WO2020228988A1 - Lifting tool with latching segments displaceable along offset circles of product end flange to be lifted and a method - Google Patents

Lifting tool with latching segments displaceable along offset circles of product end flange to be lifted and a method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020228988A1
WO2020228988A1 PCT/EP2020/025219 EP2020025219W WO2020228988A1 WO 2020228988 A1 WO2020228988 A1 WO 2020228988A1 EP 2020025219 W EP2020025219 W EP 2020025219W WO 2020228988 A1 WO2020228988 A1 WO 2020228988A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
flange
lifting tool
main body
locking
locking segment
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2020/025219
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Rolf Bastesen
Original Assignee
Vetco Gray Scandinavia 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 Vetco Gray Scandinavia As filed Critical Vetco Gray Scandinavia As
Publication of WO2020228988A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020228988A1/en

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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
    • F16L1/00—Laying or reclaiming pipes; Repairing or joining pipes on or under water
    • F16L1/12—Laying or reclaiming pipes on or under water
    • F16L1/20—Accessories therefor, e.g. floats, weights
    • F16L1/202—Accessories therefor, e.g. floats, weights fixed on or to vessels
    • F16L1/207—Pipe handling apparatus
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
    • E21B19/02—Rod or cable suspensions
    • E21B19/06—Elevators, i.e. rod- or tube-gripping devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
    • B66C1/00—Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting lifting forces to articles or groups of articles
    • B66C1/10—Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting lifting forces to articles or groups of articles by mechanical means
    • B66C1/42—Gripping members engaging only the external or internal surfaces of the articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
    • B66C1/00—Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting lifting forces to articles or groups of articles
    • B66C1/10—Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting lifting forces to articles or groups of articles by mechanical means
    • B66C1/62—Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting lifting forces to articles or groups of articles by mechanical means comprising article-engaging members of a shape complementary to that of the articles to be handled
    • B66C1/66—Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting lifting forces to articles or groups of articles by mechanical means comprising article-engaging members of a shape complementary to that of the articles to be handled for engaging holes, recesses, or abutments on articles specially provided for facilitating handling thereof
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
    • E21B19/12—Rope clamps ; Rod, casings or tube clamps not secured to elevators
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
    • E21B19/14—Racks, ramps, troughs or bins, for holding the lengths of rod singly or connected; Handling between storage place and borehole
    • 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
    • F16L37/00—Couplings of the quick-acting type
    • F16L37/08—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members
    • F16L37/12—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members using hooks, pawls or other movable or insertable locking members
    • F16L37/14—Joints secured by inserting between mating surfaces an element, e.g. a piece of wire, a pin, a chain
    • F16L37/142—Joints secured by inserting between mating surfaces an element, e.g. a piece of wire, a pin, a chain where the securing element is inserted tangentially
    • F16L37/144—Joints secured by inserting between mating surfaces an element, e.g. a piece of wire, a pin, a chain where the securing element is inserted tangentially the securing element being U-shaped

Definitions

  • the lifting tool is suitable for lifting and placing elongated elements and thereafter releasing the element on a predefined location with limited use of extra tooling.
  • the lifting tool is primarily intended for installing long flexible pipelines in deeper waters where the load capacity is demanding.
  • An end flange of the pipeline is utilized to avoid a load path through a permanent end termination structure.
  • the lifting tool accommodate a vertical orientation of the end flange (2nd end) when lifted off a vessel and allows rotation to a horizontal position when an end termination is landed and docked to a pre-defined position on a subsea facility. In this position, the tool is detachable and allows a vertical retrieval.
  • the elongated elements are allowed to move from a hanging, close to vertical position and to a laid down, angled or close to horizontal position.
  • the elongated elements can be released from the lifting tool when the elongate elements are unloaded.
  • the lifting tool can also be used to pick up elongate elements from a laid down position and to lift the elongate elements.
  • a body includes a through bore for receiving a production pipe of a riser joint.
  • the through bore is accessible via a longitudinal opening in the body.
  • the body includes at least one locking device including a hydraulic cylinder.
  • US 2016115749 discloses a tubular handling system facilitating the connection of a first tubular to a second tubular used in the oil and gas exploration and extraction industries including a tubular handling device and a tubular engagement apparatus, and in certain instances a spider apparatus.
  • the lifting tool includes a main body formed as a continuous or interrupted ring equipped with a lift trunnion on either side, attaching a hinged yoke.
  • the hinged yoke includes two link plates with a crossover lift trunnion to provide a single point lift interface, primarily intended for a soft sling.
  • the main body is designed with a bottom cut-out to allow recovery from or entrance to the end flange or hub while the upper section is provided with a shape to interface the upper sector of the end flange or hub.
  • the lifting tool further includes one displaceable segment contained in a recess guide at either side of the main body. The tool provides the required opening to recover from or enter over the hub when the locking segments are in a retracted position.
  • the two locking segments and the fixed sector located at the upper section of the main body come into engagement with the hub flange to provide three equally spaced load bearing sectors when the locking segments are extended/in a forward position.
  • Pipelines are required to enable transportation of produced oil and gas from subsea wells to an onshore or offshore processing facility. For deeper waters, fixed offshore facilities may be impractical and the use of floating facilities are thus used.
  • Flexible pipelines or risers have been developed to enable recovery of hydrocarbons from fixed subsea wells to a floating facility.
