U.S. patent application number 12/472947 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-02 for system and method for monitoring subsea valves.
This patent application is currently assigned to SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Lars Mangel, David E. McCalvin.
Application Number | 20100300696 12/472947 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43218915 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100300696 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McCalvin; David E. ; et
al. |
December 2, 2010 |
System and Method for Monitoring Subsea Valves
Abstract
A technique facilitates collection of information on desired
production related parameters in a subsea valve system. Collected
data can be processed in a manner that enables enhanced production
and/or an increased knowledge regarding operation of the entire
subsea valve system. Sensors are coupled with a plurality of subsea
valves, and those subsea valves are positioned at appropriate
locations along a subsea hydrocarbon production system. The sensors
also may be coupled with a data processing system to process the
collected data for use by a well operator.
Inventors: |
McCalvin; David E.;
(Missouri City, TX) ; Mangel; Lars; (Croissy Sur
Seine, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHLUMBERGER RESERVOIR COMPLETIONS
14910 AIRLINE ROAD
ROSHARON
TX
77583
US
|
Assignee: |
SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY
CORPORATION
SUGAR LAND
TX
|
Family ID: |
43218915 |
Appl. No.: |
12/472947 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/336 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 41/0007 20130101;
E21B 43/01 20130101; F16K 37/0083 20130101; F16K 37/0041 20130101;
E21B 43/017 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/336 |
International
Class: |
E21B 43/01 20060101
E21B043/01; E21B 34/04 20060101 E21B034/04 |
Claims
1. A system for use in a subsea well environment, comprising: a
plurality of subsea wells linked by production lines that direct
flow of produced hydrocarbon fluids; a plurality of subsea valves
positioned to control flow of the hydrocarbon fluids along the
production lines; and a plurality of sensors with at least one
sensor associated with each subsea valve of the plurality of subsea
valves to provide real time data on an operational parameter
related to the plurality of subsea valves.
2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of
sensors comprises a plurality of temperature sensors.
3. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of
sensors comprises a plurality of pressure sensors.
4. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of
valves comprises a subsea gate valve.
5. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of
valves comprises a subsea ball valve.
6. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of
valves comprises a subsea safety valve positioned at each subsea
well.
7. The system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a
processing system positioned at a surface location and coupled to
the plurality of sensors to process real time data provided by the
plurality of sensors.
8. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein the processing system
receives data from additional production related sensor
systems.
9. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein the processing system
is located on a production platform.
10. A method, comprising: producing a hydrocarbon fluid from a
plurality of subsea wells; controlling flow of the hydrocarbon
fluid with a plurality of valves; and obtaining data from sensors
located at the plurality of valves to enable an evaluation of
production.
11. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein obtaining data
comprises obtaining data in real time.
12. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein controlling
comprises adjusting the plurality of valves based on the data
obtained from sensors.
13. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein producing comprises
producing oil.
14. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein obtaining comprises
monitoring valve control signals.
15. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein obtaining comprises
obtaining data via a plurality of temperature sensors mounted in
the plurality of valves.
16. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein obtaining comprises
obtaining data via a plurality of pressure sensors mounted in the
plurality of valves.
17. A system, comprising: a computer based data processing system;
and a plurality of sensors to provide data to the computer based
data processing system, the plurality of sensors being coupled with
a plurality of subsea valves operated to control flow of
hydrocarbon-based fluid.
18. The system as recited in claim 17, wherein the plurality of
sensors is coupled with subsea valves located in subsea
wellbores.
19. The system as recited in claim 17, wherein the plurality of
sensors is coupled with subsea valves located along subsea
production lines.
20. The system as recited in claim 17, wherein the plurality of
sensors comprises temperature sensors.
21. The system as recited in claim 20, wherein the plurality of
sensors comprises pressure sensors.
22. A method for use in a subsea well environment, comprising:
placing sensors in a plurality of subsea valves; locating the
plurality of subsea valves in a subsea hydrocarbon production
system; and coupling the sensors with a data processing system.
23. The method as recited in claim 22, further comprising
monitoring a desired parameter at each subsea valve of the
plurality of subsea valves; and adjusting selected subsea valves of
the plurality of subsea valves based on sensor data processed on
the data processing system.
