WO2024123185A1 - Ensemble support de pipeline sous-marin - Google Patents

Ensemble support de pipeline sous-marin Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024123185A1
WO2024123185A1 PCT/NO2023/060110 NO2023060110W WO2024123185A1 WO 2024123185 A1 WO2024123185 A1 WO 2024123185A1 NO 2023060110 W NO2023060110 W NO 2023060110W WO 2024123185 A1 WO2024123185 A1 WO 2024123185A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
support
pipeline
sliding support
sliding
guide profile
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NO2023/060110
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jon Inge BRATTEKÅS
Jan-Inge OMLAND
Helge NORDBY
Henrik BRUUN-GUNDERSEN
Kristoffer ØKLAND
Christian BRATTEKÅS
Qasim SALEEM
Original Assignee
Csub 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 Csub As filed Critical Csub As
Publication of WO2024123185A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024123185A1/fr

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Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a subsea pipeline support assembly configured to support a subsea pipeline on the seabed.
  • the seabed may not be suited for directly supporting the pipeline, e.g. due to a curved seabed with rocky parts and vales.
  • steel pipelines conducting hydrocarbons may be exposed to buckling due to varying temperatures in the transported fluid.
  • fluid produced from a subsea well may be of a high temperature and will thus heat the steel in the pipeline. Such heating will result in a significant longitudinal expansion of the pipe, resulting in a need for the pipeline to bend to account for the expansion.
  • Another problem may occur due to currents that alter the shape of the seabed by moving sand or mud.
  • An example of such a problem is scouring, where the supportive seabed is removed such that a free span is created.
  • a further technical challenge may be crossings, where for instance an existing pipeline needs to be crossed when laying out a new pipeline. The new pipeline will then need to be elevated at the position of the crossing.
  • Patent application publication W02005080845 describes a subsea pipeline support structure having an inclined upper surface, against which the pipeline is supported.
  • the structure comprises a movable bumper that governs the position of the pipeline on the support structure.
  • beams or tubular elements made of metal or a composite material can be used to produce the support structure.
  • a subsea pipeline support assembly comprising a base structure with a guide profile, a first sliding support structure configured to slide along the guide profile and comprising a first inclined support face that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the guide profile.
  • the subsea pipeline support assembly further comprises a second sliding support structure configured to slide along the guide profile independently from the first sliding support structure and comprising a second inclined support face that is inclined with respect to the guide profile and which is inclined in a direction opposite to the inclination of the first inclined support face.
  • the base structure may in some embodiments comprise two distinct guide profiles, wherein the respective sliding support structures are guided by one respective guide profile.
  • the base structure may comprise a lower base configured to rest on a substantially horizontal foundation, wherein the guide profile is parallel to the lower base.
  • the base structure can be supported for instance directly on the seabed, or on other type of support such as support beams arranged to elevate the base structure.
  • the first inclined support face and the second inclined support face can advantageously be configured to overlap.
  • the two inclined support faces When in such an overlapping position, the two inclined support faces together form a V-shape, such that the pipeline can rest on the V-shape. Furthermore, the vertical elevation of the pipeline can be adjusted by adjusting the degree over overlap. Hence, when the first and second inclined support faces have been moved into the overlapping position, and by continuing this movement, the lower point of said V-shape will be elevated. A pipeline resting on the two inclined support faces will in this manner be elevated by said movement. In this manner, the operator is enabled to support the pipeline at a desired, variable elevation.
  • the second sliding support structure may in some embodiments comprise two second inclined support faces and a receiving gap between the two second inclined support surfaces.
  • the receiving gap can then receive the first support surface protrusion.
  • the guide profile can comprise one or more support rails or other type of support face configured to support a pipeline.
  • the subsea pipeline support assembly can support a pipeline also without any contact between the first and second sliding support structures, and the pipeline.
  • the subsea pipeline support assembly may further comprise an adjustment arrangement that governs the mutual position of or distance between the first and second sliding support structures along the guide profile.
