U.S. patent application number 16/763070 was filed with the patent office on 2020-11-05 for jumper termination manifold.
The applicant listed for this patent is Vetco Gray Scandinavia AS. Invention is credited to Mohammed Hasan ALI.
Application Number | 20200347703 16/763070 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005018121 |
Filed Date | 2020-11-05 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200347703 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ALI; Mohammed Hasan |
November 5, 2020 |
JUMPER TERMINATION MANIFOLD
Abstract
The invention relates to a solution that enables the connection
of multiple jumpers to a single tie-in hub. The solution concerns a
subsea assembly (100) that comprises branched connections for
multiple jumpers. The subsea assembly comprises a well multiplier
assembly (120) comprising a branched pipe (130), a tie-in hub
coupling (140), at least one tie-in hub (150), and a well
multiplier assembly connection (155).
Inventors: |
ALI; Mohammed Hasan;
(Sandvika, NO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Vetco Gray Scandinavia AS |
Stavanger |
|
NO |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005018121 |
Appl. No.: |
16/763070 |
Filed: |
November 19, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
November 19, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2018/025294 |
371 Date: |
May 11, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 43/0107 20130101;
E21B 43/017 20130101; E21B 43/013 20130101; E21B 21/10 20130101;
E21B 41/0007 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21B 43/017 20060101
E21B043/017; E21B 41/00 20060101 E21B041/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 19, 2017 |
NO |
20171842 |
Nov 6, 2018 |
NO |
20181421 |
Claims
1. A subsea assembly (100) comprising a well multiplier assembly
(120) for enabling the connection of multiple jumpers onto a single
tie-in hub, the well multiplier assembly (120) comprises: a
branched pipe (130), a tie-in hub coupling (140), configured to be
connectable with any tie-in hub, at least one tie-in hub (150),
wherein said tie-in hub (150) is a connection configured to be
connectable with any tie-in hub coupling, and a well multiplier
assembly connection (155), integrally attached to the branched pipe
(130) and configured to integrally connect to a jumper using a weld
(171) or a flange coupling (172) prior to submerging and installing
the subsea assembly, where the branched pipe (130) extends between
the tie-in hub coupling (140), the at least one tie-in hub (150)
and the well multiplier assembly connection (155), and where the at
least one tie-in hub (150) is provided with a closing valve
arrangement (160) or end cap.
2. The subsea assembly (100) according to claim 1, where the tie-in
hub coupling (140) is fitted with a closing valve arrangement
(160).
3. The subsea assembly (100) according to claim 1, where the
branched pipe (130) is a Y-branch (131) or a tee branch (132).
4. The subsea assembly (100) according to claim 1, where the
branched pipe (130) is in one piece.
5. The subsea assembly (100) according to claim 1, where at least
one tie-in hub (150) is arranged in a nonparallel direction
relative to the tie-in hub coupling (140), optionally in a
perpendicular direction relative to the tie-in hub coupling
(140).
6. The subsea assembly (100) according to claim 1, further
comprising a jumper (110) integrally attached to the well
multiplier assembly connection (155).
7. The subsea assembly (100) according to claim 1, further
comprising a termination assembly, where the termination assembly
comprises one or more of the elements chosen from the group
comprising barrel in barrel alignment means (167), a guide funnel
(165), a insertion interface (168) and landing bracket means
(169).
8. The subsea assembly (100) according to claim 1, where the jumper
is a flowline.
9. A jumper connection method comprising the steps of: providing a
subsea assembly (100) according to claim 1, providing a first
jumper (11), integrally connecting the first jumper (11) to the
well multiplier assembly connection (155) of the well multiplier
assembly (120), submerging the subsea assembly (100) and the first
jumper (11), providing a subsea production unit tie-in hub (145,
210), connecting the tie-in hub coupling (140) of the subsea
assembly to the subsea production unit tie-in hub (145, 210),
providing a second jumper (12), and connecting the second jumper
(12) to a tie-in hub (150) of the well multiplier assembly
(120).
10. The method according to claim 9, where the step of providing a
subsea production unit tie-in hub (145, 210) involves: providing a
subsea production unit, comprising the subsea production unit
tie-in hub (145, 210).