24. The method as recited in claim 22, further comprising using the
sensors to provide real time data to the data processing system.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] In subsea well systems, hydrocarbon based fluids may be
produced from multiple wells located at the seabed. The produced
fluid is directed into a variety of production lines and/or other
systems that ultimately direct the fluid to a collection facility
located at the surface. The flow of fluid from each well and along
the various subsea production lines and systems is controlled by
various valves that can be located at the wellheads or at various
locations along the production flow. However, the well fluid
production operation can be inhibited by lack of knowledge
regarding various operational parameters with respect to the
valves.
SUMMARY
[0002] In general, the present application provides a system and
methodology that utilize sensors in cooperation with subsea valves
to provide information on desired operational parameters. The data
can be processed in a manner that enables enhanced production
and/or an increased knowledge regarding operation of the entire
subsea valve system. Sensors are coupled with a plurality of subsea
valves, and those subsea valves are positioned at appropriate
locations along a subsea hydrocarbon production system. The sensors
may be coupled with a data processing system to process the
collected data for use by a well operator.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] Certain embodiments will hereafter be described with
reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference
numerals denote like elements, and:
[0004] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a subsea well system,
according to an embodiment;
[0005] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a subsea valve and
sensor system used in cooperation with other subsea sensor systems,
according to an embodiment;
[0006] FIG. 3 is a front view of one example of a valve that can be
incorporated into the subsea valve system, according to an
embodiment;
[0007] FIG. 4 is a front view of another example of a valve that
can be incorporated into the subsea valve system, according to an
embodiment; and
[0008] FIG. 5 is a front view of another example of a valve that
can be incorporated into the subsea valve system, according to an
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] In the following description, numerous details are set forth
to provide an understanding of various present embodiments.
However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the
art that embodiments may be practiced without at least some of
these details and that numerous variations or modifications from
the described embodiments may be possible.
[0010] The present application relates to a system and methodology
to facilitate accumulation and evaluation of data from sensors
associated with subsea valves used in subsea hydrocarbon production
systems. For example, a variety of sensors, such as pressure and/or
temperature sensors, can be integrated into subsea remotely
operated valves. The subsea valves may be actuated with control
signals to control flow in the subsea production system, and the
sensors can be used to monitor a variety of operational parameters
related to flow through the valves, application of control signals,
valve response, and other operational parameters. In one specific
example, the sensors are combined with safety valves to provide,
for example, temperature measurements and pressure measurements
indicative of the safety valve operation. The sensors may be used
to provide data in real time which enhances an operator's ability
to "know-the-well" and to adjust production operations in response
to the data collected from the sensors.
[0011] The sensors combined with subsea valves may be used to
monitor pressure, temperature, control signals, valve actuation
position, and other subsea valve related parameters. The data is
provided to one or more data processing systems to facilitate
monitoring and troubleshooting with respect to the overall subsea
valve system. For example, data may be provided from sensors
integrated into remotely operated valves on subsea pods, in subsea
manifolds, and along jumper lines, flow lines, and subsea trees.
The signals from the various integrated sensors may be provided to
the one or more data processing systems, e.g. a central processing
station, for analysis. In many applications, the sensors associated
with the subsea valves can be used to monitor parameters inside
and/or outside of the valves while also monitoring operating
signals applied to the valves, regardless of whether the valves are
hydraulically, pneumatically, electrically, or otherwise
actuated.
[0012] In some applications, the sensing system may be operated in
conjunction with safety systems when, for example, a hydraulic
control system is the primary system for valve operation. Sensors
may be integrated into the subsurface safety valve product body
which enables the elimination of a separate hardware component
while expanding the functionality of such subsurface safety valves
with respect to monitoring flow related parameters.
[0013] The subsea sensors can be integrated into a variety of
subsea valves to create instrumented valves useful in many subsea
applications. For example, the instrumented valves may be used in
applications where monitoring of production is important with
respect to meeting efficient production targets. The instrumented
valves also may be used in other tangential systems related to
production of hydrocarbon fluids, such as well treatment systems,
e.g. chemical injection systems. In many applications, the
instrumented valves substantially expand the ability to accumulate
and evaluate data that improve operation of the subsea well system.