  • the adjustment arrangement engages the first and second sliding support structures.
  • first and second sliding support structures are configured to slide on the guide profile independently with respect to each other, they can thus also slide together as one common unit when they are interconnected with the adjustment arrangement.
  • the first and second sliding support structures and the adjustment arrangement engaging them are configured to slide together on and along the guide profile.
  • the adjustment arrangement engages the two sliding support structures they move uniformly with respect to the base structure.
  • the adjustment arrangement comprises a rod with threads, wherein the rod extends between the first and second sliding support structures. It may further have an engagement unit fixed to the first sliding support structure or to the second sliding support structure, wherein the engagement unit is in engagement with the threads of the rod such that it moves along the rod upon rotation of the rod. It can also preferably have a handle that is connected to the rod.
  • the said handle can be of various types. For instance, it can be a torque tool interface for engagement with an ROV (remotely operated vehicle). It may also be a handle for operation by a diver.
  • ROV remotely operated vehicle
  • the engagement unit can be connected to the first or second sliding support structures by means of an attachment device.
  • the second or first sliding support structure can advantageously comprise an access aperture arranged at the end of an access slit, such that the rod can be moved into the access aperture through said access slit.
  • the base structure and/or one or both of the first and second sliding support structures can advantageously be made of non-metallic composite materials.
  • Such composite materials include glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) and other composite materials comprising fibers and a curable matrix.
  • GRP glass fiber reinforced plastic
  • Such materials can have a relatively low weight, have a low-cost, and are not exposed to corrosion.
  • the subsea pipeline support assembly can further comprise a foundation and support beams located between the foundation and the base structure.
  • the first and second sliding support structures may comprise sliding surfaces configured to slide on the guide profile, wherein at least one of the sliding surfaces and the guide profile comprises a low friction coating.
  • a low friction coating one reduces the risk of the pipeline climbing on the inclined support faces if the pipeline moves laterally, such as a result of temperature variations (buckling). If a large force is required to slide the sliding support structures, such a pipeline movement cold result in that the pipeline is lifted upwards if the sliding support structure is resilient to movement along the guide profile.
  • a method of providing a support for a pipeline on the seabed comprising a) installing a base structure comprising a guide profile in a position below the subsea pipeline; b) before or after step a), arranging a first sliding support structure onto the base structure; c) after step a), arranging a second sliding support structure onto the base structure, such that the first and second sliding support structures, respectively, are located on opposite sides of the pipeline; and d) after step c), sliding the first and/or the second sliding support structure along the guide profile, towards and into abutment with the pipeline.
  • step d) comprises supporting the pipeline at a vertical distance above the guide profile by moving both the first and the second sliding support structure towards the pipeline and thus supporting the pipeline with a first inclined support face of the first sliding support structure and with a second inclined support face of the second sliding support structure.
  • step d) can comprise actuating an adjustment arrangement that connects to the first and second sliding support structures to move the first and second sliding support structures towards each other.
  • Fig. 1 depicts a subsea pipeline spanning over a vale on the seabed, and a base structure landed next to it;
  • Fig. 2 shows the same as in Fig. 1 , however with the base structure pulled into a position below the pipeline to support it;
  • Fig. 3 shows a first and a second sliding support structure arranged on opposite sides of the base structure;
  • Fig. 4 is a side view showing the pipeline being supported by the first and second sliding support structures;
  • Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a subsea pipeline support assembly, comprising the base structure and the first and second sliding support structures;
  • Fig. 6 is a cross section view through the base structure
  • Fig. 7 is another perspective view of the subsea pipeline support assembly, with a pipeline being supported by it;
  • Fig. 8 is a stand-alone perspective view of an adjustment arrangement
  • Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a second sliding support structure
  • Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a first sliding support structure
  • Fig. 10a is an enlarged side-view of a front portion of the first sliding support structure shown in Fig. 10;
  • Fig. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the subsea pipeline support assembly
  • Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 11 ;
  • Fig. 13 is a schematic top view of a pipeline extending along the seabed and being supported by a plurality of subsea pipeline support assemblies;
  • Fig. 14 is a schematic side view of the plurality of assemblies shown in Fig. 13.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown a steel pipeline 1 resting on the seabed 2.