  • Flexible pipelines may also be used for shorter or longer distances as static lines between subsea wells and manifolds. Such lines may have a length exceeding the water depth at an installed position and a lifting tool with a high load rating is required to install or lay down such lines and to support the complete length from seabed to the surface installation vessel.
  • the vessel will move in a direction of an end connection and an end termination (hub) will thus change orientation from a hanging position to a lying, (or close to horizontal), position when the end termination is set down in a target position.
  • the lifting tool must as such be detachable from the end termination / the hub while in the lying position and vice versa for a contingency recovery.
  • size will not be challenging compared to a tool design that grips further back on a pipeline and for this reason needs to be wide enough to allow lifting slings to pass outside a termination structure.
  • two displaceable locking segments are brought into engagement with a flange normal to a reaction force from the lifting action.
  • the lifting tool of the invention provides a design that is smaller in size, has high lifting capacity and that is safe in use.
  • the lifting tool of the present invention may include a main body equipped with a lift pin either side where a hinged yoke is attached to provide a single point lift interface, primarily intended for soft sling.
  • the main body is shaped with a bottom cut-out to allow recovery from or entrance to the horizontal oriented end flange or hub while the upper section is provided with a shape to interface the upper sector of the end flange or hub.
  • the lifting tool includes one displaceable locking segment contained in a recess track or guide at either side of the main body. The lifting tool is released from the end flange or hub when each of the displaceable locking segments are moved to a retracted position.
  • the fixed sector located at the upper section of the main body and the locking segments provide three equally spaced load bearing sectors when the locking segments are in their forward position in engagement with the hub flange.
  • the present invention provides a lifting tool supporting an end fitting with a flange of a long flexible pipeline deployed from a surface installation vessel and that is laid down and landed out at a parking position for subsequent connection at a seabed facility. Contingency recovery must be allowed for.
  • the most demanding load case is when the flexible pipeline is lifted off from the vessel and vice versa when the complete length of the flexible line is to be supported in the vertical position.
  • the load from the flexible pipeline is limited when the end termination approaches the horizontal position close to seabed.
  • the present invention can be used for land-based operations.
  • the present invention thus concerns a flanged, elongate body, lifting tool with a main body.
  • the main body comprises a flange recess with a flange interface surface.
  • a first locking segment with a flange recess includes a flange interface surface in a first locking segment arch shaped guide with an arch radius centre offset from a main body centre axis.
  • a second locking segment with a flange recess with a flange interface surface in a second locking segment arch shaped guide includes an arch radius centre also offset from the main body centre axis.
  • the arch radius centre of the first locking segment arch shaped guide is located on an opposite side of the main body centre axis in relation to the first locking segment arch shaped guide.
  • the arch radius centre of the second locking segment arch shaped guide is located on an opposite side of the main body centre axis in relation to the second locking segment arch shaped guide.
  • the flanged, elongate body, lifting tool may further include a lifting yoke pivotally attached to the main body.
  • the lifting yoke may be pivotal about an axis extending through a centre defined by the main body interface surface and the locking segments interface surfaces when the locking segments are in a forward locking position.
  • the main body may include a first side portion including the first locking segment arch shaped guide and second side portion including the second locking segment arch shaped guide, a closed end portion with the flange recess with a flange interface surface, the end portion joining the first side portion and the second side portion, and an open end portion forming a hub entrance, whereby a space for a hub is formed between the first side portion, the second side portion and the closed end portion.
  • the main body may further include a main body reinforcement portion bridging the space for a hub formed between the first side portion, the second side portion and the closed end portion.
  • the main body may further include a main body open portion providing a space for a hub formed between the first side portion, the second side portion and the closed end portion.
  • the hub entrance may include a re-entry guide section facilitating entrance of a hub.
  • the lifting yoke pivotally attached to the main body may include a first yoke pivot joint fixed to the first side portion, and a second yoke pivot joint fixed to the second side portion.
  • the invention concerns a method of lifting a flanged elongate body with a flanged, elongate body lifting tool as described above comprising the steps of: provide a flanged, elongate body in an upright position, ensuring that a first locking segment and a second locking segment of the elongate body lifting tool are in a retracted position, manoeuvre the flanged elongate body lifting tool to a position inside the elongate body lifting tool, move the first locking segment and the second locking segment of the elongate body lifting tool to a forward locking position around the flange of the flanged, elongate body lifting tool, manoeuvre the flanged, elongate body lifting tool and the flanged, elongate body to a desired supported location, and move the first locking segment and the second locking segment of the elongate body lifting tool to a retracted releasing position away from the flange of the flanged, elongate body.
  • the invention concerns a method of lifting a flanged elongate body with a flanged, elongate body lifting tool as described above, comprising the steps of: provide the flanged, elongate body lifting tool at a location with a flanged elongate body in a non-vertical, supported position, ensure that the first locking segment and the second locking segment of the elongate body lifting tool are in a retracted position, manoeuvre the elongate body lifting tool to a position with the flanged elongate body inside the elongate body lifting tool, move the first locking segment and the second locking segment of the elongate body lifting tool to a forward locking position around the flange, lift the flanged elongate body and the flanged, elongate body lifting tool to an upright near vertical position, provide the flanged elongate body in a supported position, and move the first locking segment and the second locking segment of the elongate body lifting tool to a rear
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a flanged elongate body lifting tool of the invention
  • Fig. 2a is a perspective view of the lifting tool shown in fig. 1 from a different angle
  • Fig. 2b substantially corresponds to fig 2a and shows an alternative embodiment
  • Fig. 3 is a cross section of the lifting tool shown in figs 1 and 2;
  • Fig. 4 is a cross section corresponding to the cross section of fig 3;
  • Fig. 5 is a perspective view, partly in cross-section, of the lifting tool of figs. 1 -4;
  • Fig. 6 is a cross section of the lifting tool of figs. 1 -4.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a flanged elongate body lifting tool (hereinafter described as lifting tool) with two latching segments 2a, 2b displaceable along offset arch shaped paths in a main body 1 pivoted to a lifting yoke 7 in a yoke pivot joint 9.
