WO2020226507A1 - Stockage immergé de fluides hydrocarbures - Google Patents

Stockage immergé de fluides hydrocarbures Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020226507A1
WO2020226507A1 PCT/NO2020/050115 NO2020050115W WO2020226507A1 WO 2020226507 A1 WO2020226507 A1 WO 2020226507A1 NO 2020050115 W NO2020050115 W NO 2020050115W WO 2020226507 A1 WO2020226507 A1 WO 2020226507A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tank
flexible sheet
membrane
hydrocarbon
buoyancy
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NO2020/050115
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Knut Sveberg
Original Assignee
Equinor Energy 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 Equinor Energy As filed Critical Equinor Energy As
Publication of WO2020226507A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020226507A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/78—Large containers for use in or under water

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for submerged storage of hydrocarbon fluids and to the storage of hydrocarbon fluids using the device.
  • a device for submerged storage of hydrocarbon fluids and to the storage of hydrocarbon fluids using the device.
  • the invention relates to subsea storage of oil.
  • hydrocarbons such as crude oil in submerged storage devices, such as devices located on the seabed.
  • This can provide advantages by avoiding the need to transport hydrocarbons from submerged production facilities to the water surface, either for convenience or for use in systems where there is also submerged processing of the hydrocarbons.
  • it has been proposed to process crude oil at subsea facilities to remove water and perform some hydrocarbon separation steps before the resulting hydrocarbons are transported to the surface.
  • submerged storage facilities when used with surface vessels. Storing hydrocarbons subsea avoids the need for the permanent presence of a surface vessel to store hydrocarbons on, which would otherwise be producing carbon dioxide emissions and require additional cost to run. Instead
  • hydrocarbons can be transported from the submerged storage device to the surface vessel when it is present.
  • the reduced need for the presence of a surface vessel is thus of environmental and economic benefit.
  • the invention provides a device for submerged storage of hydrocarbon fluids, the device comprising: a tank for holding fluids, the tank being separated into two volumes by a flexible sheet forming a bag or membrane, wherein hydrocarbon fluids can be stored in the tank in a volume enclosed by the flexible sheet; the device further comprising one or more buoyancy modifying elements in the form of weights and/or floats, with the buoyancy modifying elements attached to the flexible sheet in order to provide local changes to the buoyancy of the flexible sheet.
  • the flexible sheet is modified by the buoyancy modifying elements, which can include the addition of weights and/or floats. There may be multiple weights and/or multiple floats forming the buoyancy modifying elements.
  • buoyancy modifying elements By the use of buoyancy modifying elements it is possible to change the behaviour of the flexible sheet as the tank is filled or emptied. This can be used to ensure that the flexible sheet adopts a preferred position or form during filling and emptying. In cases where the flexible sheet may form into folds, the use of buoyancy modifying elements can ensure that there is minimal risk of unexpected or uncontrolled folding causing damage to the flexible sheet.
  • the buoyancy modifying elements may be placed at multiple locations across the extent of the flexible sheet, including at positions spaced apart in two directions across the sheet.
  • the buoyancy modifying elements may be of spherical or ovoid shape placed at multiple locations across the extent of the flexible sheet and/or may be of toroidal shape located concentric to one another extending across the flexible sheet, i.e.
  • the buoyancy modifying elements may be at various locations in three dimensions along the extent of the flexible sheet in its non-flat configuration.
  • the flexible sheet could be a bag as referenced above in relation to the prior art of US 7448404.
  • the flexible sheet is a membrane that separates the tank into two volumes of adjustable size, wherein the membrane changes shape and position and thereby changes the size of the two volumes as one of the volumes is filled with or emptied of hydrocarbon fluids.
  • the other of the volumes may advantageously be filled with water, such as water from the surrounding environment, for example sea water.
