MX2013014855A - Diverter system for a subsea well. - Google Patents

Abstract

A diverter system (10) for a subsea well has a blowout preventer (12) and a diverter (14) affixed to an outlet (20) of the blowout preventer. The blowout preventer (12) will have an interior passageway with an inlet (22) at a bottom thereof and an outlet (24) at a top thereof. The diverter (14) has a flow passageway extending therethrough and communication with the interior passageway of the blowout preventer (12). The diverter (14) has a valve therein for changing a flow rate of a fluid flowing through the flow passageway. The diverter (14) has at least one channel opening in valved relation to the flow passageway so as to allow the fluid from the flow passageway to pass outwardly of the diverter. At least one flow line is in valved communication with the flow passageway (48) so as to allow fluids or materials to be introduced into the flow passageway.

Description

DEFLECTOR SYSTEM FOR SUBMARINE WELL Field of the invention The present invention relates to systems for diverting the hydrocarbon stream from a burst preventer. More specifically, the present invention relates to deflectors that are applied to the output of a burst preventer in a manner that provides a safety mechanism in the event of a burst preventer failure. In addition, the present invention relates to deflector systems that allow compounds that introduce chemicals or materials into the hydrocarbon stream.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As global demand for hydrocarbons has grown and known land reserves have not followed the demand, there has been an increasing activity in the exploration and production of maritime oil. The oil reserves that are known to exist in maritime areas have continuously increased and an increasing percentage of world production comes from maritime areas. The marine environment has posed numerous new challenges to the oil drilling industry that have been continuously overcome to allow efficient drilling and production in these areas, although the costs are considerably higher than those of land operations.

Not only has the maritime environment made production difficult, but it has also generally increased the risk of damage to the environment in the event of a well burst or other uncontrolled oil losses at sea. As a result, known safety equipment, such as burst preventers that have been successfully used in ground operations, have also been used in maritime operations. Despite safety precautions, it is known that the outbursts of maritime oil wells occur and will occur in the future.

Underwater drilling operations may experience a burst, which is an uncontrolled stream of formation liquids inside the well that is drilling. These bursts are dangerous and costly, and can cause loss of life, pollution, damage to drilling equipment, and loss of well production. To prevent outbursts, equipment for the prevention of outbursts is needed. These equipment for the prevention of explosions usually include a series of equipment capable of isolating and safely controlling the pressures and liquids of the formation in the drilling site. Functions of the BOP include opening and closing battens of hydraulically operated pipes, ring seals, cutting rams designed to cut the pipe, a series of valves operated by remote control to allow control of the flow of drilling fluids, and the re-entry equipment of the well. In addition, the process monitoring devices and the conditions complete the BOP system. The drilling industry calls the BOP stack BOP system.

The well and the BOP connect the surface drilling vessel to an extension pipeline of marine liners, which transports liquids from the formation (eg oil, etc.) to the surface and circulates drilling fluids. The casing extension pipe connects to the BOP through the Lower Main Pipe Extension (LMRP) Package that contains a device for connecting the BOP, an annular seal for well control and control devices. current to supply hydraulic fluids for the operation of the BOP. The LMRP and the BOP are commonly referred to, collectively, simply as the BOP. Many BOP functions are controlled hydraulically, with the tubing connected to the casing extension that provides hydraulic fluids and other well control liquids. Normally, a central control unit allows an operator to monitor and control the BOP functions from the surface. The central control unit includes a hydraulic control system to control the various functions of the BOP, each of which has various control components. upstream of him.

Although many of these techniques used in land operations can be applied in the maritime environment, these tend to be less effective and require a much longer period of time for implementation. For example, while the relief wells can be drilled to intercept the well that exploded, a large amount of time may be needed in the drilling operation. When drilling relief pits, platforms or other drilling backing platforms must be placed or transported to the blast site before drilling operations can begin. Due to the reinforced marine environment, more time is needed to drill the relief wells than would be needed for ground operations. As a result of the totality of these difficulties, many months may pass between the explosion of the maritime oil well and the successful final closure of the well that exploded. In the intermediate time, large quantities of oil and gas can escape into the ocean with a serious environmental impact.