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the subsea production
unit is a production manifold (146) or a Christmas tree (200)
12. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of
opening the closing valve arrangement (160) of the tie-in hub (150)
to which the second jumper (12) is connected or opening/removing
the end cap of the tie-in hub (150) when the tie-in hub (150) is
connected to the second jumper (12).
13. A subsea production system (101) comprising: a subsea assembly
(100) according to claim 1, a first jumper (11), and a second
jumper (12), where the first jumper (11) is integrally connected to
the well multiplier assembly connection (155) and where the second
jumper (12) is connected to a tie-in hub (150).
14. The subsea production system (101) according to claim 13,
further comprising a production manifold (146), where the
production manifold (146) comprises a production manifold tie-in
hub (145), and where the tie-in hub coupling (140) of the well
multiplier assembly (120) is connected to the production manifold
tie-in hub (145).
15. The subsea production system (101) according to claim 13,
further comprising a Christmas tree (200), where the Christmas tree
(200) comprises a Christmas tree tie-in hub (210), and where the
tie-in hub coupling (140) of the well multiplier assembly (120) is
connected to the Christmas tree tie-in hub (210).
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The disclosure relates to a subsea assembly that enables
branched connections onto tie-in hubs.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A production manifold is a type of subsea hardware used in
subsea production systems. It reduces e.g. the required amount of
subsea piping and the number of risers between a subsea
installation and a production platform.
[0003] Production manifolds are typically connected to a production
platform via risers, and to a series of wellbores via individual
Christmas trees. It handles tasks like routing of production fluid
and injection fluids, as well as distribution of power lines and
hydraulic connections with the subsea Christmas trees. A production
manifold is typically provided with a series of production manifold
tie-in hubs, each connectable to a Christmas tree via a production
jumper that comprises suitable flow lines and connections capable
of transporting i.a. production fluids, injection fluids,
electrical power and hydraulic power. The number of production
manifold tie-in hubs on the production manifold thus governs the
number of Christmas trees that can be connected, hence often
leading to production manifolds being dimensioned according to the
number of wellbores in the production system.
[0004] A problem, however, arises if one or more additional
wellbores need to be connected to a production manifold having no
vacant production manifold tie-in hub. In such cases, one generally
either has to install an additional production manifold, or install
an external branched connection assembly positioned adjacent to or
at a distance from the existing production manifold. Installation
of an addition production manifold is undesirable as it imposes
large extra installation costs, and in some cases costs related to
the requirement for an additional riser. Installation of an
external branched connection assembly is often cheaper than
installing an additional production manifold, as such assemblies
typically comprise a simple one-to-many manifold, allowing for
combination of multiple jumpers that can be jointly connected to
one production manifold tie-in hub.
[0005] External branched connection assemblies are, however,
usually large in size and thus requires additional space on the
seabed adjacent to or in the vicinity of the production manifold.
Their installation is also cumbersome, as it may require the
disassembling, and cut back, of a jumper before the external
branched connection assembly can be connected to the production
manifold.
[0006] It is the goal of the present invention to provide an
improved solution for how to connect multiple jumpers to a single
production manifold tie-in hub.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In a first aspect of the present invention, the invention
provides a subsea assembly comprising a well multiplier assembly,
where the well multiplier assembly comprises a branched pipe, a
tie-in hub coupling, at least one tie-in hub, and a well multiplier
assembly connection, where the branched pipe extends between the
tie-in hub coupling, the at least one tie-in hub (150) and the well
multiplier assembly connection.
[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention each
tie-in hub may associated with a closing valve arrangement. The
well multiplier assembly connection may be associated with a
closing valve arrangement. The tie-in hub coupling may be fitted
with a closing valve arrangement.
[0009] According to another embodiment of the invention the well
multiplier assembly connection is a tie-in hub.
[0010] According to yet another embodiment of the invention the
branched pipe may be a Y-branch or a tee branch. The branched pipe
may be in one piece.
[0011] According to yet another embodiment of the invention the at
least one tie-in hub may be arranged in a nonparallel direction
relative to the tie-in hub coupling. The at least one tie-in hub
may alternatively be arranged in a perpendicular direction relative
to the tie-in hub coupling.
[0012] According to yet another embodiment of the invention the at
least one tie-in hub is fitted with a tie-in hub connector.
