WO2018101840A1 - A hose arrangement and a method for testing the integrity of a hose unit of a hose arrangement - Google Patents

A hose arrangement and a method for testing the integrity of a hose unit of a hose arrangement Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2018101840A1
WO2018101840A1 PCT/NO2017/050310 NO2017050310W WO2018101840A1 WO 2018101840 A1 WO2018101840 A1 WO 2018101840A1 NO 2017050310 W NO2017050310 W NO 2017050310W WO 2018101840 A1 WO2018101840 A1 WO 2018101840A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pressure
hose
unit
conduit
arrangement
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NO2017/050310
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Kenneth Bertheussen
Original Assignee
Vinje Industri As
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Vinje Industri As filed Critical Vinje Industri As
Publication of WO2018101840A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018101840A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L11/00—Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes
    • F16L11/20—Double-walled hoses, i.e. two concentric hoses
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
    • G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
    • G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
    • G01M3/28—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds
    • G01M3/2807—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds for pipes
    • G01M3/283—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds for pipes for double-walled pipes
    • 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
    • F16L11/22—Multi-channel hoses
    • 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
    • F16L39/00—Joints or fittings for double-walled or multi-channel pipes or pipe assemblies
    • F16L39/02—Joints or fittings for double-walled or multi-channel pipes or pipe assemblies for hoses
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17D—PIPE-LINE SYSTEMS; PIPE-LINES
    • F17D5/00—Protection or supervision of installations
    • F17D5/08—Protection of installations or persons from the effects of high voltage induced in the pipe-line
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
    • G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
    • G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
    • G01M3/28—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds
    • G01M3/2807—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds for pipes
    • G01M3/2815—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds for pipes using pressure measurements