  • the lifting tool is designed to lift an elongate flanged element such as a hub flange on a flexible pipeline.
  • the main body 1 includes a hub entrance cut-out 3 allowing the flanged element to enter or exit the lifting tool.
  • One yoke limiter 5 at each side of the main body 1 limits the maximum angle of the main body 1 in relation to the lifting yoke 7.
  • One threaded segment operator rod 6 for each latching segment 2a, 2b includes a tool head for a socket. Rotation of the threaded segment operator rod 6 will move its connected latching segment 2a, 2b in or out of locking engagement with the hub flange of the flanged elongate body.
  • a threaded hub lid operator rod 8 with a tool head for a socket allows a hub lid to be moved into or out of engagement with an end of the hub flange.
  • the two latching segments 2a, 2b and an upper segment 4 of the main body 1 form three contact surfaces holding the hub flange.
  • the main body 1 is made out of one block of material and includes a first side portion 26, a second side portion 27 and a closed end portion 28 with a flange recess with a flange interface surface.
  • the end 28 portion joins the first side portion 26 and the second side portion 27.
  • the open end portion forms the hub entrance 3.
  • a space for the hub is formed between the first side portion 26, the second side portion 27 and the closed end portion 28.
  • the first yoke pivot joint 9 is fixed to the first side portion 26 and a second yoke pivot joint is fixed to the second side portion 27.
  • Fig. 2a is a perspective view of the lifting tool shown in fig. 1 from a different angle with two latching segments 2a, 2b displaceable along offset arch shaped paths or guides with a main body 1 pivoted to the lifting yoke 7 in the yoke pivot joint 9.
  • the flexible pipeline 10 with the hub and the hub flange 13 is fixed to the main body 1 as the two latching segments 2a, 2b are in a locked position in the main body 1 , thus preventing the hub with the hub flange 13 from exiting through the hub entrance cut-out 3 in the main body 1.
  • An operator rod pivoted nut 11 for each of the segment operator rods 6 is located in a bore of the main body 1.
  • a yoke limiter 5 secured at each side of the main body 1 ensures that an angle of the yoke 7 in relation to the main body 1 not exceeds a limit, typically to protect attached equipment (not shown) from potential damage from the yoke.
  • Yoke pivot retainers 25 hold the yoke to the yoke pivot joints 9 on the main body 1.
  • a hub lid is actuated up or down upon rotation of a hub lid operator rod 8 (fig. 8).
  • the main body 1 includes a main body reinforcement portion 29 bridging or form a ceiling over the space for the hub formed between the first side portion, the second side portion and the closed end portion to increase strength and stiffness of the main body 1.
  • the hub entrance 3 includes rounded side portions or a re-entry guide section 30 facilitating entrance of the hub.
  • Fig. 2a corresponds to fig. 2b.
  • Fig. 2 however shows an open solution without the main body reinforcement portion 29 bridging or forming a ceiling over the space for the hub formed between the first side portion 26, the second side portion 27 and the closed end portion 28. If the added strength offered by the version with the main body reinforcement portion 29 not is needed, then an open solution as the one shown in 2b can be used.
  • the open solution has the advantage that it can be used for a hub with a taller portion extending above or past the flange. In this case, the hub lid 15 can be omitted to offer greater flexibility relating to hub length and hub design/flange location.
  • the shape of the open solution shown in 2b can be compared to a U-shape or a horseshoe shape.
  • the re-entry guide section 30 extends along an entire height of the main body.
  • Fig. 3 is a cross section of the lifting tool shown in figures 1 and 2a at a height of the hub flange 13.
  • the two locking segments 2a, 2b are in a forward locking position holding the hub flange 13, thus preventing it from exiting through the hub entrance cut out 3.
  • Each of the segment operator rods 6 include outer threads in matching threads of the operator rod pivoted nut 11 and a head for a socket to allow a tool to rotate the segment operator rods 6.
  • the operator rod pivoted nut 11 allows the segment operator rods 6 to pivot to allow the two locking segments 2a, 2b to follow an offset arch shaped guide.
  • Fig. 4 is a cross section corresponding to the cross section of fig 3.
  • the two locking segments 2a, 2b are in a retracted releasing position allowing the hub flange 13 to be released from the tool, thus allowing it to exiting through the hub flange entrance cut out 3.
  • Each of the segment operator rods 6 include outer threads threaded into matching threads in the operator rod pivoted nut 11.
  • Each of the operator rod pivoted nuts 11 allow the segment operator rods 6 to pivot to allow the two locking segments 2a, 2b to follow an offset arch shaped guide 14,
  • the LH locking segment guide radius 21 indicates the RH offset arch shaped guide 12 of the LH locking segment 2a.
  • the LH offset (in relation to the centreline) arch shaped guide 14 indicates the guide of the RH locking segment 2b.