[0013] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the
well multiplier assembly further comprises a flowline integrally
attached to the well multiplier assembly connection. The flowline
may be integrally attached to the well multiplier assembly
connection using welding or flange coupling. The well multiplier
assembly connection may be integrally attached to the branched
pipe.
[0014] According to yet another embodiment of the invention the
subsea assembly may further comprise a termination assembly, where
the termination assembly comprises one or more of the elements
chosen from the group comprising a barrel in barrel alignment
means, a guide funnel, a insertion interface and landing bracket
means.
[0015] In a second aspect of the present invention, the invention
provides a jumper connection method comprising the steps of
providing a subsea assembly comprising a well multiplier assembly,
where the well multiplier assembly comprises a branched pipe, a
tie-in hub coupling, at least one tie-in hub and a well multiplier
assembly connection, where the branched pipe extends between the
tie-in hub coupling, the at least one tie-in hub and the well
multiplier assembly connection, providing a subsea production unit
tie-in hub, providing a first jumper, providing a second jumper,
connecting the tie-in coupling to the subsea production unit tie-in
hub, connecting the first jumper to the well multiplier assembly
connection of the well multiplier assembly, and connecting the
second jumper to a tie-in hub of the well multiplier assembly.
[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention, the step
of providing a subsea production unit tie-in hub involves providing
a subsea production unit comprising a tie-in hub.
[0017] According to another embodiment of the subsea production
unit is a production manifold or a Christmas tree.
[0018] According to yet another embodiment of the invention the
method further comprises the steps of providing each tie-in hub of
the well multiplier assembly with a closing valve arrangement, and
opening the closing valve arrangement of the tie-in hub to which
the second jumper is connected.
[0019] According to yet another embodiment of the invention the
method further comprises the steps of providing the well multiplier
assembly connection with a closing valve arrangement, and opening
the closing valve arrangement of the well multiplier assembly
connection.
[0020] According to yet another embodiment of the invention the
method further comprises the steps of providing any one of the
tie-in hub coupling, the tie-in hub, the well multiplier assembly
connection or the subsea production unit tie-in hub with an end cap
or cover means, and opening or removing the respective end cap or
cover means when the tie-in hub coupling, the tie-in hub, the well
multiplier assembly connection or the subsea production unit tie-in
hub provided with an end cap or cover means is connected to the
subsea production unit, the second jumper, the first jumper or the
subsea assembly respectively.
[0021] According to yet another embodiment of the invention the
step of connecting the first jumper to the well multiplier assembly
connection may involve integrally connecting the first jumper to
the well multiplier assembly connection.
[0022] In a third aspect of the present invention, the invention
provides a subsea production system comprising a subsea assembly
comprising a well multiplier assembly, where the well multiplier
assembly comprises a branched pipe, a tie-in hub coupling, at least
one tie-in hub and a well multiplier assembly connection, where the
branched pipe extends between the tie-in hub coupling, the at least
one tie-in hub and the well multiplier assembly connection, a first
jumper, and a second jumper, where the first jumper is connected to
the well multiplier assembly connection and where the second jumper
is connected to a tie-in hub.
[0023] According to an embodiment of the invention the subsea
production system further comprises a production manifold, where
the production manifold comprises a production manifold tie-in hub,
and where the tie-in hub coupling of the well multiplier assembly
is connected to the production manifold tie-in hub.
[0024] According to another embodiment of the invention the subsea
production system further comprises a Christmas tree, where the
Christmas tree comprises a Christmas tree tie-in hub, and where the
tie-in hub coupling of the well multiplier assembly is connected to
the Christmas tree tie-in hub.
[0025] According to yet another embodiment of the invention the
subsea production system further comprises a first Christmas tree
and a second Christmas tree, where the first Christmas tree is
connected to the subsea assembly using the first jumper and the
second Christmas tree is connected to the subsea assembly using the
second jumper.
[0026] According to yet another embodiment of the invention the
production manifold is provided with at least one production
manifold tie-in hub on its top side.
