WO2014077820A1 - Système de stockage de fluide sous-marin et procédés s'y rapportant - Google Patents

Système de stockage de fluide sous-marin et procédés s'y rapportant Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014077820A1
WO2014077820A1 PCT/US2012/065313 US2012065313W WO2014077820A1 WO 2014077820 A1 WO2014077820 A1 WO 2014077820A1 US 2012065313 W US2012065313 W US 2012065313W WO 2014077820 A1 WO2014077820 A1 WO 2014077820A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
support
flexible bladder
storage system
fluid storage
state
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2012/065313
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Savanna HANTZ
Original Assignee
Fluor Technologies Corporation
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 Fluor Technologies Corporation filed Critical Fluor Technologies Corporation
Priority to PCT/US2012/065313 priority Critical patent/WO2014077820A1/fr
Publication of WO2014077820A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014077820A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/16—Large containers flexible
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/78—Large containers for use in or under water
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
    • B65D90/48—Arrangements of indicating or measuring devices
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
    • E02D29/00—Independent underground or underwater structures; Retaining walls
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2590/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
    • B65D2590/0083—Computer or electronic system, e.g. GPS systems

Definitions

  • the field of the invention is fluid storage, and in particular fluid storage in a subsea environment.
  • Subsea storage of liquid products utilized in various undersea operations has been proven to be a practical and economical alternative to providing such products at depth from surface storage.
  • a subsea storage facility is substantially protected from adverse weather, and also present a wide variety of potential storage spaces not limited by the needs of surface transport or installation. They are particularly desirable for use with offshore petroleum installations and fields.
  • a variety of other fluid compounds or additives may be stored at production wells and processing units.
  • fluid compounds/additives may be utilized, for example, to assist in drilling, control corrosion, reduce scale buildup, stabilize emulsions, and control the formation/buildup of undesirable compounds (such as hydrates, hydrogen sulfide, asphaltenes, and inorganic compounds).
  • undesirable compounds such as hydrates, hydrogen sulfide, asphaltenes, and inorganic compounds.
  • Such subsea storage necessarily introduces the potential for contamination of the surrounding water by stored liquids, either through the design of the storage system (which may equalize external and internal pressures by admitting water from the environment) or by accidental release.
  • such subsea fluid storage systems should provide for safe storage of a variety of fluids in such a way that the risk of environmental contamination is minimized. Due to the inherent difficulties in observing such systems directly the ability to monitor the state of such systems remotely is also highly desirable.
  • U.S. Patent No. 3,695,047 discloses a subsea storage system for fluid with densities less than that of water, in which the stored fluid is held in a concrete tank with a convex top that resists the pressure applied by the buoyant fluid in storage. While the use of concrete reduces or eliminates corrosion issues, in this system pressure between the inside and the outside of the tank is equalized by placing the interior of the storage tank in fluid communication with the surrounding sea. The stored liquid "floats" on the water held within the tank, and so directly provides an opportunity for contamination of the surrounding water. This issue is addressed to some extent in U.S. Patent No.
  • Patent Application No. US2011/0215510 (to Erikson) describes methods for forming pressure resistant molded metal tanks that are suitable for fluid storage and that do not require pressure equalization with the environment.
  • metal tanks are subject to corrosion in the subsea environment.
  • the size of such tanks is necessarily limited by the strength of the materials utilized and the relatively extreme conditions encountered in the manufacturing process.
  • flexible bladders such as those supplied by Aero Tec Laboratories (Ramsey, New Jersey U.S.A. 07446) for subsea storage of fluids has also been explored.
  • Such devices do not provide a high degree of protection from accidental collisions that may cause a flexible bladder to rupture.
  • 7,841,289 discloses a streamlined tank with a collapsible internal bladder that is used for fluid storage and with a liquid port to the external environment.
  • these disclosed devices are designed to float at the surface as they are towed between locations and lack numerous features necessary for subsea storage. Additional fluid storage systems that utilize an enclosed collapsible or fiexible bladder are disclosed in French Patent No.
  • the inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems, and methods by which one can safely and effectively store fluids in subsea environments.
  • Fluid is stored in a flexible bladder that is at least partially enclosed in a perforate vessel, where the openings allow for equalization of pressure between the inside and the outside of the perforate vessel as the flexible bladder changes in volume.