Although a portion of the hydrocarbons that are lost due to the explosion of a submarine well can be trapped and defoamed by various containment cranes and defoaming vessels, significant quantities of hydrocarbons can still escape such containment equipment. It can be seen that once it is left that hydrocarbons reach the ocean, the action of surface waves tends to break the lighter hydrocarbons that can mix with water or evaporate in the air. Gaseous hydrocarbons, naturally, tend to escape into the atmosphere. The denser ends of crude oil often form globules or bituminous balls that may run on the surface of the water or immediately below, so that it becomes difficult to contain or defoam it.

An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for containing the flow of liquids that result in a burst of an underwater oil well.

Brief extract of the invention The present invention is a deflector system for an underwater well comprising a burst preventer and a fixed deflector at a blowout preventer output. The burst preventer has an interior passage with an entrance in the bottom and an exit in the top. The baffle has a current passage that extends through it and a communication with the interior passage of the burst preventer. The baffle has a valve means inside to change the flow velocity of a liquid that runs through the current passage of the baffle. The deflector has at least one channel that opens a valve relationship with the current passage of such as to allow the liquid coming from the current passage to pass out of the deflector.

In the present invention, the valve may include a ram extending in transverse relationship with the current passage. The ram can be actuable in such a way as to change the flow velocity and, finally, block the flow of the liquid through the current passage. Sete ram is positioned above the channel.

In the present invention, the channel includes a first channel in communication through a valve with the current passage, and a second channel in communication through a valve with the current passage. Each of the first and second channels is suitable for passing a liquid from the current passage to a location outside the deflector. There is at least one line of current in communication through a valve with the current passage. The current line is suitable for passing liquids and chemical compounds within the hydrocarbons of the current passage.

The deflector has a fixed entrance to the exit of the burst preventer. The deflector has an outlet at an opposite end of the current passage from the inlet. The deflector also includes a containment cap that is fixed to the deflector and on its outlet to block the flow of the liquid through the departure. A manifold can be connected through a line to the baffle channel. This manifold is suitable for collecting the liquid that passes through the channel. A choke and death manifold is connected by a line to the deflector current line. The choke and death manifold is suitable for passing a material into the current passage of the baffle. A lower coating pipe extension package may be fixed at the outlet of the baffle.

The present invention is also a method for diverting a liquid that passes from an outlet of a burst preventer. This method includes the steps of: (1) forming a body having an inlet and outlet and a valve cooperating with the current passageway extending between the inlet and the outlet; (2) fixing the body to the exit of the burst preventer while the valve is opened such that the liquid coming from the outlet of the burst preventer passes through the flow passage; (3) close the valve so that the liquid passes through the channels extending from the current passage and below the valve; and (4) discharge the fluid from the channel out of the body.

The method of the present invention further includes the steps of closing the valve in such a manner as to prevent the liquid from passing to the outside of the body outlet and attaching a cover to the valve. containment on the exit of the body. In addition, the channel can be connected to a manifold in such a way that the liquid passes from the current passage through the channel and into the manifold. The manifold may then be used in a manner to collect and / or distribute the liquid. Moreover, the body can have a current line in liquid communication with the current passage. A liquid can be injected into the current passage through the current line.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the baffle system of the present invention secured in a frame between a lower casing extension pack and a blowout preventer.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the baffle system of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the baffle system of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the passage of the hydrocarbons through the outlet of the baffle system of the present invention.

Figure 5 is an illustration showing the passage of the hydrocarbons through the deflector channels of the present invention while closing the outlet.

Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the connection of the current lines of the present invention to a choke and death manifold.

Figure 7 is an illustration showing the connection of the channels of the baffle system of the present invention to a production manifold.

Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the application of a containment cap on the outlet of the baffle system of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a flow chart showing the relationship between the current passage of the deflector and the channels and current lines.