  • the LH locking segment 2a moves along the RH offset arch shaped guide with the arc radius centre to the right of a main body centreline axis 22, and the RH locking segment 2b moves along the LH offset arch shaped guide with the arc radius centre to the left of the main body centreline axis 22.
  • a hub flange radius 23 extends from the main body centre axis 22 and from a rotational pivot axis 24 defining the axis of rotation of the yoke in relation to the main body 1.
  • Two yoke pivot retainers 25 hold the yoke to the main body 1.
  • the yoke pivots/lift pins and the mating surfaces of the pivoted yoke could be conical to accommodate wear and to ensure a tight fit between the pivoted yoke and the lift pins.
  • Fig. 5 is a perspective view, partly in cross-section, of the lifting tool of figs. 1 -4.
  • the flexible pipeline 10 is fixed to the hub with the hub flange 13 in a secured position in the lifting tool.
  • the LH locking segment 2a in the RH offset arch shaped guide 12 and the RH locking segment 2b in the LH offset arch shaped guide 14 are in the locking position in contact with the hub flange 13.
  • the hub lid 15 is in a lower position in contact with an opening of the hub.
  • a hub lid lifting mechanism 18 moves the hub lid in or out of contact with the opening in the hub upon rotation of the hub lid operator rod 8.
  • a locking segment interface surface 19 in the locking segments 2a, 2b has a shape conforming to the hub flange surface.
  • a main body interface surface 16 has a shape conforming to the hub flange surface.
  • the main body interface surface 16 and each of the locking segment interface surfaces 19 form three surfaces preventing the hub flange 13 from being released from the tool.
  • a locking segment guide ring 20 holds each of the LH locking segment 2a in the RH offset arch shaped guide 12 and the RH locking segment 2b in the LH offset arch shaped guide 14.
  • a locking segment slide/reaction surface 17 is formed as a step in the main body 1 and follows the arch shaped guides 14, 12.
  • a conforming step is formed in each of the locking segments 2a, 2b and hold the locking segments in place.
  • the operator rod pivoted nuts 11 are located in bores in the main body 1 and allows angular displacement of the segment operator rods.
  • the locking segment reaction surface 17 is perpendicular to or close to
  • the reaction surface and has a sliding contact in relation to the main body 1 during an operation of locking or releasing a longitudinal element.
  • Fig. 6 is a cross section of the lifting tool of figs. 1 -4 showing the yoke 7, and the hub lid operator rod 8 extending through the main body 1.
  • the hub flange 13 is seated in the main body interface surface 16, and the seating surfaces are slightly conical, thus centring the hub flange 13 in the seats formed by the main body interface surface 16 and the locking segment interface surfaces.
  • the hub lid 15 is shown in a position in contact with the opening of the hub, and a cavity is formed in the main body above the hub lid 15 to allow room to move the hub lid 15 out of contact with the opening of the hub upon rotation of the hub lid operator rod 8 to allow the hub to be moved to the left on fig 6, out through the hub entrance cut out.
  • threaded segment operator rods 6 (figs. 1 , 3 and 4 extend through matching operator rod pivoted nuts 11. These elements provide linear motion leading to curved displacement of the locking segments 2a, 2b. It should be noted however that other elements or actuators providing linear or curved displacement could be used. Such elements include hydraulic cylinders,
  • pneumatic elements in the case the flanged, elongate body, lifting tool not is used subsea
  • worm-rack drives etc.
  • the selection of linear actuators will depend on the application, the available power source on the location, the requirement for the linear actuator to be self-locking or not, etc.
  • a flanged elongate body in the context of the invention is primarily intended to cover a tube, pipe or any tubular goods with a flange.
  • the flange is typically at the end or close to the end of the elongate body.
  • the invention can also be adapted to be used for other elongate bodies with protruding elements such as ribbed bars and for reinforcing concrete.
  • the flange of the flanged elongate body forms a portion of a hub secured to a pipe.
  • An actuator can be included to rotate the main body in relation to the lifting yoke in one or two axes.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
  • Load-Engaging Elements For Cranes (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lifting tool for lifting a flanged, elongate body. The lifting tool includes a main body (1) and a lifting yoke (7) pivotally attached to the main body. The main body includes a flange recess with a flange interface surface and two locking segments (2a), (2b) each with a flange interface surface (19). The two locking segments (2a), (2b) are located in respective locking segment arch shaped guides (12), (14) The arch shaped guides have an arch radius centre offset from a main body centre axis (22). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of lifting a flanged elongate body with a lifting tool for a flanged, elongate body.

Description

LIFTING TOOL WITH LATCHING SEGMENTS DISPLACEABLE ALONG OFFSET CIRCLES OF PRODUCT END FLANGE TO BE LIFTED AND A
METHOD
A flanged, elongate body lifting tool with latching segments displaceable along offset circles of product end flange to be lifted, and a method of lifting an elongate body with a flanged, elongate body lifting tool.
The lifting tool is suitable for lifting and placing elongated elements and thereafter releasing the element on a predefined location with limited use of extra tooling.
The lifting tool is primarily intended for installing long flexible pipelines in deeper waters where the load capacity is demanding. An end flange of the pipeline is utilized to avoid a load path through a permanent end termination structure. The lifting tool accommodate a vertical orientation of the end flange (2nd end) when lifted off a vessel and allows rotation to a horizontal position when an end termination is landed and docked to a pre-defined position on a subsea facility. In this position, the tool is detachable and allows a vertical retrieval.
