WO2015049476A1

WO2015049476A1 - Autonomous module for the acceleration and pressurisation of a fluid while submerged

Info

Publication number: WO2015049476A1
Application number: PCT/FR2014/052517
Authority: WO
Inventors: François SEMEL; François MAUZAC
Original assignee: Bardot Group
Priority date: 2013-10-03
Filing date: 2014-10-03
Publication date: 2015-04-09

Abstract

Autonomous module for the acceleration and pressurisation of a fluid while submerged. The invention relates to an autonomous module (10) for the acceleration and/or pressurisation of a fluid while submerged, comprising at least one pump actuated by at least one electric motor controlled by control means translating an instruction into at least one command for the control of said electric motors and an additional module (60) for the desalination of salt water. Such a module is associated with at least one ballast (32), and can comprise at least one electrically controlled propeller (33, 34) generating the movement of said acceleration and/or pressurisation module (10) in a liquid environment when said at least one propeller (33, 34) is actuated.

Description

Autonomous module for acceleration and pressurization of an immersion fluid

The invention provides modules for accelerating (i.e., increasing the flow rate) and / or for pressurizing (i.e., increasing the pressure) a fluid when immersed. Such devices are generally known by the English name "subsea pumps" when they are used in particular to perform a set of compliance tests for underwater pipelines (or "pipelines").

The invention further relates to modules comprising means for generating fresh water in the form of associated additional modules.

As a preferred application, we will describe such modules cooperating with underwater pipelines.

After the laying of a pipe (or a section of pipe) and prior to a connection of said pipe to a distribution network of gaseous or liquid materials, it is imperative to verify that the pipe was not damaged during his pose. It must thus be verified that the said pipe does not show any leaks, that its geometry conforms to a specification (in particular no shrinkage) and that the pipe is able to withstand the internal pressure that will be exerted by the fluid conveyed as well as the hydrostatic pressure applied to the pipe according to the depth of immersion thereof. The compliance tests of a pipe generally comprise a first step of filling the water pipe surrounding it: sea water (or salt water), when said pipe is underwater. This is the so-called "flooding" step according to an Anglo-Saxon terminology.

This first so-called "flooding" step is followed by a calibration test (or "gauging" according to English terminology). This test consists in checking the conformity of the geometry of the pipeline. One thus seeks to detect curvatures or pinches ("buckles" in English terminology) undesirable and likely to be bottlenecks.

The verification of conformity of a pipeline is usually completed by a pressure test (or ^hydro¬¬ test) to verify that the pipe does not leak and that the welds are resistant to pressure when the pipeline is pressurized beyond nominal pressure, usually a multiplying factor of 1.25.

To accomplish these verifications, it is known to use a test module that we will call a launcher module (also called "pig launcher" in English terminology). This module is positioned and connected to one end of the pipe that is to be tested. This module can be already connected to the pipe during installation thereof or subsequently connected in immersion using a suitable connector. Such a launcher module comprises a plurality of projectiles (or "pigs" according to English terminology) whose arrangements and respective configurations are dedicated to one of the test steps mentioned above. Such a launcher module is described in connection with FIG. 1. A launcher module 2 is thus connected to an end la of a duct 1. For the sake of simplification, the launcher module 2 comprises two substantially cylindrical projectiles whose maximum outside diameter is slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the pipe (the outer diameter of a projectile is generally of the order of 95% of the internal nominal diameter of the pipeline). Such a configuration allows the projectile to cooperate with the inner wall of the pipe, without altering it and allows it to move along said pipe. A launcher module may contain a plurality of projectiles of various types. It can even be disconnected from a pipe, reloaded into projectiles and then reconnected to said pipe if this is necessary to conduct certain checks or for curettage of a pipe. The latter is also connected to a second test module, the receiver module (called "pig receiver" in English terminology). Such a receiver module 3, connected to an underwater pipe 1, is described in connection with FIG. 2. A receiver module has the role of receiving the projectiles at the end of their respective paths within the pipe tested. According to FIG. 2, a receiver module 3 cooperates with the pipe 1 by means of a suitable connector 3 ', like the launcher module 2. In connection with FIGS. 1 and 2, a first projectile 2A is used to a phase of filling the line 1. The projectile 2A, present initially in the launcher module 2, is thus arranged to expel the air present (at atmospheric pressure) in the pipe 1 during installation thereof to replace it with water, usually the water surrounding the pipe, along its displacement in the pipeline. The air is evacuated by means of one or more 3V offloading valves provided for this purpose on the receiver module 3. The projectile 2A is generally made of polyurethane foam or solid polyurethane. To propel the projectile 2A in the pipe 1, a first valve 2VA, connected to the launcher module 2, is actuated to supply water to said launcher module; the water is injected at the stern of the projectile 2A. By hydrostatic pressure (difference between the pressure prevailing within the pipe and the ambient pressure prevailing around it), the projectile is propelled from the end of the pipe to the distal portion 1b thereof. To complete the filling of the pipe and maintain a movement rate of the projectile 2A greater than or equal to 0.5 meters per second, thus preventing blockage of said projectile within the pipe, one generally uses one or more high-pressure pumps. flow, low pressure. Such a PC pump is generally a centrifugal pump capable of generating a sufficient flow to propel the projectile.

A second projectile 2B can be used to check the geometry of the pipeline. The configuration of this one is different from that of the projectile 2A. The projectile 2B has indeed a smaller diameter. On the other hand, it comprises one or more 2BC1, 2BC2 collars, generally in aluminum, whose diameter is substantially equal to 95% of the internal diameter of the pipe. The projectile 2B is propelled through the pipe 1 by means of a stream of water injected from the stern of the projectile 2B after opening a 2VB valve connected to the launcher module 2. Like the filling phase , a flow of water, of a sufficient flow to propel a projectile, can be generated under the action of a centrifugal pump PC (low pressure, high flow). If the geometry of the pipeline is according to expectations, that is to say that said pipe does not present undesirable shrinkage, or 2BC1 collars 2BC2 remain intact during the projectile 2B trips within the pipe 1. On the other hand, a narrowing of the diameter of the pipe causes a deformation of a flange of the projectile 2B. An examination of the integrity of the flanges is made upon receipt of the projectile in the receiver module 3. Deformation of the flange (s) of the projectile 2B attests a non-conformity of the geometry of the pipe. The analysis of the integrity or deformations of a flange can be performed visually by an operator during the collection of the projectiles or automatically by the use of sensors positioned on the projectile 2B, or even within the receiver module 3.

As indicated in FIG. 2, the water injected to propel the projectiles can be accelerated from the surface by a PC centrifugal pump arranged for example on a ship N. The accelerated water is conveyed to the launcher module 2 via a connecting LPC line. the centrifugal pump PC and said launcher module 2 (more precisely the valves 2VA and 2VB of said launcher module - connection 2i described in FIG. connection with Figure 1). The LPC line is advantageously wound and / or unwound by means of a motorized TPC winch of the ship N. To connect the LPC line to the launcher module 2 and actuate the 2VA and 2VB valves, a submarine underwater vehicle is generally used. 4 better known by the abbreviation ROV (Remotely Operated underwater Vehicle according to an Anglo-Saxon terminology). This little submarine is flown from the surface. Such a submarine 4 is connected by a wired electrical connection 4a to a launching module 4b (called TLS), itself connected 4d to an electrical source on the ship N (source not shown in FIG. 2 ). The electrical energy necessary for the operation of the submarine 4 as well as the instructions of an operator present on the ship N are conveyed to the module 4b by a wired electrical connection 4c and propagated to the submarine 4 by the line 4a. A motorized winch Tl advantageously allows unrolling and / or winding the line 4c from the ship N. The launching module 4b is towed by a cable 4d to ensure in particular the ascent of the submarine and its crane The cable 4d is advantageously wound and / or unwound by a motorized and dedicated winch T2 present on the ship N. Alternatively, the links 4c and 4d are coaxial and consist of a single entity. The launching module 4b and the ROV 10 are advantageously towed together by the single cable 4d and are subsequently separated under water.