Detailed description of the invention With reference to Figure 1, the baffle system 10 is shown according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The baffle system 10 includes a burst preventer 12, a baffle 14 and a pipe extension pack of undersea liner 16. It can be seen that the burst preventer 12 has an inlet 18 at the bottom and an outlet 20 at the top. The baffle 14 is secured to the outlet 20 of the burst preventer 12. Similarly, the baffle 14 has an inlet 22 and an outlet 24. The outlet 24 is opposite the inlet 22. The baffle 14 has a current passage that it extends between the inlet 22 and the outlet 24. The inlet 22 is fixed to the outlet 20 of the burst preventer 12. The lower casing extension pack 16 is secured to the outlet 24 of the baffle 14. An illustrated frame generally surrounding the burst preventer 12, the baffle 14 and the lower maritime pipeline extension package 16.

The burst preventer 12 has the character of a standard burst preventer. Typically, bursts of preventers have a plurality of rams that extend through an interior passage. As such, in the event of an explosion, the rams are closed in such a way as to prevent the well from suffering a burst. In certain circumstances, the burst preventer 12 may fail. As such, the baffle system 10 of the present invention has a baffle 14 that is secured to the outlet 20 of the burst preventer 12 in a manner that provides redundancy to the system and picks up hydrocarbons that would otherwise be released from the burst preventer 12. .

As can be seen in Figure 1, baffle 14 has a baffle spoiler 28 that is fixed directly to outlet 20 of burst preventer 12. Channels 30 and 32 extend from spool 28. Channels 30 and 32 are located on opposite sides of the spool 28. Within the concept of the present invention, a single channel can be used instead of a pair of channels illustrated in Figure 1. Channel 30 has an outlet 34. Channel 32 has an outlet 36. A plurality of valves such as the valve 38 may be employed along the respective channels 30 and 32 in such a manner as to allow channels 30 and 32 to open and / or close. In addition, suitable current lines may be incorporated. such as the current lines 40 inside the baffle 14 in such a way as to allow liquids to be introduced into the passage of the baffle 14.

Figure 2 is a detailed view of the baffle 14. As can be seen, the baffle 14 includes a body 40 having an upper frame 42 and a lower frame 44. Fundamentally, there is a ram 46, in the character of a preventative ram. bursts, which extends in transverse relationship to the current passage 48. As such, the ram 46 acts on the character of a valve to open and close the current passage 48.

In Figure 2, it can be seen that the inner passage 48 extends vertically from the inlet 22 of the deflector 14 to the outlet 24. The baffle 14 has an upper mandrel 50 which is suitable for connection to the lower maritime tubing extension pack 16. In FIG. 2, it can be seen that a rocker 52 is fixed to the upper frame 42. The rocker 52 is used for the movement of the baffle 14 on a location on the surface. Naturally, the rocker 52 is removed for the installation of the deflector 14. A suitable tool can be applied on the threaded part of the outlet 48 of the mandrel 50 so as to allow the deflector 14 to be installed under the sea. The mandrel 50 is secured by a flange connection 54 to the upper frame 42.

A plurality of legs, such as the legs 56, extend from the upper frame 42 to the lower frame 44. Each of these legs 56 has an anode 58 fixed thereto. The anode 58 serves to prevent electrolytic deterioration of the legs and other components of the baffle 14.

In Figure 2, it can be seen that channels 36 and 38 are particularly illustrated. Normally, when the channels are connected to other parts of the equipment, an adequate elbow is secured at the exit of these channels. In addition, there is a current line 39 which cooperates with the interior of the deflector 14 and in fluid communication with it. A plurality of such current lines can be secured in relation to a valve with the deflector 14. A connector control panel 60 is supported on the lower frame 40. Similarly, an ROV control panel 62 is also fixed to the lower frame 44. The ROV control panel 62 is suitable for allowing a remote-controlled vehicle (ROV) to control the opening and the closing of the various valves associated with the baffle 14. A shackle 64 extends from the lower frame 44 in such a manner as to allow correct horizontal handling by the ROV in such a way that the baffle 14 can be correctly secured at the outlet of the preventer. bursts 12.