  • the perforate vessel is anchored or otherwise secured to the seabed.
  • the flexible bladder may be filled through a flange (such as a neck flange) that protrudes or extends through an opening in the perforate vessel. This flange may serve as an interface with a conduit that is utilized to fill and/or empty the subsea storage system.
  • the bladder is coupled to a support, which is moved towards the flange so as to brace the flange against the weight of the bladder and/or the contents of the bladder. As the bladder is filled it presses against the support, moving it distal to the flange along a guide.
  • a sensor may be used to monitor the position of the support (which moves in concert with the flexible bladder as it is filled and/or emptied) and can provide a signal or data stream that can be utilized by a controller to allow determination of the volume or fill state of the flexible bladder.
  • One embodiment of the inventive concept is a subsea fluid storage system that includes a perforate vessel (that is, a vessel with one or more apertures), a flexible bladder that includes a neck flange and that is coupled to and at least partially disposed within the perforate vessel, a support (which can be an axle) that is attached or coupled to the flexible bladder and is movably coupled to the perforate vessel, a support driver that can move at least a portion of the support towards the neck flange of the flexible bladder, an anchoring device and/or element that is coupled to the perforate vessel and is configured to secure the perforate vessel to a seabed or other suitable subsea feature, and a sensor that is operationally coupled to the support and is configured to generate a signal and/or data stream that is a function of the position of the support (and/or a portion thereof).
  • a flexible bladder assembly for subsea fluid storage that includes a flexible bladder (which forms a reservoir for subsea fluid storage) with a neck flange and a bladder terminus that includes a support anchor, where the neck flange supports and/or retains the flexible bladder in a subsea perforate vessel.
  • the flexible bladder may be configured to move between a first state (in which the support anchor is proximal to the neck flange) and a second state (in which the support anchor is distal to the neck flange).
  • the flexible bladder assembly may also include a support that is configured to move between a first state that is coincident with the first state of the flexible bladder and a second state that is coincident with the second state of the flexible bladder.
  • the flexible bladder assembly includes a sensor that can provide a signal and/or data that differentiates between the first state of the support and the second state of the support to a controller.
  • Another embodiment of the inventive concept is a method for subsea fluid storage in a subsea fluid storage system, in which a fluid is introduced to an interior of a flexible bladder of the subsea fluid storage system through a neck flange and thereby displaces a support (or a portion of a support) from the neck flange distally along a guide of the subsea fluid storage system.
  • Fluid may be introduced to (and/or removed from) the fluid storage system via a conduit that is in fluid communication with the neck flange. Fluid is removed from the interior of the flexible bladder using an actuator, thereby moving the support (or a portion thereof) in a proximal direction to the neck flange.
  • the support, or a portion thereof, may be moved by reversibly deforming the flexible bladder from a second to a first state or between a second state and a first state.
  • fill state and/or volume of the flexible bladder may be measured by a sensor that is operationally coupled to the support, or a portion thereof.
  • a sensor may be configured to supply a signal and/or data that is related to the position of the support; this signal and/or data may be utilized to estimate the volume of the flexible bladder.
  • the neck flange of the flexible bladder may be braced by the support when the flexible bladder is empty.
  • Fluids that are stored by a method of the inventive concept include chemicals utilized for chemical injection in deep sea petrochemical operations, back flush liquids from deep sea petrochemical operations, discharge from deep sea petrochemical operations, gases utilized in deep sea petrochemical operations, and gases produced by deep sea petrochemical operations.
  • Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the inventive concept.
  • Fig. 1 A illustrates a subsea fluid storage system utilizing a flexible bladder, where the flexible bladder is empty.
  • Fig. IB illustrates the same system with the flexible bladder partially filled.
  • Fig. 1C illustrates the system with the flexible bladder filled.
  • FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the inventive concept.
  • Fig. 2A illustrates a subsea fluid storage system utilizing a flexible bladder, where the flexible bladder is empty.
  • Fig. 2B illustrates the system with the flexible bladder filled.
  • FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the inventive concept.
  • Fig. 3A illustrates a subsea fluid storage system utilizing a flexible bladder, where the flexible bladder is empty.
  • Fig. 3B illustrates the system with the flexible bladder filled.
  • the subsea storage system utilizes materials and compositions that are compatible with fluids produced by and/or utilized in the petrochemical industry.