As mentioned above, a third step to verify the conformity of the pipe is to pressurize said pipe and thus verify the absence of leakage. This step can be carried out by injecting pressurized water into the pipe 1 at a pressure increased by a quarter of the nominal pressure expected during the operation of the pipe. It is then known to use one or more high pressure pumps, low flow type piston pumps. The pipe is maintained and pressurized for 24 hours. Any measured decrease in the pressure within the pipeline indicates the presence of one or more leaks. A marker or dye may be mixed with the pressurized water injected into the pipe to facilitate the identification of a possible leak. Like the PC centrifugal pump, one or more HP high-pressure pumps are positioned on the vessel N. A LPHP feed line is provided to convey the pressurized water from the PHP pump to the pipe 1 via the launcher module 2. This line is wound and / or unwound by means of a TPHP motorized winch from the ship N. To implement this test step, the submarine 4 is controlled to possibly disconnect the LPC line of the launcher module 2. Instead of the LPC line, the submarine 4 connects the LPHP line to said launcher module 2. The submarine 4 can then actuate one of the 2VA or 2VB valves to deliver in the line 1, via the module 2, pressurized water. The 3V valves of the module 3 may also be actuated by the submarine 4 (or a second submarine) positioned near the receiver module 3 to regulate, together with the power of the PHP pump motors, the desired pressure within of Line 1. This technique illustrated in connection with Figure 2 can be used only if the underwater pipe 1 rests at a depth of less than six hundred meters. Beyond this, the operation becomes risky and depends on the sea conditions. Moreover, beyond six hundred meters, the pressure drop in the LPC or LPHP lines is notably too great for them to be able to convey the fluid to the the desired pressure and / or flow rate.

Figure 3 thus describes an alternative embodiment to perform compliance tests of a channel 1 immersed to a greater depth but not exceeding two thousand meters. According to this variant, in order to overcome the hydrostatic pressure applied to the LPC and LPHP links previously described, the PC and PHP pumps are not positioned on the ship N but integrated in an acceleration and / or pressurization module 10 designed to be immersed and positioned in the immediate vicinity of a launcher module 2 connected to the pipe 1 that is to be tested. The acceleration and / or pressurization module 10 is not autonomous. It is arranged to cooperate with a submarine 4 similar to that described above. The submarine 4 is thus connected (link 4a) to a launching module 4b, electrically connected to the ship N by a wired link 4c and towed by a cable 4d. On the ship N, two motorized winches T1 and T2 are advantageously and respectively provided for winding and / or unrolling the connection 4c and the cable 4d. The main role of the submarine 4 is to transport the acceleration and / or pressurization module 10 to convey it in the immediate vicinity of the pipe. The The second role of said submarine 4 is to deliver the energy required for the actuation of the PC and PHP pumps of the acceleration and / or pressurization module 10. Electrical energy is transformed into hydraulic energy within the sub-unit. 4. Module 10 pumps are hydraulic. The module 10 is positioned under the submarine 4 during the journey as well as during the biasing phase of the pumps. Alternatively, the links 4c and 4d are coaxial and consist of one and the same entity. To connect the module 10 and power the launcher module 2, the acceleration and / or pressurization module 10 comprises an articulated connector 40 (usually called "hot stab" in English terminology). The submarine 4 further allows actuating the valves 2VA and 2VB to trigger the launching of projectiles. This solution, however, raises many disadvantages. It mobilizes a submarine whose power must be sufficient on the one hand, to convey the acceleration module and / or pressurization and on the other hand, to operate the pumps of said module. The energy efficiency of such an association is low. Indeed, it transforms electrical energy delivered to the submarine (which reserves a portion - of the order of 40% - for its own operation) in hydraulic energy to operate the pumps. The hydraulic / mechanical / hydraulic coupling between the submarine 4 and the acceleration and / or pressurization module 10 limits the efficiency of the assembly. The hydraulic energy delivered by the submarine 4 is also limited. The flow rate or the pressure, depending on the test step that one wishes to implement, may be insufficient depending on the pipe that one wishes test. The presence of a hydraulic power plant (thus oil) presents a risk of pollution in case of system failure. In addition, the maintenance costs of hydraulic elements are high.

Furthermore, the instructions for controlling from the surface the positioning of the acceleration and / or pressurization module and the progress of the various phases of the test of the pipe, are transmitted to the submarine 4 according to a dedicated protocol specific to the -this. The coupling between the submarine 4 and the module 10 is thus dependent on the submarine. It is therefore difficult to couple and control it with a different submarine without making major adaptations to the module 10. In addition, a second submarine 4 'must be required to control the receiver module 3 and by way of consequently a second ship N ', according to the length of the pipeline. The submarine 4 is in fact permanently mobilized by the acceleration and / or pressurization module 10.

In addition, depending on the nature of the fluid flowing in the acceleration and / or pressurization module and the risk of interaction between the materials forming the inner wall of the pipe that must feed the acceleration module and / or pressurization it may be necessary to chemically treat the fluid before it is injected into the pipe. To do this, it is planned to integrate in the module 10 a tank or a plurality of tanks containing one or more additives. To inject said additive, the module 10 comprises a third injection pump. Such an additive may also be a dye injected into the pipeline to identify possible leaks. Alternatively or additionally, several injection pumps can be used to inject various additives.

Some countries' regulations prohibit the use of chemicals to carry out testing or maintenance operations of underwater pipelines. This type of operation becomes all the more critical as some pipes can not be supplied with salt water. Indeed, according to certain requirements related to materials used to form the inner wall of a pipe, salt water can be corrosive or cause deterioration of said materials. It is then necessary and essential to replace the salt water with another fluid, for example fresh water. Fresh water conveyed from the surface is generally illusory depending on the depth of immersion of the pipe. Today, it is possible to carry fresh water coming from the surface, such as an example of a ship N, but the immersion depth of the acceleration and / or pressurization module or pipes must not exceed six hundred meters. At present, no solution has been proposed for acceleration and / or pressurization modules or pipelines submerged at more than 600 meters: the freshwater supply of said submerged pipelines at more than six hundred meters is complicated, even very risky. In addition, the generation of fresh water and the supply of fresh water can not be done autonomously, since it requires the intervention of men or machines on the surface, which represents an additional constraint. The invention makes it possible to meet the great majority of the disadvantages raised by the known solutions.

