WO2017042632A1 - Ensemble de conduite sous-marine souple pour hydrocarbures - Google Patents

Ensemble de conduite sous-marine souple pour hydrocarbures Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2017042632A1
WO2017042632A1 PCT/IB2016/001432 IB2016001432W WO2017042632A1 WO 2017042632 A1 WO2017042632 A1 WO 2017042632A1 IB 2016001432 W IB2016001432 W IB 2016001432W WO 2017042632 A1 WO2017042632 A1 WO 2017042632A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
subsea hydrocarbon
submersible pump
hydrocarbon pipeline
flexible
end fitting
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2016/001432
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Marek MISAN
Eng-Hui YEO
Karina SEGATTO DE HAAN PORTO
Henri Morand
Erik TRAN
Original Assignee
Technip France
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 Technip France filed Critical Technip France
Publication of WO2017042632A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017042632A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
    • E21B43/12—Methods or apparatus for controlling the flow of the obtained fluid to or in wells
    • E21B43/121—Lifting well fluids
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
    • E21B17/20—Flexible or articulated drilling pipes, e.g. flexible or articulated rods, pipes or cables
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
    • E21B43/12—Methods or apparatus for controlling the flow of the obtained fluid to or in wells
    • 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
    • F16L11/00—Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes
    • F16L11/04—Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes made of rubber or flexible plastics
    • F16L11/08—Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes made of rubber or flexible plastics with reinforcements embedded in the wall
    • F16L11/081—Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes made of rubber or flexible plastics with reinforcements embedded in the wall comprising one or more layers of a helically wound cord or wire
    • F16L11/082—Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes made of rubber or flexible plastics with reinforcements embedded in the wall comprising one or more layers of a helically wound cord or wire two layers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline assembly, generally comprising a flexible subsea pipeline having an end fitting housing a submersible pump powered by the pipeline.
  • the internal pressure required to transfer the hydrocarbons from the seabed to a suitable vessel, such as a floating production vessel at sea level, may require assistance. That is, some production wells have inadequate internal pressure to provide the whole pressure required to transfer the hydrocarbons to the sea surface. This problem is increasing as offshore wells are being drilled in deeper and deeper waters, now sometimes greater than 2000 metres deep, and possibly greater than 3000 metres deep.
  • ESP electrical submersible pumps
  • the use of electrical submersible pumps (ESP) is well known in the art in order to assist or boost pressure and flow of hydrocarbons from at or near a seabed to sea level, generally through risers and the like.
  • the ESP can also be used to increase the recovery fraction of a given reservoir.
  • ESPs generally comprise a pump run by an attached motor, (and optionally one or more gas/liquid separators, as the gas can be vented and rise to the sea surface elsewhere, such as in the annular space between a riser and the production pipeline or tubing).
  • US 6,412,562 B1 shows an electrical submersible pump assembly suspended within a riser.
  • the riser extends upward from a well to near sea level, and the pump is suspended within the riser near the well end, optionally within the first 25 meters above the well head.
  • An electrical motor is supported on the lower end of the seal section of the ESP, and it is a large AC motor supplied with electrical power through a power cable extending down from the floating production platform.
  • US 7,565,932 B2 shows a submersible pump assembly mounted in the straight portion of a flowline jumper engaged in a subsea production system.
  • the pump assembly boosts pressure of fluid flowing between various receptacles on the seabed.
  • the electrical motor for the submersible pipe assembly is powered by a power cable which has a penetrator that extends through a flange, and which is connected to a source of power, optionally subsea, such as a wet mate connector system located at a suitable manifold.
  • each of the above assemblies requires separate power cables or a separate power source to drive the ESP, which increases installation time, maintenance, and possible hazards. Also, each of the above is a static structure that has no flexibility in use or positioning.
  • a flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline assembly comprising:
  • Flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipelines are well known in the art, and generally comprise a series of concentric but modular layers, starting with a first inner layer or carcass made of a hydrocarbon-resistant material such as stainless steel, surrounded by one or more pressure sheaths, one or more armour layers (generally being alternate cross layers), followed by an external sheath, generally formed of a suitable plastic such as polyamide.
  • a first inner layer or carcass made of a hydrocarbon-resistant material such as stainless steel
  • one or more pressure sheaths generally being alternate cross layers