  • inventive subject matter provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
  • the inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods by which one can safely and effectively store fluids in undersea environments.
  • a subsea storage system of the inventive concept may be configured to be functional at depths of greater than 100 meters.
  • the subsea storage system is configured to be functional at depths greater than 1,000 meters.
  • the subsea storage system is configured to be functional at depths greater than 3,000 meters.
  • Fluid is stored in a flexible bladder that is at least partially enclosed in a perforate vessel. This vessel provides protection for the flexible bladder from subsea hazards.
  • a perforate vessel i.e. a vessel with one or more apertures or perforations that place the interior of the vessel in fluid communication with the
  • the bladder may be filled and/or emptied through a flange (such as a neck flange) that extends through an opening or aperture in the perforate vessel.
  • This flange may engage a conduit, pipe, umbilicus, or similar structure to form a seal that provides direct access to the interior of the flexible bladder.
  • the flexible bladder is coupled to a support, which is moved towards the flange so as to brace the flange against the weight of the bladder and to thereby relieve stress that may be applied to this flange by the weight of the bladder and/or its contents.
  • a support As the flexible bladder is filled from an empty state it deforms reversibly, distending to press against the support and causing the support to move along a guide until the flexible bladder reaches a filled state.
  • the support may compress or otherwise transfer energy to a support driver, which in turn supplies force to the support that is directed to and/or moves the support towards the flange.
  • a sensor may be used to monitor the position of the support and provide data and/or a signal related to this position.
  • a controller such as a computer or similar computational device, may utilize this information to determine of the volume of the bladder. This advantageously provides information related to the fill state of the subsea storage system in environments where it may not be conveniently observed directly.
  • the support, guide, and/or the flexible bladder may incorporate features that allow the flexible bladder to be compacted or packed in an orderly manner as the flexible bladder is emptied. The manner of packing may be selected to prevent entanglement or snagging of the flexible bladder upon being filled, for example by encircling the flexible bladder around the support.
  • the subsea storage system can include an anchoring element that is coupled to the perforate vessel and may serve to affix the subsea storage system to a stationary object, such as the seabed.
  • Suitable anchoring elements include (but are not limited to) anchors, grapples, clamps, suction piles, and/or ballasted foundations.
  • FIGS 1A-1C illustrate an embodiment of the inventive concept.
  • a perforate vessel 100 encloses a flexible bladder 110 that includes a flange 120 (for example, a neck flange).
  • the perforate vessel 100 which can serve to protect the flexible bladder 110, is perforated- including an aperture through which the flange 120 may extend and one or more other openings 105 that permit pressure within the perforate vessel 100 to be equalized with external pressures as the volume of the bladder changes.
  • a conduit 121 (such as a pipe or similar structure) may be utilized in conjunction with an actuator 122 (for example, a pump) to transfer fluids to and/or from the flexible bladder 110 through the flange 120.
  • an actuator 122 for example, a pump
  • An anchoring element 165 may be affixed to the perforate vessel 100, permitting the subsea storage system to be fixed in place.
  • Such an anchoring element 165 may, for example, affix the perforate vessel to the seabed and/or a portion of an existing subsea structure. Placement of an opening 105 towards the seabed advantageously permits containment of low density fluids that may escape from the flexible bladder 110 while supporting pressure equalization. It should be recognized, however, that numerous other arrangements may be suitable. Such other arrangements can include, but are not limited to, the use of porous materials in construction of the perforate vessel 100, the use of multiple openings through perforate vessel, and the use of a cage and/or net that encompasses the flexible bladder 110.
  • Figure 1 A shows an embodiment of the inventive concept in which the flexible bladder 110 is empty, and wrapped around a support 130 in a circular or helical fashion. It should be appreciated, however, that other packing arrangements for the flexible bladder 110 may be utilized. Suitable supports include, but are not limited to, an axle, a shaft, a rod, or other suitable structure.
  • the support 130 is engaged in a guide 140 that directs its movement along the inner wall of the perforate vessel 100, and is moved towards the flange 120 by a support driver 150.
  • the support driver 150 can be a resilient body and/or member that applies force to the support 130.
  • the support driver 150 and support 130 are arranged so that force is applied when the flexible bladder 110 has a density greater than that of the surrounding media, and /or the support is proximal to the flange 120.
