WO2014105544A1 - A subsea hydrocarbon pipeline system - Google Patents

A subsea hydrocarbon pipeline system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014105544A1
WO2014105544A1 PCT/US2013/075950 US2013075950W WO2014105544A1 WO 2014105544 A1 WO2014105544 A1 WO 2014105544A1 US 2013075950 W US2013075950 W US 2013075950W WO 2014105544 A1 WO2014105544 A1 WO 2014105544A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tubular
movement resistance
resistance device
pipeline
movement
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2013/075950
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Frans Kopp
Christopher John HADLEY
Jason Andrew NEWLIN
Richard Conrad SWANSON
Heping Zhang
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij BV
Shell USA Inc
Original Assignee
Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij BV
Shell Oil Co
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 Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij BV, Shell Oil Co filed Critical Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij BV
Publication of WO2014105544A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014105544A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L1/00—Laying or reclaiming pipes; Repairing or joining pipes on or under water
    • F16L1/12—Laying or reclaiming pipes on or under water
    • F16L1/123—Devices for the protection of pipes under water
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L1/00—Laying or reclaiming pipes; Repairing or joining pipes on or under water
    • F16L1/12—Laying or reclaiming pipes on or under water
    • F16L1/20—Accessories therefor, e.g. floats or weights
    • F16L1/201—Anchor rods
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L57/00—Protection of pipes or objects of similar shape against external or internal damage or wear
    • F16L57/02—Protection of pipes or objects of similar shape against external or internal damage or wear against cracking or buckling

