U.S. patent application number 12/111575 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-16 for methods and apparatus for emergency rig monitoring.
Invention is credited to Russell L. Roy, Robert Sanders.
Application Number | 20090099777 12/111575 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38054570 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090099777 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roy; Russell L. ; et
al. |
April 16, 2009 |
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR EMERGENCY RIG MONITORING
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for emergency rig monitoring are disclosed
herein. The invention generally relates to methods and apparatus
for monitoring an offshore rig. The rig monitoring systems and
methods of use can relay information regarding the rig such as
location, attitude (e.g. tilt, oscillation), and local water and
weather conditions. The rig monitoring systems and methods can also
facilitate emergency communication for rig personnel. Access to the
information can be remotely initiated and the systems can be
configured to automatically respond to such initiation. The rig
monitoring systems are equipped with a self-sustainable power
supply for operation under conditions where external power sources
are unavailable. Such rig monitoring systems and methods are
particularly useful on rigs that are located in waters subject to
rapid and severe changes in local weather such as storms.
Inventors: |
Roy; Russell L.; (Richmond,
TX) ; Sanders; Robert; (Kingwood, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATTERSON & SHERIDAN, L.L.P.
3040 POST OAK BOULEVARD, SUITE 1500
HOUSTON
TX
77056
US
|
Family ID: |
38054570 |
Appl. No.: |
12/111575 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11267045 |
Nov 4, 2005 |
7366614 |
|
|
12111575 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
702/6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01W 1/10 20130101; G01W
1/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
702/6 |
International
Class: |
G01V 9/00 20060101
G01V009/00 |
Claims
1. A system for remotely monitoring a parameter on at least one
offshore hydrocarbon rig, comprising: at least one parameter sensor
positioned at the rig for monitoring at least one of a wave height,
wave direction, wave frequency, rig pitch, rig roll, and rig
mooring line tension; at least one power supply coupled to the at
least one parameter sensor and configured to operate independently
of an external source; and at least one remote data access member
located remote from the rig and configured to receive data from the
at least one parameter sensor.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/267,045, filed Nov. 4, 2005, which
application is herein incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Embodiments of the invention generally relate to methods and
apparatus for monitoring offshore structures and vessels. More
particularly, the invention relates to methods and apparatus for
monitoring offshore hydrocarbon rigs and communicating rig data to
a location remote from the rig.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Exploration for and production of hydrocarbon based energy
deposits has often required that people and equipment operate in
challenging and potentially hazardous environments around the
world. As hydrocarbon deposits become more difficult to find, more
exploration and production activities are occurring in bodies of
water including oceans and seas. Offshore hydrocarbon exploration
and production requires that expensive rigs or vessels be
semi-permanently located in bodies of water. Many bodies of water
are subject to dramatic and sudden changes in weather. More
notorious examples of such changes include storms such as tropical
storms, typhoons, and hurricanes.
[0004] Offshore rigs are usually supported structurally from the
sea floor (e.g. jack-up rigs and island rigs) or are supported by
buoyant structures (e.g. semi-submersibles, spars, ships). Some
hybrid designs exist. Most rigs are moored to the sea floor by
anchors and mooring lines in order to resist lateral rig movement.
Such rigs are usually manned either around the clock or
intermittently in order to monitor and maintain rig systems and
operations.
[0005] When a storm approaches an offshore rig the safety of the
rig crew becomes a primary issue. The condition and location of the
rig are also at issue. As a storm approaches the rig crew is
evacuated either by boat or helicopter and the rig is left unmanned
or partially unmanned. Events that occur as the storm draws near to
and impacts the rig go largely unmonitored. If standard rig
communications go down before an evacuation can occur, the
situation for the rig crew becomes critical. If the rig is
evacuated before a storm arrives then the condition and location of
the rig become unknown until some time after the storm has
passed.
[0006] If the storm has damaged critical rig systems including
mooring lines, such damage can not be detected until after the
storm has passed. In many cases a rig that has been hit or almost
hit by a storm can not even be readily located because the mooring
lines have been broken and the rig has drifted. Rigs have been
blown off location by hundreds of miles in some instances. Such
drifting rigs create a hazard separate from that of the storm in
that the rig may actually impact another vessel or structure. An
ability to locate a drifting rig and advance warning of the status
and course of such a rig is needed. So that design insight may be
gained for the future, an ability to analyze events leading up to
the loss of a rig at sea is also needed.
[0007] Methods for tracking things such as automobiles, boats and
airplanes have been devised. Devices such as Lo-Jack (registered)
have been marketed for tracking stolen automobiles. When activated,
that device sends a radio signal that can be received by a tracking
device. Such a device does not provide exact automobile location;
rather it provides location information relative to the tracking
receiver. The Lo-Jack device is described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,908,629, 4,818,998, and 4,177,466.
