WO2018217100A9

WO2018217100A9 - Maintenance and repair device

Info

Publication number: WO2018217100A9
Application number: PCT/NO2018/050138
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vegard BERGENE; Tor Helge TYLDUM; Torgeir Braein; Luis DE LA TORRE UGARTE DEL CASTILLO
Original assignee: Kongsberg Ferrotech As
Priority date: 2017-05-24
Filing date: 2018-05-24
Publication date: 2019-11-14
Also published as: WO2018217100A1; GB201708326D0; NO20191463A1

Abstract

A multitask vehicle (1) for performing an operation on an elongate body (100), such as a riser, comprises a translation mechanism (4) configured to translate axially with respect to the elongate body, a first support structure (2) mounted to the translation mechanism (4), and a second support structure (3) rotatably mounted to the first support structure. The first and second support structures (2, 3) each comprise a notch for receiving the elongate body (100), and are rotatably mounted to one another so as to permit the second support structure (3) to rotate about the elongate body when the elongate body (100) is received in the first and second notches. The second support structure comprises a interchangeable operational module (32,33) mounted thereto for performing an operation on the elongate body (100).

Description

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR DEVICE

The present invention relates to a multitask vehicle for performing work on an elongate body, and particularly to a multitask vehicle that enables rotation of a tool around an elongate body for performing one or more of inspection,

maintenance and repair (I MR) operations, as well as installation and

decommissioning operations.

BACKGROUND

A robust solution for automated, unmanned IMR (inspection, Repair and

Maintenance) of piping has long been sought after. There is a huge mileage of installed piping which requires IMR to prevent or limit corrosion and mechanical fatigue, and there is a need for cheaper and safer automated solutions. When installed underwater, piping is subjected to even tougher conditions such as the added action of oxidation by salt water, the action of crustaceans and underwater currents and mechanical oscillations. IMR is required, but is very expensive and dangerous. Here again, an automated preferably unmanned solution may drastically reduce the cost and increase safety for personnel and for the

installations.

EP 2800051 A1 has proposed a solution for subsea pipes where a repair means is contained in a housing that provides a controlled repair environment to provide better repair. EP2600051 proposes a repair means based on two half-disks to be assembled when closing the housing. However, this repair solution has been found to be heavy, requires very precise manufacture to ensure good alignment of the two half-disks when assembling around the pipe to repair, and it is not very flexible for working with different diameters of pipes.

A need therefore exists for improved automated repair solutions for pipelines.

SUMMARY

Viewed from a first aspect, the present invention provides a system for performing an operation on an elongate body, the system comprising: a translation mechanism configured to translate axially with respect to the elongate body; a first support structure comprising a first notch for receiving the elongate body, the first support structure being mounted to the translation mechanism; and a second support structure comprising a second notch for receiving the elongate body, the second support structure being rotatably mounted to the first support structure so as to rotate about the elongate body when the elongate body is received in the first and second notches, wherein the second support structure comprises an operational module mount for receiving an operational module to perform an operation on the elongate body.

In accordance with the described system, a suitable operational module can be precisely positioned at any rotational and axial position of the operations site of the elongate body to perform the desired operation. Furthermore, the described system permits independent control of both axial and rotational position allowing the operational module to be guided along a predetermined path, e.g. as required for performing the relevant operation.

Additionally, the double notched arrangement permits the system to engage and disengage from the riser at a midpoint along its length, avoiding the need for the system to be connected at an end of the elongate body and guided down the length of the body to reach the required site to perform the operation. However, the described system can still rotate fully around the elongate body to perform the desired operation.

in a preferred embodiment, the elongate body is a tubular body, and preferably a riser. Other elongate bodies may include, for example, platform legs, topside pipes, scaffolding, and the like.

The elongate body preferably has at least one protuberance along its length. Exemplary protuberances may include structures on the elongate body, such as one or more of a clamp, a valve and a mooring line. The protuberances may also include accumulated matter on the surface of the body, such as rust, organic matter or the like. The described system is particularly advantageous as the notches allow the system to pass such protuberances or if necessary to be disengaged from the body and re-engage beyond the protuberance.

The translation mechanism is preferably configured to engage an elongate guide extending adjacent the elongate body. For example, the translation mechanism may comprise a suitable interface for engaging with the elongate guide, such as a friction surface, one or more rollers, one or more gears, and one or more of a rack and/or a pinion. The translation mechanism may comprise a motor for driving relative movement between the elongate guide and the first support structure, e.g. in the axial direction of the elongate body (when the elongate guide is aligned with the elongate body).

In one embodiment, the system may comprise the elongate guide. The elongate guide may be configured to engage the elongate body in a fixed manner, e.g. such that it does not move axially or rotate with respect to the elongate body.

In another embodiment, the elongate guide may be supported by a carried vehicle for positioning the system.

Preferably one of the support structures comprises a ring gear segment, optionally having a segment angle of greater than 180°, and the other of the support structures preferably comprises a drive mechanism for driving the ring gear segment to cause relative rotation of the first and second support structures.

Preferably the support structure having the ring gear is the second support structure. Thus, the drive mechanism is provided on the (non-rotating) first support structure.

The use of a ring gear segment facilitates the respective support structure to engage and disengage from the elongate body via the notch. Preferably, when the ring gear segment rotates, it with reach the other side of the notch before the first side disengages.