The elongated elements are allowed to move from a hanging, close to vertical position and to a laid down, angled or close to horizontal position. The elongated elements can be released from the lifting tool when the elongate elements are unloaded. The lifting tool can also be used to pick up elongate elements from a laid down position and to lift the elongate elements.
Lifting tools are well known and for instance US2010244476 disclosing an elevator for gripping and lifting a riser joint or several interconnected riser joints of a completion and work over riser. A body includes a through bore for receiving a production pipe of a riser joint. The through bore is accessible via a longitudinal opening in the body. The body includes at least one locking device including a hydraulic cylinder.
US 2016115749 discloses a tubular handling system facilitating the connection of a first tubular to a second tubular used in the oil and gas exploration and extraction industries including a tubular handling device and a tubular engagement apparatus, and in certain instances a spider apparatus.
The lifting tool includes a main body formed as a continuous or interrupted ring equipped with a lift trunnion on either side, attaching a hinged yoke. The hinged yoke includes two link plates with a crossover lift trunnion to provide a single point lift interface, primarily intended for a soft sling. The main body is designed with a bottom cut-out to allow recovery from or entrance to the end flange or hub while the upper section is provided with a shape to interface the upper sector of the end flange or hub. The lifting tool further includes one displaceable segment contained in a recess guide at either side of the main body. The tool provides the required opening to recover from or enter over the hub when the locking segments are in a retracted position. The two locking segments and the fixed sector located at the upper section of the main body come into engagement with the hub flange to provide three equally spaced load bearing sectors when the locking segments are extended/in a forward position.
Pipelines are required to enable transportation of produced oil and gas from subsea wells to an onshore or offshore processing facility. For deeper waters, fixed offshore facilities may be impractical and the use of floating facilities are thus used. Flexible pipelines (or risers) have been developed to enable recovery of hydrocarbons from fixed subsea wells to a floating facility. Flexible pipelines may also be used for shorter or longer distances as static lines between subsea wells and manifolds. Such lines may have a length exceeding the water depth at an installed position and a lifting tool with a high load rating is required to install or lay down such lines and to support the complete length from seabed to the surface installation vessel. As the lay down commences, the vessel will move in a direction of an end connection and an end termination (hub) will thus change orientation from a hanging position to a lying, (or close to horizontal), position when the end termination is set down in a target position. The lifting tool must as such be detachable from the end termination / the hub while in the lying position and vice versa for a contingency recovery. As the lifting tool of the invention grips around an end flange or hub, size will not be challenging compared to a tool design that grips further back on a pipeline and for this reason needs to be wide enough to allow lifting slings to pass outside a termination structure.
Traditional designs are problematic to use, typically due to problems with high weight and demanding size compared to lifting load capacity. Another problem is large deflection of load bearing segments and considerable reaction forces from lifted load on activation mechanism.
In the present invention, two displaceable locking segments are brought into engagement with a flange normal to a reaction force from the lifting action.
Reaction forces into the activation mechanism are thus eliminated. The motion of the displaceable locking segments follows a circular or arch shaped track, path or guide with a centre offset from a centre of a flange to be lifted.
The lifting tool of the invention provides a design that is smaller in size, has high lifting capacity and that is safe in use.
The lifting tool of the present invention may include a main body equipped with a lift pin either side where a hinged yoke is attached to provide a single point lift interface, primarily intended for soft sling. The main body is shaped with a bottom cut-out to allow recovery from or entrance to the horizontal oriented end flange or hub while the upper section is provided with a shape to interface the upper sector of the end flange or hub. The lifting tool includes one displaceable locking segment contained in a recess track or guide at either side of the main body. The lifting tool is released from the end flange or hub when each of the displaceable locking segments are moved to a retracted position. The fixed sector located at the upper section of the main body and the locking segments provide three equally spaced load bearing sectors when the locking segments are in their forward position in engagement with the hub flange. The present invention provides a lifting tool supporting an end fitting with a flange of a long flexible pipeline deployed from a surface installation vessel and that is laid down and landed out at a parking position for subsequent connection at a seabed facility. Contingency recovery must be allowed for. To avoid designing heavy connection structures, is a tool interfacing the end flange directly considered beneficial as this eliminates load path through the permanent parts of the connection structure. The most demanding load case is when the flexible pipeline is lifted off from the vessel and vice versa when the complete length of the flexible line is to be supported in the vertical position. The load from the flexible pipeline is limited when the end termination approaches the horizontal position close to seabed.
The present invention can be used for land-based operations.
The present invention thus concerns a flanged, elongate body, lifting tool with a main body. The main body comprises a flange recess with a flange interface surface. A first locking segment with a flange recess includes a flange interface surface in a first locking segment arch shaped guide with an arch radius centre offset from a main body centre axis. A second locking segment with a flange recess with a flange interface surface in a second locking segment arch shaped guide includes an arch radius centre also offset from the main body centre axis. The arch radius centre of the first locking segment arch shaped guide is located on an opposite side of the main body centre axis in relation to the first locking segment arch shaped guide. The arch radius centre of the second locking segment arch shaped guide is located on an opposite side of the main body centre axis in relation to the second locking segment arch shaped guide.
The flanged, elongate body, lifting tool may further include a lifting yoke pivotally attached to the main body.