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a hose arrangement for transferring a flowable medium between a first unit and a second unit in a marine environment.
  • the hose arrangement comprises a hose unit comprising a first end portion adapted to be connected to the first unit and a second end portion adapted to be connected to the second unit.
  • the hose unit further comprises a first conduit adapted to transfer the medium, and a second conduit arranged around the first conduit so that a closed space is formed between the first conduit and the second conduit.
  • Hose units are used in variously industrial applications, such as marine environment, for transferring a flowable medium between a first unit and a second unit. For example, in off-shore oil production, large amount of flowable medium is produced that needs to be transported for further processing. Large amount of fluids are also used in the production and accordingly needs to be transferred to the production site. Flexible hose units are in particular suitable for transferring flowable medium in a dynamic environment, such as between an oil rig and a vessel.
  • the flowable medium may be a liquid or a flowable solid, such as powder with grain size that enables it to be transferred using the hose unit.
  • the flowable medium may also comprise a mixture of different phases, such as a slurry of liquid and solids. These solids may be abrasive and result in internal fractures in the hose unit.
  • the medium is for example oil, water, drilling fluid, drilling mud, and etcetera.
  • a problem with prior art hose arrangements is that it is difficult to assess and test the integrity of a hose unit of a hose arrangement, in particular in direct connection to the operation of the hose arrangement in field condition. For example, it is difficult to detect a small fracture of the hose unit that relates to an internal or external leakage that is not detectable using external visual inspection. However, such small fracture may, due to the high flow rate in the hose unit, rapidly increase the fracture to an external leakage to the environment. In the worst case scenario, the small fracture may rapidly evolve to a catastrophic rupture of the hose unit with significant leakage of the medium to the surrounding. Apart from the possible environmental consequences of such leakage, special adapted fluids, such as drill fluid, are expensive to replace.
  • WO2010041955A1 discloses a hose system comprising an inner hose, an outer hose and an air filled volume between the inner hose and the outer hose for providing buoyancy to the hose system.
  • WO2009/082241 A discloses a safety hose for transferring fluids between a floating structure and another fixed or floating structure.
  • an object of the invention is to provide a hose arrangement that enables the integrity of hose unit of a hose arrangement to be tested in a connected operational condition.
  • a hose arrangement for transferring a flowable medium between a first unit and a second unit in a marine environment according to claim 1 , wherein the hose arrangement comprises a hose unit comprising a first end portion adapted to be connected to the first unit and a second end portion adapted to be connected to the second unit, wherein the hose unit further comprises a first conduit adapted to transfer the medium, and a second conduit arranged around the first conduit so that a closed space is formed between the first conduit and the second conduit.
  • the hose arrangement is characterized in that it comprises a loop arrangement comprising an inlet for injecting a gas into the space and an outlet for removing the gas from the space, wherein the hose arrangement comprises pressure sensor means that is adapted to sense the pressure of the gas that is being conducted in the loop arrangement, and a logic unit adapted to receive information from the pressure sensor means and in dependency of said received information determine a significant change in the pressure that is related to a malfunction of the hose unit in a start-up phase of the operation of the hose unit.
  • the significant change comprises a first change in pressure comprising an increase in pressure related to initiation of transferring the medium through the first conduit, and a subsequently second change in pressure comprising a decrease in pressure that is related to a burst or rupture of the second conduit due to said prior increase in pressure.
  • the pressure sensor means is arranged to sense the pressure of the gas after that the gas has been conducted through the inlet and the outlet.
  • the hose arrangement further comprises a control unit adapted to control the flow of the medium through the first conduit and the flow of the gas through the loop arrangement.
  • the hose arrangement is adapted to be controlled so that firstly the gas is conducted through the loop arrangement, and subsequently, the medium is conducted through the first conduit.
  • the first conduit expands from a compressed state to an extended state, which results in that the volume of the spacing decrease and accordingly the pressure in the spacing is increases. Thereby, the pressure on the second conduit is increasing.
  • the logic unit is adapted to detect the significant change related thereto so that the hose unit can be replace with a replacement hose unit.
  • the replacement hose unit is preferably tested in the same manner as the malfunctioning hose unit.
  • the hose arrangement comprises signalling means for creating an alarm signal and the logic unit is adapted to control the signalling means in dependency of the change in operational condition of the hose unit.
  • the object of the invention is further obtained by means of a method according to claim 6 for testing the integrity of hose unit of a hose arrangement.
  • the method comprises the steps of:
  • the determination of the significant change comprises determining a first change in pressure comprising an increase in pressure related to initiation of transferring the medium through the first conduit, and determining a subsequently second change in pressure comprising a decrease in pressure that is related to a rupture of the second conduit due to said prior increase in pressure.
  • the method comprises:
  • the method comprises:
  • the method comprises,
  • the hose unit is preferably tested so that the pressure of the space is temporarily reaches a pressure that is higher than the pressure normally occurring during operation of the hose unit. If the hose unit is not failing during such extensive pressurization of the space, the integrity of the hose unit is assured and it is assumed that the hose unit will be functional under normal operation and pressure of the space. Accordingly, the operation of the hose unit is such than the pressure is lower that at the start-up phase of the operation of the hose arrangement.
  • the logic unit receives information on the first pressure and second pressure repeatedly over time.
  • the object of the invention is further obtained by use of a hose arrangement according to the invention.
  • Fig. 1 discloses a hose arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention, where a hose unit extends between a first and a second unit;
  • Fig. 2 discloses an example of the hose unit in fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 3 discloses a cross section of an example of an intermediate portion of the hose unit in fig. 2;
  • Fig. 4a discloses a cross section of an example of a stress release unit of the hose unit in fig. 2, where the stress release unit is in an engaged state;
  • Fig. 4b discloses a cross section of the stress release unit in fig. 4a, where the stress release unit is in a disengaged state
  • Fig. 5 discloses a schematic overview of the hose arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 6 discloses a flowchart of a first embodiment of a method for detecting a malfunction of the hose unit in a start-up phase of the operation of the hose unit;
  • Fig. 7 discloses a flowchart of a second embodiment of a method for detecting a malfunction of the hose unit in a start-up phase of the operation of the hose unit.
  • Fig. 1 discloses an overview of a hose arrangement 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the hose arrangement 1 comprises an elongated hose unit 3 for transferring a flowable medium between a first unit 5 and a second unit 7.
  • the hose unit 3 extends between the first unit 5 and the second unit 7.
  • the hose unit 3 further comprises a stress release unit 10, such as a breakaway unit.
  • the first unit 5 comprises an oil rig and the second unit 7 comprises a vessel.
  • the hose unit 3 comprises a first end portion 12 connected to the first unit 5 and a second end portion 14 connected to the second unit 7.
  • a first end portion 12 connected to the first unit 5
  • a second end portion 14 connected to the second unit 7.
  • the embodiment of the hose unit 3 in fig. 1 is disclosed in further details, where a part of the hose unit 3 is stored on a storage drum 16.