  • a vale 3 has appeared below a portion of the pipeline 1 , typically due to sea currents.
  • the vale 3 results in a free span portion of the pipeline 1 , which bridges the vale 3.
  • a base structure 5 has been landed on the seabed 2.
  • the base structure 5 is pulled into position below the pipeline 1 , as shown in Fig. 2.
  • the pipeline 1 may be lifted somewhat off the seabed 3, such as with a crane on a surface vessel (not shown).
  • the base structure 5 can then rest on the base structure 5.
  • the vertical height of the base structure can advantageously be chosen to fit the distance between the seabed 2 and the pipeline 1 .
  • a first sliding support structure 7 is arranged on the base structure 5 and slides thereon towards the pipeline 1 .
  • the first sliding support structure 7 can already be attached to the base structure 5 before landing of the base structure 5.
  • the base structure 5 can be installed on the seabed 2 and moved into position below the pipeline 1 before the first sliding support structure 7 is landed.
  • the first sliding support structure 7 is configured to slide along an elongated guide profile 11 of the base structure 5, into abutment against the pipeline 1 .
  • a second sliding support structure 9 is also installed on the base structure 5. It is installed opposite of the first sliding support structure 7, with the pipeline 1 between them. After landing on the base structure 5, it is slid towards and into abutment against the pipeline 1 . The pipeline 1 is now supported from below at the position of the vale 3, by the first and second sliding support structures 7, 9, and possibly also by the base structure 5.
  • FIG. 4 which shows a somewhat different embodiment of the subsea pipeline support assembly, depicts this situation with a side view along the pipeline axis.
  • the pipeline 1 is barely lifted off from the base structure 5.
  • the first and second sliding support structures 7, 9 could then remain at a distance from the pipeline 1 , or they could be slid towards the pipeline 1 , however without lifting it off from the base structure 5.
  • the base structure 5 may over time settle further into the seabed 2.
  • the pipeline 1 may then loose the contact with the subsea pipeline support assembly 10.
  • the first and second sliding support structures 7, 9 can then be slid further towards the pipeline, to reestablish the supporting function.
  • Fig. 5 depicts a perspective view of the subsea pipeline support assembly 10, corresponding to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3.
  • the first and second sliding support structures 7, 9 are arranged on the base structure 5.
  • the base structure 5 comprises a guide profile 11 , along which the first and second sliding support structures 7, 9 are configured to slide.
  • a lower base 5a is in this embodiment shaped like a flat plate configured to support the base structure 5 on the seabed 2.
  • the extension of the guide profile 11 is parallel to the lower base 5a.
  • the guide profile 11 comprises two base support rails 11 a.
  • the base support rails 11 a are perhaps best shown in Fig. 6, which is a cross-section view through the base structure 5.
  • the base support rails 11 a extend parallel to the lower base 5a of the base structure 5.
  • the base support rails 11 a are configured to support the pipeline 1 in situations where the pipeline 1 is not supported by the first and second sliding support structures 7, 9.
  • the base support rails 11 a are located on opposite sides of an intermediate base portion 11 b, which is at a lower vertical level compared to the base support rails 11 a.
  • the rod 17 and handle 15 of the adjustment arrangement 13 can be supported by the intermediate base portion 11 b.
  • the rod 17 can be arranged at a lower vertical level than the base support rails 11a. In this manner, one avoids contact between the pipeline 1 and the rod 17 in a situation where the pipeline 1 is supported by the base support rails 11a.
  • the base structure 5 further comprises downwardly extending side walls 11 c.
  • the side walls 11 c exhibit an angle with respect to the vertical direction but are substantially vertical.
