U.S. patent application number 12/724563 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-08 for self-standing riser and buoyancy device deployment and positioning system.
Invention is credited to Keith K. Millheim.
Application Number | 20100172697 12/724563 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40642124 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100172697 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Millheim; Keith K. |
July 8, 2010 |
Self-Standing Riser and Buoyancy Device Deployment and Positioning
System
Abstract
A water-borne vessel for deploying a self-standing riser system
is provided, wherein the vessel hull is configured to receive,
transfer and deploy components of a self-standing riser system. The
vessel hull includes at least a landing platform, a component
transfer means, and a deployment platform suitable for deploying
the riser components into associated surrounding waters. Various
means of assisting the process whereby self-standing riser
components are loaded onto the vessel and stored; transferred from
receiving to deployment platforms; and deployed from the vessel
into surrounding waters are also considered.
Inventors: |
Millheim; Keith K.; (The
Woodlands, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Adams and Reese LLP
1221 McKinney Street, Suite 4400
Houston
TX
77010
US
|
Family ID: |
40642124 |
Appl. No.: |
12/724563 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12274814 |
Nov 20, 2008 |
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12724563 |
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61003748 |
Nov 20, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
405/166 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 17/012 20130101;
B63B 35/03 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/166 |
International
Class: |
B63B 35/03 20060101
B63B035/03 |
Claims
1. A water-borne vessel for deploying a self-standing riser system,
said vessel comprising: a vessel hull configured to receive,
transfer and deploy components of a self-standing riser system,
wherein said vessel hull further comprises a landing platform, a
transfer means, and a deployment platform.
2. The water-borne vessel for deploying a self-standing riser
system of claim 1, wherein said landing platform further comprises
a hoisting means.
3. The water-borne vessel for deploying a self-standing riser
system of claim 1, wherein said landing platform further comprises
an intake port for flooding said receiving platform.
4. The water-borne vessel for deploying a self-standing riser
system of claim 1, wherein said transfer means further comprises
means for transferring self-standing riser components from said
receiving platform to said deployment platform.
5. The water-borne vessel for deploying a self-standing riser
system of claim 4, wherein said transferring means further
comprises a securing means for securing said components during
transfer from said receiving platform to said deploying
platform.
6. The water-borne vessel for deploying a self-standing riser
system of claim 1, wherein said deployment platform further
comprises a receiving means for receiving self-standing riser
components transferred from said receiving platform.
7. The water-borne vessel for deploying a self-standing riser
system of claim 1, wherein said deployment platform further
comprises a securing means for securing self-standing riser
components received from said transferring means.
8. The water-borne vessel for deploying a self-standing riser
system of claim 1, wherein said deployment platform further
comprises a hoisting means for hoisting self-standing riser
components received from said transferring means into a deployment
position.
9. The water-borne vessel for deploying a self-standing riser
system of claim 1, wherein said deployment platform further
comprises a deployment means for deploying self-standing riser
components from said deployment platform into associated
surrounding waters.
10. The water-borne vessel for deploying a self-standing riser
system of claim 1, wherein said water-borne vessel further
comprises a storage area for storing self-standing riser components
placed upon said vessel.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S.
Non-Provisional Application No. 12/274,814 filed Nov. 20, 2008,
still pending, which claims the benefit of prior U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/003,748, filed Nov. 20, 2007.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to self-standing
riser systems used during energy exploration and production, and in
a particular though non-limiting embodiment, to a system useful for
deploying self-standing risers and associated buoyancy devices in a
variety of operating conditions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Over the past decade, there has been an increasing worldwide
demand for oil and gas production. At present, however, oil and gas
supply continues to lag far behind demand, a situation which has at
times contributed significantly to worldwide economic difficulties
and could well present a major concern for many years to come.
[0004] In an effort to balance supply and demand, companies and
governmental entities have begun to explore and develop relatively
marginal fields in the deeper offshore waters of the Gulf of
Mexico, West Africa and Brazil. However, due to high construction
costs and limited manufacturing facilities, only a small number of
mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) are being manufactured each
year, thereby resulting in escalating "per day" unit costs and a
shortage of associated offshore drilling, completion and workover
equipment.
[0005] Moreover, even though the cost differential between drilling
operations and completion or workover operations is relatively
modest (since MODUs usually perform all of these functions during a
typical operation), most such projects are still inefficient,
because a MODU actively performing one function (e.g., drilling) is
generally not able to accomplish any other functions (e.g.,
completion or workover).
[0006] In other applications by this inventor, it has been shown
that a self-standing riser system can be safely and reliably
installed in communication with a well head or production tree.
Such risers by design are self-supporting, and provide all of the
necessary risers, casing, buoyancy chambers, etc., required for
exploration and production and of oil, gas and other hydrocarbons.