  • Fig. 3 discloses a cross section at an example of an intermediate portion 18 of the hose unit 3 in fig. 2.
  • the intermediate portion 18 of the hose unit 3 constitutes a main part of the extension of the hose unit 3.
  • the hose unit 3 comprises a first conduit 20 adapted to guide the medium when the medium is transferred between the first unit 5 and the second unit 7.
  • the hose unit 3 further comprises a second conduit 22 arranged around the first conduit 20 in order to protect the first conduit 20 from fracture due to abrasion or hits to its exterior surface.
  • the second conduit 22 is further arranged so that a closed space 24 is formed between the first conduit 20 and the second conduit 22.
  • the space 24 extends along the extension of the hose unit 3.
  • the first conduit 20 and the second conduit 22 comprise a uniform wall thickness along the extension of the hose unit 3. Accordingly, the space 24 is preferably uniformly arranged along the extension of the hose unit 3.
  • the hose unit 3 comprises a first hose portion 26 and a second hose portion 28 that are connected with each other by means of the stress release unit 1 0.
  • the stress release unit 10 has the function to release the connection between the first hose portion 26 and the second hose portion 28 in the event that stress release unit 1 0 is subjected to a stress that exceeds a certain value.
  • the stress release unit 10 is in an engaged state, where the first hose portion 26 and the second hose portion 28 are connected.
  • the stress release unit 10 is in a disengaged state, where the first hose portion 26 and the second hose portion 28 are disconnected from each other.
  • the hose unit 3 comprises a further portion 30 of the space 24 that is adapted to receive the medium in case of a leakage of the first conduit 20.
  • the further portion 30 of the space 24 is adapted to be arranged at a centre of mass M of the hose unit 3 in its fully extended configuration. Accordingly, when the hose unit 3 extends between the first unit 5 and the second unit 7, the further portion 30 of the space 24 will constitute the lowest point of the hose unit 3. In case of a leakage anywhere along the length of the hose unit 3, the medium will flow to the further portion 30 of the space 24.
  • the hose unit 3 further comprises a loop arrangement 40 comprising an inlet 42 to the space 24 and an outlet 44 from the space 24.
  • the inlet 42 is adapted to guide a stream of pressurized gas, such as air, into the space 24.
  • the outlet 44 is adapted to guide the gas and possible leakage of the medium out of the space 24.
  • the injection of the stream of gas is into the space 24 is adapted to pressurize the space 24 to a first pressure P1 .
  • the outlet 44 is arranged extending to an outside that comprises a second pressure P2 that is lower than the first pressure P1 . Accordingly, due to the pressure difference between the space 24 and the outside, possible leakage of the medium will be transferred to the outside by means of the outlet 44 of the evacuation arrangement 40.
  • the second pressure P2 relates to the ambient air pressure and the first pressure P1 is set by the rate of injection of the stream of gas.
  • the inlet 42 comprises a third conduit 50 and the outlet 44 comprises a fourth conduit 52, see fig. 3.
  • the fourth conduit 52 extends between a first opening 54 to the space 24 and a second opening 56 at the first end portion 12 of the hose unit 3.
  • the third conduit 50 extends between a third opening 58 to the space 24 and a fourth opening 60 at the first end portion 12 of the hose unit 3.
  • Fig. 5 discloses a schematic overview of the hose arrangement 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the hose arrangement 1 comprises a compressor device 70 for injecting compressed gas into that the loop arrangement 40.
  • the compressor device 70 is adapted to inject a stream of air into loop arrangement 40.
  • the hose arrangement 1 comprises pressure sensor means 80 that is adapted to sense the pressure of the gas that is being conducted in the loop arrangement 40.
  • the pressure sensor means 80 is for example a piezoresistive pressure gauge, a capacitive pressure gauge, an electromagnetic pressure gauge, a piezoelectric pressure gauge, a potentiometric pressure gauge, a resonant pressure gauge, a thermal pressure gauge and an ionization pressure gauge.
  • the pressure sensor means 80 is preferably arranged to sense the pressure of the gas after that the gas has been conducted through the inlet 42 and the outlet 44.
  • the hose arrangement 1 further comprises a logic unit 82 adapted to receive information from the pressure sensor means 80 and in dependency of said received information determine a significant change in the pressure that is related to a malfunction of the hose unit 3 in a start-up phase of the operation of the hose unit 3.
  • the logic unit 82 is adapted to determine a first significant change in the pressure.
  • the first significant change is defined by a first decrease in the pressure of the gas.
  • the significant change in the pressure indicates a malfunction of the hose unit 3 that is relating to a burst or rupture in the second conduit 22.
  • a leakage entering the space 24 is adapted to be evacuated from the hose unit 3 by means of the flow of the gas in the loop arrangement 40.
  • the hose arrangement 1 further comprises a container 90 to which the leakage is adapted to be evacuated.
  • hose arrangement 1 comprises leakage sensor means 92 for sensing a receipt of said leakage in the container 90.
  • the logic unit 82 is adapted to receive information from the leakage sensor means 92 and determine a significant change relating to receipt of the leakage in the container 90.
  • the leakage sensor means 92 is for example a liquid sensor that detects receipt of a liquid based on change in conductivity, capacitance, optical interface, and etcetera.
  • the leakage sensor means 92 comprises a float that is adapted to be displaced between a first and a second position relating to no leakage and a leakage of the medium respectively.
  • the evacuated medium is transferred back to its original source, such as a tank.
  • the leakage sensor means 92 is configured to measure an amount of the medium and the logic unit 82 is adapted to determine an extent of the leakage of the medium based on information from the leakage sensor means 92 over time.
  • the hose arrangement 1 further comprise a separation unit 94 in fluid communication with the outlet 44 and means for discharging medium that has been evacuated from the space 24.
  • the separation unit 94 is adapted to separate the medium from the gas.
  • the hose arrangement 1 comprises a further container 96 and a discharge conduit 98 that is adapted to guide medium from the separation unit 94 to the further container 96 further in the event of extensive leakage that has been evacuated from the space 24.
  • the hose arrangement 1 further comprises signalling means 99 for creating an alarm signal and the logic unit is adapted to control the signalling means 99 in dependency of the change in operational condition of the hose unit 3.
  • the signalling means 99 is for example adapted to create the alarm signal in form of one of a visual signal, an audible signal, and a vibration signal, or a combination thereof.
  • the signalling means 99 is for example an indication lamp, a buzzer, a vibration device, and etcetera.
  • the method comprises, in a step 100, conducting the gas through the loop arrangement 40, and in a subsequent step 1 10, conducting the medium through the first conduit 20.
  • the method further comprises, in a step 120, receiving first information from the pressure sensor means 80 and determining a first pressure, and thereafter in a step 130, receiving second information from the pressure sensor means 80 and determining a second pressure.
  • the method thereafter comprises, in a step 140, determining if a significant change in the pressure exists by comparing the first pressure and the second pressure.
  • the steps of 120-140 are preferably iterated over time of the operation of the hose arrangement 1 .
  • a flowchart of a second embodiment of a method for detecting a malfunction of the hose unit 3 in a start-up phase of the operation of the hose unit 3 is disclosed.
  • the second embodiment in fig. 7 differs from the first embodiment in that the method further comprises a step 1 50, where if no significant change is determined with a certain period of time, reducing the flow of gas conducted through the loop arrangement 40 so that the pressure of the space 24 decreases to a third pressure after that the integrity of the hose arrangement 1 has been tested, which third pressure is lower than a peak pressure of the space 24 during the start-up phase when the integrity of the hose unit 3 is tested. Accordingly, the pressure of the space 24 is reduced to the normal operational pressure of the space 24.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Examining Or Testing Airtightness (AREA)
  • Pipeline Systems (AREA)