  • the first sliding support structure 7 comprises a first inclined support surface 7a, which is inclined with respect to the extension of the guide profile 11 .
  • the second sliding support structure 9 has two second inclined support surfaces 9a.
  • the first inclined support surface 7a is configured to enter into a receiving gap 9c between the two second inclined support surfaces 9a. In this manner, when moving the first and second sliding support structures 7, 9 towards each other, the operator can exert a force onto, and if desired lift, a pipeline 1 that is arranged at a vertical distance above the guide profile 11 .
  • the first and second inclined support surfaces 7a, 9a are both inclined, however with opposite inclinations. Thus, when overlapping, as discussed above, they together form a V-shape (see Fig. 4, which does not show the overlapping position, but still the V-shape).
  • the angle of inclination can typically be between 10° and 20°, such as 15° from the horizontal.
  • both the first and second sliding support structures 7, 9 with only one inclined support surface each.
  • the lower base 5a may advantageously exhibit an upwardly curved plate end 5b.
  • the curved plate end 5b facilitates sliding the base structure 5 along the seabed 5.
  • Fig. 7 is a cross section view showing a portion of the pipeline 1 being supported by the first and second sliding support structures 7, 9. As discussed above, the mutual distance between the first and second sliding support structures 7, 9 can be adjusted. To perform such adjustment, the subsea pipeline support assembly 10 in this embodiment comprises an adjustment arrangement 13.
  • the adjustment arrangement 13 is shown in Fig. 8 and comprises a handle 15, a rod 17 with threads, and an engagement unit 19.
  • the engagement unit 19 comprises a threaded bore that engages with the threads of the rod 17.
  • the adjustment arrangement 13 also has a forcetransmitting device 21 for transmitting force between the adjustment arrangement 13 and the second sliding support structure 9.
  • the handle 15 of the adjustment arrangement 13 is visible in Fig. 7.
  • the rod 17 extends from the shown handle 15 at the second sliding support structure 9 and into the first sliding support structure 7.
  • the engagement unit 19 is fixed to the first sliding support structure 7, such that the first and second sliding support structures 7, 9 can move towards each other upon rotation of the handle 15. Such rotation can for instance be brought about with an ROV (remotely operated vehicle) or a diver.
  • the rod 17 and handle 15 are indicated in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3.
  • the adjustment arrangement 13 can advantageously be attached to the first sliding support structure 7 when landed at the seabed.
  • FIG. 9 and Fig. 10 depict perspective views of the second sliding support structure 9 and the first sliding support structure 7, respectively.
  • a rear portion of the second sliding support structure 9 comprises an access aperture 9b for the rod 17 of the adjustment arrangement 13.
  • the access aperture 9b can be arranged at the end of an access slit 9d, through which the rod 17 can pass to be positioned in the access aperture 9b. In this manner, a diver or an ROV can connect the rod 17 to the second sliding support structure 9.
  • the second sliding support structure 9 further comprises sliding surfaces 9e configured to slide against the base support rails 11a of the base structure 5. While it comprises two sliding surfaces 9e in this embodiment, to fit with the two base support rails 11 a, the skilled reader will appreciate that other embodiments are possible. For instance, the second sliding support structure 9 could comprise only one sliding surface for sliding against one base support rail (or a base support surface).
  • Two longitudinally and downwardly extending skirts 9f are also provided on the second sliding support structure 9.
  • the skirts 9f contribute to maintaining the position on the base structure 5.
  • the skirts 9f are configured to slide against the side walls 11 c (see Fig. 6) of the base structure 5.
  • the first sliding support structure 7 also comprises sliding surfaces 7e and skirts 7f.
  • both the first and the second sliding support structure 7, 9 can slide freely on the base structure 5 but their mutual position is fixed with the adjustment arrangement 13. Hence, if the pipeline 1 moves laterally, for instance due to varying temperature, the first and second sliding support structures 7, 9 can move with the pipeline 1 .
