. An electrical motor 9 drives the pump or compressor 6 and is supplied with electricity via electrical cable 10.
The energy from the motor 9 is converted to heat within the isolated section 3 and this heats the fluid in the piping in the isolated section 3. As the fluid temperature rises (measured by temperature transmitter instrument TT), the pressure of the fluid in that section 3 rises (measured by pressure transmitter instrument PT), in a controlled manner, as is well known to the skilled person, according to the equations: K = -VdP/dV
Equation 1 = l/y dV/dT Equation 2 where: P = pressure, V = volume, T = temperature, K = bulk modulus, a = volumetric coefficient of thermal expansion.
Before pressure testing begins, the isolation valves 4 and 5 are first closed to seal off the module 1. The energy from the motor 9 is converted to heat which increases the temperature of the fluid in the piping 2 within the isolated section 3, and this causes thermal expansion of the fluid. Since the section 3 is sealed, the expansion is converted into increased pressure according to the equations above. When the target pressure is reached, the pump/ compressor 6 is shut off and the temperature will fall again as the piping 2 cools from the surrounding environment. Thus the pressure in the isolated section 3 reduces, eventually reaching the original working temperature and pressure of the module 1.
In the embodiment of Figure 2 the isolated section 3 is heated by a separate heating element 11 rather than from a pump / compressor recirculating fluid. The principle of operation is otherwise the same as in Figure 1. This embodiment would be applied where no compressor or pump is available in the relevant section, which would be the case for example in a X-mass tree or subsea manifold. Another alternative is to use a heat exchanger to increase the temperature in the isolated section 3.
The invention applies particularly to modules containing liquid but can generally be applied to other fluids, for example multiphase fluids which comprise a mixture of liquid and gas and are common in the petrochemical industry. In this case the efficiency will be lower because of the relationship of the pressure and temperature differences (dP/dT) and so it would require more differential in temperature to achieve the same differential pressure.

Claims

1. A method of pressure testing a module containing fluid, the method comprising: sealing the module;
applying heat to the module to increase the temperature and thus the pressure of the fluid from a working pressure to a test pressure; and
conducting a test, and subsequently cooling the module or allowing the module to cool until the fluid pressure returns substantially to the working pressure.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the step of heating the module comprises applying an external heat source to increase the temperature of the fluid.
3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the step of heating the module comprises using a pump or compressor to circulate fluid in a closed loop within the sealed module.
4. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 1 or Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.
5. Apparatus for pressure testing a module containing fluid, comprising:
means for pressure sealing the module;
means for applying heat to the module to increase the temperature and hence the pressure from a working pressure to a test pressure;
means for conducting one or more predetermined tests; and
means for subsequently cooling the module or allowing the module to cool, to reduce the temperature and hence the pressure of the fluid in the module substantially to the working pressure.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the means for heating the module comprises means for applying an external heat source to increase the temperature of the fluid.
7. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the means for heating the module comprises a pump or compressor powered by a motor, to circulate fluid in a closed loop within the sealed module.
8. Apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.
PCT/EP2012/072334 2011-11-18 2012-11-09 Pressure testing of subsea modules using heat WO2013072261A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1410358.4A GB2512222B (en) 2011-11-18 2012-11-09 Pressure testing of subsea modules using heat

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1119967.6A GB2496665A (en) 2011-11-18 2011-11-18 Pressure Testing Subsea Modules, Piping or Components
GB1119967.6 2011-11-18

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2013072261A1 true WO2013072261A1 (en) 2013-05-23

Family

ID=45475400

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2012/072334 WO2013072261A1 (en) 2011-11-18 2012-11-09 Pressure testing of subsea modules using heat

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (2) GB2496665A (en)
WO (1) WO2013072261A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112729716B (en) * 2020-12-04 2023-07-14 上海宝冶集团有限公司 Integral pressure test method for long-distance pipeline of refrigerating system for snowmobile sledge track

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3711123A (en) * 1971-01-15 1973-01-16 Hydro Tech Services Inc Apparatus for pressure testing annular seals in an oversliding connector
US3765240A (en) * 1971-08-27 1973-10-16 Cons Edison Co Method and apparatus for detecting oil leaks in cables
GB2267352A (en) * 1992-05-15 1993-12-01 Lagoven S A Pressure testing gas-lift wells
WO1995011455A1 (en) * 1993-10-20 1995-04-27 Autoliv Development Ab A sensor apparatus
WO2001002825A1 (en) * 1999-07-01 2001-01-11 Bwi Plc Aerosol container testing apparatus
US20080060415A1 (en) * 2006-09-13 2008-03-13 Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. Method for testing a stored gas container
WO2009129240A2 (en) 2008-04-18 2009-10-22 Services Petroliers Schlumberger Selective zonal testing using a coiled tubing deployed submersible pump