  • a membrane arrangement of this type may have advantages over a bag type arrangement since forces arising from the buoyancy of the hydrocarbon fluid will act on the wall of the tank above the membrane, whereas in a bag type arrangement the forces arising from the buoyancy of the hydrocarbon fluid will act on the bag, typically by pressing it against a wall of the tank.
  • the membrane may be considered as a surface with buoyancy modifying elements spaced apart across that surface, such as spaced apart across both a width and length direction of a tank, where the width and length are the horizontal dimensions of the tank when in use.
  • the buoyancy modifying elements include a float at a centre of the membrane and multiple weights (or one or more weight rings) spaced apart around the centre of the membrane. This may advantageously prevent water or other fluids and/or objects denser than the desired hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon storage side from collecting in a depression in the centre of the membrane. This assists with their extraction from the hydrocarbon storage tank by encouraging the flow of denser substances to the edge of the flexible sheet where port(s) may be located for extraction.
  • the tank may have one or more ports for entry and exit of fluids.
  • the water port(s) are simple openings into the surrounding water, with the water from the surrounding environment (for example, sea water) being allowed to flow freely into and out of the tank to fill the space available outside of the flexible sheet as the volume of hydrocarbons enclosed by the flexible sheet changes.
  • the water port(s) may be at the base of the tank.
  • the tank may have a hydrocarbon port at an upper part thereof or at a side part thereof.
  • the hydrocarbon port should allow for hydrocarbon fluid to enter the volume enclosed by the membrane, and therefore typically the membrane may be joined to the wall of the tank at a location beneath the location of the hydrocarbon port.
  • the membrane may be joined to a wall of the tank with a seal extending around the full extent of the tank, such as around the circumference of a cylindrical or spherical tank.
  • the membrane may be attached to the wall of the tank via clamping, such as via releasable clamps. This can allow for enhanced ease of replacement of the membrane if needed.
  • the flexible sheet may be provided with fold lines to aid movement of the flexible sheet as the tank is filled with hydrocarbon fluids, or emptied.
  • fold lines may be pre formed folds or other formations on the flexible sheet, such as reinforcements, to promote or deter folding as required.
  • the buoyancy modifying elements may be provided with sensors to indicate their position within the hydrocarbon storage tank.
  • the sensors may relay to a controller and/or processor how full or empty the tank is, to assist in preventing the flexible sheet rupturing from internal stresses due to the tank being under or overfilled.
  • magnetic pickups may be implemented to determine the heights of the buoyancy modifying elements and hence their locations. The measurement may be relayed via standard communications equipment already well-known to the skilled person.
  • sensors to indicate pressure within the hydrocarbon storage tank may also be provided to monitor an internal pressure and assist in preventing the flexible sheet from rupturing.
  • the invention provides a method of storing hydrocarbon fluids at a submerged location, the method comprising using a device as described in connection with the first aspect, with examples of the method also including using a device with optional features as set out above.
  • the method may comprise submerged storage of hydrocarbon fluids in a submerged tank, the tank being separated into two volumes by a flexible sheet forming a bag or membrane, wherein hydrocarbon fluids are stored in the tank in a volume enclosed by the flexible sheet; the device further comprising one or more buoyancy modifying elements attached to the flexible sheet and in the form of weights and/or floats, and the method including use of the buoyancy modifying elements to provide local changes to the buoyancy of the flexible sheet.
  • the method includes use of a flexible sheet that is modified by the buoyancy modifying elements to change the behaviour of the flexible sheet as the tank is filled or emptied.
  • the buoyancy modifying elements can be as discussed above, for example with such elements at various locations in three dimensions along the extent of the flexible sheet in a non-flat configuration.
  • the flexible sheet is a membrane that separates the tank into two volumes of adjustable size, as discussed above.
  • the membrane may be joined to a wall of the tank with a seal extending around the full extent of the tank, such as around the circumference of a cylindrical or spherical tank.
  • the membrane may be attached to the wall of the tank via clamping, such as via releasable clamps.