Abstract

A hose arrangement (1) for transferring a flowable medium between a first unit (5) and a second unit (7). The hose arrangement comprises a hose unit (3) comprising a first conduit (20) adapted to transfer the medium, and a second conduit (22) arranged around the first conduit (20) so that a closed space (24) is formed. The hose arrangement comprises a loop arrangement (40) comprising an inlet (42) for injecting a gas into the space (24) and an outlet (44) for removing the gas from the space (24). The hose arrangement comprises pressure sensor means (80) and a logic unit (82) adapted to receive information from the pressure sensor means and in dependency of said received information determine a significant change in the pressure that is related to a malfunction of the hose unit in a start-up phase of the operation of the hose unit.

Description

A HOSE ARRANGEMENT AND A METHOD FOR TESTING THE INTEGRITY OF A HOSE UNIT OF A HOSE ARRANGEMENT
Introduction
The invention relates to a hose arrangement for transferring a flowable medium between a first unit and a second unit in a marine environment. The hose arrangement comprises a hose unit comprising a first end portion adapted to be connected to the first unit and a second end portion adapted to be connected to the second unit. The hose unit further comprises a first conduit adapted to transfer the medium, and a second conduit arranged around the first conduit so that a closed space is formed between the first conduit and the second conduit.
Prior art
Hose units are used in variously industrial applications, such as marine environment, for transferring a flowable medium between a first unit and a second unit. For example, in off-shore oil production, large amount of flowable medium is produced that needs to be transported for further processing. Large amount of fluids are also used in the production and accordingly needs to be transferred to the production site. Flexible hose units are in particular suitable for transferring flowable medium in a dynamic environment, such as between an oil rig and a vessel.
The flowable medium may be a liquid or a flowable solid, such as powder with grain size that enables it to be transferred using the hose unit. The flowable medium may also comprise a mixture of different phases, such as a slurry of liquid and solids. These solids may be abrasive and result in internal fractures in the hose unit. The medium is for example oil, water, drilling fluid, drilling mud, and etcetera.
A problem with prior art hose arrangements is that it is difficult to assess and test the integrity of a hose unit of a hose arrangement, in particular in direct connection to the operation of the hose arrangement in field condition. For example, it is difficult to detect a small fracture of the hose unit that relates to an internal or external leakage that is not detectable using external visual inspection. However, such small fracture may, due to the high flow rate in the hose unit, rapidly increase the fracture to an external leakage to the environment. In the worst case scenario, the small fracture may rapidly evolve to a catastrophic rupture of the hose unit with significant leakage of the medium to the surrounding. Apart from the possible environmental consequences of such leakage, special adapted fluids, such as drill fluid, are expensive to replace.
WO2010041955A1 discloses a hose system comprising an inner hose, an outer hose and an air filled volume between the inner hose and the outer hose for providing buoyancy to the hose system.
WO2009/082241 A discloses a safety hose for transferring fluids between a floating structure and another fixed or floating structure.
Summary of the invention
The invention has for its object to remedy or to reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art, or at least provide a useful alternative to prior art. In particular, an object of the invention is to provide a hose arrangement that enables the integrity of hose unit of a hose arrangement to be tested in a connected operational condition.
These objects are achieved by means of a hose arrangement for transferring a flowable medium between a first unit and a second unit in a marine environment according to claim 1 , wherein the hose arrangement comprises a hose unit comprising a first end portion adapted to be connected to the first unit and a second end portion adapted to be connected to the second unit, wherein the hose unit further comprises a first conduit adapted to transfer the medium, and a second conduit arranged around the first conduit so that a closed space is formed between the first conduit and the second conduit.
The hose arrangement is characterized in that it comprises a loop arrangement comprising an inlet for injecting a gas into the space and an outlet for removing the gas from the space, wherein the hose arrangement comprises pressure sensor means that is adapted to sense the pressure of the gas that is being conducted in the loop arrangement, and a logic unit adapted to receive information from the pressure sensor means and in dependency of said received information determine a significant change in the pressure that is related to a malfunction of the hose unit in a start-up phase of the operation of the hose unit.
By means of measuring the pressure of the gas that is conducted in the loop arrangement at a start-up phase of the operation of the hose arrangement, and on basis thereof determining the significant change in the pressure, a malfunction, such as defect resulting in a burst or rupture of the second conduit can be detected. Thereby, it is possible to stop the operation of the hose arrangement and replace the hose unit with a replacement hose unit before starting the overall operation of transferring the medium between the two units. Accordingly, by means of the hose arrangement of the invention, the integrity of hose unit can be tested when the hose unit is in a connected operational condition. According to an embodiment of the invention, the significant change comprises a first change in pressure comprising an increase in pressure related to initiation of transferring the medium through the first conduit, and a subsequently second change in pressure comprising a decrease in pressure that is related to a burst or rupture of the second conduit due to said prior increase in pressure.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the pressure sensor means is arranged to sense the pressure of the gas after that the gas has been conducted through the inlet and the outlet.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the hose arrangement further comprises a control unit adapted to control the flow of the medium through the first conduit and the flow of the gas through the loop arrangement.
By means of the control unit, the hose arrangement is adapted to be controlled so that firstly the gas is conducted through the loop arrangement, and subsequently, the medium is conducted through the first conduit. When the medium is conducted through the first conduit, the first conduit expands from a compressed state to an extended state, which results in that the volume of the spacing decrease and accordingly the pressure in the spacing is increases. Thereby, the pressure on the second conduit is increasing. In the event that the second conduit cannot withstand the pressure increase and a burst or a rupture occurs, the logic unit is adapted to detect the significant change related thereto so that the hose unit can be replace with a replacement hose unit. The replacement hose unit is preferably tested in the same manner as the malfunctioning hose unit.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the hose arrangement comprises signalling means for creating an alarm signal and the logic unit is adapted to control the signalling means in dependency of the change in operational condition of the hose unit.