  • the sliding surfaces 7e, 9e and/or the base support rails 11 a can be provided with a low-friction coating.
  • a low-friction coating can be a layer comprising HDPE (high-density polyethylene).
  • Fig. 10a is an enlarged side view of a front portion of the first sliding support structure 7. At a position vertically below the sliding surface 7e there is arranged an attachment device 7g for attachment of the engagement unit 19 (not shown in Fig. 10a) to the first sliding support structure 7.
  • Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 Fig. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the subsea pipeline support assembly 10 with a perspective view, while Fig. 12 shows various parts of the assembly with an exploded view.
  • the base structure 5 is arranged at an elevated position, as it is supported from below with a pair of support beams 23.
  • the support beams 23 are interposed between the base structure 5 and a foundation 25 that rests on the seabed.
  • the support beams 23 and the foundation 25 one is enabled to support a pipeline 1 that is significantly elevated above the seabed.
  • the foundation 25 is formed as a plate.
  • the foundation 25 can be made in a composite material having a central plate with flanges extending downwards at the plate edges.
  • the vertical dimension of the support beams 23 can be chosen according to need. Moreover, according to need, one may arrange one or more further pairs of support beams 23 to obtain the desired vertical position of the base structure 5.
  • the support beams 23 can be attached to the foundation 25 and to the base structure 5 with bolts (not shown).
  • the base structure 5, and/or one or both of the first and second sliding support structures 7, 9, can be made of GRP (glass fiber reinforced plastic) or other non-metallic composite materials.
  • the support beams 23 and the foundation 25 can preferably also be made of a non-metallic composite material, such as GRP.
  • the base structure 5 can advantageously be molded in one piece. It may typically have a longitudinal extension of between 3 and 15 meters.
  • the guide profile 11 may typically extend between 3 and 15 meters.
  • FIG. 13 and Fig. 14 illustrate a typical application of the subsea pipeline support assembly 10 according to the invention.
  • Fig. 13 depicts a pipeline seen from above, extending along the seabed. It will be understood that Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 are merely schematic drawings to illuminate advantages of the invention.
  • the pipeline 1 buckles due to high temperature and a following extension of its length.
  • the pipeline 1 is supported by four subsea pipeline support assemblies 10 arranged in a row along the extension of the pipeline 1 . Due to the buckling, the pipeline 1 has moved the first and second sliding support assemblies 7, 9 laterally on the base structure 5, as indicated in Fig. 14.
  • Fig. 14 illustrates the respective subsea pipeline support assemblies 10 seen from the side, along the direction of the pipeline 1 .
  • the pipeline 1 can take any position within a certain range. This range is schematically illustrated with the dashed area of the lowermost assembly in Fig. 14.

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  • Laying Of Electric Cables Or Lines Outside (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un ensemble support de pipeline sous-marin (10) comprenant une structure de base (5) comportant un profil de guidage (11), une première structure de support coulissante (7) configurée pour coulisser le long du profil de guidage (11) et comprenant une première face de support inclinée (7a) qui est inclinée par rapport à la direction longitudinale du profil de guidage (11). L'ensemble support comprend en outre une deuxième structure de support coulissante (9) configurée pour coulisser le long du profil de guidage (11), indépendamment de la première structure de support coulissante (7) et comprenant une deuxième face de support inclinée (9a) qui est inclinée par rapport au profil de guidage (11) et qui est inclinée dans une direction opposée à l'inclinaison de la première face de support inclinée (7a).
PCT/NO2023/060110 2022-12-05 2023-12-04 Ensemble support de pipeline sous-marin WO2024123185A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NO20221303 2022-12-05
NO20221303 2022-12-05

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2024123185A1 true WO2024123185A1 (fr) 2024-06-13

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ID=91379791

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/NO2023/060110 WO2024123185A1 (fr) 2022-12-05 2023-12-04 Ensemble support de pipeline sous-marin

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2024123185A1 (fr)

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