  • the method may comprise periodic replacement of the membrane by separating it from the walls of the tank.
  • the method may alternatively or additionally include removal of the membrane for inspection.
  • the tank may have one or more ports for entry and exit of fluids and the method may include using a hydrocarbon port for flow of hydrocarbon fluids into or out the tank, with the filling and emptying of the tank typically being done by an external pump or other apparatus, such as submerged pump linked with the device, or a pump at, or above, the water surface that is attached to the device via a suitable riser.
  • the pump at the water surface may be a shipboard pump or a pump on a platform.
  • One or more water port(s) may be used for ingress and egress of water during filling and emptying of the
  • the water port(s) are simple openings into the surrounding water, with the water hence being allowed to flow freely into and out of the tank to fill the space available outside of the flexible sheet as the volume of hydrocarbons enclosed by the flexible sheet changes.
  • Figure 1 shows a submerged hydrocarbon storage tank with the majority of the volume of the tank filled with water
  • Figure 2 shows a submerged hydrocarbon storage tank with the majority of the volume of the tank filled with hydrocarbon fluid.
  • the device 100 includes a hydrocarbon storage tank 1 where a volume of the tank filled with a fluid such as water 4 and the remaining volume of the tank is filled with a hydrocarbon fluid 3 such as oil, such that the hydrocarbon storage tank 1 is completely occupied.
  • a hydrocarbon fluid 3 such as oil
  • the body of water 4 and the body of hydrocarbon fluid 3 is prevented from mixing and/or interacting by a flexible sheet, such as a membrane 2.
  • the membrane 2 is attached to an internal wall of the hydrocarbon storage tank 1
  • hydrocarbon storage tank 1 approximately halfway down the height of the hydrocarbon storage tank 1 and is attached to the internal wall of the hydrocarbon storage tank 1 by a seal running circumferentially around the internal wall. The location of the seal between the membrane 2 and the internal wall is below a hydrocarbon port 6 which allows for the ingress or egress of hydrocarbon fluids 3 from the hydrocarbon storage tank 1.
  • the membrane 2 is an impermeable, flexible sheet or member defining two separate volumes, with suitable elasticity such that it may be deformed by the relative pressures exerted at the interface between water 4 and hydrocarbon fluid 3 within the hydrocarbon storage tank 1.
  • the membrane 2 is of suitable strength to resist puncture or injury due to forces present at its surface with either fluid present within the hydrocarbon storage tank 1.
  • the membrane 2 is of a suitable surface area to cover the horizontal planar extent of the hydrocarbon storage tank 1 , as well as being able to substantially conform to the shape of either the top half or bottom half of the internal wall of the hydrocarbon storage tank 1 , such that two completely separate volumes are defined which may occupy majorly the full volume or a fraction of the volume of the hydrocarbon storage tank 1 each.
  • buoyancy modifying elements 5 are attached to the membrane 2.
  • the buoyancy modifying elements include floats 5a and weights 5b. Although two weights 5b and a single float 5a are present in the Figures, any number of buoyancy modifying elements 5 comprising varying populations of floats 5a and weights 5b may be implemented into the membrane 2 to achieve desired movement of the membrane 2.
  • the buoyancy modifying elements 5 prevent the membrane 2 from coming into contact with itself during filling and emptying of a volume, hence reducing frictional forces experienced which may cause injury to the membrane 2.
  • the membrane 2 may also feature a number of fold lines or pre-defined folds to encourage or deter folding of the membrane 2 as desired.
  • the buoyancy modifying elements 5 may be of a spherical or ovoid shape located at multiple locations across the extent of the membrane 2, and/or may be of a toroidal shape located concentric to one another across the extent of the membrane 2.
  • the Figures shown may represent a single float 5a of ovoid shape located at the centre of the membrane, surrounded by either two weights 5b or a single toroidal weight 5b with the cross section displayed.
  • a float 5a may be located at the centre of the membrane 2.
  • the hydrocarbon fluids 3 extracted may comprise about 0.5% water 4.
  • a float 5a in the centre of the membrane 2 prevents the denser water 4 from pooling in a depression in the centre of the membrane 2, as the float 5a causes the water 4 to flow to the outer edges of the membrane 2, where a port 6 may be located.