The object of the invention is further obtained by means of a method according to claim 6 for testing the integrity of hose unit of a hose arrangement. The method comprises the steps of:
- prior to conducting the medium through the first conduit, conducting the gas through the loop arrangement,
- subsequently, conducting the medium through the first conduit,
- receiving first information from the pressure sensor means and determining a first pressure,
- receiving second information from the pressure sensor means and determining a second pressure, and
- determining if a significant change in the pressure has occurred by comparing the first pressure and the second pressure.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the determination of the significant change comprises determining a first change in pressure comprising an increase in pressure related to initiation of transferring the medium through the first conduit, and determining a subsequently second change in pressure comprising a decrease in pressure that is related to a rupture of the second conduit due to said prior increase in pressure.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises:
- in the start-up phase of the operation of the hose unit, gradually increasing the flow of the medium through the first conduit while simultaneously measuring the pressure.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises:
- determining the significant change in the pressure if the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure is positive and within a first range, wherein the significant change is related to a burst or rupture of the second conduit due to the prior increase in pressure.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises,
- if no significant change is determined with a certain period of time, reducing the flow of gas conducted through the loop arrangement so that the pressure in the space decreases to a third pressure after that the integrity of the hose arrangement has been tested, which third pressure is lower than a peak pressure of the space during the start-up phase when the integrity of the hose unit is tested.
The hose unit is preferably tested so that the pressure of the space is temporarily reaches a pressure that is higher than the pressure normally occurring during operation of the hose unit. If the hose unit is not failing during such extensive pressurization of the space, the integrity of the hose unit is assured and it is assumed that the hose unit will be functional under normal operation and pressure of the space. Accordingly, the operation of the hose unit is such than the pressure is lower that at the start-up phase of the operation of the hose arrangement.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the logic unit receives information on the first pressure and second pressure repeatedly over time.
The object of the invention is further obtained by use of a hose arrangement according to the invention.
Brief description of drawings
In the following is described examples of preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein :
Fig. 1 discloses a hose arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention, where a hose unit extends between a first and a second unit;
Fig. 2 discloses an example of the hose unit in fig. 1 ;
Fig. 3 discloses a cross section of an example of an intermediate portion of the hose unit in fig. 2; Fig. 4a discloses a cross section of an example of a stress release unit of the hose unit in fig. 2, where the stress release unit is in an engaged state;
Fig. 4b discloses a cross section of the stress release unit in fig. 4a, where the stress release unit is in a disengaged state;
Fig. 5 discloses a schematic overview of the hose arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 6 discloses a flowchart of a first embodiment of a method for detecting a malfunction of the hose unit in a start-up phase of the operation of the hose unit; and
Fig. 7 discloses a flowchart of a second embodiment of a method for detecting a malfunction of the hose unit in a start-up phase of the operation of the hose unit.
Detailed description of the invention
Fig. 1 discloses an overview of a hose arrangement 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The hose arrangement 1 comprises an elongated hose unit 3 for transferring a flowable medium between a first unit 5 and a second unit 7. The hose unit 3 extends between the first unit 5 and the second unit 7. The hose unit 3 further comprises a stress release unit 10, such as a breakaway unit. In fig. 1 , the first unit 5 comprises an oil rig and the second unit 7 comprises a vessel.
The hose unit 3 comprises a first end portion 12 connected to the first unit 5 and a second end portion 14 connected to the second unit 7. In fig. 2, the embodiment of the hose unit 3 in fig. 1 is disclosed in further details, where a part of the hose unit 3 is stored on a storage drum 16.
Fig. 3 discloses a cross section at an example of an intermediate portion 18 of the hose unit 3 in fig. 2. The intermediate portion 18 of the hose unit 3 constitutes a main part of the extension of the hose unit 3. The hose unit 3 comprises a first conduit 20 adapted to guide the medium when the medium is transferred between the first unit 5 and the second unit 7. The hose unit 3 further comprises a second conduit 22 arranged around the first conduit 20 in order to protect the first conduit 20 from fracture due to abrasion or hits to its exterior surface. The second conduit 22 is further arranged so that a closed space 24 is formed between the first conduit 20 and the second conduit 22. The space 24 extends along the extension of the hose unit 3. Preferably, the first conduit 20 and the second conduit 22 comprise a uniform wall thickness along the extension of the hose unit 3. Accordingly, the space 24 is preferably uniformly arranged along the extension of the hose unit 3.
Referring to fig. 1 , 2, 4a and 4b, the hose unit 3 comprises a first hose portion 26 and a second hose portion 28 that are connected with each other by means of the stress release unit 1 0. The stress release unit 10 has the function to release the connection between the first hose portion 26 and the second hose portion 28 in the event that stress release unit 1 0 is subjected to a stress that exceeds a certain value. In fig. 4a the stress release unit 10 is in an engaged state, where the first hose portion 26 and the second hose portion 28 are connected. In fig. 4b the stress release unit 10 is in a disengaged state, where the first hose portion 26 and the second hose portion 28 are disconnected from each other.