  • an external sheath generally formed of a suitable plastic such as polyamide.
  • One or more of these layers may be formed of spirals, and they are generally laid in alternative directions to increase strength.
  • a typical example is shown in Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, and described hereinafter.
  • Flexibility is a distinctive property of flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipelines, and for example helically wound steel wires used for forming the armour layers give such pipelines their high pressure resistance and excellent bending characteristics, providing flexibility and superior dynamic behaviour.
  • such pipelines have a modular construction, where the layers are independent but designed to interact with one another.
  • Flexible dynamic risers have been particularly useful in developing floating production systems, i.e. between the fixed sea floor or seabed structures, and the floating nature of the production system. Moreover, their flexibility makes it possible to spool flexible pipelines on and off reels for efficient and quick
  • Typical flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipelines are flowlines and risers.
  • the flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline is one or more of the group comprising: a riser, a flowline and a jumper.
  • a particular form of a flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline is termed an 'Integrated Production Bundle' or ⁇ ', in which the traditional structure of a flexible pipeline (with its modular layers as described above), is surrounded by one or more further layers, including but not limited to being one or more of the group comprising: tubes, hoses, cables and fillers - including optical fibres, electrical cables, packers, hydraulic hoses, gas lift tubes, and any combination of same.
  • This structure is then further surrounded by one or more external sheaths, such as polymer sheaths.
  • the additional layers in an IPB can provide umbilical component functionality to a standard flexible subsea hydrocarbon production fluid pipeline, such as (by way of example only): passive insulation and active heating in order to minimise the potentially significant thermal loses that can occur along the height of a riser;
  • the flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline is an Integrated Production Bundle.
  • Submersible pumps are well known in the art, and typically comprise at least a pump intake for supplying the liquid to be pumped, a motor driving an internal pump mechanism after the pump intake, and a pump discharge.
  • the submersible pump is an electrical submersible pump, i.e. the motor is an electric motor, and there are one or more electrical power sources.
  • Electrical submersible pumps are well known in the art, and the problems with their prior use are described hereinabove.
  • the submersible pump is a gas-powered submersible pump, i.e. the motor is gas-driven, and there are one or more sources of suitably high pressure gas.
  • a source of suitably high pressure gas is compressed gas provided within the flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline, such as one or more gas lift tubes.
  • Gas lift tubes are used in some flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipelines, such as but not limited to an Integrated Production Bundle as described herein.
  • the high pressure of the gas provided by the gas lift tube can also be partially used to run the pump, and the remaining pressure can be utilised for gas lift of the production fluid.
  • the submersible pump is a hydraulic-powered submersible pump, i.e. the motor is hydraulically-driven, and there are one or more sources of hydraulic fluid.
  • a source of hydraulic fluid is a hydraulic fluid tube provided within the flexible subsea
  • Hydraulic fluid tubes are used in some flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipelines, such as but not limited to an Integrated Production Bundle as described herein.
  • the submersible pump may comprise one or more of the group selected from:
  • the pump may be any known arrangement involving impellers, screws, etc., optionally of the centrifugal type.
  • the end fitting includes a power docking station for the pump.
  • the power docking station may be integral or separable from the end fitting, and provides an intermediate station between the power source and the submersible pump.
  • the power docking station provides flexibility of design to the flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline assembly.
  • the end fitting location may be either at a subsea termination, etc. or at a flexible mid-line connection.
  • the end fitting of the flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline may comprise any shape or design, generally having one or a first end mateable with the components of the flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline, and an opposite or second end being mateable to another complementary end fitting (to form a mid-line connection with another flexible pipeline), or mateable to one or more other production structures, in particular subsea production structures such as well heads or manifolds, etc. in the form of a jumper.
  • Such connections are generally through the use of one or more bolts or bolt heads, and flange arrangements, known in the art.
  • the submersible pump is separable from the end fitting, such that the submersible pump may either be subsequently added to the end fitting after fitting of the flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline, or be removed from the end fitting (for maintenance or repair, etc.), or both.