  • the density of the flexible bladder 110 may be a function of its composition, its fill state, and the nature of the fluid and/or fluids contained therein.
  • the support 130 may apply force to the flexible bladder 110 when it is in an empty or partially filled state. This advantageously braces the flange 120, relieving stress from the weight of the flexible bladder 110 and reducing or eliminating the possibility of tearing of the flexible bladder 110.
  • Suitable support drivers include (but are not limited to) springs, resilient polymers and/or rubbers, and/or pneumatic devices.
  • a cable and pulley system may be utilized to actuate support 130, for example via a counterweight.
  • the support driver is a compression spring that lies within a guide 140 that engages a portion (for example, a terminus) of the support 130.
  • Suitable guides 140 include (but are not limited to) a channel, a track, a groove, or similar structure that is configured to engage the support 130.
  • a guide may be a cable or line that engages a loop or similar engaging structure of the support 130.
  • a sensor 156 may be utilized to provide a signal or data stream that is related to the position of the support 130. This signal may, in turn, be transmitted or otherwise provided to a controller 157 and utilized to determine the fill state of the flexible bladder 110, as detailed below.
  • FIG. IB which shows an embodiment of the inventive concept in a partially filled state
  • the flexible bladder 110 deforms - unrolling and/or disengaging from the support 130 as a reservoir portion 125 expands. This deformation may be reversible, returning the flexible bladder 110 to its unfilled conformation or state as it is emptied.
  • the support 130 moves away from the flange 120 along a guide 140 and compresses the support driver 150. It should be appreciated that this increase in the volume of the flexible bladder 110 does not result in an increase in pressure within the perforate vessel 100 due to its perforate nature.
  • a sensor 156 may be utilized to provide a signal or data related to the position of the support 130.
  • one or more sensor(s) 156 may be associated with the support 130 and/or a support anchor 160, and configured to provide a signal on sensing features incorporated into the guide 140.
  • contact, magnetic, and/or optical flags may be placed along the guide 140 that provide a signal when proximate to a sensor 156.
  • a plurality of sensors may be associated with the guide 140, and configured to provide a signal on sensing the passage of the support 130 and/or a support anchor 160 as the volume of the flexible bladder 110 changes.
  • a sensor 156 may monitor movements made by the support 130 (for example, measuring rotation of the support 130 via an accelerometer or characterizing distance of the support 130 from an ultrasonic sensor affixed to the perforate vessel 100).
  • a sensor 156 may monitor energy stored in the support driver 150, for example through the use of a force sensor. It should be appreciated that while Figures 1A-1C show a sensor 156 that is proximal to a support 130, it is envisioned that such a sensor 156 may be positioned at any location suitable to its function.
  • the sensor signal may be transmitted or otherwise provided to a controller 157, which may utilize such data to determine the volume of the flexible bladder 110.
  • data related to the position of the support 130 within the perforate vessel 100 may be utilized by a controller 157 in conjunction with data related to the geometry of the flexible bladder 110 to derive a fill volume for the flexible bladder 110.
  • fill volume may be obtained empirically by filling the flexible bladder 110 with one or more known volumes of fluid and recording a signal related to the position of support 130 at each volume prior to deployment of the subsea storage system.
  • a controller 157 could be configured to compare signals obtained from a sensor 156 in the field to such data and report a fill state or volume for the flexible bladder 110.
  • Such information may be utilized to, for example, optimize plant operations by distributing fluid storage to different members of a series of storage systems or to provide a notice or warning to an operator.
  • Figure 1C shows an embodiment of the inventive concept in a filled state.
  • the support 130 may be coupled to a terminus 155 of the flexible bladder 110 and at least partially exposed when the flexible bladder 110 is filled.
  • the support 130 may be coupled to the flexible bladder 110 at one or more support anchor(s) 160, which can be located at or near the terminus 155 of the flexible bladder 110.
  • the guide 140 may include features that imparting a rotational motion to the support 130 as it moves along the guide 140.
  • the guide 140 may include teeth and/or cams that engage complementary features on the support 130 and impart a rotational motion as the support moves along the guide 140.
  • Figure 2 A shows a flexible bladder 210 within a perforate vessel 200 that includes an aperture through which extends a flange 220 (such as a neck flange) of the flexible bladder 210 and an opening 205 that permits equalization of pressure between the inside and the outside of the perforate vessel 200; in the state shown the flexible bladder 210 is empty or nearly empty.