The lifting yoke may be pivotal about an axis extending through a centre defined by the main body interface surface and the locking segments interface surfaces when the locking segments are in a forward locking position. The main body may include a first side portion including the first locking segment arch shaped guide and second side portion including the second locking segment arch shaped guide, a closed end portion with the flange recess with a flange interface surface, the end portion joining the first side portion and the second side portion, and an open end portion forming a hub entrance, whereby a space for a hub is formed between the first side portion, the second side portion and the closed end portion.
The main body may further include a main body reinforcement portion bridging the space for a hub formed between the first side portion, the second side portion and the closed end portion.
The main body may further include a main body open portion providing a space for a hub formed between the first side portion, the second side portion and the closed end portion.
The hub entrance may include a re-entry guide section facilitating entrance of a hub.
The lifting yoke pivotally attached to the main body may include a first yoke pivot joint fixed to the first side portion, and a second yoke pivot joint fixed to the second side portion.
Furthermore, the invention concerns a method of lifting a flanged elongate body with a flanged, elongate body lifting tool as described above comprising the steps of: provide a flanged, elongate body in an upright position, ensuring that a first locking segment and a second locking segment of the elongate body lifting tool are in a retracted position, manoeuvre the flanged elongate body lifting tool to a position inside the elongate body lifting tool, move the first locking segment and the second locking segment of the elongate body lifting tool to a forward locking position around the flange of the flanged, elongate body lifting tool, manoeuvre the flanged, elongate body lifting tool and the flanged, elongate body to a desired supported location, and move the first locking segment and the second locking segment of the elongate body lifting tool to a retracted releasing position away from the flange of the flanged, elongate body. Furthermore, the invention concerns a method of lifting a flanged elongate body with a flanged, elongate body lifting tool as described above, comprising the steps of: provide the flanged, elongate body lifting tool at a location with a flanged elongate body in a non-vertical, supported position, ensure that the first locking segment and the second locking segment of the elongate body lifting tool are in a retracted position, manoeuvre the elongate body lifting tool to a position with the flanged elongate body inside the elongate body lifting tool, move the first locking segment and the second locking segment of the elongate body lifting tool to a forward locking position around the flange, lift the flanged elongate body and the flanged, elongate body lifting tool to an upright near vertical position, provide the flanged elongate body in a supported position, and move the first locking segment and the second locking segment of the elongate body lifting tool to a rearward releasing locking position away from the flange.
Short description of the figures:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a flanged elongate body lifting tool of the invention; Fig. 2a is a perspective view of the lifting tool shown in fig. 1 from a different angle Fig. 2b substantially corresponds to fig 2a and shows an alternative embodiment; Fig. 3 is a cross section of the lifting tool shown in figs 1 and 2;
Fig. 4 is a cross section corresponding to the cross section of fig 3;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view, partly in cross-section, of the lifting tool of figs. 1 -4; and
Fig. 6 is a cross section of the lifting tool of figs. 1 -4.
Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention with reference to the enclosed figures:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a flanged elongate body lifting tool (hereinafter described as lifting tool) with two latching segments 2a, 2b displaceable along offset arch shaped paths in a main body 1 pivoted to a lifting yoke 7 in a yoke pivot joint 9. The lifting tool is designed to lift an elongate flanged element such as a hub flange on a flexible pipeline. The main body 1 includes a hub entrance cut-out 3 allowing the flanged element to enter or exit the lifting tool. One yoke limiter 5 at each side of the main body 1 limits the maximum angle of the main body 1 in relation to the lifting yoke 7. One threaded segment operator rod 6 for each latching segment 2a, 2b includes a tool head for a socket. Rotation of the threaded segment operator rod 6 will move its connected latching segment 2a, 2b in or out of locking engagement with the hub flange of the flanged elongate body. A threaded hub lid operator rod 8 with a tool head for a socket allows a hub lid to be moved into or out of engagement with an end of the hub flange. The two latching segments 2a, 2b and an upper segment 4 of the main body 1 form three contact surfaces holding the hub flange. The main body 1 is made out of one block of material and includes a first side portion 26, a second side portion 27 and a closed end portion 28 with a flange recess with a flange interface surface. The end 28 portion joins the first side portion 26 and the second side portion 27. The open end portion forms the hub entrance 3. A space for the hub is formed between the first side portion 26, the second side portion 27 and the closed end portion 28. The first yoke pivot joint 9 is fixed to the first side portion 26 and a second yoke pivot joint is fixed to the second side portion 27.
Fig. 2a is a perspective view of the lifting tool shown in fig. 1 from a different angle with two latching segments 2a, 2b displaceable along offset arch shaped paths or guides with a main body 1 pivoted to the lifting yoke 7 in the yoke pivot joint 9. The flexible pipeline 10 with the hub and the hub flange 13 is fixed to the main body 1 as the two latching segments 2a, 2b are in a locked position in the main body 1 , thus preventing the hub with the hub flange 13 from exiting through the hub entrance cut-out 3 in the main body 1. An operator rod pivoted nut 11 for each of the segment operator rods 6 is located in a bore of the main body 1. A yoke limiter 5 secured at each side of the main body 1 ensures that an angle of the yoke 7 in relation to the main body 1 not exceeds a limit, typically to protect attached equipment (not shown) from potential damage from the yoke. Yoke pivot retainers 25 hold the yoke to the yoke pivot joints 9 on the main body 1. A hub lid is actuated up or down upon rotation of a hub lid operator rod 8 (fig. 8). The main body 1 includes a main body reinforcement portion 29 bridging or form a ceiling over the space for the hub formed between the first side portion, the second side portion and the closed end portion to increase strength and stiffness of the main body 1. The hub entrance 3 includes rounded side portions or a re-entry guide section 30 facilitating entrance of the hub.