Among the many advantages provided by an acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the invention, we can mention that it allows:

to implement compliance tests or even maintenance of pipelines submerged at great depths;

to benefit from pressurization powers or fluid acceleration higher than those available via known solutions, in particular through the use of electric motors in place of a hydraulic actuation of the submersible pumps;

to prevent any risk of pollution by minimizing or even eliminating the presence of submerged hydraulic circuits;

minimize maintenance operations and greatly reduce their cost;

to overcome the use of submarines to route the pressurization module near the pipeline and / or the control of valves of a launcher module according to the embodiments of an acceleration module or pressurization according to the invention;

to overcome the constraints imposed by a submarine to deliver, route and translate operating instructions as required by the solution described in Figure 2; to minimize the equipment required on the ship carrying on site an acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the invention;

to inject fresh water at all times into all pipelines with high flows;

to generate fresh water whatever the depth of immersion of the acceleration module and / or associated pressurization;

- prevent and reduce any risk of pollution by eliminating the use of any chemical additives in the module;

Minimize maintenance operations and greatly reduce the cost by generating fresh water on-site through the surrounding salt water;

to overcome the use of submarines to carry fresh water from the surface. For this purpose, a module for accelerating and / or pressurizing an immersion fluid comprising:

a first duct from a first fluid inlet (21) to a fluid outlet (23), a first pump (12) cooperating with said first duct to regulate the fluid pressure or flow in said first duct, said first duct pump being actuated by a first electric motor (13),

cooperating control means (CB) (CB) with the first electric motor to translate a setpoint (C) in one or more control commands for the first electric motor,

a second duct from a second fluid inlet (22) towards the fluid outlet (23); a second pump (14) actuated by a second electric motor (15) to regulate the fluid pressure or flow in said second fluid led, the cooperating control means (11) (CB) with the second electric motor for translating a setpoint (C) into one or more driving commands of said second electric motor,

- Means for preventing (24) any reflux of the fluid flowing in the second conduit to the first conduit.

To develop an increased power of acceleration or pressurization and no longer require a submarine to actuate a pump, alternately accelerate or pressurize a fluid, the second intake of the acceleration and / or pressurization module is arranged in the first conduit downstream of the first pump.

According to this variant, to isolate the first and second conduits, said means for preventing any backflow of the fluid may advantageously consist of an electrically controlled isolation valve controlled by the control means.

To accelerate a fluid, the first pump can be a low pressure pump, high flow, to increase the flow of fluid in the first conduit when it is actuated by the first electric motor.

To refine the regulation of the flow flowing in the first duct, the latter can advantageously have a control valve downstream of the first pump, said valve being electrically controlled and cooperating with the control means, the latter controlling the control valve to regulate the desired flow rate in the first conduit by translating a setpoint into one or more control commands.

When a module according to the invention is designed to pressurize a fluid, the second pump is advantageously a high pressure, low flow pump for pressurizing the fluid flowing in the second duct when said pump is actuated by the second electric motor.

In order to be able to supply fluid to a pipe whose internal wall could be altered by contact with salt water, an acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the invention may comprise an additional desalination module for generating water. fresh water from the fluid surrounding the acceleration and / or pressurization module when it is immersed, said additional module delivering the fresh water thus generated upstream of the fluid outlet of the acceleration module and / or pressurization according to the invention.

To generate fresh water at a suitable and sufficient flow rate, to optimize the yield and to ensure a certain longevity of the desalination module, the additional desalination module of an acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the invention may comprise :

a salt water inlet, said inlet cooperating with the first or second duct of said acceleration and / or pressurization module, salt water distribution means fed by said salt water inlet,

a reverse osmosis membrane supplied with salt water by said salt water distribution means,

means for collecting fresh water downstream of said membrane,

a fresh water outlet cooperating with the freshwater collection means upstream of the fluid outlet of said acceleration and / or pressurization module,

means for collecting brackish water cooperating with said membrane,

- A brackish water outlet via an ejector, said ejector cooperating with a brackish water flow control valve and said brackish water collection means upstream.

Advantageously, the ejector may comprise a venturi tube and / or a turbopump, to allow the acceleration of the outlet flow of brackish water.

To satisfy the flow rate and pressure characteristics of the membrane, and to ensure the expected fresh water flow rate, the additional desalination module of an acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the invention may comprise a number predetermined membranes, said membranes being fed by the salt water distribution means, and said freshwater collection means collecting the fresh water generated by the membranes.

In order not to damage the membranes and to generate fresh water with adequate salinity and / or chlorine levels, the additional desalination module of a acceleration module and / or pressurization according to the invention may comprise safety means for interrupting the supply of salt water saltwater distribution means.

According to this variant, to enable the functioning of the membrane or membranes to be verified, the additional desalination module of an acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the invention may comprise or cooperate with processing means, said means safety device that can include or cooperate with an electrically controlled safety valve downstream of the inlet and upstream of the salt water distribution means, a sensor for measuring the salinity level cooperating with said processing means arranged to compare the salinity level measured at a predetermined salinity, said processing means triggering the closing of the safety valve as soon as the measured salinity level is greater than or equal to the predetermined salinity level.

Alternatively or in addition, the security means may comprise or cooperate with an electrically controlled safety valve downstream of the inlet and upstream of the salt water distribution means, a sensor for measuring the chlorine level cooperating with said processing means arranged to compare the measured chlorine content with a predetermined chlorine level, said processing means initiating closure of the safety valve as soon as the measured chlorine level is greater than or equal to the predetermined chlorine level.

To prevent damage to the safety valve, the salt water supply and the salt water distribution means, the safety valve defies in addition to the supply of salt water to an exhaust duct in addition to the interruption of the salt water supply of the salt water distribution means.

In order to protect the membrane and to prevent any damage to it, the additional desalination module of an acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the invention may comprise means for limiting the differential pressure upstream and downstream of the membrane.

To increase the production yield of fresh water, the desalination module of an acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the invention may comprise means for tempering the salt water upstream of the distribution means of the salt water and downstream of the saltwater inlet.

To transmit from the surface a setpoint intended for the acceleration and / or immersion pressurization module, the latter may comprise means for receiving instructions cooperating with the control means to transmit to the latter, a set of instructions communicated to the module. accelerating and / or pressurizing from the outside world by means of a wired connection cooperating with said receiving means.

Alternatively or in addition to a setpoint can be stored in storage means cooperating with the control means, the latter being arranged to read the contents of said storage means.

To prevent any introduction of foreign bodies into the ducts of the module, the latter may comprise means for filtering the fluid downstream of the first fluid inlet and upstream any acceleration or pressurization thereof by the first pump module.

To optionally treat the accelerated fluid or pressurized by an acceleration module and / or pressurization according to the invention, the latter may comprise a reservoir for containing an additive, a third electric motor, a third pump cooperating with said reservoir and the first conduit, said pump being actuated by the third electric motor, the control means cooperating with the third electric motor to translate a setpoint into one or more control commands for driving said third electric motor and injecting said additive into the first conduit.

In order to protect the various elements, an acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the invention may comprise an outer envelope made from a grid arranged to protect the contents of said shock module against a third body.

To avoid burial of the module within a loose soil, the casing of the acceleration and / or pressurization module advantageously has a substantially flat bottom face. It also comprises a lower base which is also substantially flat, cooperating with the lower face of the envelope, the dimensions of said lower base being greater than those of the lower face of the envelope in order to have a flat and protruding edge with respect to the 'envelope.

Alternatively, the casing may have a substantially flat underside having a planar projecting edge. To facilitate the immersion and the rise of an acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the invention, it may comprise means arranged to confer a substantially neutral buoyancy during the immersion of said module. Alternatively or additionally, an acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the invention may comprise at least one ballast cooperating with the control means, the latter translating an instruction into one or more commands for filling or emptying the said one. less a ballast.

To make autonomous an acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the invention, it may comprise at least one electric thruster respectively causing a displacement of said module in a liquid environment when said at least one thruster is actuated. According to this embodiment, the thruster (s) can advantageously cooperate with the control means and be controlled by said control means which translate an instruction into one or more propulsion commands.

To enable supervision, an acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the invention may comprise one or more sensors cooperating with the control means, the latter developing supervisory data from information delivered by the one or more sensors. transmission means cooperating with the control means for transmitting said supervision data to the outside world by means of a wired connection cooperating with said transmission means.