Figure 3 is a side view of the baffle 14 of the present invention. Specifically, in Figure 3, it can be seen that the baffle 14 includes a flange connection 70 at its lower end suitable for connection to the outlet of the burst preventer 12. A connecting spool 72 is connected to the flange 70. The connecting spool 72 can be in a flange connection, such as the flange connection 74, to the lower frame 44 of the deflector 14. A spool preventer 72 allows the deflector 14 to adapt quickly and easily to the various associated flanges to the preventers of particular outbursts.

In Figure 3, it can be seen that the connector control p 60 and the ROV control p 62 are supported on the lower frame 44 in a correct position at the periphery of the lower frame 44 for manipulation and control by a ROV.

The baffle spool 28 is secured by flange connections to the lower frame 44. The baffle spool 28 has a current passage which is in line with the current passage associated with the burst preventer 12 and the pipeline extension package. bottom sea 16. It is illustrated that the ram 46 extends generally transverse to the current passage 48 of the deflector 14. The ram 46 is connected by a flange connector above the channels and current lines associated with the deflector reel 28.

Figure 3 illustrates that the channels 36 and 38 extend generally upwardly from the baffle spool 28. Each of the channels 36 and 38 are in fluid communication with a valve with the current passage of the baffle spool 28. As such, if the ram 46 is closed and the hydrocarbons are prevented from running out of the outlet 24 of the current passage 48, the channels 36 and 38 serve to divert this hydrocarbon stream out of the current passage.

In Figure 3, it is illustrated that the legs 56 extend upward generally in transverse relation to the lower frame 44. The upper frame 42 is supported on the upper end of the legs 56. The upper mandrel 50 extends upwards above the top frame. The rocker 52 is connected to the upper frame 42.

Figures 4-8 show the various configurations of the present invention in operation. In Figure 4, it can be seen that the baffle 14 is illustrated to have a hydrocarbon stream 80 running out of the current passage 48 at the outlet 24 of the baffle 14. Figure 4 further shows that the valve or ram 46 it extends generally transverse to current passage 48. Also in Figure 4 it can be seen that channels 36 and 38 have elbows connected to it and that these channels 36 and 38 are closed.

In order to correctly install the baffle 14 on the burst preventer 12, it is important that an open stream of hydrocarbons be allowed to pass through the current passage 48. If the current passage 48 were to be restricted in any way, then the pressure of the Release of hydrocarbons from the blaster preventor would prevent the ROV from securing the deflector 14 over the blowout preventer. In Figure 4, the lower marine pipeline extension pack 16 has not been connected to the outlet 24 of the current passage 48. The configuration of Figure 4 does not allow the stream (of hydrocarbons 80 to be released into the water). Marine to a point such that the deflector 14 is correctly installed on the burst preventer.In the configuration of Figure 4, a hat and casing extension may run towards the capture vessel, as available. of methor glycol through the Current line 39 after the hat is installed. The methor glycol hydrates prevent the formation of methcrystals and the potential blocking of the current passage 48. In addition, a dispersant can also be introduced through the channel 38 in such a way as to allow the dispersion of the hydrocarbon stream in a effort to avoid a floating oil stain on the surface of the water.

Figure 5 illustrates that the ram 46 has been closed in such a manner as to prevent the hydrocarbon stream from passing through the current passage 48 and through the outlet 24. The valves close slowly while the pressures are monitored. The hydrocarbon stream 80 now passes through the chokes 82. Methane, glycol and dispersant hydrates can be introduced through the stream line 39. In addition, the pressures can be monitored closely so that the pressures affecting the system does not damage the equipment. If the pressure in the interior passage 48 increases to an unacceptable level, then the valve associated with the current passage 48 can be released in such a way as to avoid unnecessarily high pressures.