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a subsea hydrocarbon pipeline system comprising a movement resistance device comprising protrusions extending from the pipeline.
  • pipelines are often used to transport the oil and gas along the seafloor to tie-in with other production wells or to tie-in with a production platform or vessel. These pipelines can extend over large distances.
  • One problem that is often encountered is movement or "walking" of the pipeline as a result of thermal/pressure cycles of the pipeline.
  • the oil and gas is often produced at a temperature above the ambient seawater temperature.
  • the pipeline is heated from the temperature of the ambient seawater to the temperature of the oil and gas. If production is halted, then the pipe cools and then is reheated when production commences again. This causes to the pipeline to extend, retract and then extend again.
  • the movement of the pipeline can cause problems, especially at connection points where the pipeline connects to various pieces of equipment, including pipeline end termination facilities, pumps or manifolds.
  • Summary of the Invention The invention provides a subsea hydrocarbon pipeline system comprising a tubular adapted for passing hydrocarbons produced from a subsea formation; and a movement resistance device attached to the tubular and comprising protrusions extending outwardly from the tubular.
  • the invention further provides a method of preventing the axial movement of an unevenly heated pipeline comprising installing a movement resistance device around the outside of the pipeline wherein the movement resistance device comprises protrusions that extend below the surface of the seafloor and provide resistance to the movement of the pipeline caused by uneven thermal expansion.
  • Figure 1 depicts an embodiment of a movement resistance device installed around a tubular.
  • Figure 2 depicts another embodiment of a movement resistance device installed around a tubular.
  • Figure 3 depicts another embodiment of a movement resistance device installed around a tubular.
  • Figure 4 depicts another embodiment of a movement resistance device installed around a tubular.
  • Figure 5 depicts the results of a calculation of the effectiveness of two different sizes of discs used as movement resistance devices.
  • the invention addresses the problem of pipeline expansion and walking by installing movement resistance devices on the pipeline to provide additional force to counteract the thermal expansion of the pipeline.
  • the pipeline carrying the oil and gas is heated by the hot oil and gas.
  • This heating causes a thermal expansion of the metal of the pipeline, which results in the pipeline extending in the longitudinal direction.
  • the large expansion of the pipeline can result in additional forces that can cause premature fatigue and failure of the pipeline or connected devices.
  • This problem is also caused by successive heating and cooling of the pipeline as production is started and stopped for any number of reasons.
  • the movement resistance devices comprise protrusions that extend outwardly from the tubular.
  • the protrusions preferably extend in more than one radial direction from the tubular.
  • the movement resistance device is a disc that extends radially around the entire tubular.
  • the movement resistance device comprises a number of protrusions that extend radially in a number of directions.
  • the protrusions from the movement resistance device may be perpendicular or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe.
  • the protrusions may be perpendicular or angled with respect to the external surface of the pipe.
  • the length the device extends from the external wall of the tubular will determine how much resistance is provided to movement by the resistance device.
  • Figure 5 shows the effect of this length for the use of two different sized discs.
  • the protrusions on the movement resistance device extend into the seafloor and thereby provide resistance to movement of the pipeline. This is much more effective than using a single anchor point at the beginning, or mid point, and/or end of the pipeline. Using single anchor points may result in very large reaction forces at the anchor location, making it difficult to design the anchor structure to withstand this large load.
  • movement resistance devices can reduce the pipeline movement, and it may result in an improved jumper design where jumpers are used to connect the pipeline to various pieces of equipment.
  • the movement resistance devices may be made of any material suitable for installation on the outside of a pipeline that is also suitable to be used to prevent the movement of the pipeline.
  • the movement resistance devices are preferably made from metal or plastic or a combination of the two.
  • the movement resistance devices may be made in any manner suitable for installation around the pipeline.
  • the movement resistance device may be made in two pieces, which can be placed on opposite sides of the pipeline and then secured to each other. The two pieces may be bolted or otherwise connected where they meet on opposite sides of the pipeline.
  • the movement resistance device may be made in the form of a clamshell such that device can open and close around the pipeline and then be secured around the pipeline.
  • the clamshell may be hinged on one side and then secured at the other side.
  • Metal bands may be placed around the movement resistance device and the pipeline to tighten and secure the movement resistance device to the pipeline.
  • the metal bands may be used alone or in combination with hinged pieces or bolted connections.
  • the movement resistance devices may be installed by any manner known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
  • the devices are usually installed at the same time the pipeline is laid on the seafloor. As each piece of pipe is connected to the laid pipeline and prepared to be laid on the seafloor, these devices can be attached and secured around the pipeline. These devices can preferably be installed very quickly and efficiently so as to not significantly delay the laying of the pipeline.
  • the cost of laying pipeline is directly related to the time it takes due to the special vessels and equipment required, so it is important that the movement resistance devices can be installed quickly.
  • the movement resistance devices may be installed in conjunction with VIV suppression devices that are also installed at the time the pipe is laid.
  • FIG 1 a movement resistance device is depicted that increases axial friction between the pipe and the soil to prevent pipe walking and movement of sleds and other subsea equipment.
  • Figure 1 shows a movement resistance device 10 which is a sleeve with vertical disks 12 that is placed around pipe 14.
  • Figure 2 shows a similar movement resistance device as that shown in Figure 1 , but the disks 22 are tilted away from vertical. This type of device can provide biased axial friction between the pipe 24 and the soil to control pipe walking and movement of sleds and other subsea equipment.
  • Figure 3 shows a movement resistance device 30 which is a sleeve with vertical fins 32 that are parallel to the pipe 34. This type of device can provide increased lateral friction between the pipe and the soil to control lateral pipe buckling.
  • FIG. 4 shows a movement resistance device 40 which is a sleeve with vertical fins 42 placed around pipe 44.
  • the pipe also has VIV strakes 46 that are installed along the pipeline.
  • the VIV strakes may be installed separately onto the pipeline or they may be incorporated into the movement resistance device and installed as one combined unit.
  • a combination of different types of movement resistance devices or movement resistance devices having different configurations may be used to achieve optimal control of pipe movement and/or lateral pipe buckling.
  • movement resistance devices that provide axial friction may be used in combination with those that provide lateral friction.
  • Figure 5 demonstrates the benefits of using a movement resistance device as calculated.
  • Figure 5 shows the normalized axial resistance of two different sized discs.
  • the normalized axial resistance is calculated as the axial resistance of the pipe with discs divided by the axial resistance of a pipe without any movement resistance device.
  • the first line shows the normalized axial resistance of a pipe with discs where the diameter of the discs is 1.5 times the diameter of the pipe.
  • the second line shows the normalized axial resistance of a pipe with discs where the diameter of the discs is 2 times the diameter of the pipe.
  • the axial resistance of a pipe with movement resistance devices can be greater than 3 times the axial resistance of a pipe without a movement resistance device.
  • the figure also shows that the spacing of the discs along the pipe determines the axial resistance of the movement resistance devices.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)

Abstract

A subsea hydrocarbon pipeline system comprising a tubular adapted for passing hydrocarbons produced from a subsea formation; and a movement resistance device attached to the tubular and comprising protrusions extending outwardly from the tubular is described.