An example of a cross section of the stress release unit 10 is disclosed in further detail in fig. 4a and 4b. The hose unit 3 comprises a further portion 30 of the space 24 that is adapted to receive the medium in case of a leakage of the first conduit 20. In particular, the further portion 30 of the space 24 is adapted to be arranged at a centre of mass M of the hose unit 3 in its fully extended configuration. Accordingly, when the hose unit 3 extends between the first unit 5 and the second unit 7, the further portion 30 of the space 24 will constitute the lowest point of the hose unit 3. In case of a leakage anywhere along the length of the hose unit 3, the medium will flow to the further portion 30 of the space 24.
The hose unit 3 further comprises a loop arrangement 40 comprising an inlet 42 to the space 24 and an outlet 44 from the space 24. The inlet 42 is adapted to guide a stream of pressurized gas, such as air, into the space 24. The outlet 44 is adapted to guide the gas and possible leakage of the medium out of the space 24.
The injection of the stream of gas is into the space 24 is adapted to pressurize the space 24 to a first pressure P1 . The outlet 44 is arranged extending to an outside that comprises a second pressure P2 that is lower than the first pressure P1 . Accordingly, due to the pressure difference between the space 24 and the outside, possible leakage of the medium will be transferred to the outside by means of the outlet 44 of the evacuation arrangement 40. Preferably, the second pressure P2 relates to the ambient air pressure and the first pressure P1 is set by the rate of injection of the stream of gas.
The inlet 42 comprises a third conduit 50 and the outlet 44 comprises a fourth conduit 52, see fig. 3. The fourth conduit 52 extends between a first opening 54 to the space 24 and a second opening 56 at the first end portion 12 of the hose unit 3. The third conduit 50 extends between a third opening 58 to the space 24 and a fourth opening 60 at the first end portion 12 of the hose unit 3.
Fig. 5 discloses a schematic overview of the hose arrangement 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The hose arrangement 1 comprises a compressor device 70 for injecting compressed gas into that the loop arrangement 40. Preferably, the compressor device 70 is adapted to inject a stream of air into loop arrangement 40.
The hose arrangement 1 comprises pressure sensor means 80 that is adapted to sense the pressure of the gas that is being conducted in the loop arrangement 40. The pressure sensor means 80 is for example a piezoresistive pressure gauge, a capacitive pressure gauge, an electromagnetic pressure gauge, a piezoelectric pressure gauge, a potentiometric pressure gauge, a resonant pressure gauge, a thermal pressure gauge and an ionization pressure gauge. The pressure sensor means 80 is preferably arranged to sense the pressure of the gas after that the gas has been conducted through the inlet 42 and the outlet 44.
The hose arrangement 1 further comprises a logic unit 82 adapted to receive information from the pressure sensor means 80 and in dependency of said received information determine a significant change in the pressure that is related to a malfunction of the hose unit 3 in a start-up phase of the operation of the hose unit 3.
On basis of the information from the pressure sensor means 80, the logic unit 82 is adapted to determine a first significant change in the pressure. The first significant change is defined by a first decrease in the pressure of the gas. The significant change in the pressure indicates a malfunction of the hose unit 3 that is relating to a burst or rupture in the second conduit 22.
A leakage entering the space 24 is adapted to be evacuated from the hose unit 3 by means of the flow of the gas in the loop arrangement 40. The hose arrangement 1 further comprises a container 90 to which the leakage is adapted to be evacuated. Furthermore, hose arrangement 1 comprises leakage sensor means 92 for sensing a receipt of said leakage in the container 90. The logic unit 82 is adapted to receive information from the leakage sensor means 92 and determine a significant change relating to receipt of the leakage in the container 90.
The leakage sensor means 92 is for example a liquid sensor that detects receipt of a liquid based on change in conductivity, capacitance, optical interface, and etcetera. Alternatively, the leakage sensor means 92 comprises a float that is adapted to be displaced between a first and a second position relating to no leakage and a leakage of the medium respectively. According to an alternative embodiment, the evacuated medium is transferred back to its original source, such as a tank.
Preferably, the leakage sensor means 92 is configured to measure an amount of the medium and the logic unit 82 is adapted to determine an extent of the leakage of the medium based on information from the leakage sensor means 92 over time.
In the disclosed embodiment, the hose arrangement 1 further comprise a separation unit 94 in fluid communication with the outlet 44 and means for discharging medium that has been evacuated from the space 24. The separation unit 94 is adapted to separate the medium from the gas. In fig. 5, the hose arrangement 1 comprises a further container 96 and a discharge conduit 98 that is adapted to guide medium from the separation unit 94 to the further container 96 further in the event of extensive leakage that has been evacuated from the space 24.
The hose arrangement 1 further comprises signalling means 99 for creating an alarm signal and the logic unit is adapted to control the signalling means 99 in dependency of the change in operational condition of the hose unit 3. The signalling means 99 is for example adapted to create the alarm signal in form of one of a visual signal, an audible signal, and a vibration signal, or a combination thereof. The signalling means 99 is for example an indication lamp, a buzzer, a vibration device, and etcetera.
In fig. 6 a flowchart of a first embodiment of a method for detecting a malfunction of the hose unit 3 in a start-up phase of the operation of the hose unit 3 is disclosed.
The method comprises, in a step 100, conducting the gas through the loop arrangement 40, and in a subsequent step 1 10, conducting the medium through the first conduit 20. The method further comprises, in a step 120, receiving first information from the pressure sensor means 80 and determining a first pressure, and thereafter in a step 130, receiving second information from the pressure sensor means 80 and determining a second pressure. The method thereafter comprises, in a step 140, determining if a significant change in the pressure exists by comparing the first pressure and the second pressure. The steps of 120-140 are preferably iterated over time of the operation of the hose arrangement 1 .
In fig. 7 a flowchart of a second embodiment of a method for detecting a malfunction of the hose unit 3 in a start-up phase of the operation of the hose unit 3 is disclosed. The second embodiment in fig. 7 differs from the first embodiment in that the method further comprises a step 1 50, where if no significant change is determined with a certain period of time, reducing the flow of gas conducted through the loop arrangement 40 so that the pressure of the space 24 decreases to a third pressure after that the integrity of the hose arrangement 1 has been tested, which third pressure is lower than a peak pressure of the space 24 during the start-up phase when the integrity of the hose unit 3 is tested. Accordingly, the pressure of the space 24 is reduced to the normal operational pressure of the space 24.
It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