Self-standing risers also provide the requisite safety features
required to ensure that the produced hydrocarbons do not escape
from the system out into surrounding waters. For example,
self-standing riser systems fully support both surface-based and
semi-submersible platform interfaces, blow-out preventers,
production trees, and other common exploration and production
installations.
[0007] Known self-standing riser systems require either a number of
different surface vessels or a MODU for installation, due to the
size and weight of riser stacks, drilling pipe, buoyancy devices,
etc. For many installations, expensive hull and deck modifications
also have to be made. Accordingly, few improvements in associated
per-day costs have been realized.
[0008] There is, therefore, a need for a more cost-effective method
of installing self-standing riser systems, which does not require
the use of MODUs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A water-borne vessel for deploying a self-standing riser
system is provided, wherein the vessel hull is configured to
receive, transfer and deploy components of a self-standing riser
system. The vessel hull includes at least a landing platform, a
component transfer means, and a deployment platform suitable for
deploying the riser components into associated surrounding waters.
Various means of assisting the process whereby self-standing riser
components are loaded onto the vessel and stored; transferred from
receiving to deployment platforms; and deployed from the vessel
into surrounding waters are also considered.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1A is a side view of a self-standing riser deployment
vessel, according to example embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram depicting the submersion of a
self-standing riser system, according to example embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram of a deployment vessel
positioning a completed self-standing riser system, according to
example embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 1D is a schematic diagram of a deployment vessel
releasing from a completed self-standing riser system, according to
example embodiments
[0014] FIG. 2A is a side view of a self-standing riser system
deployment vessel, according to example embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 2B is top view of a self-standing riser system vessel
equipped with a buoyancy device loading bay, according to example
embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram depicting a buoyancy device
being lowered into a buoyancy device loading bay, according to
example embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 2D is a schematic diagram of a deployment vessel
beginning its release of a deployed buoyancy device stack,
according to example embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 2E is a schematic of a deployment vessel having
released its load, and leaving the site prior to commencement of
drilling operations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] The description that follows includes exemplary systems,
methods, and techniques that embody various aspects of the
presently inventive subject matter. However, it will be readily
understood by those of skill in the pertinent arts that the
described embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these
specific details. In other instances, well-known manufacturing
equipment, protocols, structures and techniques have not been shown
in detail in order to avoid obfuscation in the description.
[0020] Referring now to FIG. 1A, an example embodiment of a
self-standing riser deployment vessel 6 is depicted, comprising a
plurality of buoyancy devices 2 temporarily attached to the bottom
of the hull. In exemplary embodiments, deployment vessel 6 is a
workboat, anchor handling boat, or any other available vessel of
suitable size and configuration; the lengths of such vessels might
range, for example, from around 150 ft. to around 300 ft., though
these size estimates should not be deemed as limitative.
[0021] Other embodiments of deployment vessel 6 comprise enough
deck and storage space to carry associated riser tubing 4, and
additional buoyancy devices 2. Still further embodiments employ
dynamic positioning equipment (e.g., a spar), which facilitate
efficient and reliable riser stack deployment and installation on
the sea floor.
[0022] In one embodiment, an entire string of risers is assembled
with one or more buoyancy devices interspersed as needed in order
to provide sufficient buoyancy for the entire system. The string is
then deployed as a continuous structure and lowered to the sea
floor in a controlled manner. The top of the string is then secured
and lifted so that it can be moved over the drilling site and
attached to the well. In other embodiments, the system is deployed
in a piecemeal fashion, with sections of a desired length being
individually deployed and mechanically joined as the assembly is
completed.
[0023] In the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, deployment
vessel 6 further comprises a hoisting frame 3 disposed near a moon
pool 5. The hoisting frame permits riser 4 stored within the vessel
to be loaded and lowered or held in position. In various
embodiments, the lowering, raising and holding of riser 4 is
facilitated using conveyor belts, chains, rollers, etc. In one
example embodiment, riser 4 is transferred from a storage container
towards the moon pool 5 using a conveyor belt, and subsequently
connected to a fastening device affixed to hoisting frame 3. The
riser can then be deployed or held in a desired position in a safe
and reliable manner.
[0024] Consistent with the example deployment vessel 6 illustrated
in FIG. 1A, further embodiments also comprise loading mechanisms
(e.g., frames, rails, etc.) used to load, guide and control the
buoyancy devices 2. FIG. 1A, for example, depicts two buoyancy
devices 2 disposed in mechanical communication with the bottom of
the hull of the deployment vessel 6. The buoyancy devices 2 are
affixed to a carrying frame 1 configured to reliably accommodate
large, heavy loads. Carrying frame requirements will vary by
project, but each such device should, at minimum, be capable of
supporting the weight of one or more buoyancy devices. Electric,
hydraulic or pneumatic lifts can be used to raise and lower the
buoyancy devices, and ropes, chains, and tension lines reeled out
from strategically placed winches can assist in the fine control
necessary to ensure safe and controlled deployment of the buoyancy
devices.