[0027] Other advantageous features will be apparent from the
accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] In order to make the invention more readily understandable,
the discussion that follows will refer to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a subsea assembly
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a subsea assembly
where a tie-in hub is associated with a closing valve
arrangement;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a subsea assembly
where a well multiplier assembly connection is associated with a
closing valve arrangement;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a subsea assembly
where a tie-in hub coupling is associated with a closing valve
arrangement;
[0033] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a subsea assembly
where a well multiplier assembly connection is a tie-in hub;
[0034] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a subsea assembly
where a branched pipe is a Y-branch;
[0035] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a subsea assembly
where a branched pipe is a T-branch;
[0036] FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a subsea assembly
where a tie-in hub is fitted with a tie-in hub connector;
[0037] FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a subsea assembly
comprising a jumper/flowline integrally attached to a well
multiplier assembly connection;
[0038] FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of a subsea assembly
comprising a jumper/flowline integrally attached to a well
multiplier assembly connection using welding or flange
coupling;
[0039] FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of a jumper connection
method where a subsea assembly is connecting with a first jumper
and a second jumper;
[0040] FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of a jumper connection
method where a subsea assembly is connecting with a production
manifold;
[0041] FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of a jumper connection
method where a subsea assembly is connecting with a Christmas
tree;
[0042] FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of a subsea production
system where a subsea assembly is connected to a first jumper and a
second jumper;
[0043] FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of a subsea production
system where a production manifold is connected to a subsea
assembly;
[0044] FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of a subsea production
system where a Christmas tree is connected to a subsea
assembly;
[0045] FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of a subsea production
system where a subsea assembly is connected to a first Christmas
tree and a second Christmas tree;
[0046] FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of a subsea production
system where a production manifold is provided with a production
manifold tie-in hub on its top side;
[0047] FIG. 19 is a schematic representation of a subsea assembly
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0048] FIG. 20 is a schematic representation of a subsea assembly
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0049] FIG. 21 is a schematic representation of a subsea assembly
comprising a jumper/flowline integrally attached to a well
multiplier assembly connection;
[0050] FIG. 22 is a schematic representation of a subsea production
system according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0051] FIG. 23 is a schematic representation of a subsea production
system according to one embodiment of the invention; and
[0052] FIG. 24 is a schematic representation of a subsea production
system according to one embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0053] In the following, general embodiments as well as particular
exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described.
References will be made to the accompanying drawings. It shall be
noted, however, that the drawings are exemplary embodiments only,
and that other features and embodiments may well be within the
scope of the invention as claimed.
[0054] The present invention relates to a device, method and system
that enables connection of multiple jumpers onto a single tie-in
hub.
[0055] The present invention involves a branched connection that
enables two or more jumpers to be connected onto a single tie-in
hub, e.g. that of a production manifold or a Christmas tree. The
invention thus provides a solution that makes obsolete the
installation of separated installations such as large external
branched connection assemblies or additional separate production
manifolds. The present invention offers several benefits over prior
art, e.g. external branched connection assemblies, by i.a. offering
a more compact design, lower requirements for seabed conditions,
and lower cost of installation. A lower cost of installation can be
achieved as the present invention may remove the need for a
disconnection/stroke-back and/or jumper retrieval and
modification.
[0056] A first aspect of the present invention is illustrated in
FIG. 1. Here the invention provides a subsea assembly 100
comprising a well multiplier assembly 120, where the well
multiplier assembly 120 comprises a branched pipe 130, a tie-in hub
coupling 140, at least one tie-in hub 150, and a well multiplier
assembly connection 155. The branched pipe 130 extends between the
tie-in hub coupling 140, the at least one tie-in hub 150 and the
well multiplier assembly connection 155. The at least one tie-in
hub 150 and well multiplier assembly connection 155 allows for
tie-in of multiple jumpers onto the subsea assembly 100, rendering
possible the connection of multiple jumpers onto a single tie-in
hub 145.
[0057] A well multiplier assembly connection may according to the
present invention be considered as a general connection onto a well
multiplier assembly. It may be configured to act as a connection
for various subsea components, such as jumpers, umbilicals,
pipelines, flow lines, power lines, and/or any other subsea module,
and may comprise various fastening or securing means. According to
one embodiment of the invention, a well multiplier assembly
connection may be a tie-in hub.