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH412397A (en) * 1964-07-24 1966-04-30 Maeder Karl Method and device for leak testing of containers containing pressurized gas, in particular aerosol cans
DE1923012A1 (en) * 1969-05-06 1970-11-19 Schwarzkopf Gmbh Hans Device for testing the tightness of containers, especially aerosol cans
AT399225B (en) * 1989-07-14 1995-04-25 Schrack Components Ag Arrangement for leak testing or establishing the gas and/or liquid content of objects
GB2304904A (en) * 1995-09-02 1997-03-26 Weatherford Oil Tool Testing threaded joints and threaded members for leaks
US6167751B1 (en) * 1997-11-26 2001-01-02 Thermedics Detection, Inc. Leak analysis

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3711123A (en) * 1971-01-15 1973-01-16 Hydro Tech Services Inc Apparatus for pressure testing annular seals in an oversliding connector
US3765240A (en) * 1971-08-27 1973-10-16 Cons Edison Co Method and apparatus for detecting oil leaks in cables
GB2267352A (en) * 1992-05-15 1993-12-01 Lagoven S A Pressure testing gas-lift wells
WO1995011455A1 (en) * 1993-10-20 1995-04-27 Autoliv Development Ab A sensor apparatus
WO2001002825A1 (en) * 1999-07-01 2001-01-11 Bwi Plc Aerosol container testing apparatus
US20080060415A1 (en) * 2006-09-13 2008-03-13 Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. Method for testing a stored gas container
WO2009129240A2 (en) 2008-04-18 2009-10-22 Services Petroliers Schlumberger Selective zonal testing using a coiled tubing deployed submersible pump

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201119967D0 (en) 2012-01-04
GB2496665A (en) 2013-05-22
GB201410358D0 (en) 2014-07-23
GB2512222A (en) 2014-09-24
GB2512222B (en) 2018-02-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20210306720A1 (en) Thermal Monitoring System and Method
Wang et al. Conductive heat flow and thermally induced fluid flow around a well bore in a poroelastic medium
US10393616B2 (en) Hydrostatic and vibration test method for a blowout preventer
CN102829281A (en) Underwater Hydrocarbon transport pipeline and temperature control device
US20200370987A1 (en) Hydrostatic Pressure Test Method and Apparatus
NO330105B1 (en) Seabed heat exchanger
Luo et al. Influence of thermo-elastic stress on fracture initiation during CO2 injection and storage
WO2023029297A1 (en) Underground phase change temperature regulation method and apparatus
WO2013072261A1 (en) Pressure testing of subsea modules using heat
EP3051243A1 (en) Arrangement for subsea cooling of electric equipment
CN104515717A (en) Drilling fluid settleability testing device
WO2012155018A2 (en) Downhole refrigeration using an expendable refrigerant
US10344919B2 (en) Subsea module pressure control
Li et al. Study on the subsea umbilical cable equivalent device’s hydraulic transmission characteristics
CN105445270A (en) Apparatus for monitoring fluid phase behavior changes in porous medium
Mohamed et al. Evaluation of annulus pressure buildup during injection operations
Oldenburg et al. Simulation study comparing offshore versus onshore CO2 well blowouts
Martins et al. Predicting the annular pressure behavior during water injection in offshore wells with a transient, multiphysics model
Ding et al. Taking the pulse of subsea trees design towards deepwater application
Lykova et al. Using ESP Permanent Magnet Motor Technology in High-Temperature Geothermal Applications
Brazil et al. Successful production allocation through esp performance in peregrino field
US20190271440A1 (en) Method for hydrate control
Romer et al. Development and testing of a wireline-deployed positive-displacement pump for late-life wells
Mbaya et al. Analysis of temperature and pressure surge distribution for single phase gas flow during wellbore shut-in and start-up
Noonan et al. The quest to understand ESP performance and reliability at 220 C ambient and beyond

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 12786975

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 1410358

Country of ref document: GB

Kind code of ref document: A

Free format text: PCT FILING DATE = 20121109

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 1410358.4

Country of ref document: GB

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 12786975

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1