[0008] A system and method for monitoring a boat are subjects of
U.S. Pat. No. 6,469,641. That patent discloses tracking a stolen
boat and monitoring certain security and operational parameters
related to the boat such as unauthorized entry, bilge pump
function, battery charge, and boat location. Such a system for
monitoring of a boat does not address parameters relevant to a rig
or its environment.
[0009] While there are many different types of tracking and
monitoring systems including some for marine vessels, none address
issues and parameters that are of specific interest regarding an
offshore hydrocarbon rig.
[0010] Accordingly, there is a need for an invention that
facilitates the monitoring of parameters related to an offshore rig
and the communication of information related to the offshore rig to
a remote location where concerned persons are able to access such
information. Such an invention should preferably operate in
inclement weather and through periods of rig power
interruption.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for
monitoring an offshore rig. The rig monitoring systems and methods
of use can relay information regarding the rig such as location,
attitude (e.g. tilt, oscillation), and local water and weather
conditions. The rig monitoring systems and methods can also
facilitate emergency communication for rig personnel. Access to the
information can be remotely initiated and the systems can be
configured to automatically respond to such initiation. The rig
monitoring systems are equipped with a self-sustainable power
supply for operation under conditions where external power sources
are unavailable. Such rig monitoring systems and methods are
particularly useful on rigs that are located in waters subject to
rapid and severe changes in local weather such as storms.
[0012] A method for preparing a rig for adverse climatic conditions
is included herein and comprises: [0013] receiving notification of
an approaching adverse climatic condition; [0014] ceasing rig
activities related to at least one of hydrocarbon exploration and
production; [0015] securing equipment on the rig; [0016] evacuating
the rig; [0017] monitoring the adverse climatic condition; [0018]
monitoring at least one rig parameter; and [0019] communicating
data related to the rig parameter to a remote location.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] So that the manner in which the above recited features of
the present invention can be understood in detail, a more
particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above,
may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are
illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however,
that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of
the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of
its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective
embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a rig monitoring
system (1).
[0022] FIG. 2 shows a rig icon (7) plotted on a geographic map
(8).
[0023] FIG. 3 shows a zoom in of map (8) focusing on the rig icon
(7) and including a storm (20) and storm track (21).
[0024] FIG. 4 shows an embedded data set (10) associated with the
user interactive rig icon (7) plotted on the map (8).
[0025] FIG. 5 shows an example data set in tabular form.
[0026] FIG. 6 shows a method for at least temporarily ceasing rig
operations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0027] One embodiment hereof comprises a method for remotely
monitoring a parameter on at least one offshore hydrocarbon rig.
Hydrocarbon rigs contemplated herein include drilling rigs,
production platforms, processing terminals, floating storage
vessels, pipeline switching or access terminals and other
facilities positioned offshore for use in the hydrocarbon
production and delivery process. Such hydrocarbon rigs mat be
jacked up, semi-submersible, or floating and may be anchored to the
sea floor with mooring lines or dynamically positioned or any
suitable combination thereof.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 1 the embodiment includes providing a rig
monitoring system (1) comprising at least one data acquisition
system (2) having at least one parameter sensor (3) and at least
one power supply (4) configured to operate independently of an
external power source. Further provided is at least one remote data
access member (5). The parameter sensor (3) is positioned so that
it monitors at least one parameter related to the offshore
hydrocarbon rig. Data is acquired from the parameter sensor (3) and
then communicated to a remote location having a remote access
member (5).
[0029] So that the data acquisition system (2) may operate in the
event of other power outage, the power supply (4) comprises a
self-sustaining energy source such as a capacitor, solar panel,
fuel cell, battery or combination thereof or any other suitable
source or combination of sources. In an embodiment including a
battery, an eight day battery pack is preferred. The eight day
minimum energy source life may result from a suitable combination
of a chosen energy source with any or all of operating bandwidth,
low power consumption system components, programmed system sleep
modes, and preset sample rate. Regardless of the self-sustaining
energy source used, the design of the data acquisition system (2)
is such that relatively low power levels are required for
operation. During normal operation of external power supplies such
as rig power, the power supply (4) may be charged.