  • the flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline can still be installed and used in its standard form, and the present invention provides the flexibility of subsequently adding or removing a submersible pump thereinto where necessary or desired.
  • the present invention allows the introduction of a number of flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipelines in series, with the introduction of as many submersible pumps in suitable end fittings located between such pipelines (mid-line) as desired or necessary.
  • the present invention provides flexibility to achieve complex or longer pipeline solutions.
  • a flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline comprising a flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline having an end fitting adapted to wholly or partly house a separable submersible pump.
  • the flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline is an Integrated
  • the submersible pump can be separable from the end fitting
  • the submersible pump can be located and locked into an end fitting using one or more fitting or mating systems known in the art. These include one or more of the group
  • one or more hydraulic packers are one or more hydraulic packers.
  • Nipple and mandrel tools sometimes also defined as landing nipples and lock mandrels, are known in the art for securing and locking parts, in particular bore parts, within a pipeline or greater bore. Typical examples are available from Halliburton under their Otis (RTM) range. They can include locking keys, generally being retractable, and are used in installing in tubing strings. They may include one or more seals, and achieve positive location with minimum restriction, optionally with locking sleeves.
  • Spiral screw connections are also well known in the art, generally having one part with a male thread, and a second part or station with a female complementary threaded bore, which together can be spinal screwed together to locate and lock the submersible pump in the end fitting.
  • Hydraulic (operated) packers are also well known in the art of well completion to separate well production zones. These can be combined with the elements mentioned hereinabove to ensure that the pump is well secured, and that no or limited communication exists between the inlet and out of the pump.
  • the apparatus or system for locating and locking the submersible pump into the end fitting hold and maintain the submersible pump, optionally without any axial movement after installation.
  • the prior art methods of powering an electrical submersible pump in a pipeline use a separate or new power cable that is run along the inside of the pipeline, which must either be torque balanced or attached to another support, such as internal tubing, (i.e. the tubing using to support the ESP and transfer fluids therefrom along the pipeline).
  • the need for a separate internal power cable still involves several failure modes, including possible internal damage, and limited tubing size.
  • the submersible pump could be powered either through the flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline itself, or through one or more wall penetrators in the end fitting, thus maintaining the flexibility of the flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline and avoiding known prior art failure modes.
  • the submersible pump is powered through the flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline itself, this can be by using one or more of power cables, gas lines and/or hydraulic lines or tubes provided as part of the flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline, either inherently, or one or more further added cables, lines or tubes added in the manufacturing of the flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline, and dedicated to powering a submersible pump.
  • the submersible pump could be an electrical submersible pump, which can be connected to one or more of said power cables or power lines.
  • the submersible pump could be a gas powered submersible pump, which can be connected to one or more of gas tubes.
  • the gas of the gas lift going down the IPB could also be used to power the pump, and once so-used, the gas could be released downstream of the pump to provide lift to hydrocarbons exiting the pump.
  • power for the submersible pump is conveniently part of the flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline itself, and can be attached as and when required in or within the end fitting using one or more electrical, gas or hydraulic connectors or connections.
  • This avoids the need for a separate power cable to be extended along and within the core, i.e. the production core or bore of the flexible subsea
  • hydrocarbon pipeline from the power source usually the sea level production vessel or platform.
  • submersible pump is powered using one or more end fitting wall penetrators, such as selected from the group comprising: electrical penetrators, gas penetrators, and hydraulic penetrators, and combinations of same.
  • end fitting wall penetrators such as selected from the group comprising: electrical penetrators, gas penetrators, and hydraulic penetrators, and combinations of same.
  • penetrator(s) could be located axially, radially, or both, in or through a suitable part of the end fitting, and be powered by one or more external power cables, in a manner known in the art. This again avoids the need for a separate power cable to be extended along and within the core, i.e. the production core or bore of the flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline from the power source, usually the sea level production vessel or platform. The use, maintenance and replacement of external power cables are more controllable by the operator.