Description

A SUBSEA HYDROCARBON PIPELINE SYSTEM
Cross-Reference to Related Applications
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/747,427, filed December 31, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a subsea hydrocarbon pipeline system comprising a movement resistance device comprising protrusions extending from the pipeline. Background
In the production of oil and gas from subsea hydrocarbon formations, pipelines are often used to transport the oil and gas along the seafloor to tie-in with other production wells or to tie-in with a production platform or vessel. These pipelines can extend over large distances. One problem that is often encountered is movement or "walking" of the pipeline as a result of thermal/pressure cycles of the pipeline. The oil and gas is often produced at a temperature above the ambient seawater temperature. During start-up of production the pipeline is heated from the temperature of the ambient seawater to the temperature of the oil and gas. If production is halted, then the pipe cools and then is reheated when production commences again. This causes to the pipeline to extend, retract and then extend again.
The movement of the pipeline can cause problems, especially at connection points where the pipeline connects to various pieces of equipment, including pipeline end termination facilities, pumps or manifolds. Summary of the Invention The invention provides a subsea hydrocarbon pipeline system comprising a tubular adapted for passing hydrocarbons produced from a subsea formation; and a movement resistance device attached to the tubular and comprising protrusions extending outwardly from the tubular.
The invention further provides a method of preventing the axial movement of an unevenly heated pipeline comprising installing a movement resistance device around the outside of the pipeline wherein the movement resistance device comprises protrusions that extend below the surface of the seafloor and provide resistance to the movement of the pipeline caused by uneven thermal expansion.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 depicts an embodiment of a movement resistance device installed around a tubular.
Figure 2 depicts another embodiment of a movement resistance device installed around a tubular.
Figure 3 depicts another embodiment of a movement resistance device installed around a tubular.
Figure 4 depicts another embodiment of a movement resistance device installed around a tubular.
Figure 5 depicts the results of a calculation of the effectiveness of two different sizes of discs used as movement resistance devices.
Detailed Description The invention addresses the problem of pipeline expansion and walking by installing movement resistance devices on the pipeline to provide additional force to counteract the thermal expansion of the pipeline.
During the production of oil and gas from a subsea hydrocarbon formation, the pipeline carrying the oil and gas is heated by the hot oil and gas. This heating causes a thermal expansion of the metal of the pipeline, which results in the pipeline extending in the longitudinal direction. The large expansion of the pipeline can result in additional forces that can cause premature fatigue and failure of the pipeline or connected devices.
This problem is also caused by successive heating and cooling of the pipeline as production is started and stopped for any number of reasons.
The movement resistance devices comprise protrusions that extend outwardly from the tubular. The protrusions preferably extend in more than one radial direction from the tubular. In one embodiment, the movement resistance device is a disc that extends radially around the entire tubular. In another embodiment, the movement resistance device comprises a number of protrusions that extend radially in a number of directions.
The protrusions from the movement resistance device may be perpendicular or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The protrusions may be perpendicular or angled with respect to the external surface of the pipe.
The length the device extends from the external wall of the tubular will determine how much resistance is provided to movement by the resistance device. Figure 5 shows the effect of this length for the use of two different sized discs. As the pipeline is laid on the surface of the seafloor, the protrusions on the movement resistance device extend into the seafloor and thereby provide resistance to movement of the pipeline. This is much more effective than using a single anchor point at the beginning, or mid point, and/or end of the pipeline. Using single anchor points may result in very large reaction forces at the anchor location, making it difficult to design the anchor structure to withstand this large load.
The use of movement resistance devices can reduce the pipeline movement, and it may result in an improved jumper design where jumpers are used to connect the pipeline to various pieces of equipment.
The movement resistance devices may be made of any material suitable for installation on the outside of a pipeline that is also suitable to be used to prevent the movement of the pipeline. The movement resistance devices are preferably made from metal or plastic or a combination of the two.
The movement resistance devices may be made in any manner suitable for installation around the pipeline. For example, the movement resistance device may be made in two pieces, which can be placed on opposite sides of the pipeline and then secured to each other. The two pieces may be bolted or otherwise connected where they meet on opposite sides of the pipeline.
The movement resistance device may be made in the form of a clamshell such that device can open and close around the pipeline and then be secured around the pipeline. The clamshell may be hinged on one side and then secured at the other side.
Metal bands may be placed around the movement resistance device and the pipeline to tighten and secure the movement resistance device to the pipeline. The metal bands may be used alone or in combination with hinged pieces or bolted connections.
The movement resistance devices may be installed by any manner known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The devices are usually installed at the same time the pipeline is laid on the seafloor. As each piece of pipe is connected to the laid pipeline and prepared to be laid on the seafloor, these devices can be attached and secured around the pipeline. These devices can preferably be installed very quickly and efficiently so as to not significantly delay the laying of the pipeline. The cost of laying pipeline is directly related to the time it takes due to the special vessels and equipment required, so it is important that the movement resistance devices can be installed quickly.
In one embodiment, the movement resistance devices may be installed in conjunction with VIV suppression devices that are also installed at the time the pipe is laid.
Embodiments of the movement resistance devices will be further described with respect to Figures 1-4.
In Figure 1 , a movement resistance device is depicted that increases axial friction between the pipe and the soil to prevent pipe walking and movement of sleds and other subsea equipment. Figure 1 shows a movement resistance device 10 which is a sleeve with vertical disks 12 that is placed around pipe 14.
Figure 2 shows a similar movement resistance device as that shown in Figure 1 , but the disks 22 are tilted away from vertical. This type of device can provide biased axial friction between the pipe 24 and the soil to control pipe walking and movement of sleds and other subsea equipment.
Figure 3 shows a movement resistance device 30 which is a sleeve with vertical fins 32 that are parallel to the pipe 34. This type of device can provide increased lateral friction between the pipe and the soil to control lateral pipe buckling.
Figure 4 shows a movement resistance device 40 which is a sleeve with vertical fins 42 placed around pipe 44. The pipe also has VIV strakes 46 that are installed along the pipeline. The VIV strakes may be installed separately onto the pipeline or they may be incorporated into the movement resistance device and installed as one combined unit.
A combination of different types of movement resistance devices or movement resistance devices having different configurations may be used to achieve optimal control of pipe movement and/or lateral pipe buckling. For example, movement resistance devices that provide axial friction may be used in combination with those that provide lateral friction.
Figure 5 demonstrates the benefits of using a movement resistance device as calculated. Figure 5 shows the normalized axial resistance of two different sized discs. The normalized axial resistance is calculated as the axial resistance of the pipe with discs divided by the axial resistance of a pipe without any movement resistance device. The first line shows the normalized axial resistance of a pipe with discs where the diameter of the discs is 1.5 times the diameter of the pipe. The second line shows the normalized axial resistance of a pipe with discs where the diameter of the discs is 2 times the diameter of the pipe.
From this figure, it can be seen that the axial resistance of a pipe with movement resistance devices can be greater than 3 times the axial resistance of a pipe without a movement resistance device. The figure also shows that the spacing of the discs along the pipe determines the axial resistance of the movement resistance devices.