  • a conduit 221 (such as a pipe or similar structure) may be utilized in conjunction with an actuator 222 (for example, a pump) to transfer fluids to and/or from the flexible bladder 210 through the flange 220.
  • FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment of the inventive concept wherein the flexible bladder 210 is filled to near or at capacity. It should be noted that at least a portion of the support 230 may be exposed when the flexible bladder 210 is filled to capacity or near capacity. As the flexible bladder 210 is filled a reservoir portion 225 distends and is released from the support 230; in doing so the support 230 moves away from the flange 220 and along the guide 240. A sensor 255 may be utilized to provide a signal or data related to the position of the support 230. The signal from such a sensor 255 may be utilized by a controller 256 to provide information related to the fill state or volume of the flexible bladder 210.
  • a sensor 255 may be utilized to provide a signal or data related to the position of the support 230 or structures associated with or coupled to the support.
  • one or more sensor(s) 255 may be associated with the support 230, and configured to provide a signal on sensing features incorporated into the guide 240.
  • contact, magnetic, and/or optical flags may be placed along the guide 240 that provide a signal when proximate to a sensor 255.
  • a plurality of sensors may be associated with the guide 240, and configured to provide a signal on sensing the passage of the support 230 as the volume of the flexible bladder 210 changes.
  • the sensor 255 may monitor movements made by the support 230 (for example, measuring rotation of the support 230 via an accelerometer or characterizing distance of the support 230 from an ultrasonic sensor affixed to the perforate vessel 200).
  • a sensor 255 may monitor energy stored in the support driver 250, for example through the use of a force and/or torsion sensor. It should be appreciated that while Figures 2A-2B show a sensor 255 that is proximal to a support 230, it is envisioned that such a sensor 255 may be positioned at any location suitable to its function.
  • the sensor signal may be transmitted or otherwise provided to a controller 256, which may utilize such data to determine the volume of the flexible bladder 210.
  • data related to the position of the support 230 within the perforate vessel 200 may be utilized by a controller 256 in conjunction with data related to the geometry of the flexible bladder 210 to derive a fill volume for the flexible bladder 210.
  • fill volume may be obtained empirically by filling the flexible bladder 210 with one or more known volumes of fluid and recording a signal related to the position of support 230 at each volume prior to deployment of the subsea storage system.
  • a controller 256 could be configured to compare signals obtained from a sensor 255 in the field to such data and report a fill state or volume for the flexible bladder 210.
  • Such information may be utilized to, for example, optimize plant operations by distributing fluid storage to different members of a series of storage systems or to provide a notice or warning to an operator.
  • the guide 240 may include accessory features that imparting a rotational motion to the support driver 250 as it moves along the guide 240.
  • the guide 240 may include teeth and/or cams that engage complementary features on the support driver 250 and impart a rotational motion as the support 230 moves along the guide 240.
  • release and/or encircling or wrapping of the flexible bladder 210 may be aided by rotational motion imparted to the support 230 as it moves along the guide 240.
  • the guide 240 may include secondary accessory features that impart a rotational motion to the support 230 as it moves along the guide 240.
  • the guide 240 may include teeth, gears, and/or cams that engage secondary complementary features on the support 230 and impart a rotational motion as the support moves along the guide 240. It should be appreciated that a single feature or set of features on the guide 240 may serve as both accessory features and secondary accessory features. It should also be appreciated that fluid communication with the environment through the perforate vessel 200 advantageously prevents a buildup of pressure within the perforate vessel 200 as the flexible bladder 210 increases in volume.
  • Figures 3A-3B illustrate another embodiment of the inventive concept.
  • Figure 3A shows a flexible bladder 310 within a perforate vessel 300 that includes an aperture through which extends a flange 320 (such as a neck flange) of the flexible bladder 310 and an opening 305 that permits equalization of pressure between the inside and the outside of the perforate vessel 300; in the state shown the flexible bladder 310 is empty or nearly empty.
  • a conduit 321 (such as a pipe or similar structure) may be utilized in conjunction with an actuator 322 (for example, a pump) to transfer fluids to and/or from the flexible bladder 310 through the flange 320.
  • An anchoring element 335 may be affixed to the perforate vessel 300, permitting the subsea storage system to be fixed in place.