  • Wall penetrators may have a dry end and a wet end, and include various designs of plugs, caps, and receptacles, including 'ROV receptacles' which allow an ROV to connect an external electrical cable.
  • the present invention may include the use of one or more different types of penetrators, including an internal bore or core penetrator, tree cap penetrators, and known associated fittings including plugs, sockets, receptacles etc. used for subsea connector or connection systems.
  • the electrical connection or connections required between the submersible pump and power supply can be any suitable apparatus, system or mechanism, such as but not limited to socket arrangements, screw connectors, etc.
  • Other electrical connectors are known in the art, such as those provided by Zeitecs, in particular the Zeitecs ShuttleTM connector which exhibits plug and play connectivity.
  • connection or connections required between the submersible pump and any high pressure gas supply could be any suitable apparatus, system or mechanism, such as but not limited to socket arrangements, screw connectors, etc.
  • the flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline assembly further comprises an IPB fitting around at least part of the end fitting and at least part of the pipeline.
  • the IPB fitting may have any suitable size, shape and design, and is generally able to provide a circumferential housing around at least part of the end fitting and at least part of the pipeline, optionally to provide a support or location for the or an electrical connection required to power the submersible pump.
  • the flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline is an Integrated Production Bundle
  • the flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline assembly further comprises a specific termination fitting around at least part of the end fitting and at least part of the Integrated Production Bundle
  • the submersible pump is powered by one or more of power cables or gas lines extending from the Integrated Production Bundle and operable through the umbilical termination fitting and the end fitting.
  • the IPB fitting comprises one or more circumferential housings, co-axially aligned with the pipeline and the end fitting, and having one or more chambers, optionally sealable chambers, through which one or more power connections can pass, optionally by the location of one or more passageways such as tubings or tubes able to carry a power connection.
  • the IPB fitting includes one or more receptacles or sockets adapted to accept an external power connection, such as an external lead or jumper attachable by an ROV or the like. Suitable ROV wet mateable connectors are known in the art.
  • the IPB fitting includes one or more internal tubes able to mate with one or more complementary passageways through the end fitting.
  • a method of forming a flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline assembly as defined herein comprising at least the steps of:
  • the submersible pump is optionally an electrical submersible pump
  • the power source is one or more power cables.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of a prior art flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of a prior art Integrated
  • IPB Production Bundle
  • Figure 3 is a side cross sectional view of the flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline of Figure 1 having an end fitting according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 4 is a side cross sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention comprising Figure 3 and an electrical submersible pump located and locked in the end fitting
  • Figure 5 is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention using a IPB and end fitting, with an electrical submersible pump located in the end fitting and powered by power cable from the IPB;
  • Figure 6 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the present invention using a plurality of flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline assemblies between a floating vessel and a seabed.
  • Figure 1 shows a typical flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline production structure 10, comprising a series of concentric and modular layers, being a first or inner or central spiralled carcass 1 1 , such as formed in stainless steel, and which is wholly of substantially hydrocarbon resistant.
  • a pressure resistant polymeric layer e.g. polyamide layer 12
  • a single metallic layer resistant to hoop stress or pressure vault layer 13 e.g. polyamide layer 12
  • a double layer of cross armouring 14 such as helically wound steel wires
  • an outer or external sheath generally formed of a polymer or suitable plastic.
  • the flexible pipeline structure 10 can include one or more polymeric or metallic other layers, in particular reinforcement layers, but requires maintaining its flexibility and dynamic behaviour known in the art.
  • FIG 2 shows an exploded view of the end of an Integrated Production Bundle (IPB) 20.
  • the core of an IPB can be same or similar to that of the subsea hydrocarbon pipeline production structure 10 shown in Figure 1 , i.e. comprising a series of concentric and modular layers with a final plastic sheath 22.