The drive mechanism may comprise any suitable means for driving the ring gear segment, but should ensure that the ring gear segment is engaged with the drive mechanism at all positions. For example, the drive mechanism may comprise at least two drive gears positioned so that at least one drive gear is engaged with the ring gear segment in any position. Other arrangements may use, for example, a belt.

The drive mechanism and the ring gear segment may include any suitable torque transmission means, for example friction surfaces, splines or teeth, or similar. The drive mechanism preferably also comprises a motor for driving the relative rotation of the ring gear segment via the driving mechanism. The drive mechanism can be monitored thanks to a torque sensor, transferring data to a local safety switch or a control unit, for warning or programmed action.

The support structure having the drive mechanism preferably comprises one or more guides defining a rotational path for the ring gear segment. For example, the guides may comprise rollers or grooves (e.g. races) to prevent the ring gear segment from disengaging. ln one embodiment, the system comprises an operational module for performing an operation on the elongate body, where the operational module is mounted to the operational module mount on the second support structure. In some embodiments, the system may comprise a plurality of different operational modules, each being attached to the second support structure. The system may also comprise one or more modules attached to the first support structure.

The operational module may comprise one of an inspection module, a maintenance module and a repair module. As used herein,“inspection” refers to operations which assess the condition of the riser, and“maintenance” refers to operations required for maintaining the condition of the riser, such as cleaning the riser, repairing the riser, replacing damaged or used components associated with the riser, and other routine works associated with the riser.

The operational module may be a cleaning module. The cleaning module preferably comprises a cleaning tool for cleaning the elongate body or an object dose to the elongate body.

In one embodiment, the cleaning tool comprises one or more brushes, or one or more flexible or elastomeric cleaning elements. Preferably the cleaning elements are arranged as outwardly elements rotatable by a rotor. The cleaning elements are preferably configured to repeatedly impact against a surface of the elongate body.

Optionally, either in addition or instead of the cleaning elements, the cleaning tool may comprise one or more fluid nozzles. The cleaning module may be configured to supply fluid from a fluid container, from topside through a tube, or from the surrounding environment, e.g. the fluid may be water. The cleaning module thus preferably comprises a pump for supplying pressurised fluid to the nozzles.

Optionally, surface treatment may be performed using sand or grit blasting.

In one embodiment, a single module may be configured to operate as both a manipulator module and as a cleaning module. For example, a manipulator may be configured to carry a cleaning tool.

The modules may comprise one or more sensors, for example to permit one or more of inspection, control testing, NDT (Non Destructive Testing), roughness testing, thermal testing, elongation testing and the like. The sensors may include one or more of a camera, an ultrasound sensor and the like. ln one embodiment one or more modules may be configured to apply structural strengthening members on the elongate body. For example, the module may be configured to apply a fibre band or similar materials to the outer surface of the elongate body. Thus, the operational module may comprise a spool of material arranged to be laid onto the elongate body by rotation of the operational module around the elongate body. The module may be configured to apply the

strengthening members by means of a combination of translational and rotational movements. The operational module may comprise an optional tension system for applying an adjustable level of tension to the fibre band.

Optionally, the module may be configured to secure and/or mount and/or install sensors, tags, and/or measuring devices onto the elongate body. The module may be configured to protect the sensors by wrapping fiber bands over the sensors.

in one embodiment the operational module may be configured to use welding techniques

The module may be a machining module arranged to machine the elongate body or any element connected to it. In such applications, a tool change-out system could be utilised to perform different machining operations using the same module. The module may be designed to cut the elongate body, e.g. along a section perpendicular to the main axis of the elongate body, or according to any other trajectory. The module may also be used to cut an opening, for installation of a connection, or a sensor, or a valve, or any appendix to the elongate body.

In one embodiment, the module may be a coating module configured to apply a liquid coating to the elongate body, such as paint or other coating material. The module may be configured to apply the liquid coating by brush, by roiling, by jetting or any other technique known in the art. A specific case is the jetting of hot liquid polymer droplets for repairing a polymer tubing external surface.

The operational module is preferably releasably mounted to the operational module mount so as to permit interchange of the operational module with a different operational module.

Thus, in a preferred aspect, the present invention may comprise a kit of parts comprising the system as described above and at least two different operational modules, wherein each of the operational modules are connectable to the operational module mount of the system. ln yet a further aspect the present invention may provide a method of performing operations on an elongate body using the system described above comprising performing a first operation using a first operational module mounted to the operational module mount, removing the first operational module from the operational module mount, and mounting a second operational module to operational module mount. The method may further comprise performing a second operation using the second operational module mounted to the operational module mount.

The first and/or second operational modules may comprise any of the module described above.

The method may comprise storing the first operational module in an operational module rack and/or retrieving the operational module from an operational module rack. The operational module rack may be provided within the system.

The system may comprises a housing configured to establish a sealed chamber around the elongate body and enclosing the first and second support modules, wherein the system is configured to establish a controlled operating environment within the sealed chamber. Such environment may be characterised by its gas composition and/or temperature and/or pressure, thus enabling better control of the quality of the operations performed.

The use of such a housing may facilitate the capture of gases, waste or debris generated during the operation. The housing may also protect the operational equipment from ambient conditions to avoid disruption to the operation whilst it is being performed.