By way of example, the one or more sensors may consist of one or more image capture means the immediate environment of the acceleration and / or pressurization module. Alternatively or in addition, the sensor or sensors may consist of one or more means for measuring an operating parameter of a pump motor or in one or more means for measuring the pressure, flow, temperature , the salinity, the hydrogen potential or the percentage of ethylene glycol of the accelerated or pressurized fluid circulating in the module.

To be connected to a third-party device (for example a projectile launcher module or a pipe), and to supply the latter with an accelerated or pressurized fluid, the fluid outlet of an acceleration and / or pressurization module according to FIG. The invention can advantageously cooperate with a connector (such as a "hot stab") intended to be connected to said third device, said connector being supplied with accelerated fluid or pressurized from the fluid outlet. As a variant, in particular to implement a conformity test of an underwater pipe, an acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the invention may comprise an internal projectile launch module, said internal module being fed with accelerated fluid. or pressurized from the fluid outlet and cooperating with said pipe via a suitable connector.

To meet the needs of the power supply, including electronic means or elements, an acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the invention may include a reserve of electrical energy to power the electrical means of said module. As a variant or in addition, such an acceleration and / or pressurization module may comprise a connector cooperating with a line for conveying from the outside world an energy used to power the electrical means of said module.

To locate an acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the invention, it may advantageously comprise a beacon for locating said module in immersion.

To actuate a third device, an acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the invention may comprise an articulated arm comprising one or more effectors, said articulated arm cooperating with the control means translating a setpoint into one or more control commands said articulated arm.

Other features and advantages will emerge more clearly on reading the following description and on examining the figures that accompany it, among which:

- Figures 1, 2 and 3, previously described, respectively illustrate a detailed view of a projectile launcher module and two embodiments of a conformance testing system of an underwater pipe;

FIG. 4 describes a system for testing compliance of an underwater pipe incorporating a fluid acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the invention;

FIG. 5 presents an internal functional description of an acceleration and / or fluid pressurization module according to the invention; FIG. 6 presents a graphic description of a module for desalinizing saltwater in immersion according to the invention;

- Figures 7a, 7b and 7c respectively describe three embodiments of a fluid acceleration module and / or pressurization and a desalination module associated with the invention. FIG. 5 schematizes an acceleration and / or fluid pressurization module 10 according to the invention. Like the module known and described in connection with FIG. 3, the module 10 according to the invention integrates the pumps designed to accelerate or pressurize an immersion fluid. The modular construction of the module 10 allows a large number of embodiments, some of which are illustrated in Figures 7a, 7b and 7c. As indicated in FIG. 4, the invention first of all provides a module for simply accelerating an immersion fluid. For example, such a module can cooperate with a projectile launcher module 2 for maintaining or testing the geometry of an underwater pipe 1. Such a module may have only one pump 12, low pressure, high flow - Centrifugal pump type. To benefit from a fluid acceleration capacity greater than that delivered by the known solutions, the pump 12 is actuated by an electric motor 13 instead of a hydraulic actuation. Such an arrangement eliminates the risk of pollution inherent in the operation of submerged hydraulic system. It also reduces maintenance costs. The electric motor 13 can be powered by one or more internal batteries (not shown in Figure 5) or from an external wire connection LC and connected to an electrical generating unit, for example a ship N. According to the latter embodiment, the module 10 comprises a connector ensuring the electrical connection between the line LC and said module. For reasons of simplification, the (or) beam (s) or internal bus (s) for supplying electrical energy to the various electrical or electronic elements of the module is not shown in FIG. 5. The energy efficiency of such a direct association pump-electric motor is greatly improved.

To control in particular the power of the motor 13, the module 10 comprises control means 11. These means consist of a microcontroller or computer whose one function is to translate a setpoint C into one or more control commands for the power of said 13. To develop a command, said means can advantageously implement a program recorded or loaded into a program memory (not shown in Figure 5) cooperating with said computer. The instruction C can be pre-recorded in co-operating memory means 11m (via a wired bus or a wireless communication) with said control means 11. The storage means 11m may alternatively be integrated with said control means 11. The instructions C can also emanate from an operator from the surface, for example aboard the ship N, said operator using a suitable man-machine interface. To convey such instructions, the invention provides that the line LC can advantageously convey, not only the energy electrical necessary for the operation of the module, but also the C instructions in the form of electrical signals via a beam or a multiplexed link. According to this variant, a module 10 according to the invention comprises means for receiving instructions 19 cooperating with the control means 11 for decoding and transmitting thereto said instructions C. Alternatively or in addition, a setpoint C can also be transmitted to the module 10, for example from the ship N, by acoustic waves. In this case, the reception means 19 are arranged to decode such a setpoint and communicate it to the control means 11.

To further improve the regulation of the flow of the accelerated fluid, the control means 11 can take into account internal parameters of the module to refine the development of control commands translating a setpoint. The invention thus provides one or more sensors (not shown in FIG. 5) for delivering information related to the operation of the motor 13. A sensor 27 can also be positioned downstream of the pump 12 to measure the flow or any other parameter related to the accelerated fluid, such as by way of example, temperature, viscosity, turbidity, salinity, hydrogen potential (PH) or the percentage of ethylene glycol, etc. According to the invention, these different sensors advantageously cooperate with the control means 11, for example by means of a signaling bus SB. The control means 11 can therefore regulate the power of the electric motor 13 according to a set point C and as a function of information delivered by the sensors. The fluid accelerated by the pump 12, for example a centrifugal pump, circulates at within a first conduit from a first fluid inlet 21 to a fluid outlet 23. If the pipe 1 tolerates being filled with the fluid in which it is immersed, the first inlet 21 of the module 10 is in direct contact with said fluid. For an underwater pipe immersed in an ocean, the fluid flowing in the module is seawater. The invention would not be limited to this single example. Alternatively, a module 10 could be fed from fresh water or any other hydraulic or gaseous fluid. According to this first example, the first pump is therefore a low pressure, high flow pump whose function is to increase the flow rate of the fluid flowing in the module. This pump could alternatively be a low flow, high pressure pump, such as by way of non-limiting example a piston pump. The objective would no longer be to accelerate the fluid in the first conduit but to increase the pressure. The module 10 is then no longer a fluid acceleration module but a fluid pressurization module.

To perform a compliance test of an underwater pipe, as described in connection with Figures 2 and 3, the invention provides that the module can be an acceleration module and / or fluid pressurization. As such, the module comprises a second conduit from a second fluid inlet 22 to the fluid outlet 23. Downstream of said second inlet 22, a second pump 14 actuated by a second electric motor 15 accelerates or compresses the fluid flowing in said second conduit. In a preferred embodiment, the first pump 12 is a centrifugal pump, for accelerating the fluid, and the second pump 14 is a piston pump, for pressurizing said fluid. Said first pump 12 is used to implement the "flooding" and "gauging" steps of line 1. The second pump 14 is used to implement the pressure test of the pipe. To integrate the two conduits sharing the same fluid outlet 23, the invention provides means 24, preferably electrically controlled, to prevent any reflux of the fluid flowing in the second conduit to the first conduit. The means 24 may advantageously consist of a guillotine valve. This valve is used to guide the pressurized fluid to the fluid outlet and prevents any return thereof to the first pump 12 within the first conduit. Conversely, when the pump 12 is actuated and the pump 14 is at rest, the valve 24 allows the circulation of the accelerated fluid to the fluid outlet 23. Advantageously, the invention provides that the second fluid inlet 22 it is arranged in the first conduit downstream of the first pump 12. Alternatively, said second inlet 22 may be, like the first inlet, in direct contact with the surrounding fluid module 10 when it is immersed. The valve 24 is advantageously switched by the control means 11. In the same way as the motor 13, the valve 24 can cooperate with said control means 11 by a control bus CB or any other means of communication. From a set point C, originating from the external mode via the line LC or prerecorded in the storage means 11m, the control means 11 translate said reference C in an actuating command of the guillotine valve 24.