[0058] FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 show respectively a tie-in hub 150, a well
multiplier assembly connection 155 and a tie in hub coupling 140
that is associated with a closing valve arrangement 160. Each
closing valve arrangement 160 may be configured to seal of its
associated tie-in hub 150, well multiplier assembly connection 155
or tie in hub coupling 140, e.g. when the well multiplier assembly
connection 155 is not connected to a jumper. A closing valve
arrangement 160 may in general be fitted on or in any tie-in hub
150, well multiplier assembly connection 155 or tie in hub coupling
140, but could alternatively or additionally be fitted on or in the
branched pipe 130 in order to close of an inlet/outlet of the
branched pipe 130. A closing valve arrangement 160 can also be used
in order to control the flow of fluid through a well multiplier
assembly 120 based on e.g. various production, maintenance or
plugging and abandonment schemes.
[0059] A tie-in hub coupling 140 of a well multiplier assembly 120
is illustrated in FIG. 4, where the tie-in hub coupling 140 it is
fitted with a closing valve arrangement 160. The closing valve
arrangement 160 may e.g. be used to keep the tie-in hub coupling
140 sealed, e.g. prior to installation, or alternatively used to
control or direct ingoing/outgoing flow to/from a subsea assembly
100.
[0060] A subsea assembly may in general be fitted with any
combination of valves that may be positioned e.g. at any
outlet/inlet of a branched pipe of the well multiplier assembly.
Such valves may be mechanically, hydraulically and/or electrically
actuated and could e.g. be used to control fluid flow through the
branched pipe, or alternatively operate as safety valves. Any
tie-in hub, well multiplier assembly connection or tie-in hub
coupling may for example be fitted with a pressure cap.
[0061] A tie-in hub coupling 140 is as illustrated in FIG. 11
configured to be at least be connectable with any tie-in hub 145,
e.g. in order to connect two subsea elements to each other. Such
subsea elements involve e.g. a jumper, well multiplier assembly
120, production manifold, subsea assembly 100, Christmas tree etc.
Connection of two subsea elements to each other is typically
performed in order to enable fluid connection between the two,
enable electrical or hydraulic power to be transferred, etc.
[0062] A branched pipe 130 of a well multiplier assembly 120 may as
illustrated in the accompanying figures be configured so that it
extends between a well multiplier assembly 120 connection, a tie-in
hub coupling 140 and a at least one tie-in hub 150 of the well
multiplier assembly 120. The branched pipe 130 facilitates the
bringing of the constituents of a subsea assembly 100 connection
into fluid connection, allowing e.g. for fluid flowing into the
well multiplier assembly 120 through the well multiplier assembly
connection 155 to be directed by the branched pipe 130 to the
tie-in hub coupling 140 and the at least one tie-in hub 150. The
branched pipe 130 of the well multiplier assembly 120 is
illustrated in e.g. FIG. 1 a chamber having three or more
inlets/outlets through which a fluid can flow. The branched pipe
130 is in this case configured to distribute a fluid from one or
more inlets to one or more outlets.
[0063] FIG. 1 illustrates a branched pipe 130 shaped as a
one-to-two branched pipe extending between a well multiplier
assembly connection 155, a tie-in hub 150 and a tie-in hub coupling
140 of the well multiplier assembly 120. The branched pipe 130
could for example be a Y-branch 131 or a tee branch 132, as can be
seen in FIGS. 6 and 7 respectively. The branched pipe 130 may be
made up by a plurality of separate parts fitted together, but is
preferably made out of one single integral piece of material using
a technique like milling, cutting, moulding, casting or similar.
The branched pipe 130 may be made out of one or more materials
chosen from the group comprising polymers, metals, composite
materials, ceramics, or any combination of the aforementioned, and
could optionally be coated on either side, e.g. by an
anti-corrosion coating.
[0064] FIGS. 5 and 7 respectively illustrates a well multiplier
assembly 120 where either or both of at least one tie-in hub 150
and a well multiplier assembly connection 155 is arranged in a
nonparallel direction relative to a tie-in hub coupling 140. This
arrangement allows for branched connection of multiple jumpers onto
e.g. a single production manifold tie-in hub, where the jumpers
don't have to point in the same direction. An arrangement of at
least one tie-in hub 150 in a non-parallel direction relative to
the tie-in hub coupling 140 allows i.a. for optimization of the
space in all spatial directions surrounding any tie-in hub to which
the subsea assembly 100 may connect.