In Figure 6, it can be seen how the "top death" of the well can be achieved using a choke and death manifold 100. The choke and kill manifold 100 is connected by the lines 102 and 104 to the power lines 39 of the baffle 14. In this situation, the ram 46 has closed the hydrocarbon stream through passage 48 at outlet 24. Similarly, the valve has closed the flow of hydrocarbons in chokes 82. In this situation, the they can introduce different materials, such as slurries and cements, through the lines 102 and 104 through the current lines 39 and into the current passage of the deflector 14. The necessary materials can be supplied from the surface of the throttling manifold and death 100 by lines 106 and 108.

Figure 7 illustrates a situation in which the channels 36 and 38 are connected by the lines 110 and 112 to a production manifold 114. As such, when a containment cap 116 is applied on the outlet 24 of the stream passage 48 of the deflector 14, channels 36 and 38 can be suitably opened so as to allow hydrocarbon stream from the well through lines 110 and 112 to production manifold 114. Hydrocarbons that are received within production manifold 114 they can be distributed elsewhere using lines 116, 118, 120 and 122.

Figure 8 is an illustration showing the containment cap 116 fixed on the outlet 24 of the stream passage 48. When hydrocarbon stream 80 is prevented from flowing through the stream passage 48, the containment cap 116 can be apply in such a way as to prevent a new release of hydrocarbons through it. The bottlenecks 82 are suitably closed in such a way as to impede the flow of hydrocarbons through them. As such, the baffle 14, illustrated in Figure 8, is suitable for closing the well.

Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of various valves, channels and current lines associated with the present invention. Specifically, it can be seen that the well 130 has the pipe 132 extending therefrom. The pipe 132 passes through a burst preventer 134. A temperature sensor 136 and a pressure sensor 138 cooperate with the pipe 132 in a manner that provides adequate information for the operation of the baffle 14 of the present invention. It can be seen that the deflector 14 has the outlet 24 at its upper end. The ram 46 is located below the outlet 24. The channels 36 and 38 and the power lines 39 communicate in valve relation with the pipe 132. It can be seen that the channels 36 and 38 pass through a valve and the respective respective outputs 140 and 142. As such, when the ram 46 is closed, and the valves associated with the channels 36 and 38 are open, the hydrocarbon stream can pass through the outlets 140 and 142. The valves associated with the channels 36 and 38 can be closed such that they contain the oil inside the pipe 132. The current lines 39 also have a valve associated with the current lines associated with the deflector 14. Additional injection valves and throttles 142 and 144 can be provided at the other end of the current lines 36 in a manner that allows the introduction of chemical compounds into the line 132.

Naturally, the various valves associated with channels 36 and? 38 and the streamlines 39 can be manipulated and operated in various ways in such a way as to optimize the control of the hydrocarbon stream. For example, to install the baffle 14, it is important that the ram 46 be open. To control the release of hydrocarbons, the various chokes can be opened while the ram 46 closes the current passage. Finally, the bottlenecks can be closed in such a way that production occurs through the passage of the hydrocarbons through channels 36 and 38 and into a production manifold. Alternatively, all the valves and rams can be closed in such a way as to close the well.