The ability to monitor desired operational parameters is useful at
subsea safety valves and at many other valves positioned along the
subsea flow network. Collection of this type of sensor data
facilitates selection of well operations for enhanced production
while also providing useful knowledge with respect to operation of
the entire subsea valve system.
[0014] Referring generally to FIG. 1, one example of a subsea
production system 20 is illustrated. In this example, subsea
production system 20 is designed for the production of hydrocarbon
fluids, e.g. oil and/or gas, and comprises a plurality of subsea
wells 22 located along a seabed 24. The subsea production system 20
further comprises a surface facility 26 that may comprise a
floating or anchored surface platform 28 or another type of surface
facility, such as a surface vessel.
[0015] Fluids, e.g. oil and/or gas, are produced from subsea wells
22 to a surface location which may be at or proximate surface
facility 26. The fluids are routed to the surface location via a
plurality of production lines 30. As the produced fluids are routed
from subsea wells 22 along production lines 30, the fluids may be
directed through various other subsea structures, such as a subsea
manifold 32. The flow of produced fluids (as well as the flow of
injected fluids) may be controlled by valves 34 positioned along
the flow path at desired locations selected according to the
overall configuration of subsea production system 20.
[0016] Valves 34 may comprise a variety of valve types positioned
at various locations along the production lines 30, including
positions within subsea manifold 32, to control and to combine the
flow of fluids from multiple subsea wells (or flow to the multiple
subsea wells). Various types of valves 34 also may be positioned in
wellheads 36, e.g. subsea Christmas trees, associated with the
corresponding subsea wells 22. In some applications, each wellhead
may comprise one or more safety valves. Additionally, valves 34 can
be deployed in wellbores 38 as part of the completion equipment or
other downhole equipment.
[0017] In the embodiment illustrated, subsea production system 20
further comprises a sensor system 40 associated with the subsea
valves 34. The sensor system 40 may comprise a plurality of sensors
42 positioned in cooperation with corresponding valves 34 to sense
desired well related parameters. For example, the sensors 42 can be
used to detect fluid parameters, e.g. temperature and/or pressure,
of fluid flowing internally and/or externally of specific
individual valves 34. Additionally, sensors 42 can be used to
monitor control signals delivered to valves 34 to control actuation
of the valves. For example, the sensors 42 can be configured to
detect specific control signals and/or to detect the state of
actuation of specific valves.
[0018] Data collected by sensors 42 is sent to a processing system
44 to enable processing and evaluation of the data in a manner that
provides knowledge related to operation of the overall subsea
production system. The knowledge gained can be used to enhance
production from subsea wells 22. In the embodiment illustrated,
data from sensors 42 is delivered via communication lines 46 which
may comprise physical communication lines, e.g. electrical lines,
fiber-optic lines and/or other physical communication lines, or
wireless communication lines. Processing system 44 may be located
at single or plural locations depending on the type of processing
system utilized. In the example illustrated, the processing system
44 is located at the surface on surface facility 26. The sensors 42
of sensor system 40 may be used to provide data in real time to
enable real time analysis of the subsea operation of production
system 20. The real time data also facilitates timely adjustments
to the subsea production system, such as adjustments to individual
valves 34 controlling the flow of fluids between the wellbores 38
and surface facility 26.
[0019] Referring generally to FIG. 2, processing system 44 is
illustrated as operatively coupled with subsea valve sensor system
40 and other sensor systems that can be used in a variety of
production and/or well treatment applications. The processing
system 44 may be dedicated to subsea valve sensor system 40 in
which the various sensors 42 are associated with specific subsea
valves 34. However, processing system 44 also can be designed to
receive and analyze data from other sensor systems 48 having
sensors 50 designed to monitor other aspects related to specific
subsea well applications. For example, sensor systems 48 may be
dedicated to measuring downhole parameters or parameters related to
specific subsea components. Individual sensor systems 48 also may
be dedicated to measuring environmental parameters and other
parameters related to the subsea production operation or other
subsea operation.
[0020] Depending on the number and type of sensors as well as the
desired processing to be performed on the collected data,
processing system 44 may have a variety of configurations.
According to one embodiment, processing system 44 is designed to
both process data received from the various sensors, e.g. sensors
42, and to provide control signals for controlling actuation of
valves 34. Additionally, processing system 44 may be designed as an
automated system that automatically provides programmed control
signals to control the subsea valves 34 in response to specific
data measured via sensors 42.