Fig. 2a, corresponds to fig. 2b. Fig. 2 however shows an open solution without the main body reinforcement portion 29 bridging or forming a ceiling over the space for the hub formed between the first side portion 26, the second side portion 27 and the closed end portion 28. If the added strength offered by the version with the main body reinforcement portion 29 not is needed, then an open solution as the one shown in 2b can be used. The open solution has the advantage that it can be used for a hub with a taller portion extending above or past the flange. In this case, the hub lid 15 can be omitted to offer greater flexibility relating to hub length and hub design/flange location. The shape of the open solution shown in 2b can be compared to a U-shape or a horseshoe shape. The re-entry guide section 30 extends along an entire height of the main body.
The solution and the components of in fig. 2b correspond to the solution and the components of fig. 2a.
Fig. 3 is a cross section of the lifting tool shown in figures 1 and 2a at a height of the hub flange 13. The two locking segments 2a, 2b are in a forward locking position holding the hub flange 13, thus preventing it from exiting through the hub entrance cut out 3. Each of the segment operator rods 6 include outer threads in matching threads of the operator rod pivoted nut 11 and a head for a socket to allow a tool to rotate the segment operator rods 6. The operator rod pivoted nut 11 allows the segment operator rods 6 to pivot to allow the two locking segments 2a, 2b to follow an offset arch shaped guide.
Fig. 4 is a cross section corresponding to the cross section of fig 3. The two locking segments 2a, 2b are in a retracted releasing position allowing the hub flange 13 to be released from the tool, thus allowing it to exiting through the hub flange entrance cut out 3. Each of the segment operator rods 6 include outer threads threaded into matching threads in the operator rod pivoted nut 11. Each of the operator rod pivoted nuts 11 allow the segment operator rods 6 to pivot to allow the two locking segments 2a, 2b to follow an offset arch shaped guide 14,
12. The LH locking segment guide radius 21 indicates the RH offset arch shaped guide 12 of the LH locking segment 2a. The LH offset (in relation to the centreline) arch shaped guide 14 indicates the guide of the RH locking segment 2b. The LH locking segment 2a moves along the RH offset arch shaped guide with the arc radius centre to the right of a main body centreline axis 22, and the RH locking segment 2b moves along the LH offset arch shaped guide with the arc radius centre to the left of the main body centreline axis 22. A hub flange radius 23 extends from the main body centre axis 22 and from a rotational pivot axis 24 defining the axis of rotation of the yoke in relation to the main body 1. Two yoke pivot retainers 25 hold the yoke to the main body 1. The yoke pivots/lift pins and the mating surfaces of the pivoted yoke could be conical to accommodate wear and to ensure a tight fit between the pivoted yoke and the lift pins.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view, partly in cross-section, of the lifting tool of figs. 1 -4. The flexible pipeline 10 is fixed to the hub with the hub flange 13 in a secured position in the lifting tool. The LH locking segment 2a in the RH offset arch shaped guide 12 and the RH locking segment 2b in the LH offset arch shaped guide 14 are in the locking position in contact with the hub flange 13. The hub lid 15 is in a lower position in contact with an opening of the hub. A hub lid lifting mechanism 18 moves the hub lid in or out of contact with the opening in the hub upon rotation of the hub lid operator rod 8. A locking segment interface surface 19 in the locking segments 2a, 2b has a shape conforming to the hub flange surface. Similarly, a main body interface surface 16 has a shape conforming to the hub flange surface. The main body interface surface 16 and each of the locking segment interface surfaces 19 form three surfaces preventing the hub flange 13 from being released from the tool. A locking segment guide ring 20 holds each of the LH locking segment 2a in the RH offset arch shaped guide 12 and the RH locking segment 2b in the LH offset arch shaped guide 14. A locking segment slide/reaction surface 17 is formed as a step in the main body 1 and follows the arch shaped guides 14, 12. A conforming step is formed in each of the locking segments 2a, 2b and hold the locking segments in place. The operator rod pivoted nuts 11 are located in bores in the main body 1 and allows angular displacement of the segment operator rods. The locking segment reaction surface 17 is perpendicular to or close to
perpendicular to an axis along the longitudinal element to be lifted and provides an interface between the locking segment 2a, 2b and the main body 1. The reaction surface and has a sliding contact in relation to the main body 1 during an operation of locking or releasing a longitudinal element.
Fig. 6 is a cross section of the lifting tool of figs. 1 -4 showing the yoke 7, and the hub lid operator rod 8 extending through the main body 1. The hub flange 13 is seated in the main body interface surface 16, and the seating surfaces are slightly conical, thus centring the hub flange 13 in the seats formed by the main body interface surface 16 and the locking segment interface surfaces. The hub lid 15 is shown in a position in contact with the opening of the hub, and a cavity is formed in the main body above the hub lid 15 to allow room to move the hub lid 15 out of contact with the opening of the hub upon rotation of the hub lid operator rod 8 to allow the hub to be moved to the left on fig 6, out through the hub entrance cut out.