[0030] Monitored parameters are those relevant to the operation,
condition and/or location of the rig during times of evacuation,
partial evacuation, or failure of normal rig communication systems
and may include longitude and latitude of the rig, roll, pitch of
the rig, wave height and frequency, wind speed, wind direction,
mooring line tension, rig generator data and any other desirable
parameter or any combination thereof. A sample data table is shown
in FIG. 5. The data acquisition system (2) may support a plurality
of parameter sensors (3). The plural sensors (3) may be redundant
so that data may be verified or they may measure multiple
parameters or they may do both. Sensors (3) may comprise
inclinometers (tilt sensors), anemometers, current meters,
thermometers, pressure sensors, load cells or any other suitable
sensors (3) or combinations thereof.
[0031] Acquired data may be stored in a memory or other signal
bearing medium of the data acquisition system (2) or of a remote
location (6) or both. In one alternative at least one stored data
is time stamped with a date and/or time corresponding to the time
at which the data was generated. Examples of data that have been
date and time stamped (12) are shown in FIG. 5. At least a portion
of such data may be used either remotely or by a processor of the
data acquisition system (2) to determine secondary data. Such
secondary data comprises information that is relevant to the
condition and/or location of the rig and in the event that the rig
is moving may include rig speed and rig course. Examples of
secondary data are shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. FIG. 2 shows a rig
location icon (7) plotted relative to a geographical map (8). Such
a derived plot exemplifies some secondary data. FIG. 4 shows a
geographic location plot or map (8) with a data set (10) linked to
a user interactive rig icon (7). Examples of secondary data
included in the data set (10) are Course Over Ground ("COG") (13)
and Speed Over Ground ("SOG") (14). Optionally the data set of FIG.
5 may be linked to an interactive feature such as a rig icon (7).
Optionally any data set may be linked to any interactive feature.
Other interactive features may include a storm icon (20) and a
storm track (21) shown in FIG. 3. Storm characteristic and tracking
data may be linked to a storm icon (20) or a storm course plot icon
(21) and displayed when the icon is activated. Storm data may be
integrated with rig data to derive storm distance from and
projected time until arrival at the rig. Such secondary data may
also include a rig status summary indicator such as a warning. The
warning indicates that a certain parameter has reached a critical
value. An example of a parameter that may merit a warning is
mooring line tension. A mooring line load cell (an example of a
parameter sensor (3)) is disposed adjacent a mooring line so that
it may measure line tension. When the line tension reaches a
critical value such as yield point or actual failure a warning may
be generated. Other critical values that may merit a warning
include rig course collision (with another object) predicted, rig
tilt exceeds acceptable angle, wind speed in excess of rig design
rating, and wave height in excess of rig design rating. Such a
warning may be visible or audible or both and is detectable by a
user at the remote access member.
[0032] The remote data access member (5) is used from a location
remote to the rig to access data acquired by the monitoring system
(1). The member (5) may be an internet server, personal computing
device, or data storage system located onshore or on another
offshore facility or vessel and includes or is connected to a
wireless communication system. The remote data access member (5)
may comprise a node (15) in a network such as an internet. The
remote data access member can selectively or continuously be
communicatively connected to the rig monitoring system (1)
preferably via a communication port (16). In one alternative the
remote data access member (5) is a personal computing device such
as a laptop computer. In such an alternative the personal computing
device is used to access the communication port (16b) by direct
analog phone line dial up. That phone line is then connected to the
communication port (16a) and the data acquisition system (2) and
data is automatically sent to the personal computing device in
response to the call. In another alternative the remote data access
member (5) comprises a plurality of remote data access members
thereby allowing multiple to users to access data from one or more
rigs from multiple remote locations (6).
[0033] The data acquisition system (2) has a communication port
(16a) wherein the port (16a) is configured to send and receive
signals to and from the remote location (5). In one alternative the
port (16a) is co-located with the rig and is part of the data
acquisition system (2) or is at a fixed location relative to the
data acquisition system (2). The communication port (16a) may be
configured to send signals to and receive signals from multiple
remote locations. In one alternative the port (16a) may only send
signals at a predetermined frequency or continuously.
[0034] In another alternative the port (16a) is configured to
automatically respond to a query signal sent from a remote location
port (16b) by receiving the query signal, engaging a send mode and
sending acquired data to the remote location (6). In that
alternative, a signal from the remote location is received at the
communication port (16a). In response to the signal, the
communication port (16a) automatically engages a send type
communication link with the remote location (6) and begins sending
acquired rig parameter data.