The power of the second electric motor 15 is also and advantageously regulated by the control means 11. These translate an instruction C into one or more control commands advantageously conveyed by the control bus CB or any other communication. Like the motor 13, the motor 15 may include one or more sensors describing its operation. These sensors can transmit - via a signaling bus SB - information to the control means 11 which thus refine the control commands. In addition, one or more sensors 28 may be positioned on the second conduit to measure in particular the pressure prevailing within said conduit. This measurement can be transmitted to the control means 11 via a signaling bus SB to regulate all the better the expected pressure.

To improve the regulation of the flow rate of the fluid flowing in the first conduit, the latter may comprise a 12V regulating valve downstream of the first pump 12. This valve is advantageously electrically controlled and cooperates with the control means 11, for example at the way of the CB control bus. The control means 11 can therefore drive the control valve to regulate the desired flow rate in the first conduit. They translate for this a setpoint C into one or more control commands. This valve is thus actuated (regulated) alternatively and / or in addition to the power of the motor 13. To prevent any degradation of the pumps, conduits, and other valves of the pressurization or fluid pressurization module, one or more filters 12F may advantageously be interposed between the first inlet and the first pump 12. If the second inlet 22 is not arranged in the first conduit downstream of the first pump but is in direct contact, one or more filters may be interposed between said inlet 22 and the second pump 14. These filters 12F allow for example to fluidize the fluid flowing in the pump or pumps of the module 10. In the case of a submerged module at sea or ocean, 12F filters can prevent any intrusion of plant bodies, organic or mineral.

Depending on the power required or simply for reasons of reliability, an acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the invention may comprise a plurality of pumps of the same type to operate together with each other or alternatively. Thus, the pump 12 can be "dubbed" by a pump 12 '(not shown in FIG. 5) actuated by an electric motor 13' (not shown in FIG. 5). The two pumps 12 and 12 'can thus alternately or jointly contribute to the acceleration of the fluid in the first conduit. In the same way, the pump 14 can be doubled by an additional pump 14 '(not shown in FIG. 5) actuated by an additional electric motor 15' (not shown in FIG. 5). The optional motors 13 'and 15' are then arranged to communicate with the control means 11 like the motors 13 and 15. Depending on the nature of the fluid flowing in the acceleration and / or pressurization module and depending on the risk of interaction between the materials forming the inner wall of the pipe that must feed the module, it may be necessary to chemically treat the fluid before that it must not injected into the pipeline.

As shown in Figure 5, the invention thus provides to integrate in the module 10 a reservoir or a plurality of reservoirs 18 containing one or more additives. To inject said additive into the first conduit, the module 10 comprises a third pump 16, advantageously a high pressure pump, actuated by a third electric motor 17 cooperating upstream with said reservoir 18 and downstream with the first conduit. According to a preferred embodiment, the additive is injected into the first conduit downstream of the first pump 12. The electric motor 17 is advantageously connected via the control bus CB to the control means 11. These thus translate a setpoint C in one or more control commands of said motor 17 to control the injection of the additive. Such an additive may also be a dye injected into the pipe to identify any leaks.

Some countries' regulations prohibit the use of chemicals to carry out testing or maintenance operations of underwater pipelines. This type of operation becomes all the more critical as some pipelines can not be supplied with seawater. Fresh water conveyed from the surface is generally illusory according to the depth of immersion of the pipe. Alternatively or in In addition, the invention thus provides for an additional module 60 downstream or upstream of the first fluid inlet 21 to desalinize the water surrounding the module 10 in order to inject fresh water, generated on site, into the pipe. Such an embodiment is for example shown in connection with Figure 7c where an additional desalination module 60 is added upstream of the first fluid inlet (intake 21 according to Figure 5). In a variant, the additional desalination module 60 may advantageously be added downstream of the fluid outlet 23, as shown in connection with FIG. 7b.

Such desalination module 60 according to the invention is described in connection with FIG. 6. Preferably, but not exclusively, the additional desalination module cooperates with the first or the second duct upstream of the fluid outlet 23 of the module. acceleration and / or pressurization 10, as shown in connection with FIG. 5.

Like known desalinization modules, the module 60 according to the invention is based on the principle of reverse osmosis. The principle of reverse osmosis has been chosen with regard to other desalination methods, such as, as non-limiting examples, nanofiltration, distillation or electrodialysis, because it has a mean energy cost and is revealed be particularly profitable with regard to the concentration of salt contained in the seas and oceans. In general, reverse osmosis is a process for the purification of a liquid, by way of non-limiting example the water, that is to say a process of separation in the liquid phase by permeation through membranes. semi-selective under the effect of a pressure gradient. By "osmosis" is meant any transfer of solvent through a membrane under the effect of a concentration gradient. Consider a system with two compartments separated by a semi-selective membrane and containing two solutions of different concentrations (by way of non-limiting example, two water solutions of different salt concentrations): osmosis is interpreted as the flow directed water from the least concentrated water solution to the most concentrated water solution. When pressure is applied to the most concentrated solution, the amount of water transferred by osmosis will decrease. With a sufficiently high pressure, the flow of water will even cancel out: the pressure of this phenomenon is called osmotic pressure in the hypothesis where the less concentrated water solution is a solution of pure water. When the value of the osmotic pressure is exceeded, a flow of water directed in opposite direction is observed: this manifestation is named "phenomenon of reverse osmosis".

The desalination module 60 according to the invention comprises a fluid inlet 61 such as salt water, supplying distribution means 62 of seawater. The fluid inlet 61 cooperates, advantageously but not exclusively with the first or the second conduit upstream of the fluid outlet 23 of the acceleration and / or pressurization module. Said salt water distribution means 62 can advantageously be, in a non-limiting manner, in the form of a dispenser or a dispenser, comprising one or more adjustment valves, taps, mixing valves, or any other means. equivalent. They supply themselves one or more membranes 63 called reverse osmosis.

The membranes 63 used in reverse osmosis are semi-selective membranes, also called semi-permeable membranes. By "semi-selective membrane" is meant any membrane allowing certain transfers of material between two media that it separates, favoring the transfer of certain elements relative to others. In reverse osmosis, the transfers of solvent and solute, respectively in our example water and salt, are by solubilization-diffusion: all the molecular species (solute and solvent) dissolve through the membrane and diffuse at the same time. inside of it as in a liquid under the action of a concentration and pressure gradient. The transfer does not depend on the size of the particles but on their solubility in the membrane medium. The separations are therefore of chemical origin and are related to the solvent power of the membrane. The selectivity of reverse osmosis membranes for different chemical species depends on their ability to solvate by water. The most highly solvated species have a higher rejection rate. The most suitable membranes for reverse osmosis may be, without limitation, made of cellulose acetate or synthetic polymers, such as polyamides or polysulfones. By way of non-limiting example, the membrane may be a thin-film composite membrane consisting of three superimposed layers: a polyester support network, a microporous polysulfone intermediate layer and, on the surface, an ultrafine polyamide barrier layer. The membranes are characterized by their qualities of chemical stability (pH, oxidants, chlorine, etc.), thermal stability, microbiological stability and mechanical resistance. To be implemented, the membranes can be mounted in supports called modules. A pressure-resistant enclosure or the creation of a vacuum within the module is often necessary. Three main types of membranes are possible: tubular-shaped membranes (capillaries or hollow fibers), flat membranes (commonly called "pillow-shaped" in English terminology, or pillow shape), spiral membranes ( two layers of membranes wrapped around a central drain, permeate collector). Preferably, the spiral membranes will be considered the most suitable for reverse osmosis, since they have the lowest replacement costs and easier maintenance. Nevertheless, all the membranes mentioned above can be used as reverse osmosis membranes in the desalination module 60.