The housing may have a substantially tubular configuration comprising (at least) two portions configured to join together establishing the sealed chamber between the housing and the elongate body.

Particularly when the system is intended for use subsea, the system may comprise means for draining water from the sealed chamber. For example, the system may comprise a pump for pumping out the water and/or for filling the sealed chamber with another fluid (e.g. air or an inert gas) to expel the water. Optionally, an umbilical may connect the system to the surface to supply a source of fluid for expelling water from the sealed chamber. The fluid may be air or another gas, pure wafer, a cleaning fluid or other agent. In some alternative arrangements the system may include a local source of pressurised gas or other agent to supply the fluid. The portions of the housing are preferably configured to be separable after the operation is complete to allow repeating of the operation in a new area.

The system may be configured to maintain the controlled operating environment within the housing at a temperature within a predetermined operational temperature range during the operation. This temperature is preferably an elevated temperature relative to the ambient temperature outside of the housing. This allows for optimal operational conditions to be achieved. For example, in the case of welding, the rate of cooling is reduced which limits cracks or brittleness associated with too rapid cooling. The temperature may also be elevated to accelerate drying or cooling of a chemical agent applied to the elongate body, such as paint or a thermoset polymer.

The temperature control may be achieved in various ways, for example by controlled heating and/or cooling or heat dissipation. The heating may be provided by a heating element provided within the sealed chamber in other embodiments, the heating may arise naturally during the process, such as during the welding. The cooling or heat dissipation may be provided by regulating a fluid flow rate through the housing to control heat removal from the sealed chamber in another embodiment, heat may be exchanged with the ambient environment for example by a heat exchange system, e.g. using a pump or fan to control the rate of heat exchange with the ambient environment.

The system may be configured to maintain the controlled operating environment within the housing at a pressure within a predetermined operational pressure range during the operation. This temperature may be a pressure below the ambient pressure outside of the housing. For example, in the case of subsea operations, this may allow for operational conditions to be achieved more closely resembling non-subsea conditions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in greater detail by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1a and 1b show a multitask vehicle capable of translating and rotating along a pipeline, where figure 1a shows the multitask vehicle carrying a tape-coating module with a tape roller and Figure 1 b shows the multitask vehicle carrying a brush to clean the surface of the pipeline; Figure 2 shows the multitask vehicle operating on the pipeline;

Figure 3 shows details of the mechanism used to cause relative rotation of a rotating C-ring with respect to a static C- ring of the multitask vehicle;

Figure 4 shows details of the translation mechanism of the multitask vehicle for translating along a guide rail;

Figure 5 show's the multitask vehicle translating on the guide rail, when it is supported by the pipe to be repaired;

Figure 6 shows the multitask vehicle translating on a guide rail installed within a housing to isolate the part of the pipe to be treated, where the housing is supported by a movable carrier; and

Figure 7 shows a detailed view of the multitask vehicle installed on the movable carrier, where certain components are hidden for better view.

General structure

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle 1 for rotating and translating one or more modules around and along an elongate body 100. The vehicle 1 comprises a platform 4 translatable along the elongate body 100 thanks to a guide rail 6. The platform 4 bears a collar designed to be able to partially surround the elongate body. The collar comprising a rotating C-shaped element, referred to as the rotating C-ring 3. The rotating C-ring 3 is designed to be able to rotate around the elongate body 100. The collar may also comprise a static C-ring element, referred to as the static C-ring 2. The platform 4 and the static C-ring 2 may be one single piece. The described C-rings 2, 3 are examples of support structures having notches for receiving the elongate body 100, but it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to C-shaped support structures and may be embodied using alternative support structure arrangements.

The rotating C-ring 3 can be guided under rotation with respect to the static C-ring 2 by means of a rotational mechanism connected to the static C-ring 2. in absence of a static C-ring 2, the rotating C-ring 3 may alternatively be connected directly to the platform 4. in this latter case, the collar is essentially made of only the rotating C-ring 3, rotationally movable with relation to the platform 4 thanks to a“jaw-block” with ball or cylinder bearings.

The elongate body 100 is preferably a tubular body, for example a subsea pipeline such as a riser. Other elongate bodies may include, for example, subsea elements such as platform legs, or topside or onshore pipes, concrete structures, scaffolding, and the like. The elongate body may have all sorts of sections, including circular, but also square, polygonal etc.

For the sake of illustration, we will in the description generally discuss the example of risers, but the vehicle 1 and the invention will find their relevance for ail sorts of elongate bodies.

The vehicle 1 preferably has an arrangement whereby different modules can be attached, one at a time on the platform 4, the static C-ring 2 or the rotating C- ring 3. The vehicle 1 may also carry several modules at a time.

The vehicle 1 may be arranged to carry modules for a variety of purposes. Preferably, the one or more modules are configured to perform one or more operations on the riser 100 or even on a structure in the vicinity of the riser 100. Such operations may include one or more of inspection operations, maintenance operations (such as cleaning and/or repair operations), upgrading operations, installation operations, decommissioning operations, and the like. For example, the one or more modules may include at least one of a repair module, a cleaning module, an inspection module and a manipulator module.