[0021] In the example illustrated, the processing system 44
comprises a computer-based processing system having a central
processing unit (CPU) 52. CPU 52 is operatively coupled to sensor
system 40 and thus to subsea sensors 42, which may comprise
temperature sensors, pressure sensors, signal sensors, actuation
sensors, and other sensors that detect parameters associated with
valves 34. In the example illustrated, CPU 52 also is operatively
coupled with a memory 54, an input device 56, and an output device
58. Input device 56 may comprise a variety of devices, such as a
keyboard, mouse, voice-recognition unit, touchscreen, other input
devices, or combinations of such devices. Output device 58 may
comprise a visual and/or audio output device, such as a monitor
having a graphical user interface. The actual processing of data
may be performed on a single device or multiple devices at the
surface facility location, away from the surface facility location,
or with some devices located at the surface facility 26 and other
devices located remotely.
[0022] The types of valves 34 employed in a given application can
vary depending on the specific configuration or subsea production
system 20, including the configuration of subsea wells 22 and the
associated wellheads 36. Many types of valves 34 can be used in a
variety of applications and at a variety of locations along the
subsea production system 20. In FIG. 3, for example, a subsea gate
valve 60 is illustrated and comprises an actuator portion 62 and a
valve portion 64. The actuator portion 62 can be controlled via
processing system 44 to selectively actuate valve portion 64 for
controlling flow through subsea gate valve 60 along flow path 66.
In this example, a plurality of sensors 42 is integrated into valve
portion 64 to provide an instrumented subsea gate valve. The
sensors 42 may comprise temperature sensors, pressure sensors,
control signal detection sensors, and other sensors for detecting a
variety of operational parameters, including characteristics of the
fluid flowing through subsea gate valve 60.
[0023] Valves 34 also may comprise one or more subsea ball valves
68, as illustrated in FIG. 4. In the embodiment illustrated, the
subsea ball valves 68 comprise an actuator portion 70 and a valve
portion 72. Actuation portion 70 may be controlled via processing
system 44 to selectively rotate a ball 74 positioned to control
fluid flow through the subsea ball valve 68. In this example,
sensors 42 also are integrated into the valve to provide an
instrumented subsea ball valve. The sensors 42 may comprise
temperature sensors, pressure sensors, control signal detection
sensors, and other sensors for detecting a variety of operational
parameters, including characteristics of the fluid flowing through
subsea ball valve 68. Both subsea gate valve 60 and subsea ball
valve 68 may be employed at a variety of locations along the subsea
production lines 30 and/or in various subsea components, such as
subsea manifold 32.
[0024] Referring generally to FIG. 5, valves 34 also may comprise
safety valves 76 positioned, for example, in wellheads 36 and/or in
wellbores 38. The one or more safety valves 76 also may be coupled
with processing system 44 and comprise one or more sensors 42 to
monitor various operational parameters. In some applications, real
time data provided by sensor 42 to processing system 44 enables
prompt monitoring and evaluation of flow through the wellhead 36 to
ensure dependable, optimized production from the subsea well
22.
[0025] The valves 34 and sensors 42 can be combined in a variety of
configurations to provide data to processing system 44.
Additionally, processing system 44 can be programmed to respond in
various ways to data obtained at the plurality of valves 34 via
sensors 42. For example, processing system 44 may be programmed to
output information to an operator and/or to automatically output
control signals to the various valves 34. The control signals sent
to valves 34 are used to adjust, for example, fluid flow through
various regions of the subsea production system. The number and
type of wells may vary from one subsea application to another.
Additionally, the various subsea components and equipment also may
be different from one application to another depending on
environmental, operational, and other factors. The valve type and
the sensor type also may vary depending on the configuration of the
overall subsea production system, the environment, and the
optimization goals for a given application. Additionally, the
valves may be instrumented by multiple types of sensors to detect
and monitor a plurality of operational parameters.
[0026] Accordingly, although only a few embodiments have been
described in detail above, those of ordinary skill in the art will
readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without
materially departing from the teachings envisioned in this
application. Such modifications are intended to be included within
the scope of this applications as defined in the claims herein or
subsequent related claims.
* * * * *