  • a series of tubes or cables 24 which can also be helically wound or added in an SZ manner, with plastic spacers 28 thereinbetween to support and hold the location of the tubes or cables 24: all of which can then be surrounded by one or more further thermal insulation and/or protection layers or sheaths, such as the final layer 30 shown in Figure 2.
  • IPBs are known in the art, and in particular, IPBs allow the integration of a production bore, such as the production structure 10 shown in Figure 1 , along with other tubes and lines, such as for gas lift and umbilical functionality, including power, electrical and fibre optic lines, signal cables, and the like, all provided in an integral form in multi-bore pipeline.
  • Figure 3 shows a cross sectional view of a schematic flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline 31 , which can be any suitable pipeline including the basic production structure 10 shown in Figure 1 , or the IPB 20 shown in Figure 2, etc., attached to an end fitting 32.
  • the end fitting 32 generally has a first end 33 mateable with the flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline 30, and a second or opposite end 34 having a flanged head portion 35, including a plurality of aligned bolt holes 36, though which suitable bolts (not shown) could be used to attach the flanged head 35 to a well production head or manifold etc. (not shown) on or near a seabed, in a manner known in the art.
  • the end fitting 32 includes a central bore 38 intended for the passage of hydrocarbons from a well head (or manifold or intermediate structure, etc.) generally located on or near a seabed, into the pipeline 30 for passage to sea level, such as to a floating production vessel.
  • the end fitting 32 may be adapted to wholly or partly house a separable submersible pump (not shown) into the central bore 38, using the steps of providing the pump
  • Figure 3 shows an example of a flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline of the present invention comprising a flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline 31 and end fitting 32 adapted to wholly or partly house a separable submersible pump.
  • Figure 6 shows a typical arrangement for a flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline 46 between a seabed 40 and a floating production vessel 44 at sea level 42. Figure 6 is discussed in more detail hereinafter.
  • Figure 4 shows a first embodiment of the present invention, comprising a flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline assembly 50 comprising a flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline 52, having an end fitting 54, and an electrical submersible pump 56 partly located and locked in the end fitting 54.
  • the flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline 52 shown in Figure 4 may be the same as or different to the flexible pipeline production structure 10 shown in Figure 1 , and may extend some metres, hundreds of metres, or even thousands of metres to a floating production vessel of the like.
  • the flexible pipeline 52 is mated to one end of the end fitting 54 using any suitable mechanism inside cover 53, as known in the art.
  • the electrical submersible pump (ESP) 56 shown in Figure 4 comprises an electrical penetrator 58, a motor 60, a pump 62, a landing nipple 64 and a locking mandrel 66.
  • One end of the pump 62 is connected to the motor 60, and the another end 68 is connected to tubing 70 passing up the flexible pipeline 52.
  • the electrical penetrator 58 is connected to an electrical dock 72 located on the inner surface of the end fitting 54, and designed to provide the drive to the motor 60.
  • the electrical dock 72 is connected via an external electrical connection 74 which passes through a wall of the end fitting 54.
  • the ESP 56 partly extends into the flexible pipeline 52, and is located and locked into the end fitting 54 by use of a landing nipple 64 which is similar to that used in the oil and gas completions industry, and which can be integrated into the internal surface of the end fitting 54.
  • This machined internal surface of the end fitting 54 provides a seal area and a locking profile.
  • the casing of the ESP 56 meanwhile incorporates a locking mandrel 66 (also used in the completions industry) to lock the ESP 56 in place in the end fitting 54.
  • fluids such as hydrocarbons enter the end fitting 54 through the end opening 76, past an electrical dock 72 located within the end fitting 54, past motor 60, and into the pump 62 which increases its pressure for passage subsequently up the flexible pipeline 52.
  • An advantage of the present invention is that the flexible pipeline 52 and end fitting 54 can be provided without the ESP 56, which can be added thereafter when additional in line pressure is required.
  • Figure 4 shows the end fitting 54 having an external electrical connection 74.
  • This may have one end attached to or being a suitable electrical connector 82 that is accessible externally from the end fitting 54, such as by a ROV receptacle arm, and a tree cap penetrator 80 at least partly housed in the wall of the end fitting 54.
  • the tree cap penetrator 80 can connect to an internal penetrator 78, said penetrator 78 having its opposite end penetrating into the electrical dock 72.
  • Such electrical arrangements and connectors are well known in the art, and include those available under the brand SpecTRON available from Siemens Subsea in the UK and elsewhere.
  • An external connection with a suitable power cable can be provided using an ROV or the like.