[0035] The port (16) may comprise a wireless modem having
relatively low power requirements or any other suitable modem or
wireless communication device. In one alternative the port (16) is
configured to operate over a narrow bandwidth to minimize power
requirements. Communication between the port (16a) and the remote
location may include changing a trajectory of at least a portion of
a signal using a satellite (17). Such a satellite (17) may comprise
a Low Earth Orbit Satellite ("LEO"). Use of a LEO to facilitate
communication between the port (16a) and the remote location (6) is
particularly advantageous in inclement weather because the
relatively short distance from the earth to the LEO satellite (17)
minimizes atmospheric attenuation of the communication signals. An
example of a port device suitable for use with a LEO satellite is a
Globalstar satellite modem made by Qualcomm. In one alternative,
the communication port (16) is an internet port and posts acquired
data on an internet site. Optionally, the internet site may be
accessible only by authorized users having a pass code. In another
alternative the communication port (16) communicates using a
cellular network. In yet another alternative, facilitation of
communication between the port (16a) and the remote location (6)
comprises at least in part a wide area network and/or a local area
network using cables or wireless mechanisms. Communication between
the remote location (6) and the port (16a) may be facilitated by
any of the foregoing or by any suitable combinations thereof.
[0036] In one aspect, the rig monitoring system (1) includes a rig
position signal receiver (18) for receiving signals indicative of a
geographic location of the rig or of a location of the rig relative
to another known location or both. In one alternative the signal
receiver (18) may be a Global Positioning Satellite ("GPS") system
of the data acquisition system (2). In another alternative the
signal receiver (18) may be a cellular device. The signal receiver
(18) may also receive any other suitable electromagnetic spectral
wave forms. The receiver (18) may receive signals directly
indicative of the geographic location of the rig or the signals may
require processing by a processor of the signal receiver (18) to
derive the rig location. The receiver (18) may also receive signals
indicative of change and/or rate of change in geographic location
of the rig. A receiver processor (19) may also be used to derive
change and/or rate of change. The signal receiver (18) receives
signals from an external source such as a GPS system and
communicates rig position data indicative of location (e.g.
longitude and latitude), speed, and course or any combination
thereof to a remote location (6).
[0037] In one aspect, the rig monitoring system (1) is configured
to provide a map (8) of a region of the earth and plot an icon
showing the location of the rig (7) on the map. Optionally, the map
(8) has at least one user interactive feature such as zoom (in
and/or out), embedded data sets (10) associated with a rig icon (7)
or other features of the map. FIGS. 3 and 4 show zoom in
perspectives of FIG. 2.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 6 another aspect provides a method for at
least temporarily ceasing normal offshore rig operations comprising
use of a rig monitoring system. A rig operator receives
notification of an approaching adverse weather condition and ceases
rig activities related to at least one of hydrocarbon exploration
and production. The operator then secures equipment on the rig and
evacuates at least some of the rig personnel. The adverse weather
condition is monitored generally and at least one rig parameter is
monitored using the rig monitoring system to acquire parameter data
and communicate the parameter data to a remote location by wireless
transmission.
[0039] Some features of certain embodiments are exemplified as
follows: [0040] E1. A method for remotely monitoring a parameter on
at least one offshore hydrocarbon rig comprising: [0041] providing
at least one data acquisition system having at least one parameter
sensor and at least one power supply configured to operate
independently of an external source; [0042] providing at least one
remote data access member; [0043] positioning the parameter sensor
for monitoring at least one parameter related to the offshore
hydrocarbon rig; [0044] acquiring data from the parameter sensor;
and [0045] communicating the data to the remote data access member.
[0046] E2. The method of E1. wherein the power supply comprises a
battery. [0047] E3. The method of E1. wherein the parameter is at
least one of longitude, latitude, roll, pitch, wave height, wave
direction, wave frequency, water current, wind speed, wind
direction, and mooring line tension. [0048] E4. The method of E1.
wherein the data acquisition system comprises a plurality of
parameter sensors. [0049] E5. The method of E1. wherein the data is
displayed in real time on at least one of the data acquisition
system and the remote data access member. [0050] E6. The method of
E1. wherein the sensor is an inclinometer. [0051] E7. The method of
E1. wherein the sensor is an anemometer. [0052] E8. The method of
E1. wherein the sensor comprises a plurality of sensors. [0053] E9.
The method of E8. wherein the sensors are at least in part
redundant. [0054] E10. The method of E1. further comprising storing
the acquired data. [0055] E11. The method of E10. wherein at least
one stored data is time stamped. [0056] E12. The method of E1.
further comprising using at least a portion of the data to
determine secondary data. [0057] E13. The method of E1. wherein the
data is communicated using a communication port. [0058] E14. The
method of E13. wherein the communication port is a Low Earth Orbit
satellite modem. [0059] E15. The method of E12. wherein the
secondary data comprises rig speed. [0060] E16. The method of E12.