  • the float 5a in the centre assists in the efficient extraction from contaminant water 4 or other undesired denser products from the hydrocarbon fluid 3 portion of the
  • the hydrocarbon storage tank 1 is a rigid container made of suitable material to withstand hydrostatic and/or dynamic forces which may act upon it internally and/or externally.
  • the material chosen for the hydrocarbon storage tank 1 is also desirably of a suitable density to ballast against the buoyant forces experienced when a majority of or all of the volume of the hydrocarbon storage tank 1 comprises hydrocarbon fluids 3.
  • a buoyancy force of about 2000 tonnes may act on the top surface of the hydrocarbon storage tank 1.
  • the tank 1 may be made of a suitable steel alloy.
  • the tank 1 may be anchored to the sea bed such as via mounting on a suitable foundation, in order to assist in counteracting buoyant forces experienced.
  • the hydrocarbon storage tank 1 depicted in Figure 1 is of cylindrical profile with a domed ceiling enclosing its volume.
  • the height of an exemplary cylindrical profile hydrocarbon storage tank 1 may be in the region of 10m to 40m, having a volume anywhere in the region of 1000m 3 to 50000m 3 .
  • the tank 1 in the Figures has a cylindrical shape, other shapes may also be chosen as desired such as, but not limited to, a spherical or cuboidal shape.
  • the hydrocarbon storage tank 1 features a number of ports, such as hydrocarbon port(s) 6 which allow for the ingress and/or egress of hydrocarbon fluid 3 from the hydrocarbon fluid volume defined by the membrane 2.
  • Water port(s) are also present within the hydrocarbon storage tank 1 which allows the ingress and/or egress of water 4 as the hydrocarbon fluid 3 is inserted or extracted from the hydrocarbon storage tank 1. Water ports are ideally present at the base of the hydrocarbon storage tank 1.
  • clamping plates may be disposed within the hydrocarbon storage tank 1 to clamp the membrane 2 in place using any suitable mechanism, allowing for easy removal and insertion of the membrane 2 during maintenance.
  • the hydrocarbon fluid 3 may be injected into the hydrocarbon storage tank 1 through the hydrocarbon port 6.
  • the hydrocarbon fluid 3 may be delivered to the hydrocarbon port 6 by any suitable means such as, but not limited to, pumping through a pipe or riser.
  • the ingress of hydrocarbon fluid 3 causes the egress of water 4 from the hydrocarbon storage tank 1 through a water port. In doing so, the device 100 moves from the configuration shown in Figure 1 to the configuration shown in Figure 2.
  • Figure 2 depicts the hydrocarbon storage tank 1 when the hydrocarbon fluid 3 is the majority fluid within the hydrocarbon storage tank 1 and the original volume of water 4 has mostly been expelled.
  • the buoyancy modifying elements 5 assist the membrane 2 in unfolding such that abrasive forces may be reduced to prevent puncture and/or injury of the membrane 2.
  • the buoyancy modifying elements 5 can include sensors to indicate their position within the hydrocarbon storage tank. These sensors can be used to relay information to a controller and/or processor in order to relay how full or empty the tank is. In one example, magnetic pickups may be implemented to determine the heights of the buoyancy modifying elements relative to metal elements of the tank and hence to determine their locations. Alternatively or additionally there may be sensors to indicate the pressure within the hydrocarbon storage tank.
  • a bag could be disposed within the hydrocarbon storage tank 1 instead of a membrane 2, with buoyancy modifying elements 5 suitably attached to the bag and hydrocarbon ports 6 and the like suitably positioned within the hydrocarbon storage tank 1 to fulfil its function as described above.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Separation Using Semi-Permeable Membranes (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un dispositif (100) pour le stockage immergé de fluides hydrocarbures (3). Le dispositif (100) comprend un réservoir (1) pour contenir des fluides (3), (4), le réservoir étant séparé en deux volumes par une feuille souple (2) formant un sac ou une membrane. Des fluides hydrocarbures (3) peuvent être stockés dans le réservoir (1) dans un volume enfermé par la feuille souple (2). Le dispositif comprend en outre un ou plusieurs éléments de modification de flottabilité (5) sous la forme de poids (5b) et/ou de flotteurs (5a), les éléments de modification de flottabilité (5) étant fixés à la feuille souple (2) afin de modifier localement la flottabilité de la feuille souple (2).
PCT/NO2020/050115 2019-05-07 2020-05-06 Stockage immergé de fluides hydrocarbures WO2020226507A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1906414.6 2019-05-07
GB1906414.6A GB2583737A (en) 2019-05-07 2019-05-07 Submerged storage of hydrocarbon fluids