  • Figure 5 shows a second flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline assembly 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 shows a flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline 102 having an end fitting 104, and an electrical submersible pump (ESP) 106 partly located and locked in the end fitting 104.
  • ESP electrical submersible pump
  • the flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline 102 is an IPB, such as that shown in Figure 2, and having a central core 108 optionally being the same or similar to that shown in Figure 1 , and a series of outer gas tubes 1 10 and/or power cables 1 12 bundled around the core 108, to provide known end of pipeline ancillary functionality and provisions, such as power cables, fibre optics, signal cables and the like.
  • the second flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline assembly 100 includes an IPB fitting 120 extending from the end fitting 104 to a sealing assembly 121 at the end of the outer part of the IPB pipeline 102.
  • the IPB fitting 120 comprises a co-axial series of shells able to form two longitudinal chambers 122, 124.
  • Figure 5 shows one of the power cables 1 12 extending from the IPB pipeline 102 into a tubing 126 that passes through a first radial wall 128 into the second chamber 124.
  • the second chamber 124 is a second tubing 130 able to provide a passageway to a passageway 132 in the end fitting 104.
  • an internal penetrator 136 Within the bore 134 of the end fitting 104, there is located an internal penetrator 136 able to connect with a docking station 138 which then connects with the motor 140 and pump 142 at one end of the electrical submersible pump 106 in a manner shown in Figure 4.
  • electrical power can be provided to the electrical submersible pump 106 by electrical connection from the power cable 1 12 through the first and second chambers 122, 124 and radial wall 128 of the IPB fitting 120, and through the end fitting 104 to reach the internal penetrator 136, etc.
  • gas power can be provided to a suitable gas powered submersible pump in the end fitting 104 from or by one or more of the gas tubes 1 10 at the end of the IPB pipeline 102.
  • the gas power can be routed to the end fitting 104 through the first and second chambers 122, 124 and the radial wall 128 of the IPB fitting 120 (partly shown in Figure 5), in the same way as electrical power from power cable 1 12.
  • Hydraulic power can be similarly provided to power a suitable submersible pump from the IPB pipeline 102.
  • Figure 5 shows examples of how power to the submersible pump can be provided by an internal connection from the end of the pipeline to the end fitting, (and then, through the end fitting to the submersible pump).
  • the IPB fitting 120 provides a suitable and optionally sealed housing around the end of the pipeline 102 and the end fitting 104, which can safely house the required electrical, gas etc. connection all the way to the end fitting without any external connection required.
  • the arrangement shown in Figure 5 forms an integral termination assembly for a flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipeline, within which, either integrally or added separately, a submersible pump can be located and operated.
  • Figure 6 shows a schematic view of a flexible pipeline 46 extending between a seabed 40 and a floating production vessel 44 on a sea level 42.
  • Figure 6 shows the possibility of using three separate flexible pipelines 48a, 48b and 48c, each having complimentary end fittings 49 between which are located electrical submersible pumps 43 in mid-line arrangements, such that the overall pipeline 46 has two sets of pressure increasing stations along its length, to assist and boost flow of
  • submersible pumps Whilst the use of submersible pumps are known in the art for boosting the pressure and flow in a producing well, the present invention provides dramatic increase in flexibility of the use of submersible pumps, and in particular with use of flexible hydrocarbon pipelines.
  • Submersible pumps can now be added at short notice and retrospectively into suitable end fittings, to allow an operator to improve oil recovery generally at the end of a production fuel life, or should a drop in production happen. That is, subsea boosting is possible in existing flexible pipelines by the addition of submersible pumps using the present invention. Further, 'plug and play' can be used so that where a flexible pipeline is supplied with a 'plug in ready' ESP, then it is a simple matter to install a submersible pumps with minimal change to the system.
  • the electrical cables or gas lines or hydraulic tubes required to power a submersible pump can be available and used 'on-demand'. This reduces the need for laying a separate gas line, or the use on internal tubing to power the submersible pump.
  • the present invention is possible with relatively minor changes to the manufacture of known or 'standard' end fittings and flexible subsea hydrocarbon pipelines, with the ability to machine in an electrical or gas fitting, install landing nipples and replace certain armour wires with electrical cables (if full IPB functionality is not required).
  • fitting a submersible pump in the end fitting allows for fitting a larger diameter pump, and as the end-fitting is made of steel, the heat generated from the pump operation can be discharged to the environment without the possible adverse effect that could be brought to a flexible pipe should the pump be located inside the pipe itself.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Jet Pumps And Other Pumps (AREA)