Operational modules

The multi-task vehicle 1 is adapted so as to carry at least one module to perform an operation on the riser 100. The one or more modules may be permanently connected to the static C-ring 2 or to the rotating C-ring 3. However, more preferably, at least one of the one or more modules is interchangeable, i.e. such that it can be removed and replaced by another, different module. Thus, the vehicle 1 may comprise one or more module connection points for alternate connection of at least two different modules. This modular configuration allows for a single vehicle 1 to be used for multiple purposes. For example, the vehicle 1 may be used to perform an inspection process followed by a repair process, i.e. by first using an inspection module, removing the inspection module, and replacing the inspection module with a repair module.

in one embodiment, several modules can be utilised for one operation, all being attached to the vehicle 1 at the same time, for example each being attached to static C-ring 2 or the rotating C-ring 3.

The operational module may be a cleaning module. The cleaning module preferably comprises a cleaning tool for cleaning the elongate body or an object close to the elongate body. In one embodiment, the cleaning tool comprises one or more brushes, or one or more flexible or elastomeric cleaning elements. Preferably the cleaning elements are arranged as outwardly elements rotatable by a rotor. The cleaning elements are preferably configured to repeatedly impact against a surface of the elongate body 100.

Optionally, either in addition or instead of the cleaning elements, the cleaning tool may comprise one or more fluid nozzles. The cleaning module may be configured to supply fluid from a fiuid container, from topside through a tube, or from the surrounding environment, e.g. the fluid may be water. The cleaning module thus preferably comprises a pump for supplying pressurised fluid to the nozzles.

Another module may treat the surface of the elongated body, preferably a metallic one, through sand or grit blasting.

The modules may comprise one or more sensors, for example to permit one or more of inspection, control testing, NDT (Non Destructive Testing), roughness testing, thermal testing, elongation testing and the like. The sensors may include a camera, ultrasound sensors, etc...

In one embodiment one or more modules are used to apply structural strengthening members on the elongate member. This is typically done by applying a fibre band or similar materials to the outer surface of the elongate member. The application could be performed by means of a combination of translational and rotational movements, preferably by the static C-ring 2 and/or the rotational C-ring 3, and with an optional tension system for applying an adjustable level of tension to the fibre band.

Optionally, the application of fibre bands can be used to secure and/or mount and/or install sensors and measuring devices onto the riser (elongate body) 100 and as such protect the sensors with the wrapping fiber bands from

environmental conditions and loading.

in one embodiment one or more modules are used to machine the elongate member 100 or any element connected to it. in such applications, a tool change-out system could be utilised to perform one or more machining operations within the same application or fixture. In one embodiment, the module may be designed to apply paint or any liquid coating to the elongate body, by brush, roll, jetting or any other technique known in the art.

in one embodiment, to repair a polymer surface of a tube, the module may spray hot polymer droplets which“vulcanise” when hitting the surface of the tube to repair.

Whether enclosed by a housing 83 or not, the module may comprise a thermal means such as a heating or cooling element, to for example dry or cure a coating which has been applied, or to control the temperature decrease under and after welding.

A module may also be designed to cut the elongate body, along a section perpendicular to the main axis of the elongate body, or according to any other trajectory. The module may also be used to cut an opening, for installation of a connection, or a sensor, or a valve, or any appendix to the elongate body.

The same module, or another module, will take care of installing, for example by welding the desired connection, fitting etc... to the elongate body 100, and possibly fixing the element to be installed on the connection or fitting.

As the multitask vehicle 1 can translate and rotate, the combination of both movement allow the vehicle to reach potentially any point on the elongate body 100. it may thus be used to install various sensors such as sensor patches, vibration sensors or strain sensors. It may also be used to install at precise positions multiple longitudinal or rotation position tags for calibrating a position of the vehicle 1 , a module carried by the vehicle 1 , or any other element moving along the elongate body 100. Such position tagging will enable improved location calibration, facilitating programmable, repeatable, automated positioning of any point on either the platform 4, the collar, the static C-ring 2 or the rotating C-ring 3.

Such combination of translation and rotation also enables the collar, and specifically a point on either the static C-ring 2 or the rotating C-ring 3, to follow a desired trajectory along the elongate body 100.

Housing

in case of the vehicle 1 being used in submerged conditions, a controlled environmental may be established around the vehicle 1 prior to the mentioned operations. This may be achieved using an environmental control housing 63. in such conditions, existing inspection, maintenance and repair methods commonly used for topside applications can be used for submerged conditions, once for example the bousing 63 has been tightly closed around the riser 100 and emptied of seawater.

In case of the vehicle 1 being used on land/topside conditions, an environmental control bousing 63 may still be used. This could allow for the vehicle 1 to gather excess material such as dust or sand-blasting sand and particles, as well as gases and volatile organic compounds (VOC) used in and/or produced by the mentioned operations. The bousing 63 could channel the mentioned material and gases away from the location of the operation and to a safe location, a dedicated tank, a recycling process and/or a waste management system.

The housing 63 can also be designed to collect and process leakages, typically from the elongate body 100. Leakages from the modules (for example oil or paint) may also be captured the same way.