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2020226507A1 true WO2020226507A1 (fr) 2020-11-12

Family

ID=67384992

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/NO2020/050115 WO2020226507A1 (fr) 2019-05-07 2020-05-06 Stockage immergé de fluides hydrocarbures

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2583737A (fr)
WO (1) WO2020226507A1 (fr)

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4059065A (en) * 1977-02-07 1977-11-22 Mobil Oil Corporation Semisubmersible loading mooring and storage facility
US4603790A (en) * 1985-03-11 1986-08-05 Burke Industries, Inc. Tensioned reservoir cover, rainwater run-off enhancement system
US6338169B1 (en) * 2000-10-18 2002-01-15 Degarie Claude J. Floating cover for large liquid reservoir
WO2011084164A1 (fr) * 2010-01-05 2011-07-14 Horton Wison Deepwater, Inc. Systèmes et procédés pour installation et retrait de stockage de gaz sous-marin
WO2016099287A1 (fr) * 2014-12-20 2016-06-23 Subhydro As Support sous-marin
WO2016207359A2 (fr) * 2015-06-26 2016-12-29 Kongsberg Oil & Gas Technologies As Système de stockage de meg, et procédé de déploiement et de fonctionnement de système de stockage de meg
US20180148137A1 (en) * 2016-11-28 2018-05-31 Horton Do Brasil Technologia Offshore, Ltda. Systems and Methods for Heating Oil Stored in an Offshore Vessel or Production Platform
WO2018172497A1 (fr) * 2017-03-24 2018-09-27 Nov Subsea Products As Système et procédé pour séparation sous-marine d'eau produite

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US3537608A (en) * 1968-03-20 1970-11-03 Shell Oil Co Storage tank for storing two fluids
DE2460389A1 (de) * 1974-12-20 1976-06-24 Salzgitter Maschinen Ag Oelspeicher am meeresboden
CN2516494Y (zh) * 2002-01-16 2002-10-16 黄志良 储液器的可伸缩内浮顶
CN101643134A (zh) * 2008-08-04 2010-02-10 中国石化集团胜利石油管理局钻井工艺研究院 水下浮顶储罐
CN202864132U (zh) * 2012-04-23 2013-04-10 江阴市东发机械设备制造有限公司 一种水下油料储罐
CN103043336B (zh) * 2013-01-04 2013-11-13 中国石油大学(华东) 油水隔离式水下储油舱
CN105836055A (zh) * 2016-04-27 2016-08-10 天津大学 用于深水海域水下油气资源的开采、储存及运输系统

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4059065A (en) * 1977-02-07 1977-11-22 Mobil Oil Corporation Semisubmersible loading mooring and storage facility
US4603790A (en) * 1985-03-11 1986-08-05 Burke Industries, Inc. Tensioned reservoir cover, rainwater run-off enhancement system
US6338169B1 (en) * 2000-10-18 2002-01-15 Degarie Claude J. Floating cover for large liquid reservoir
WO2011084164A1 (fr) * 2010-01-05 2011-07-14 Horton Wison Deepwater, Inc. Systèmes et procédés pour installation et retrait de stockage de gaz sous-marin
WO2016099287A1 (fr) * 2014-12-20 2016-06-23 Subhydro As Support sous-marin
WO2016207359A2 (fr) * 2015-06-26 2016-12-29 Kongsberg Oil & Gas Technologies As Système de stockage de meg, et procédé de déploiement et de fonctionnement de système de stockage de meg
US20180148137A1 (en) * 2016-11-28 2018-05-31 Horton Do Brasil Technologia Offshore, Ltda. Systems and Methods for Heating Oil Stored in an Offshore Vessel or Production Platform
WO2018172497A1 (fr) * 2017-03-24 2018-09-27 Nov Subsea Products As Système et procédé pour séparation sous-marine d'eau produite

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201906414D0 (en) 2019-06-19
GB2583737A (en) 2020-11-11

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