C l a i m s
1 . A hose arrangement (1 ) for transferring a flowable medium between a first unit (5) and a second unit (7) in a marine environment, wherein the hose arrangement (1 ) comprises a hose unit (3) comprising a first end portion (12) adapted to be connected to the first unit (5) and a second end portion (14) adapted to be connected to the second unit (7), wherein the hose unit (3) further comprises
- a first conduit (20) adapted to transfer the medium, and
- a second conduit (22) arranged around the first conduit (20) so that a closed space (24) is formed between the first conduit (20) and the second conduit (22),
characterized in that
the hose arrangement (1 ) comprises a loop arrangement (40) comprising an inlet (42) for injecting a gas into the space (24) and an outlet (44) for removing the gas from the space (24), wherein the hose arrangement (1 ) comprises pressure sensor means (80) that is adapted to sense the pressure of the gas that is being conducted in the loop arrangement (40), and a logic unit (82) adapted to receive information from the pressure sensor means (80) and in dependency of said received information determine a significant change in the pressure that is related to a malfunction of the hose unit (3) in a start-up phase of the operation of the hose unit (3).
2. The hose arrangement (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the significant change comprises a first change in pressure comprising an increase in pressure related to initiation of transferring the medium through the first conduit (20), and a subsequently second change in pressure comprising a decrease in pressure that is related to a rupture of the second conduit (22) due to said prior increase in pressure.
3. The hose arrangement (1 ) according to any of claim 1 and 2, wherein the pressure sensor means (80) is arranged to sense the pressure of the gas after that the gas has been conducted through the inlet (42) and the outlet (44).
4. The hose arrangement (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the hose arrangement (1 ) further comprises a control unit adapted to control the flow of the medium through the first conduit (20) and the flow of the gas through the loop arrangement (1 ) .
5. The hose arrangement (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the hose arrangement (1 ) comprises signalling means (99) for creating an alarm signal and the logic unit (82) is adapted to control the signalling means (99) in dependency of the change in operational condition of the hose unit (3).
6. A method for testing the integrity of hose unit (3) of a hose arrangement (1 ) according to any of claim 1 -5, wherein the method comprises the steps of:
- prior to conducting the medium through the first conduit (20), conducting the gas through the loop arrangement (40),
- subsequently, conducting the medium through the first conduit (20),
- receiving first information from the pressure sensor means (80) and determining a first pressure,
- receiving second information from the pressure sensor means (80) and determining a second pressure, and
- determining if a significant change in the pressure has occurred by comparing the first pressure and the second pressure.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the determination of the significant change comprises determining a first change in pressure comprising an increase in pressure related to initiation of transferring the medium through the first conduit (20), and determining a subsequently second change in pressure comprising a decrease in pressure that is related to a rupture of the second conduit (22) due to said prior increase in pressure.
8. The method according to any of claim 6-7, wherein the method comprises:
- in the start-up phase of the operation of the hose unit (3), gradually increasing the flow of the medium through the first conduit (20) while simultaneously measuring the pressure.
9. The method according to any of claim 6-8, wherein the method comprises:
- determining the significant change in the pressure if the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure is positive and within a first range, wherein the significant change is related to rupture of the second conduit (22) due to a prior increase in pressure.
10. The method according to any of claim 6-9, wherein the method comprises:
- if no significant change is determined with a certain period of time, reducing the flow of gas conducted through the loop arrangement (1 ) so that the pressure in the space decreases to a third pressure after that the integrity of the hose arrangement (1 ) has been tested, which third pressure is lower than a peak pressure of the space during the start-up phase when the integrity of the hose unit (3) is tested.
1 1 . The method according to any of claim 6-10, wherein the logic unit (82) receives information on the first pressure and second pressure repeatedly over time.
PCT/NO2017/050310 2016-12-01 2017-11-29 A hose arrangement and a method for testing the integrity of a hose unit of a hose arrangement WO2018101840A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NO20161920 2016-12-01
NO20161920A NO344018B1 (en) 2016-12-01 2016-12-01 A hose arrangement and a method for testing the integrity of a hose unit of a hose arrangement