The number of membranes 63 used in the desalination module 60 depends on the desired freshwater outflow rate, the osmotic pressure and the surrounding salt water temperature. Indeed, the flow rate of fresh water is proportional to the surface of the membrane crossed by salt water. Thus, the dimensioning of the module of n membranes will take into account all these factors. By way of non-limiting example, considering the osmotic pressure at sixty-eight bars and a salt water temperature of twenty-five degrees Celsius on the surface, for a flow of fresh water of one hundred fifty cubic meters per hour, fifty membranes in series or in parallel will be required to achieve reverse osmosis.

Enclosed in a desalinization module 60 according to the invention, downstream of the membrane or membranes 63, two fluid collection means, respectively of fresh water 64 and brackish water 66, cooperate with this or these latter. Said collection means 64 and 66 may advantageously, but not exclusively, be in the form of nozzles, pipes, tubes or drains. The freshwater collection means 64 are advantageously connected to a fresh water outlet 65. The fresh water outlet cooperates advantageously but non-limitatively with the first or the second duct upstream of the fluid outlet 23 of the water module. acceleration and / or pressurization 10 according to the invention. If the second inlet 22 is not arranged in the first duct downstream of the first pump but is in direct contact, a second additional desalination module may also be provided between said inlet 22 and the second pump 14.

The brackish water outlet 67 is through an ejector 68 downstream of the brackish water collection means 66. This brackish water outlet 67 opens into the salt water. The ejector 68 advantageously makes it possible to optimize the efficiency of the membranes 63 by adjusting the flow rate at the outlet of brackish water. The ejector 68 may comprise a venturi tube: a venturi tube is a deprimogenic member in the form of a tube having a constriction, it is inserted in a pipe so as to limit the flow of the fluid and thus create a pressure differential on both sides of this device. Since the section of the tube in which circulates the fluid decreases, the fluid must accelerate to keep the same flow. According to another variant, the ejector 68 may comprise a turbopump: said turbopump makes it possible to carry out the flow of brackish water in a rapid manner, since it can generate a flow rate of up to fifty thousand cubic meters per hour creating a vacuum using a series of rotors. The dimensioning of the turbopump is based on the flow rate, the density of the fluid and the pressure to be generated to achieve the output flow of brackish water 67. The ejector

68 works in line with a control valve

69 of the brackish water flow.

The phenomenon of desalinization, more particularly the transfer or the rejection of the bodies by a membrane, can be influenced by variable parameters and in particular, not exclusively, the temperature and the water pressure passing through the membrane. This is particularly the case when the desalination unit 60 is immersed in seawater, since the temperature of the surrounding salt water at depth, from four hundred meters, can decrease to reach temperatures of the order from three to four degrees Celsius. At these temperatures, the efficiency of the membranes is decreased, also reducing the flow rate of fresh water delivered. To obtain the required fresh water outflow, a first solution is to heat the surrounding salty seawater to a surrounding temperature of twenty-five degrees Celsius. Alternatively or in addition, it is possible to increase and size the membrane surface and consequently the number n of membranes. To obtain a given freshwater outflow rate, it is necessary to estimate a number n of relevant membranes taking into account the surrounding salt water temperature to soften. Empirical sizing tests have led to the conclusion that, for an effective temperature drop of fifteen degrees Celsius, an effective twenty percent increase in the membrane surface is required to maintain a given freshwater outflow rate. In addition, the desalination module 60 according to the invention may comprise means 76 for tempering the water. The module 60 thus provides the supply of membranes in temperate water, not limited to around twenty degrees Celsius to optimize the use of membranes. The incoming salt water can not be too hot, due to the phenomenon of solubilization of salt in water from twenty-five degrees Celsius. By way of non-limiting example, the means 76 for tempering the water may advantageously comprise an electrical resistance. Alternatively or additionally, in order to ensure the protection of the membrane or membranes 63, means 75 for limiting the pressure differential upstream and downstream of the membrane are housed in the desalination module 60. Said means 75 make it possible to Limit the pressure to prevent damage to the membrane and optimize membrane performance. Advantageously, but in a nonlimiting manner, said means 75 may comprise a differential pressure valve or a differential pressure relief valve. The differential pressure valve is used to limit the pressure increase, bypassing or confusing part of the salt water flow. A constant differential pressure is generated in the membrane. By way of non-limiting example, in correspondence with the membrane or membranes used 63, the pressure differential may be limited to eighty bars.

Preferably, the desalination module 60 may comprise safety means for interrupting the supply of salt water to the membranes. In the event of membrane failure, it is essential to interrupt feeding to avoid as far as possible the contamination of third-party underwater pipelines, and their damage if there is a failure of the membranes. As non-limiting examples, two preferential parameters can be observed and analyzed:

firstly, the salinity level which makes it possible to ensure the proper functioning of the reverse osmosis membranes 63 and may also indicate that it is important to carry out the maintenance of the desalination module 60;

alternatively or in addition, the chlorine level, which can indicate if the membrane or membranes 63 are pierced and consequently, to avoid polluting third underwater or terrestrial pipelines.

Said security means may firstly comprise a sensor 71 for measuring the salinity or chlorine content, said measurement being conveyed to processing means 72 arranged to measure the salinity or chlorine level via an SB signaling bus and also arranged to compare the measured salinity or chlorine level with a predetermined salinity or chlorine level, said processing means also integrating control means: the control bus CB conveys the command, said command enabling the closure of a safety valve 73 downstream of the inlet and upstream of the salt water distribution means 62, as soon as the measured salinity or chlorine level is greater than or equal to the predetermined salinity or chlorine level. According to this embodiment, the processing means 72 are integrated in the desalination module 60. According to another variant, said processing means 72 can also be distant from the desalination module 60 and cooperate with it. By way of non-limiting example, said processing means 72 can be integrated in the acceleration and / or pressurization module without being integrated in the desalination module 60 according to the invention: such processing means 72 can form a single unit. and same entity with the control means 11 of an acceleration and / or pressurization module 10. The closing of the safety valve 73 allows the interruption of the salt water supply. Advantageously, the safety valve 73 can further route the salt water supply to an exhaust duct 74 in addition to the interruption of the salt water supply of the salt water distribution means. Said exhaust duct 74 avoids the creation of an overpressure at the safety valve 73. To reduce costs and facilitate maintenance, the safety valve 73 of the additional desalination module 60 and the control valve 12V acceleration and / or pressurization module may consist of one and the same entity. Similarly, the sensor 27 of the acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the invention and the sensor 71, when measuring the chlorine or salinity levels, may consist of one and the same entity.

The sensors present within the acceleration and / or fluid pressurization module allow the control means to refine the development of commands for motors and other electric valves. The control means 11 can furthermore develop supervision data SI intended to be possibly recorded in the means for memorizing 11m, for historical purposes, or even to be communicated in real time to a surface-based operator on a ship by example. The module 10 therefore comprises transmission means 19 cooperating with the control means 11 for transmitting said supervision data SI to the outside world. The data can advantageously be conveyed by the wired link LC cooperating with said transmission means or by dedicated communication means.