The housing 63 is shaped to surround the riser 2, establishing a sealed chamber between the housing 63 and the riser 100. Once the sealed chamber has been established, the vehicle 60 is capable of draining water from the sealed chamber and performing an operation on the riser 100 using the multi-task vehicle 100

it will be appreciated that the quality of the sealing need not be perfect. For example, a small degree of leakage may be permitted so long as the housing 63 enables sufficient control of the environment within the housing 63. That is to say, sealing with continuous leakage can be accepted, as long as the fluid leaking in is continuously or regularly evacuated so as not to threaten the quality of operations within the housing 63. The sealing may also allow leakage out, for example of a substituting gas out in the outer environment, for example seawater. The above cases of“dynamic” sealing are included in the definition of sealing according to the invention.

it is envisaged that an umbilical may connect the vehicle 100 to the surface to supply a source of fluid for expelling water from the sealed chamber. The fluid may be air or other gas, pure water, a cleaning fluid or other agent in some alternative arrangements the vehicle 10 may include a local source of pressurised gas or other agent to supply the fluid.

The housing 63 comprises two housing segments. When engaged with one another around a riser 100, the housing segments form the sealed chamber. The housing segments are similar in nature to those described in WO2012/013847. However, instead of being separated by linear movement, the housing segments are separated by a rotational movement about a pivot axis. Thus, the housing can disengage completely from the riser 100 allowing the vehicle 60 to pass

protuberances or attach/detach from the riser 100 at any location along its length

The housing 63 is carried by a frame mounted to a support structure 64.

The frame is shaped so that the housing segments will dose around the riser 100 when mounted to the support structure 64 of the carrier vehicle 60, which is held at a predetermined distance from the riser 100 by the gripper arms 61 and the guides 62. However, it will be appreciated that alternative structure types may be used.

The movement of each of the housing segments is controlled by a respective actuator mounted between the frame and the housing segment, although alternative solutions may be used. When in their separated position, the housing segments are capable of passing a protuberance on the riser 100.

To seal against one another, at least one of the housing segments includes a seal along its free edges. A seal stack may be provided for sealing the housing 63 against the riser 100.

Translation

The platform 4 bearing the collar can be translated along the elongate body 100 by moving along a guide rail 5 by any suitable translation means. For example, the translation means may comprise wheels or rollers driven by a motor, rack and pinion, belts or the like. The guide rail 5 is here a general term to describe a solution enabling and guiding the translation. Although it is guiding, if need not be a rail. Beams, wires, or the elongate body itself may serve as guide rails. In the latter case, solution known in the art to allow translation - such as wheels - can be used.

The platform 4 of the vehicle 1 can translate along a static elongate guide 5 installed beforehand along the elongate body 100, such as a rack with a track clamped before operation on the elongate body 100, or to any other structure in the vicinity in continuity with the elongate body . Alternatively, the platform guide 5 can be mounted to a movable means, for example installed on a mobile“backbone” vehicle that moves along the elongate body 100. Such a vehicle is described in WO 2018/016969. The platform translation can be driven by a dedicated platform motor along the guides 5 carried by the mother vehicle 60, or the platform 4 can also be translated simply by the translation of the vehicle 60 itself. Carrier vehicle

The multi-task vehicle 1 may be mounted to a carrier vehicle 60. The vehicle 60 comprises a primary support structure 64, which acts as a backbone of the vehicle 60. The support structure 64 carries a translation mechanism 61 for causing the vehicle 60 to move along the pipeline 100. The support structure 64 also carries the multi-task vehicle 1.

The translation mechanism 61 , together with the guides 62, is designed to hold the support structure 64 away from riser 100 such that it can move past protuberances on the body of the riser 100.

The translation mechanism 61 comprises two gripper arms. Each of the gripper arms has a gripper portion shaped to grip the riser 100 and an arm portion for holding the support structure 64 away from the riser 100. When engaged, each of the gripper arms 14, 16 is independently capable of carrying the full weight of the vehicle 60, including the multi-task vehicle 1.

Each of the gripper arms is hingedly mounted on the support structure 64 in a manner that allows the respective gripper portions to be swung away from the riser 100. This permits the gripper arms to move past any protuberances on the body of the riser 100.

A first gripper arm is mounted to the support structure 64 such that it does not move in the axial direction of the riser 100. A second gripper arm is mounted to the support structure 64 so as to be translatable with respect to the support structure 64 in the axial direction of the riser 10. A linear actuator is connected at one end to the second gripper arm and at the other end to the support structure 64, so as to effect the axial translation of the second gripper arm. in order to cause the vehicle 60 to translate along the riser 100 in the upwards direction in Figure 1 , the following sequence of actions occur. It will be appreciated that the reverse sequence will move the vehicle 60 in a downwards direction in Figure 1.

a. The first gripper arm engages and grips the riser 100.

b. The second gripper arm releases the riser 100 and is swung aside, such that the first gripper arm is carrying the weight of the vehicle 60

c. The actuator is extended to cause the second gripper arm to move past the first gripper arm in the axial direction of the riser 100.

d. The second gripper arm engages and grips the riser 100.

e. The first gripper arm releases the riser 100 and is swung aside, such that the second gripper arm is carrying the weight of the vehicle 60. f. The actuator is retracted causing the support structure 64 to be lifted up, moving the first gripper arm past the second gripper arm and returning the vehicle 60 to its initial configuration.