Abstract

Ensemble de conduite sous-marine souple pour hydrocarbures, comportant: - une conduite sous-marine souple pour hydrocarbures dotée d'un raccord d'extrémité: et - un pompe submersible entièrement ou partiellement située et bloquée dans le raccord d'extrémité. L'intégration d'une pompe submersible avec une structure de conduite souple accroît significativement l'aptitude à l'utilisation de l'ensemble combiné dans la production d'hydrocarbures au large et sous la mer, tout en évitant les problèmes liés au besoin d'alimentations électriques séparées ou externes.
PCT/IB2016/001432 2015-09-07 2016-09-06 Ensemble de conduite sous-marine souple pour hydrocarbures WO2017042632A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1515815.7 2015-09-07
GB1515815.7A GB2541944B (en) 2015-09-07 2015-09-07 Flexible Subsea Hydrocarbon pipeline assembly

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2017042632A1 true WO2017042632A1 (fr) 2017-03-16

Family

ID=54345868

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2016/001432 WO2017042632A1 (fr) 2015-09-07 2016-09-06 Ensemble de conduite sous-marine souple pour hydrocarbures

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2541944B (fr)
WO (1) WO2017042632A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018025081A1 (fr) * 2016-08-04 2018-02-08 Technip France Terminaison d'extrémité ombilicale

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112377114A (zh) * 2020-10-16 2021-02-19 天津大学 一种柔性立管抗拉铠装层交织型连接方法
WO2022231785A1 (fr) * 2021-04-30 2022-11-03 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Fiabilité améliorée non métallique obtenue par l'intermédiaire de capteurs intégrés (nerfs) : nerfs sensoriels optiques et électriques
US11953352B2 (en) 2021-04-30 2024-04-09 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Non-metallics enhanced reliability via embedded sensors (NERVES): optical and electrical sensory nerves

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030170077A1 (en) * 2000-03-27 2003-09-11 Herd Brendan Paul Riser with retrievable internal services
FR2863650A1 (fr) * 2003-12-11 2005-06-17 Carrier Kheops Bac Dispositif d'alimentation en energie d'appareillage dans les pipes, notamment pour les pompes des pipes de forage petrolier
US20130068465A1 (en) * 2011-09-16 2013-03-21 Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Methods and systems for circulating fluid within the annulus of a flexible pipe riser
WO2014079455A1 (fr) * 2012-11-20 2014-05-30 National Oilwell Varco Denmark I/S Ensemble tuyau flexible et raccord d'extrémité
WO2015121616A1 (fr) * 2014-02-11 2015-08-20 Ge Oil & Gas Uk Limited Apport de fluide prédéterminé

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030170077A1 (en) * 2000-03-27 2003-09-11 Herd Brendan Paul Riser with retrievable internal services
FR2863650A1 (fr) * 2003-12-11 2005-06-17 Carrier Kheops Bac Dispositif d'alimentation en energie d'appareillage dans les pipes, notamment pour les pompes des pipes de forage petrolier
US20130068465A1 (en) * 2011-09-16 2013-03-21 Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Methods and systems for circulating fluid within the annulus of a flexible pipe riser
WO2014079455A1 (fr) * 2012-11-20 2014-05-30 National Oilwell Varco Denmark I/S Ensemble tuyau flexible et raccord d'extrémité
WO2015121616A1 (fr) * 2014-02-11 2015-08-20 Ge Oil & Gas Uk Limited Apport de fluide prédéterminé

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018025081A1 (fr) * 2016-08-04 2018-02-08 Technip France Terminaison d'extrémité ombilicale
US10711578B2 (en) 2016-08-04 2020-07-14 Technip France Umbilical end termination

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2541944A (en) 2017-03-08
GB2541944B (en) 2017-10-04
GB201515815D0 (en) 2015-10-21

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7814969B2 (en) Wet mate connection for ESP pumping system
US7857604B2 (en) Hermetically sealed motor lead tube
GB2521293B (en) Subsea production system with downhole equipment suspension system
WO2017042632A1 (fr) Ensemble de conduite sous-marine souple pour hydrocarbures
US9322245B2 (en) Metal encased cable power delivery system for downhole pumping or heating systems
US8474520B2 (en) Wellbore drilled and equipped for in-well rigless intervention ESP
US20150354308A1 (en) Downhole Equipment Suspension and Lateral Power System
US20150330194A1 (en) Downhole Equipment Suspension and Power System Background
US20130062050A1 (en) Mating unit enabling the deployment of a modular electrically driven device in a well
EA028999B1 (ru) Электрическая проводка для бурильной трубы, обсадной колонны и насосно-компрессорной трубы
EP3494339B1 (fr) Terminaison d'extrémité ombilicale
CA2712829C (fr) Dispositif et systeme de penetrateur en biais
US11746630B2 (en) Deployment of a modular electrically driven pump in a well
US20130168101A1 (en) Vertical subsea tree assembly control
EP2906780A1 (fr) Système de commande d'une pompe immergée à commande hydraulique
BR112018072192B1 (pt) Método de despressurização para equipamento submarino
CN109642454B (zh) 卡合式电潜泵
RU2644366C1 (ru) Сборно-разборная многоканальная длинномерная гибкая колонна
US11970926B2 (en) Electric submersible pump completion with wet-mate receptacle, electrical coupling (stinger), and hydraulic anchor

Legal Events

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

Ref document number: 16788195

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 16788195

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1