Claims

C L A I M S
1. A subsea hydrocarbon pipeline system comprising a tubular adapted for passing hydrocarbons produced from a subsea formation; and a movement resistance device attached to the tubular and comprising protrusions extending outwardly from the tubular.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein more than one movement resistance device is attached to the tubular.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the tubular extends horizontally and at least a portion of an external surface of the tubular is in physical contact with the seafloor.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein the protrusions are fins that extend from the tubular and at least one of the fins extends below the surface of the seafloor.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the movement resistance device is constructed from plastic or metal.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the movement resistance device is circular and is attached to the tubular by placing the device around the circumference of the tubular.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein the movement resistance device comprises two clamshell sections that are each placed on opposite sides of the tubular and bolted together.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein the movement resistance device comprises two clamshell sections connected by at least one set of hinges such that a first clamshell section can be placed against the external surface of the tubular and the second section is closed at the hinge and connected to the first section.
9. The system of any of claims 1 to 8 wherein the movement resistance device is secured in place by metal bands that extend around the tubular and secure the movement resistance device to the tubular.
10. A method of preventing the axial movement of a pipeline comprising installing a movement resistance device around the outside of the pipeline wherein the movement resistance device comprises protrusions that extend below the surface of the seafloor and provide resistance to the movement of the pipeline caused by uneven thermal expansion.
PCT/US2013/075950 2012-12-31 2013-12-18 A subsea hydrocarbon pipeline system Ceased WO2014105544A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201261747427P 2012-12-31 2012-12-31
US61/747,427 2012-12-31

Publications (1)

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WO2014105544A1 true WO2014105544A1 (en) 2014-07-03

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4984633A (en) * 1989-10-20 1991-01-15 Weatherford U.S., Inc. Nozzle effect protectors, centralizers, and stabilizers and related methods
US20060011389A1 (en) * 2004-07-16 2006-01-19 Booth Richard K Downhole tool
US20060231250A1 (en) * 2002-09-23 2006-10-19 Tesco Corporation Pipe centralizer and method of forming
US20080210419A1 (en) * 2005-01-18 2008-09-04 Downhole Products Plc Centralizer
US20120138288A1 (en) * 2010-12-06 2012-06-07 Frank's International, Inc. Rigid centralizer

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4984633A (en) * 1989-10-20 1991-01-15 Weatherford U.S., Inc. Nozzle effect protectors, centralizers, and stabilizers and related methods
US20060231250A1 (en) * 2002-09-23 2006-10-19 Tesco Corporation Pipe centralizer and method of forming
US20060011389A1 (en) * 2004-07-16 2006-01-19 Booth Richard K Downhole tool
US20080210419A1 (en) * 2005-01-18 2008-09-04 Downhole Products Plc Centralizer
US20120138288A1 (en) * 2010-12-06 2012-06-07 Frank's International, Inc. Rigid centralizer

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