As will be appreciated, one of the gripper arms is engaged with and gripping the riser 100 at every stage of the movement. Each of the gripper arms is configured so that they will not release the riser 100 in the event of power failure. Thus, should the vehicle 60 suffer a power failure, it will not detach from the riser 100 or move along the riser 100.

This hand-over-hand movement action permits the vehicle 60 to easily traverse protuberances on the riser 100 without becoming disengaged from the riser 100.

The vehicle 60 also incorporates a guide 62 for aligning the carrier vehicle 60 with the riser 100 and hence centring the multi-task vehicle 1. Each guide 62 comprises a plurality of rollers shaped to engage the riser 100. The rollers are supported by a guide arm that is pivotally connected to a yoke mounted to the support structure 64. The guide arms are biased towards a neutral position where the guide arms hold the rollers in contact with the riser 100. When the guides 62 reaches a protuberance on the riser 100, the rollers are pushed away from the neutral position to allow them to pass over the protuberance. After passing, the rollers are biased back to their neutral position to engage the riser 100 on the other side.

Rotation

The collar or the rotating C-ring 3 can be rotated around the elongate body 100 at various speeds and in either direction, either alone or in combination with a translational movement. The accuracy of the position or the speed of the rotation can easily be adapted for various applications. This will ensure that the tooling or sensor will follow a pre-defined desired trajectory.

The rotational means may comprise wheels or rollers driven by a motor, rack and pinion, belts or the like. In one embodiment, power can be transferred to the rotating C-ring 3 by means of hydraulic hoses, electrical cables or the like. In this case, the rotating C-ring 3 could be operated in an oscillating movement, with a series of alternating spinning movements.

in one embodiment, power can be stored“locally” on the rotating C-ring 3 by means of electrical battery packs, hydraulic accumulators, pneumatic accumulators, spring forces or the like. In such an embodiment, power can be supplied to the modules, which still permitting a continuous rotation of the rotating C-ring 3.

In one embodiment, power and signals can be transferred to the rotating C- ring 3 by means of electrical, hydraulic, optical or other slip rings known in the art. A local power solution may also be installed in the static C-ring 2, or elsewhere on the vehicle 1 , and power transmitted to the rotating C-ring 3 by solutions listed above.

All combinations of the mentioned embodiments can be combined, e.g. power supply from a locally source and remotely controlled via an optical slip ring.

Control

The multitask vehicle 1 is preferably steered by a control unit, in the form of a computer, a programmable logic circuit (PLC), a printed circuit or any electronic data processing equipment. The control unit receives signals from all types of input from sensors, whether for inspection, location, or operational control of the vehicle 1 or any module borne by the vehicle, failure sensors included.

After processing of incoming data, the control unit may in turn adapt and optimise operation of the vehicle or any module, or it may trigger an alarm towards another data processing equipment or an operator, present locally or remotely. It may control routines of maintenance or preventive replacement.

The control unit may be unique, or multiple units in parallel or within a master-slave chain of command. As an example on how complex the control hierarchy may be, the control units may be the following:

® At the headquarters of the operating company

® At the location offices

• On a carrier vehicle

® On the multitask vehicle of the invention

® On the module performing the required processing

® On a sensing device mounted on the module

But not all these control units are required.

Each module on the vehicle 1 may have its own control unit, including the vehicle 1 as well. These control units could be slaves to a master central control unit. The control units may be embedded, or remote, and all telecommunications solutions of the art can be used for the invention, for example between the location operation centre offshore and a remote operation centre onshore. The control unit(s) may receive and process data from operation of the modules it may for example measure tension on the repair structural members, pressure at water jet nozzle, temperature at heating cable.

In the case of the use of a housing 83 to control the environment surrounding the vehicle 1 , extraction flow, quantity of volatile, rate of humidity, temperature etc . may also be measured and controlled by a control unit.

Power and control

All units, control units, mechanical and hydraulic units, sensors etc... can be powered by electro-magnetic, mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic sources or any other suitable power source known in the art.

Some or ail units can be powered by autonomous battery packs. Or some units may also be powered by for example hydraulic energy generated within the elongate body 100, or by for example a micro-turbine.

All power and control lines may be wireless, or wired. Wired connections may be in the form of electrical or optic cables. Connections and supplies may also be pneumatic, hydraulic, or directly mechanical.

Methods of use

As discussed above, the multitask vehicle 1 may be adapted to use interchangeable modules to perform multiple operations. Thus, a method of performing operations on an elongate body using the multitask vehicle 1 may comprise performing a first operation using a first module mounted to the vehicle, removing the first module from the vehicle 1 , mounting a second module to the vehicle! and performing a second operation using the second module mounted to the vehicle.

in a preferred embodiment, this method may be for inspecting and repairing the elongate body 100. Thus, the first module may be an inspection module and the first operation then comprises performing an inspection process on an elongate body 100, and the second module may be a repair module and the second process then comprises performing a repair on the elongate body 100 using the repair module.

It will be appreciated that, in accordance with this method, both the inspection and repair processes are performed using the same vehicle 1 , but with different modules. The various modules may be borne by the vehicle 1 or may be stored at a“module station” with a rack of modules to which the vehicle 1 translates for each change of module

in one embodiment, the inspection comprises identifying a site to repair on the elongate body via an inspection phase, and the repair process itself comprises translating and positioning the multitask vehicle 1 to the repair site. The steps of removing the first module from the vehicle and/or mounting a second module to the vehicle can fake place at a module station remote from the repair site or in the vicinity of the repair site. Alternatively, it can take place on the vehicle 1 in the case the vehicle 1 itself bears the modules.