[0025] In some embodiments, each of said buoyancy devices 2 further
comprises a connector 14 (i.e., a flange or receptive housing,
etc.) that allows for attachment of additional buoyancy devices 2
or riser assemblies 4.
[0026] In the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 1B, each of the
buoyancy devices further admit to the passing of riser 4 through a
void space in the buoyancy devices by means of a hoisting frame 3,
so that the riser 4 can subsequently be attached to a subsurface
wellhead 8 installed atop a well bore 9. A flanged member 18 can be
used to help capture descending riser and assist in connection of
the riser to the wellhead.
[0027] In the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1C, deployment
vessel 6 is used to lower a fully assembled self-standing riser
system into position for attachment with wellhead 8. Guide frame 1
assists in the controlled deployment of the riser near the surface,
and a flanged member 14 assists in capture of the lowered riser. In
other embodiments, deployment vessel 6 utilizes dynamic positioning
equipment (or alternatively, light equipment such as ropes, chains,
winch lines, etc.) to lower, raise and support the riser stack as
it is position above the wellhead. Further embodiments utilize
buoyancy devices to tension the stack as deployment is carried out,
and to dynamically position the riser between the vessel and the
well.
[0028] As seen in FIG. 1D, once the self-standing riser system is
deployed and attached to the well, the surface vessel releases its
hold and the vessel can be used for other operations on a
cost-effective basis. In some embodiments, the vessel deploys the
self-standing riser and leaves the site so that other vessels
(e.g., vessels with testing packages, separators, or even MODUs
when one becomes available) can interface with the system and
initiate completion, testing or workover operations.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2A, a side view of a deployment vessel
is illustrated, comprising a plurality of buoyancy devices 2 and a
reliable means for deployment thereof. Some embodiments comprise
one or more of a loading crane, a hoisting frame, buoyancy device
transmission and positioning means 5, etc., disposed near a moon
pool.
[0030] As seen in FIG. 2B, it may be convenient that the moon pool
is formed at the aft end of the vessel. In an especially novel
approach, the aft end is open, and the moon pool has only three
sides 6, so that greater flexibility in position is achieved. In
still further embodiments, the buoyancy devices 2 are loaded onto
the deployment vessel from a neighboring service vessel, whereafter
operations are carried out as described above.
[0031] In the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 2A, a plurality
of buoyancy devices 2 are loaded onto the deployment vessel from a
neighboring vessel, positioned for deployment from the deployment
vessel by a transmission means 5, and then deployed into a body of
water in a safe and controlled fashion that ensures efficient
operations and maintenance of the buoyancy devices' structural
integrity.
[0032] In some embodiments, a neighboring crane is used to lower
the buoyancy devices onto a deployment vessel landing platform, as
depicted in FIG. 2A. The landing platform can be either flooded (in
the event the devices are intended for immediate deployment), or
dry (in the deployment is intended for a later time, or if access
is needed so as to permit outfitting or maintenance). If the
landing platform is dry, intake ports are provided so that it can
later be flooded, allowing easier transportation and deployment of
the devices at or near the drilling site (see, for example, FIG.
2C). Such embodiments would likely utilize winches, fastening
mechanisms, etc., to secure and facilitate safe and reliable
control of the devices. The deployment vessel can then transport
and deploy the devices as described above.
[0033] In the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 2C, a barge or
other transport vessel is used to transfer additional buoyancy
devices to the landing platform of a deployment vessel by means of
a rope, chain, winch line, etc. In one particular embodiment, the
buoyancy devices are moved via roller tracks toward an overhead
gantry, hoisted by a crane or other hoisting device, and lowered
into the deployment pool.
[0034] In the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 2D, the buoyancy
devices have been landed from a service vessel and lowered into the
water. The devices are then towed in by a second deployment vessel
and attached to its hull via winches, hooks, fastening mechanisms,
etc., disposed in mechanical communication with the second
deployment vessel. In FIG. 2E, the second deployment vessel has
captured and secured the devices, and the service vessel has
released its line. The service vessel can then repeat the process
until the desired number of buoyancy devices has been transferred
to a desired number of deployment vessels.
[0035] The foregoing specification is provided for illustrative
purposes only, and is not intended to describe all possible aspects
of the present invention. Moreover, while the invention has been
shown and described in detail with respect to several exemplary
embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate
that minor changes to the description, and various other
modifications, omissions and additions may also be made without
departing from the spirit or scope thereof.
* * * * *