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2018101840A1 true WO2018101840A1 (en) 2018-06-07

Family

ID=62241778

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/NO2017/050310 WO2018101840A1 (en) 2016-12-01 2017-11-29 A hose arrangement and a method for testing the integrity of a hose unit of a hose arrangement

Country Status (2)

Country Link
NO (1) NO344018B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2018101840A1 (en)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2009082241A1 (en) * 2007-12-20 2009-07-02 Bertheussen, Kenneth Safety hose
US8104327B1 (en) * 2006-09-27 2012-01-31 C.G.R.S. Inc. Leak detection method for a primary containment system

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8104327B1 (en) * 2006-09-27 2012-01-31 C.G.R.S. Inc. Leak detection method for a primary containment system
WO2009082241A1 (en) * 2007-12-20 2009-07-02 Bertheussen, Kenneth Safety hose

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NO20161920A1 (en) 2018-06-04
NO344018B1 (en) 2019-08-19

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
RU2742185C2 (en) System and method for prediction of forthcoming pressure vessel damage
JP2019523872A5 (en)
EP3330479B1 (en) Instrumented subsea flowline jumper connector
US20180045356A1 (en) Safety system
WO2018101840A1 (en) A hose arrangement and a method for testing the integrity of a hose unit of a hose arrangement
KR102474689B1 (en) Local corrosion monitoring apparatus inside metal pipe
WO2018101839A1 (en) A hose arrangement and a method for detecting an operational change of a hose arrangement
NO340939B1 (en) An elongated hose unit for transferring a flowable medium
WO2018101841A1 (en) A hose arrangement and a method for evacuating a hose unit of a hose arrangement
CN115452266A (en) Leak detection for pressurized fluid systems
RU2305217C1 (en) Cryogenic pipeline
BR112018010014B1 (en) SYSTEM AND METHOD USING A SUPPLEMENTAL PRESSURE VESSEL TO PREVENT IMMINENT FAILURE OF A MAIN PRESSURE VESSEL
US11359748B2 (en) Connection system between a distribution member and a receiving member and leak detection method
EP3330690B1 (en) Monitoring system and method for a multiple-walled fluid system
US10739222B1 (en) Magnetic pipeline pressure sensor/monitor with wireless transceiver
EP3221676B1 (en) Constant volume temperature to pressure transducer for use with retrievable pressure sensor assemblies
NO340944B1 (en) A hose unit for transferring a flowable medium
Han et al. Synergy in leak detection: Combining leak detection technologies that use different physical principles
US20220364668A1 (en) System and Method for Mitigating Water Hammer by Looping Surge Pressure
EP2889597A1 (en) System for remotely measuring pressure
JP2005291917A (en) Tank leakage detection device
Buijs et al. Influence of Pressure on Speed of Sound in Oil-Offloading Hoses
CN115452270A (en) Leak detection for pressurized fluid systems
CN117990522A (en) Wellbore integrity testing device and testing process thereof
GB2600761A (en) A pipe testing apparatus and method

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
DPE1 Request for preliminary examination filed after expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed from 20040101)
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 17876708

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: 17876708

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1