It should be noted that threaded segment operator rods 6 (figs. 1 , 3 and 4 extend through matching operator rod pivoted nuts 11. These elements provide linear motion leading to curved displacement of the locking segments 2a, 2b. It should be noted however that other elements or actuators providing linear or curved displacement could be used. Such elements include hydraulic cylinders,
pneumatic elements (in the case the flanged, elongate body, lifting tool not is used subsea), worm-rack drives etc. The selection of linear actuators will depend on the application, the available power source on the location, the requirement for the linear actuator to be self-locking or not, etc. The same regards to the element moving the hub lid 15 (fig.6).
A flanged elongate body in the context of the invention is primarily intended to cover a tube, pipe or any tubular goods with a flange. The flange is typically at the end or close to the end of the elongate body. The invention can also be adapted to be used for other elongate bodies with protruding elements such as ribbed bars and for reinforcing concrete. In many applications, the flange of the flanged elongate body forms a portion of a hub secured to a pipe.
An actuator can be included to rotate the main body in relation to the lifting yoke in one or two axes.
Figure imgf000014_0001

Claims

1. A lifting tool with a main body (1 ) for lifting tubular goods with a flange, wherein the main body comprises a flange recess with a flange interface surface (16), wherein the lifting tool is c h a r a c t e r i s e d i n;
a first locking segment (2a) with a flange recess with a flange interface surface (19) in a first locking segment arch shaped guide (12) with an arch radius centre offset from a main body centre axis (22);
a second locking segment (2b) with a flange recess with a flange interface surface (19) in a second locking segment arch shaped guide (14) with an arch radius centre offset from the main body centre axis (22);
wherein the arch radius centre of the first locking segment arch shaped guide (12) is located on an opposite side of the main body centre axis (22) in relation to the first locking segment arch shaped guide (12);
wherein the arch radius centre of the second locking segment arch shaped guide (14) is located on an opposite side of the main body centre axis (22) in relation to the second locking segment arch shaped guide (14); and
elements or actuators providing linear or curved displacement to move to the first latching segment (2a) and the second latching segment (2b) in or out of locking engagement with the hub flange of the tubular goods with a flange.
2. The flanged, elongate body, lifting tool of claim 1 , further including a lifting yoke (7) pivotally attached to the main body (1 ).
3. The flanged, elongate body, lifting tool of claim 2, wherein the lifting yoke (7) is pivotal about an axis extending through a centre defined by the main body interface surface (16), and the locking segments interface surfaces when the locking segments are in a locking position.
4. The flanged, elongate body, lifting tool of one of the claims 1 -3, wherein the main body (1 ) includes a first side portion (26) including the first locking segment arch shaped guide (12); a second side portion (27) including the second locking segment arch shaped guide (14);
a closed end portion (28) with the flange recess with a flange interface surface (16), the end portion joining the first side portion and the second side portion; and an open end portion forming a hub entrance (3), whereby a space for a hub is formed between the first side portion, the second side portion and the closed end portion.
5. The flanged, elongate body, lifting tool of claim 4, wherein the main body (1 ) further includes a main body reinforcement portion (29) bridging the space for a hub formed between the first side portion, the second side portion and the closed end portion.
6. The flanged, elongate body, lifting tool of claim 4, wherein the main body (1 ) further includes a main body open portion providing a space for a hub formed between the first side portion (26), the second side portion (27) and the closed end portion (28).
7. The flanged, elongate body, lifting tool of one of the claims 1 -6, wherein the hub entrance (3) includes re-entry guide section (30) facilitating entrance of a hub.
8. The flanged, elongate body, lifting tool of one of the claims 2-7, wherein the lifting yoke (7) pivotally attached to the main body includes a first yoke pivot joint (9) fixed to the first side portion (26), and a second yoke pivot joint fixed to the second side portion (27).
9. A method of lifting tubular goods with a flange with a lifting tool of claim 1 , comprising the steps of:
providing tubular goods with a flange in an upright position;
ensuring that a first locking segment 2a and a second locking segment 2a of the lifting tool are in a retracted position;
manoeuvring the tubular goods with a flange to a position inside the lifting tool; moving the first locking segment 2a and the second locking segment 2a of the lifting tool to a locking position around the flange of tubular goods with a flange; manoeuvring the lifting tool and tubular goods with a flange to a desired supported location; and
moving the first locking segment 2a and the second locking segment 2a of the lifting tool to a retracted releasing position away from the flange of the tubular goods with a flange.
10. A method of lifting tubular goods with a flange with a lifting tool of claim 1 , comprising the steps of:
provide the lifting tool at a location with the tubular goods with a flange in a non vertical, supported position;
ensure that the first locking segment (2a) and the second locking segment (2b) of the lifting tool are in a retracted position;
manoeuvre the lifting tool to a position with the tubular goods with a flange inside the lifting tool;
move the first locking segment (2a) and the second locking segment (2b) of the lifting tool to a forward locking position around the flange (13);
lift the tubular goods with a flange and lifting tool to an upright near vertical position;
provide the tubular goods with a flange in a supported position; and
move the first locking segment (2a) and the second locking segment (2b) of the lifting tool to a rearward releasing locking position away from the flange (13).
PCT/EP2020/025219 2019-05-14 2020-05-12 Lifting tool with latching segments displaceable along offset circles of product end flange to be lifted and a method WO2020228988A1 (en)

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US20100244476A1 (en) 2007-11-21 2010-09-30 Vetco Gray Scandanavia As Elevator for gripping and lifting a riser joint
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