  • Such an anchoring element 335 may, for example, affix a perforate vessel 300 to the seabed and/or a portion of an existing subsea structure.
  • a portion of the flexible bladder 310 encircles or is wrapped around a support 330.
  • the support 330 engages a guide 340, which controls and/or guides its movement as the flexible bladder 310 is filled.
  • a sensor 345 may be utilized to provide a signal or data related to the position of the support 330 to a controller 346. The signal from such a sensor 345 may be utilized by a controller 346 to provide information related to the fill state or volume of the flexible bladder 310
  • a sensor 345 may be utilized to provide a signal or data related to the position of the support 330 and/or a support anchor 395.
  • one or more sensor(s) 345 may be associated with the support 330, and configured to provide a signal on sensing features incorporated into the guide 340. For example, contact, magnetic, and/or optical flags may be placed along the guide 340 that provide a signal when proximate to a sensor 356.
  • a plurality of sensors may be associated with the guide 340, and configured to provide a signal on sensing the passage of the support 330 and/or a support anchor 395 as the volume of the flexible bladder 310 changes.
  • a sensor 345 may monitor movements made by the support 330 (for example, measuring rotation of the support 330 via an accelerometer or characterizing distance of the support 330 from an ultrasonic sensor affixed to the vessel 300).
  • a sensor 345 may monitor energy stored in one or more support driver(s) 350, 360, 370, for example through the use of a force and/or torsion sensor. It should be appreciated that while Figures 3A-3B show a sensor 345 that is proximal to a support 330, it is envisioned that such a sensor 356 may be positioned at any location suitable to its function, for example in and/or upon a support driver 350, 360, 370.
  • the sensor signal may be transmitted or otherwise provided to a controller 346, which may utilize such data to determine the volume of the flexible bladder 310.
  • data related to the position of the support 330 within the perforate vessel 300 may be utilized by a controller 346 in conjunction with data related to the geometry of the flexible bladder 310 to derive a fill volume for the flexible bladder 310.
  • fill volume may be obtained empirically by filling the flexible bladder 310 with one or more known volumes of fluid and recording a signal related to the position of support 330 at each volume prior to deployment of the subsea storage system.
  • a controller 346 could be configured to compare signals obtained from a sensor 345 in the field to such data and report a fill state or volume for the flexible bladder 310. Such information may be utilized to, for example, optimize plant operations by distributing fluid storage to different members of a series of storage systems or to provide a notice or warning to an operator.
  • the flexible bladder 310 may include one or more support driver(s) 350, 360, 370 that are coupled to the support 330 and to the flexible bladder 310.
  • support driver(s) 350, 360, 370 may be separated by one or more spacers 380.
  • Such a support driver(s) 350, 360, 370 may, for example, be imbedded within (and/or between layers of) the flexible bladder 310.
  • a support driver(s) 350, 360, 370 may be affixed to an internal and/or external surface of the flexible bladder 310 by, for example, an adhesive, rivets, and/or other suitable methods that maintain the fluid integrity of the flexible bladder 310.
  • Suitable support drivers include (but are not limited to) a spring, a flexible polymer and/or rubber, a segment of the material utilized in the construction of the flexible bladder 310, and/or any suitable device for storing torsional or rotational energy.
  • the support driver(s) 350, 360, 370 may be one or more regions of the flexible bladder 310 with increased thickness.
  • the support driver(s) 350, 360, 370 is a flat and/or ribbon spring that is affixed to an external surface of the flexible bladder 310, and is affixed to the support 330 at or near a terminus of the spring.
  • the support driver(s) 350, 360, 370 have an approximately helical configuration when the flexible bladder 310 is empty and at least a portion of the flexible bladder 310 encircles the support 330 (as shown in Figure 3A).
  • a support driver(s) 350, 360, 370 may be urged into a linear configuration by forces applied by the flexible bladder 310 as it is filled (as shown in Figure 3B).
  • the support driver(s) 350, 360, 370 and support 330 are configured so that tension provides an moving force is applied to the support 330 that drives the support 330 towards the flange 320. It should be appreciated that this impelling force may be applied when the flexible bladder 310 is empty, has a density greater than that of the surrounding media, and /or the support 330 is proximal to the flange 320. This advantageously braces the flange 320, relieving stress from the weight of the flexible bladder 310 and reducing or eliminating the possibility of tearing of the flexible bladder 310.