A vehicle 1 carrying several modules may be designed to have only one active module connection, from which the module which operation is finished is unplugged and to which the module to be operated in plugged, or it may have several active module connections, allowing thus the use of several modules, in combination or in sequence, but not anyway requiring plugging/unplugging and/or activation/deactivation before operating one of the modules.

The method may further comprise performing a cleaning operation using a cleaning module mounted to the vehicle. The cleaning process can be performed prior to the inspection process. The method may therefore further comprise removing the cleaning module from the vehicle and mounting the inspection module to the vehicle. Alternatively, the method may comprise performing the cleaning and inspection processes simultaneously, i.e. with both modules mounted to the vehicle 1

Preferred embodiments

We will now describe a few preferred embodiments of the invention, as represented on the figures.

Starting with Figures 1a and 1b, the multitask vehicle 1 comprises a guide rail 6 The guide rail 6 carries a translation mechanism 5, causing a platform 4 to move with respect to the guide rail (in the axial direction of an elongate body 100). The platform 4 carries a collar comprising a static C-ring 2 and a rotating C-ring 3 The static C-ring 2 and/or rotating C-ring 3 carry one or more modular operational components, such as a repair module 32 or 33.

The guide rail 6 optionally further carries a module rack storing alternative modular operational components. The multitask vehicle 1 is represented in Figures 1a and 1 b. The collar, comprising the static C-ring 2 and the rotating C-ring 3, is supported by a platform 4, translatable on a guide rail 6 thanks to the rotation of a pinion 22 driven by a motor 21 engaging the rack 5 on the guide rail 6 (shown in Figure 4).

Unlike existing systems, the multitask vehicle 1 does not need to engage around the pipe 100 at a distal location, then be guided along the pipe 100 to its target destination. Thanks to its design, the multitask vehicle 1 can engage and disengage the pipe 100 directly at any location along the pipe 100.

The multitask vehicle 1 can engage any pipe 100 having a diameter that is smaller than the maximum opening of the collar. Optionally after adjustment of centralisers if this solution is preferred (not shown), any processing item supported by the rotating C-ring 3, for example a painting nozzle, will keep a constant distance to the pipe 100 during rotation or oscillations of the rotating C-ring 3. This is also the case, for example, for a welding electrode, brush or a repair tape dispenser.

With reference to Figure 3, after engagement and central relative positioning of the multitask vehicle 1 around the pipe 100, the rotating C-ring 3 can be operated by rotation of belts 17 (motor not shown), which rotate a pinion 18 engaging the pinion 12, in turn engaging a rotation rack 13 fixed on the rack support 14.

Although these are not represented, there are other solutions known in the art for ensuring rotation of the rotating C-ring 3, such as belts, wires, hydraulic or electrical pistons. All alternative solutions known in the art for rotating the C-ring are also part of the invention.

The illustrated embodiment represents the multitask vehicle 1 as comprising a collar with a static C-ring 2, fixed on the platform 4, and a rotating C-ring 3 driven and guided by the static C-ring 2. in an alternative embodiment, the static C-ring 3 and platform 4 are made of one single piece.

The multitask vehicle 1 carries various modules for IMR (inspection, maintenance and repair), installation and decommissioning. In addition to carrying sensors, the multitask vehicle 1 can carry various modules to perform different operations on and around the pipe 100. After having brushed the pipe 100 (e.g. using brush module 33), the pipe 100 may be coated with a tape (e.g. using tape coating module 32). Other types of operation modules can be fixed on the vehicle 1 , preferentially on the rotating C-ring 3, in order to cover ail surface of the pipe 100. The modules may comprise nozzles for spraying of fluids or powders (water, paint, sand, hot polymer), heating or freezing elements for pre-treatment or post- treatment of surfaces or chemicals/coatings or metal after welding, machine-tools to cut, weld, drill, etc. the pipe 100, or devices to install for example sensors or tags on the pipe 100. A preferred module may be designed for thermal spray coating, combining nozzles to spray material and heating to melt the material beforehand.

The design of the multitask vehicle 1 enables easy use of chemicals or treatment fluids. In several of the preferred embodiments cited above, one or several tubes may connect the processing device (a high pressure spray nozzle, a paint brush) to a reservoir for the chemical or the compressed fluid. The pipe 100 will then be processed by oscillating the rotating C-ring so as to cover 360° of the pipe without a 360° rotation of the rotating C-ring 3, which would very quickly damage the feeding tube. Preferably, the rotating c-ring 3 will oscillate 180° to each side of it rest position, but other modes of oscillation are possible and are easy to program on any control unit.