[0065] FIG. 7 illustrates a well multiplier assembly 120 where at
least one tie-in hub 150 is arranged in a perpendicular direction
relative to a tie-in hub coupling 140 of a well multiplier assembly
120. The direction of the tie-in hub coupling 140 is generally
considered to be the same direction as the intended direction of
flow of a production fluid through the tie-in hub coupling 140. The
perpendicular arrangement of a tie-in hub 150 of the well
multiplier assembly 120 enables branched connection of jumpers to
be made in the vertical direction relative to e.g. a production
manifold tie-in hub arranged in the horizontal direction. A
branched connection of jumpers may alternatively be made in the
horizontal direction relative to a production manifold tie-in hub
arranged in the vertical direction. The present invention thus
enables branched connections onto a production manifold tie-in hub
145 being arranged in a vertical direction on top of a production
manifold. Existing solutions involving submerging separated units,
e.g. skid-based units, will not be able to connect to such a tie-in
hub without employing additional connectors extending from the
separate unit to the production manifold tie-in hub.
[0066] FIG. 8 illustrates a well multiplier assembly 120 comprising
a tie-in hub 150 fitted with a tie-in hub connector 180. The tie-in
hub connector 180 is configured to connect a tie-in hub coupling
140 to a tie-in hub 150, e.g. by clamping or locking the tie-in hub
150 and the tie-in hub coupling 140 together. The tie-in hub
connector 180 is mechanically, hydraulically and/or electrically
actuated. The tie-in hub 140 or tie-in hub connector 180 may be
provided with a seal or end cap arranged or formed between the
tie-in hub 150 and tie-in hub coupling 140, e.g. against the
surrounding seawater. The seal or end cap is opened in connection
with the tie-in hub 150 being connected to a jumper or pipe
section.
[0067] FIG. 9 illustrates a subsea assembly 100 comprising a
flowline 110/jumper 110 that is integrally attached to a well
multiplier assembly 120. The flowline 110/jumper 110 may as
illustrated in FIG. 10 be integrally attached to a well multiplier
assembly connection 155 of the well multiplier assembly 120, by
e.g. using a weld 171, a permanent flange coupling 172, clamp, etc.
The flowline 110/jumper 110 may alternatively be unitarily attached
to the well multiplier assembly connection 155, or alternatively be
integrally or unitarily attached directly to the branched pipe
130.
[0068] FIG. 11 illustrates a method for connecting at least a first
jumper 11 and a second jumper 12 to a subsea assembly 100. The
subsea assembly 100 comprises a well multiplier assembly 120, where
the well multiplier assembly 120 comprises a branched pipe 130, a
tie-in hub coupling 140, at least one tie-in hub 150 and a well
multiplier assembly connection 155. The branched pipe 130 extends
between the tie-in hub coupling 140, the at least one tie-in hub
150 and the well multiplier assembly connection 155.
[0069] A jumper connection method is visualized in FIG. 11, where
it comprises the steps of providing a first jumper 11, providing a
second jumper 12, providing a subsea assembly 100, connecting the
first jumper 11 to the well multiplier assembly connection 155 of
the well multiplier assembly 120 and connecting the second jumper
12 to a tie-in hub 150 of the well multiplier assembly 120, e.g. by
means of a tie-in hub connector. A jumper may according to any
embodiment of the present invention comprise a tie-in hub coupling
140 on one end. The tie-in hub 150 may be provided with a tie-in
hub connector, which may connect the tie-in hub 150 and the jumper
12 or any other pipeline.
[0070] A well multiplier assembly connection can be considered as
comprising means that allow the connection of a jumper or flowline.
The well multiplier assembly connection may e.g. be a tie-in hub,
but could be any type of connection that allows for the connection
of a jumper or other flowline. The connecting of a jumper to a
subsea assembly may thus comprise connecting a tie-in hub coupling
of the jumper to a tie-in hub of a well multiplier assembly of the
subsea assembly. The connecting of a jumper to the subsea assembly
may alternatively comprise connecting a tie-in hub coupling of the
jumper to a tie-in hub of the well multiplier assembly of the
subsea assembly. The connecting of a jumper to the subsea assembly
may alternatively comprise connecting a tie-in hub coupling on a
tie-in hub to a jumper. The well multiplier assembly may
alternatively comprise a tie-in hub coupling being connected to a
jumper or other flowline.