  • the fluid storage system may be filled by a conduit 321 that is in fluid communication with the flange 320, eventually filling (as shown in Figure 3B) or partially filling the flexible bladder 310.
  • An actuator 322 for example, a pump
  • the flexible bladder 310 is filled a reservoir portion 325 distends and is released from encircling the support 330; in doing so the support 330 moves away from the flange 320 and along the guide 340.
  • the support driver (s) 350, 360, 370 may be urged and/or tensioned into an approximately linear shape.
  • one or more additional spacer(s) 390 may be exposed.
  • a least a portion of the support 330 may be exposed when the flexible bladder 310 is in a filled state; similarly, one or more support anchor(s) 395 that couple a support driver 350, 360, 370 to a support 330 may be exposed.
  • the filling process is essentially reversed, with force from the support driver(s) 350, 360, 370 impelling the support 330 towards the flange 320 along the guide 340 as it (or they) return to an approximately helical configuration. This advantageously aids in encircling or wrapping the flexible bladder 310 around the support 330 as it moves towards the flange 320 during the emptying process.
  • release and/or encircling or wrapping of the flexible bladder 310 may be aided by rotational motion imparted to the support 330 as it moves along the guide 340.
  • the guide 340 may include features that imparting a rotational motion to the support 330 as it moves along the guide 340.
  • the guide 340 may include teeth, gears, and/or cams that engage complementary features on the support 330 and impart a rotational motion as the support moves along the guide 340.
  • the density of the fluid or fluid mixture stored within the flexible bladder is less than or equal to that of the surrounding medium stress upon a neck flange may be increased as the flexible bladder is emptied if such a support were not provided.
  • utilization of a support for a flexible bladder that is moved towards the neck flange can provide support for the neck flange when the flexible bladder is in empty, filled, and partially filled states.
  • a flexible bladder constructed of suitably thin materials may crumple or compact in essentially random folds.
  • a flexible bladder may be, for example, compressed by folding in pleats and/or in the manner of a set of bellows.
  • a flexible bladder may be stored by folding in alternating directions tangent to the path travelled by a support coupled to the flexible bladder.
  • the flexible bladder may incorporate features that support the packing method.
  • a flexible bladder of the inventive concept may include indentations, creases, folds, pleats, and/or alternating regions of decreased thickness and/or increased flexibility that facilitate packing on removal of fluid from the flexible bladder.
  • a support coupled to the flexible bladder may perform accessory movements as it travels along a guide that facilitate such packing methods.
  • a support may perform alternating movements tangent to the path of the guide in order to facilitate folding of the flexible bladder.
  • a subsea storage system of the inventive concept may incorporate one or more sensors that may be used to provide additional information useful to operations.
  • sensors include, but are not limited to, flow rate sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, stress and/or position sensors coupled to an anchoring element, and/or chemical sensors. Signals and/or data from such sensors may be provided to a controller.
  • This controller may, in turn, be configured to provide warnings and/or notifications to a user.
  • a controller may be configured to actuate valves, control pump speeds, adjust tensioning lines associated with anchoring structures, and/or other operations that support safe and effective utilization of the subsea storage system.
  • one or more sensors are used to assist in indirect determination of the fill level of the bladder.
  • suitable sensors will include those that determine the absolute (or a relative) position of the support. The position of the support is then used as a proxy for the fill level.
  • Flexible bladders of the inventive concept may be constructed of any suitable flexible or pliant material. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, flexible films, fabrics, impregnated fabrics, polymers, rubber and/or reinforced rubber, and combinations thereof. Capacity of flexible bladders of the inventive concept may range from 500 cm 3 to 1,000 m 3 . In other embodiments of the inventive concept the capacity of the flexible bladder may range from 500 cm3 to 5,000 m 3 . In still other embodiments of the inventive concept the capacity of the flexible bladder may be up to 10,000 m 3 or more. Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints, and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary.
  • subsea storage systems of the inventive concept may include an anchoring element.
  • Such an anchoring element may be coupled directly or indirectly to the perforate vessel that encloses at least a portion of a flexible bladder used for fluid storage.
  • Such an anchoring element may be any suitable structure that stabilizes the position of the subsea storage system against internal stresses (such as buoyancy) and external stresses (such as waves, currents, and/or impacts).