For application of a coating tape as shown in figures 1 a and 2 on the other hand, a full rotation is necessary. An important parameter in this case is the tension applied to the tape unrolling from the tape coating module 32, and this is performed by a tensing device, which is pre-calibrated to provide a required tension, or controlled by a tension sensor via a control unit.

in one embodiment, the vehicle 1 may be mounted to a carrier 60, such as the one represented in figure 6. The illustrated carrier 60 is a vehicle for the IRM of a riser 100. It moves along the riser 100 thanks to grippers 61 translating with regard to each other and the carrier 60, and guides 62

In figures 6 and 7, the multitask vehicle 1 is shown with a guide rail 6 mounted to the carrier 60. However, in another embodiment, the carrier 60 may be built without the guide rail 6, and translation of the vehicle 1 may then be facilitated solely by axial movement of the carrier 60 along the riser 100.

The carrier bears a housing 63, containing devices to perform operations on the riser 100. Such a device may be the multitask vehicle 1 as described above, which is better shown in figure 7. The housing 63 is designed to allow a controlled atmosphere around the zone of pipe processing, and is equipped with jointing and fluid control solutions in order to be able to remove water around the segment of riser to process and control the environing atmosphere. The housing may operate in a substantially similar manner to that described in EP2600051.

A similar housing to 63 may also be used for extracting toxic or volatile gases when operating the multitask vehicle for example onshore on painting the pipes in a plant. In such case, the pressure constraints on the housing are less. For example, an on-shore chamber for extracting gases needs only to be designed for gas-tightness at a fraction of a bar, whereas to isolate a subsea pipe the housing 63 may have to tolerate several 100 bar of pressure difference at its limits.

Thanks to its design, the multi-task vehicle is capable of reaching a pipeline

100 at any location along its length. The multitask vehicle 1 may also be brought to its operation location directly by any transport or carriage means. Subsea, it may be carried and installed by a subsea vehicle, such as a ROUV, or divers. Onshore, it may be installed by a crane, by a truck, or by operators (depending on the diameter).

Reference numbers for figures

1 multitask vehicle

2 static C-ring (part of the collar)

3 dynamic C-ring (part of the collar)

4 platform

5 rack for translation of multitask vehicle

6 guide rail

12 pinion for rotation of rotating C-ring

13 rack for rotation of rotating C-ring

14 ring forming the rack

21 motor for translation of multitask vehicle on guide rail

22 pinion for translation of the platform

31 connection for a functional module

32 repair module

33 brush module

60 carrier

61 grippers

62 guides

63 housing

64 backbone of carrier

100 pipe to be processed

Claims

1. A system for performing an operation on an elongate body, the system comprising:

a translation mechanism configured to translate axially with respect to the elongate body;

a first support structure comprising a first notch for receiving the elongate body, the first support structure being mounted to the translation mechanism; and a second support structure comprising a second notch for receiving the elongate body, the second support structure being rotatably mounted to the first support structure so as to rotate about the elongate body when the elongate body is received in the first and second notches,

wherein the second support structure comprises an operational module mount for receiving an operational module to perform an operation on the elongate body.

2. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the elongate body is a tubular body, and preferably a riser.

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the translation mechanism is configured to engage an elongate guide extending adjacent the elongate body.

4. A system according to claim 3, wherein the translation mechanism comprises a rack and pinion arrangement for causing the first support structure to move in the axial direction along the elongate guide.

5. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the support structures comprises a ring gear segment having a segment angle of greater than 180° and the other of the support structures comprises a drive mechanism for driving the ring gear segment to cause relative rotation of the first and second support structures.

6. A system according to claim 5, further comprising a motor for driving the relative rotation of the ring gear segment via the drive mechanism.

7. A system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the other of the support structures comprises one or more guides defining a rotational path for the ring gear segment.

8. A system according to any preceding claim, further comprising:

a housing configured to establish a sealed chamber around the elongate body and enclosing the first and second support modules,

wherein the system is configured to establish a controlled operating environment within the sealed chamber.

9. A system according to claim 8, wherein the housing has a tubular configuration comprising two portions configured to join together establishing the sealed chamber between the housing and the elongate body.

10. A system according to claim 9, further comprising means for draining water from the sealed chamber.

11. A system according to claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein the portions of the housing are configured to be separable after the operation is complete to allow repeating of the operation in a new area.

12. A system according to any of claims 8 to 11 , wherein the system is configured to maintain the controlled operating environment within a predetermined operational temperature range during the operation.

13. A system according to any preceding claim, further comprising an operational module for performing an operation on the elongate body, the operational module being mounted to the operational module mount on the second support structure.

14. A system according to claim 13, wherein the operational module comprises one of an inspection module, a maintenance module and a repair module.

15. A system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the operational module comprises a spool of materia! arranged to be laid onto the elongate body by rotation of the operational module around the elongate body.

16. A system according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the operational module is reieasably mounted to the operational module mount so as to permit interchange of the operational module with a different operational module.

17. A carrier vehicle carrying the system according to any preceding claim, the carrier vehicle being arranged to carry the system to a desired location along the pipeline.

18. A carrier vehicle according to claim 17, comprising:

at least two translation members, each including a gripper and each being configured to be disengagabie from the elongate body to pass a protuberance, wherein at least one of the grippers is a movable gripper that is movable relative to the support structure in the axial direction of the elongate body, and wherein the carrier vehicle is configured to translate along the elongate body by moving the movable gripper whilst it is engaged with the elongate body.

19. A kit of parts comprising the system according to any of claims 1 to 16 and at least two different operational modules, wherein each of the operational modules are connectable to the operational module mount of the system.