In general, the invention provides that mechanical pressure relief valves may be deployed along the first and second ducts to prevent any degradation in the event of sudden increases in pressure in said ducts.

FIGS. 7a, 7b and 7c describe alternative embodiments of an acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the invention. According to these figures, the module is intended for particular to perform maintenance operations and / or compliance tests of an underwater pipe.

Figure 5 allowed us to describe the internal arrangement of such a module. Figures 7a to 7c we allow to detail the external arrangement of such a module 10. The latter comprises an outer casing 30, preferably rigid providing protection and holding all the elements constituting said module. Said elements are thus protected against any impact against a third body. As a variant, the various elements of the module 10 that need to be protected from the surrounding fluid can advantageously comprise respectively their own sealed containment enclosures (coatings from a resin for example). The envelope 30 of the acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the invention can then be shaped essentially from a grid, allowing the fluid, surrounding the module, to penetrate the envelope when the module is immersed. Such an envelope makes it possible to preserve the safety of the personnel when launching the module or during maintenance operations. Such a module can be operated in great depths of immersion for example of the order of 3000 meters or more.

One of the objectives of the invention consists in minimizing the equipment required to operate a module for accelerating and / or pressurizing a fluid. To facilitate the immersion and the surface lift of said module, it advantageously comprises means 30f to give it a substantially neutral buoyancy during its launching. Such means 30f may consist of one or more floats disposed within or around the envelope 30. Such floats may advantageously be hollow, filled with a less dense solid material than the fluid in which the module must be immersed. A fluid acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the invention may further comprise one or more ballasts 32 whose filling or emptying is triggered by the control means of the module (the means 11 according to FIG. ). They cooperate with the ballast or ballasts and actuate the ballasts from instructions. A fluid acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the invention may be conveyed to the intervention site by means of a submarine. To overcome this, the invention provides in a variant that the module may comprise one or more thrusters cooperating with module control means, for example the control means 11 or the processing means 72. indicate 7a, 7b and 7c, the module 10 advantageously comprises one or more thrusters 33 (with electrical controls) to cause a substantially horizontal displacement DH when the module 10 is immersed. Other thrusters (or only one) 34 can complement the role of the ballast or ballasts 33 to cause a substantially vertical displacement DV when the module 10 is immersed. The different thrusters cooperate with the control means which translate a setpoint, recorded or conveyed by the line LC, into propulsion commands carried by wired channels (electrical or optical CB bus), radio or ultrasonic from the control means to the thruster concerned. A propellant 34 may advantageously consist of a propeller or a turbine. A module according to the invention may further comprise one or more azimuth thrusters cooperating advantageously with said control means. As shown in Figure 7a, the distal portion of a cable 5 may advantageously be attached to the envelope 30 of the module to tow the latter and facilitate its ascent and craning aboard a ship. Like known modules actuated by a submarine, a fluid acceleration and / or pressurization module 10 according to the invention may comprise a connector 40 (also known as "Hot Stab") in order to connect the fluid outlet 23, via an optionally flexible pipe 41, to a third device, for example a launcher module 2 as described by way of non-limiting example in FIG. 4.

To facilitate a docking maneuver or to monitor the operations performed by the module 10, the latter may comprise one or more digital image capture means 35 of the immediate environment of the acceleration and / or pressurization module. The images SI can advantageously be conveyed by the line LC via the transmission means 19 to the outside world.

To actuate, for example, a third-party device (such as the 2VA and 2VB valves of a launcher module 2 described in connection with FIG. 1), the module 10 may comprise one or more articulated arms 70 provided with one or more effectors. Such an arm 70 may be substantially similar to that fitted to a wire-guided submarine. The arm or arms 70 are advantageously controlled by the control means of the acceleration and / or pressurization module from setpoints. Said control means translate said instructions into one or more control commands of the articulated arm 70. The controls are advantageously communicated to said arm 70 via an electric bus CB not shown in Figure 7a. If necessary, the module 10 may comprise a power station or hydraulic (not shown in Figure 7a) dedicated to this use. Alternatively, the invention provides that said valves of a projectile launcher module can be controlled via one or more commands transmitted by acoustic waves or via a wired electrical connection. According to this variant, the means of transmission and / or reception of a module 10 are arranged to convey such commands developed by the control means of said device.

As indicated in Figures 7a and 7c, the outer casing 30 may advantageously have a substantially flat bottom face. This can cooperate, being fixed for example welded, with a lower base 31 also substantially flat. The dimensions of said lower base are chosen to be greater than those of the underside of the envelope 30 to have a flat edge and protruding with respect to the envelope. The base 31 is a mattress (or "mud mat" in English terminology) protecting the module 10 and further avoiding any burying of the module on soft or muddy soil by resisting the surface tension of said soil. Alternatively, the envelope may be directly arranged to directly present a substantially flat bottom face 31 having a projecting edge plane. According to a third embodiment (not described in connection with FIGS. 7a to 7c), the additional lower base 31 or the lower face of the envelope 30 can cooperate with feet whose respective heights can be optionally adjusted (from the means module control) or shock absorbers to optimize the ground support of the module 10.

FIG. 7b describes an alternative embodiment for which the fluid outlet does not cooperate with a connector (the connector 40 described in connection with FIGS. 7a and 7c) but directly with a projectile launcher module 50 (such as that described in FIG. connection with Figure 1). The latter is integrated with the acceleration and / or fluid pressurization module according to the invention 10. The fluid outlet 23 cooperates with said internal launcher module 50 by means of a pipe 41 partially external (as shown in FIG. 7b) or internal. In addition, the module 10 according to FIG. 7b advantageously has an additional desalination module 60 for generating fresh water downstream of the fluid outlet 23 and downstream of the pipe 41.

FIG. 7c describes a fluid acceleration and / or pressurization module similar to that described with reference to FIG. 7a. The module 10 according to FIG. 7c advantageously has an additional desalination module 60 for generating fresh water upstream of the fluid inlet 21. According to a preferred embodiment, as previously specified, such an additional module 60 is provided for generating fresh water from the surrounding fluid acceleration module and / or pressurization when it is immersed. The additional module 60 delivers fresh water thus generated on site to the first admission of the acceleration and / or pressurization module 10. Any chemical additive to desalinate the accelerated or pressurized water in the module thus becomes unnecessary. Operation of an acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the invention and conforming for example to the description of Figure 7c satisfies the most demanding regulations.

The invention has been described during its implementation to perform compliance tests for underwater pipelines. A pump-motor assembly may further consist of a plurality of pumps respectively actuated by a plurality of electric motors.

It could also be envisaged that a plurality of desalination modules are connected in series or in parallel with an acceleration and / or pressurization module to improve the efficiency of the assembly and to rapidly increase the flow of fresh water.

Other modifications may be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Module for accelerating and / or pressurizing (10) an immersion fluid comprising:

a first conduit from a first fluid inlet (21) to a fluid outlet (23),

a first pump (12) cooperating with said first duct for regulating the pressure or the flow of the fluid in said first duct, said first pump being actuated by a first electric motor (13),

cooperating control means (CB) (CB) with the first electric motor for translating a setpoint (C) into one or more driving commands of the first electric motor,

a second conduit from a second fluid inlet (22) to the fluid outlet (23),

a second pump (14) actuated by a second electric motor (15) for regulating the pressure or the flow of the fluid in the said second conduit, the cooperating control means (11) (CB) with the second electric motor for translating an instruction (C) one or more control commands for controlling said second electric motor, means for preventing (24) any reflux of the fluid flowing in the second duct towards the first duct,

said module being characterized in that the second inlet (22) is arranged in the first duct downstream of the first pump.

Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the preceding claim, wherein the means for preventing (24) any reflux of the fluid consist of a controlled electric isolation valve (CB) by the control means (11) ·

Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first pump (12) is a high-pressure, low-pressure pump for increasing the flow of fluid in the first conduit when the latter is actuated by the first electric motor (13).

Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the preceding claim, for which the first conduit comprises a control valve

(12V) downstream of the first pump (12), said valve being electrically controlled and cooperating

(CB) with the control means (11), the latter driving the control valve to regulate the desired flow rate in the first conduit in translating a setpoint (C) into one or more control commands.

Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second pump (14) is a high pressure, low flow pump for pressurizing the fluid flowing in the second conduit when said pump is actuated by the second electric motor (15).

Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an additional desalination module (60) for generating fresh water from the fluid surrounding the pressurization module when it is immersed, said additional module (60) delivering the fresh water thus generated upstream of the fluid outlet (23) of the acceleration and / or pressurization module (10).

Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to claim 6, wherein the additional desalination module (60) comprises:

a salt water inlet (61), said inlet cooperating with the first or second conduit of said acceleration and / or pressurization module (10), salt water distribution means (62) fed by said salt water inlet (61),

- a reverse osmosis membrane (63) supplied with salt water by said salt water distribution means (62),

freshwater collection means (64) downstream of said membrane (63),

a fresh water outlet (65) cooperating with the freshwater collection means (64) upstream of the fluid outlet (23) of said acceleration and / or pressurization module (10),

brackish water collection means (66) cooperating with said membrane (63),

- A brackish water outlet (67) via an ejector, said ejector (68) cooperating with a brackish water flow control valve (69) and said brackish water collection means (66) upstream.

Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the preceding claim, wherein the ejector (68) comprises a venturi tube and / or a turbopump.

Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the additional desalination module (60) comprises a predetermined number of membranes (63), said membranes (63) being respectively powered by the salt water distribution means (62), and said freshwater collection means (64) collecting fresh water generated respectively by said membranes (63).

Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to any one of Claims 7 to 9, for which the additional desalination module (60) comprises safety means for interrupting the supply of salt water to the water distribution means salty (62).

Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to claim 10, for which the additional desalination module (60) comprises processing means (72) or cooperates with such means (11), said safety means comprising or cooperating with a safety valve (73) electrically controlled downstream of the inlet (61) and upstream of the salt water distribution means (62), a sensor (71) for measuring the salinity rate cooperating with said means of treatment (72) arranged to compare the measured salinity level with a predetermined salinity level, said processing means (72) triggering the closure of the safety valve (73) as soon as the measured salinity level is greater than or equal to the rate of predetermined salinity. Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to claim 10, for which the additional desalination module (60) comprises processing means (72) or cooperates with such means (11), said safety means comprising or cooperating with a safety valve (73) electrically controlled downstream of the inlet (61) and upstream of the salt water distribution means (62), a sensor (71) for measuring the chlorine level cooperating with said means for treatment (72) arranged to compare the measured chlorine content with a predetermined chlorine level, said treatment means (72) triggering the closure of the safety valve (73) as soon as the measured chlorine level is greater than or equal to the predetermined chlorine.

Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the safety valve (73) of the additional desalination module (60) further confuses the supply of salt water to an exhaust duct (74). ) in addition to the interruption of the salt water supply of the salt water distribution means (62).

Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to any one of claims 7 to 13, for which the additional desalination module (60) comprises means (75) for limit the differential pressure upstream and downstream of the membrane.

Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to any one of claims 7 to 14, for which the additional desalination module (60) comprises means (76) for tempering the salt water upstream of the distribution means of the salt water (62) and downstream of the salt water inlet (61).

16. Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising means for receiving instructions (19) cooperating with the control means (11,72) to transmit to the latter, a setpoint ( C) communicated to the acceleration and / or pressurization module (10) from the outside world by means of a wire connection (LC) cooperating with said receiving means

(19).

Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to any one of the preceding claims, for which a setpoint (C) is stored in storage means (11m) cooperating with the control means (11,72), the latter being arranged to read the contents of said storage means. Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising means (12F) for filtering the fluid downstream of the first fluid inlet (21) and upstream of any acceleration or pressurization thereof. ci by the first pump (12) of the module (10).

19. Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a reservoir (18) designed to contain an additive and a third electric motor (17), a third pump (16) cooperating with said reservoir. and the first conduit, said third pump (16) being actuated by the third electric motor, the cooperating control means (11) (CB) with the third electric motor (17) for translating a setpoint (C) into one or more commands driving said third electric motor and injecting said additive into the first conduit.

20. Module acceleration and / or pressurization according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an outer casing (30) made from a grid arranged to protect the contents of said shock module against a third body.

21. Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the preceding claim, wherein the casing has a substantially flat bottom face, said acceleration and / or pressurization module comprising a lower base (31) also substantially flat, cooperating with the underside of the envelope, the dimensions of said lower base being greater than those of the underside of the envelope (30) to have a flat edge and protruding with respect to the envelope.

22. Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to claim 20, wherein the envelope has a substantially flat bottom face.

(31) having a planar projecting edge.

23. Module acceleration and / or pressurization according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising means (30f) arranged to confer a substantially neutral buoyancy during the immersion of said module.

24. acceleration module and / or pressurization according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one ballast (32) cooperating with the control means (11,72), the latter translating a setpoint (C) into a or more commands for filling or emptying said at least one ballast (32). Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one thruster (33, 34) with electrical commands respectively causing displacement (DH, DV) of the acceleration and / or pressurization module (10) in a liquid environment when said at least one thruster (33, 34) is actuated.

Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the preceding claim, for which the at least one thruster (33, 34) cooperates (CB) with the control means (11, 72) and is controlled by said control means (11). ) that translate a setpoint (C) into one or more propulsion commands.

27. acceleration module and / or pressurization according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more sensors (27, 28, 35) cooperating (SB) with the control means (11,72), the latter developing supervisory data (SI) based on information supplied by the one or more sensors, transmission means (19) cooperating with the control means (11, 72) for transmitting said supervision data (SI) to the world outside by means of a wire connection (LC) cooperating with said transmission means (19).

28. Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to the preceding claim, wherein the one or more sensors consist of one or more digital image capturing means (35) of the immediate environment of the acceleration module and / or pressurization.

29. Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to claim 27, wherein the one or more sensors consist of one or more means for measuring an operating parameter of a pump motor.

Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to claim 27, in which the one or more sensors consist of one or more measuring means (27, 28) for pressure, flow rate, temperature, salinity, the hydrogen potential or the percentage of ethylene glycol of the accelerated or pressurized fluid circulating in the module.

31. Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid outlet (23) cooperates with a connector (40) intended to be connected to a third device (1, 2), said connector (40) being fed (41) with accelerated or pressurized fluid from the fluid outlet (23). 32. An acceleration and / or pressurization module according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an internal projectile launching module (50) for maintaining or testing the conformity of a pipe (1), said internal module (50). ) being fed (41) with accelerated or pressurized fluid from the fluid outlet (23) and cooperating with said pipe (1) via a suitable connector (51). 33. Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a reserve of electrical energy for powering the electrical means of said module.

34. Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a connector (19) cooperating with a line (LC) for conveying from the outside world electrical energy necessary to power the electrical means of said module. .

35. Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to any one of the claims previous, including a tag for locating said module (10) in immersion.

Acceleration and / or pressurization module according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an articulated arm (70) comprising one or more effectors, said articulated arm cooperating with the control means (11) translating an instruction (C) into one or more control commands for driving said articulated arm.