  • the anchoring element may be a vertical load anchor, a suction imbedded plate anchor, a fluke anchor, a driven plate anchor, a drag embedment near load anchor, a pile embedment near normal load anchor, a suction pile, a driven pile, and/or similar traction-generating mechanism that engages the seabed or other adjacent subsea features with sufficient force to overcome the buoyancy of the subsea storage structure and environmental stresses, such as waves, currents, and impacts.
  • the anchoring element may be a foundation that is sufficiently weighted to provide positional stability to the subsea storage structure.
  • an anchoring element may be a grapple or clamp that engages an existing subsea structure. Such a grapple or clamp may be configured to disengage when so desired, permitting the subsea storage structure to be repositioned or moved to a different location.
  • more than one anchoring element may be incorporated into the subsea storage structure; in such an embodiment these anchoring elements may be of different types.
  • fluid materials may be stored in fluid storage system of the inventive concept.
  • Such fluids may include (for example), materials vented during petrochemical operations (natural gas, methane, hydrogen sulfide, etc.), carbon dioxide, petroleum, drilling muds and/or slurries, and/or surfactants.
  • a plurality of fluids may be stored in the fluid storage system. These fluid materials may range in density from 10 ⁇ 5 g/cm 3 to 10 g/cm 3 .
  • fluid materials stored in the fluid storage system may range in density from 10 ⁇ 3 g/cm 3 to 8 g/cm 3 .
  • fluid materials stored in the fluid storage system may range in density from 0.1 g/cm 3 to 5 g/cm 3 .
  • Coupled to is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Paleontology (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un appareil, des systèmes et des procédés par lesquels une personne peut stocker efficacement et en toute sécurité des fluides dans des environnements sous-marins. Un fluide est stocké dans une vessie souple qui est au moins partiellement enfermée dans un récipient. La vessie est couplée à un support, qui porte le poids de la vessie à l'aide d'un dispositif d'entraînement de support. Un capteur peut être utilisé pour surveiller la position du support, permettant de déterminer le volume de la vessie.
PCT/US2012/065313 2012-11-15 2012-11-15 Système de stockage de fluide sous-marin et procédés s'y rapportant WO2014077820A1 (fr)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9470365B1 (en) * 2015-07-13 2016-10-18 Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Apparatus, methods, and systems for storing and managing liquids in an offshore environment
WO2021126207A1 (fr) * 2019-12-19 2021-06-24 Safe Marine Transfer, LLC Structure sous-marine de distribution de matériau

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5582310A (en) * 1992-11-24 1996-12-10 Guardian Containment Corp. Above-grade storage vault
JP2721889B2 (ja) * 1988-05-25 1998-03-04 大成建設株式会社 液体の貯蔵装置
JP2001163393A (ja) * 1999-12-07 2001-06-19 Shimizu Corp 液体貯蔵施設
US7448404B2 (en) * 2002-10-23 2008-11-11 Navion Asa Seabed located storage
WO2011084164A1 (fr) * 2010-01-05 2011-07-14 Horton Wison Deepwater, Inc. Systèmes et procédés pour installation et retrait de stockage de gaz sous-marin

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2721889B2 (ja) * 1988-05-25 1998-03-04 大成建設株式会社 液体の貯蔵装置
US5582310A (en) * 1992-11-24 1996-12-10 Guardian Containment Corp. Above-grade storage vault
JP2001163393A (ja) * 1999-12-07 2001-06-19 Shimizu Corp 液体貯蔵施設
US7448404B2 (en) * 2002-10-23 2008-11-11 Navion Asa Seabed located storage
WO2011084164A1 (fr) * 2010-01-05 2011-07-14 Horton Wison Deepwater, Inc. Systèmes et procédés pour installation et retrait de stockage de gaz sous-marin

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9470365B1 (en) * 2015-07-13 2016-10-18 Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Apparatus, methods, and systems for storing and managing liquids in an offshore environment
WO2021126207A1 (fr) * 2019-12-19 2021-06-24 Safe Marine Transfer, LLC Structure sous-marine de distribution de matériau
EP4212457A1 (fr) * 2019-12-19 2023-07-19 Safe Marine Transfer, LLC Dispositif d'appauvrissement de la vessie

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