wherein the secondary data comprises rig course. [0061] E17. The
method of E12. wherein the secondary data comprises a rig status
summary indicator. [0062] E18. The method of E17. wherein the rig
status summary indicator is a warning. [0063] E19. A method for
remotely monitoring a location of a hydrocarbon rig comprising:
[0064] providing a data acquisition system having at least one
signal receiver and a power supply configured to operate
independently of an external source; [0065] providing a remote data
access terminal; [0066] locating the signal receiver in a fixed
position relative to the hydrocarbon rig; [0067] receiving at least
one signal related to the relative position of the signal receiver;
[0068] using the signal to determine a geographical location of the
hydrocarbon rig; and [0069] communicating at least one of the
signal and the location to the remote data access terminal. [0070]
E20. The method of E19. wherein the signal is a GPS signal. [0071]
E21. The method of E19. further comprising providing a map of a
region of the earth and plotting a location of the rig on the map.
[0072] E22. The method of E21. wherein the map has at least one
user interactive feature. [0073] E23. The method of E22. wherein
the user interactive feature comprises zoom. [0074] E24. The method
of E22. wherein the interactive feature comprises a data display
associated with a feature of the map. [0075] E25. The method of
E22. wherein the feature of the map is a rig icon. [0076] E26. The
method of E19. wherein the fixed position is on the rig. [0077]
E27. The method of E19. wherein the rig is offshore. [0078] E28.
The method of E19. wherein communicating further comprises
accessing a network. [0079] E29. The method of E28. wherein the
network includes at least one satellite [0080] E30. A method for
retrieving data from a hydrocarbon rig comprising: [0081] providing
a rig monitoring system for monitoring at least one parameter of
the hydrocarbon rig and having a communication port wherein the
port is configured to receive a signal from a remote location;
[0082] monitoring at least one rig parameter with the rig
monitoring system; [0083] sending a signal from a remote location;
[0084] receiving the signal at the communication port; [0085]
establishing a communication link in response to the signal; and
[0086] automatically transmitting data corresponding to the at
least one rig parameter. [0087] E31. The method of E30. further
comprising changing a trajectory of at least a portion of the
signal using a satellite. [0088] E32. The method of E30. wherein
the communication port is a modem. [0089] E33. The method of E32.
wherein the modem is a Low Earth Orbit satellite modem. [0090] E34.
The method of E30. wherein the communication port is an internet
port. [0091] E35. The method of E30. wherein the signal is a
cellular signal. [0092] E36. The method of E30. wherein the
communication port communicates with a network. [0093] E37. The
method of E36. wherein the network includes an internet. [0094]
E38. The method of E36. wherein the network includes a wide area
network. [0095] E39. The method of E36. wherein the network
includes a local area network. [0096] E40. The method of E30.
wherein the communication port comprises a low profile antenna.
[0097] E41. The method of E30. wherein the hydrocarbon rig is an
offshore rig. [0098] E42. The method of E30. wherein the
hydrocarbon rig comprises a plurality of hydrocarbon rigs. [0099]
E43. The method of E30. wherein the remote location is a land based
location. [0100] E44. The method of E30. wherein the remote
location comprises a plurality of remote locations [0101] E45. The
method of E30. wherein the remote location is an internet site.
[0102] E46. The method of E45. wherein the internet site includes
controlled access. [0103] E47. The method of E30. wherein the
communication port is battery operated. [0104] E48. The method of
E30. wherein the rig parameter is at least one of location, roll,
pitch, wave height, wind speed, wind direction, and mooring line
tension [0105] E49. A method for ceasing offshore rig operations
comprising: [0106] receiving notification of an approaching adverse
weather condition; [0107] ceasing rig activities related to at
least one of hydrocarbon exploration and production; [0108]
securing equipment on the rig; [0109] evacuating the rig; [0110]
monitoring the adverse weather condition; [0111] monitoring at
least one rig parameter; and [0112] communicating data related to
the rig parameter to a remote location. [0113] E50. The method of
E49. wherein the data is at least partially communicated using a
wireless system. [0114] E51. The method of E50. wherein the
wireless system comprises a satellite communication system. [0115]
E52. The method of E49. wherein the adverse weather condition is
one of a tropical storm and hurricane. [0116] E53. The method of
E49. wherein the data is at least partially communicated using an
analog phone line. [0117] E54. A system for emergency monitoring of
at least one offshore hydrocarbon facility comprising; [0118] at
least one power supply configured to operate independently of an
external source; [0119] at least one sensor for monitoring at least
one parameter related to the facility; [0120] at least one relative
position signal receiver; [0121] at least one wireless
communication port for communicating data related to the parameter;
[0122] at least one remote receiver for receiving the data.
[0123] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the
present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention
may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and
the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.
* * * * *