The foregoing description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes can be made in the details of the illustrated construction within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the true spirit of the invention. The present invention should be limited only by the following claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS A deflector system for a submarine well that includes: a burst preventer that has an interior passage with an entrance in the bottom and an exit in the upper part; and a deflector fixed at an outlet of said burst preventer, said deflector has a current passage extending therethrough and communicating with said passage of said burst preventer, said baffle having a valve means therein for changing the flow velocity of a liquid running through said current passage, said deflector has at least one channel that opens in valve relation with said current passage in such a manner as to allow the liquid coming from the passage of current passes out of said deflector, said at least one channel comprises: a first channel in communication through a valve with said current passage; Y a second channel in communication through a valve with said current passage, each of said first and second channels is suitable to pass a liquid from said current passage to a place outside said deflector. The baffle system according to claim 1, said valve means comprises: a ram extending in transverse relationship with said current passage, said ram being operable in such a way as to change the flow velocity. The baffle system according to claim 2, said ram being positioned above at least one channel. The baffle system according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one line of current in communication through a valve with said current passage, the current line is suitable for passing a liquid into said current passage. The baffle system according to claim 1, said baffle has a fixed entrance to said outlet of the burst preventer, said deflector has an outlet at an opposite end of said current passage from said inlet, the baffle system further comprising: A containment cap is fixed to said baffle and on an outlet thereof in such a manner as to block the flow of the liquid through said outlet. The baffle system according to claim 1, further comprising: a manifold connected by a line to the channel of said baffle, said manifold is suitable for collecting the liquid that passes through the channel. The baffle system according to claim 4, further comprising: A choke and death manifold connected by a line to said current line of said baffle, said choke and death manifold is suitable for passing a material into said current passage of said baffle. A deflector system for a submarine well that includes: a burst preventer that has an interior passage with an entrance in the bottom and an exit in the upper part; a baffle having a fixed entrance to an outlet of said burst preventer, said baffle has a current passage extending therethrough and communicating with said interior passage of said burst preventer, said baffle having an outlet in an opposite end of said current passage from said inlet thereof, said deflector has a valve means therein to change the flow velocity of a liquid running through said current passage, said deflector has at least one channel that opens in relation to a valve to said current passage in such a manner as to allow the liquid coming from said passage of current passes out of said baffle; Y a fixed liner extension package to said outlet of said baffle. A deflector for the application to a blowout preventer of a submarine well, the deflector comprises: a body having a current passage extending therethrough, said body having an inlet end and an outlet end, said inlet end being suitable for application to a burst preventer outlet; a ram fixed to said body and extending in transverse relationship with said current passage, said ram being operable in such a way as to change the flow velocity of a liquid passing through the current passage; at least one channel is in fluid communication through a valve with said current passage in such a manner as to allow a liquid in said current passage to pass out of said body; at least one current line is in liquid communication through a valve with said current passage of said body in a manner that selectively allows a liquid to be introduced into said current passage; and a containment cap fixed to said body and on said outlet thereof so as to block the flow of the liquid through said outlet. 10. The baffle according to claim 9, at least one channel comprises: a first channel in communication through a valve with said current passage; Y a second channel in communication through a valve with said current passage, each of said first and second channels is suitable for passing a liquid from said current passage to a location outside said deflector. 11. The baffle according to claim 9, further comprising: a manifold connected by a line to the channel of said body, said manifold is suitable for collecting the liquid that passes through the channel. 12. A method for passing a liquid through a burst preventer, the method comprises: forming a body having an inlet and an outlet, said body having a current passage extending between said inlet and said outlet, said body having a valve cooperating with said current passage, said body having a channel in communication with said current passage and a line of current in communication with said current passage; fixing said body to the exit of the burst preventer while said valve is opened in such a way that the fluid of the outflow of the burst preventer passes through said flow passage; closing said valve in such a way that the liquid passes through said channel, the closing step comprises: closing said valve in such a manner as to prevent the liquid from passing out of said outlet of said body; and fixing a containment cap on said body outlet; Y discharge the liquid out of said body. 13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: connect said channel to a multiple; passing the liquid from said current passage through said channel and into said multiple; Y collect the liquid in said multiple. 14. The method according to claim 12, said body has a current line in liquid communication with said current passage, the method further comprising: injecting a liquid into said current passage through said line of current. 15. The method according to claim 12, the closing step comprises: maneuver an ROV in the vicinity of said valve; Y manipulate said valve by means of said ROV in such a way that said valve closes. 16. A method for passing a liquid through an outlet of a burst preventer, the method comprises: forming a body having an inlet and an outlet, said body having a current passage extending between said inlet and said outlet, said body having a valve cooperating with said current passage, said body has a channel in communication with said current passage and a current line in communication with said current passage; fixing said body to the exit of the burst preventer while said valve is opened in such a way that the liquid from the exit of the burst preventer passes through said current passage; closing said valve in such a manner that said liquid passes through said channel; discharge the liquid out of said body; Y fixing a lower coating pipe extension package to an outlet of said current passage of said body. The method according to claim 16, said body has a pair of channels in current communication with said current passage and a pair of current lines in fluid communication with said liquid passage.