[0071] FIG. 12 illustrates a jumper connection method comprising a
connection of a subsea assembly to a subsea production unit, such
as a production manifold. Here, the method comprises the steps of
providing a production manifold 146, and connecting the subsea
assembly 100 to the production manifold 146. The production
manifold 146 is in this embodiment fitted with a tie-in hub, i.e. a
production manifold tie-in hub 145, and the step of connecting the
subsea assembly 100 to the production manifold 146 may thus
comprise connecting the tie-in hub coupling 140 of the well
multiplier assembly 120 of the subsea assembly to the production
manifold tie-in hub 145.
[0072] As an alternative to connecting a subsea assembly 100 to a
production manifold 146, the subsea assembly 100 may as illustrated
in FIG. 13 be connected to other subsea production units, such as a
Christmas tree 200.
[0073] This will create a branched connection for jumpers on the
Christmas tree 200. A jumper connection method may in this case
comprise the steps of providing a Christmas tree 200, and
connecting the subsea assembly 100 to the Christmas tree 200. The
Christmas tree 200 may comprise a tie-in hub 150, i.e. a Christmas
tree tie-in hub 210, and the step of connecting the subsea assembly
to the Christmas tree 200 may comprise connecting the tie-in hub
coupling 140 of the well multiplier assembly 120 to the Christmas
tree tie-in hub 210.
[0074] A jumper connection method may further comprise the step of
providing any tie-in hub, well multiplier assembly connection or
tie-in hub coupling of a well multiplier assembly with a closing
valve arrangement. A closing valve arrangement can be opened and
closed on demand, and a closing valve arrangement provided on a
tie-in hub of the well multiplier assembly may thus e.g. be opened
after a jumper is connected to that tie-in hub. A closing valve
arrangement associated with a well multiplier assembly connection
can similarly e.g. be opened after a jumper is connected to the
well multiplier assembly connection.
[0075] A step of connecting a first jumper to a well multiplier
assembly connection may involve integrally connecting the first
jumper to the well multiplier assembly connection. The step of
connecting the first jumper to the well multiplier assembly
connection may be performed prior to submerging and installing the
subsea assembly and may thus be performed using methods like
welding, clamping or permanent flange coupling. The first jumper
may e.g. by integrally connected onto the branched pipe so as to
form one piece with the branched pipe.
[0076] FIG. 14 illustrates a subsea production system 101
comprising a subsea assembly 100, a first jumper 11, and a second
jumper 12. The subsea assembly 100 comprises a well multiplier
assembly 120. The first jumper 11 is here connected to a well
multiplier assembly connection 155 of a well multiplier assembly
120 and the second jumper 12 is connected to a tie-in hub 150 of
the well multiplier assembly 120. Any one of the jumpers may be
substituted with another subsea assembly allowing for further
branched connection of jumpers. FIG. 22-24 illustrates a production
system where two subsea assemblies are connected to a production
manifold.
[0077] FIG. 15 illustrates a subsea production system 101
comprising a production manifold 146 to which a subsea assembly 100
may be connected. The production manifold 146 comprises according
to this embodiment of the invention a tie-in hub 150, i.e. a
production manifold tie-in hub 145, to which the tie-in hub
coupling 140 of the well multiplier assembly 120 is connected. FIG.
16 illustrates a subsea production system comprising a Christmas
tree 200, where a well multiplier assembly 120 of a subsea assembly
110 is connected to the Christmas tree 200. The Christmas tree 200
may comprise a tie-in hub, i.e. a Christmas tree tie-in hub 210, to
which a tie-in hub coupling 140 of the well multiplier assembly 120
is connected.
[0078] FIG. 17 illustrates a subsea production system comprising a
first Christmas tree 201 and a second Christmas tree 202. The first
Christmas tree 201 may be connected to a subsea assembly 100 using
the first jumper 11 and the second Christmas tree 202 may be
connected to the same subsea assembly 100 using the second jumper
12. An example of a production system comprising a first Christmas
tree 201 and a second Christmas tree 202 is illustrated in FIG.
17.
[0079] A production manifold 146 may as illustrated in FIG. 18 be
provided with at least one production manifold tie-in hub 145 on at
least one of its sides, or alternatively be provided with one or
more production manifold tie-in hubs 145 either on opposing sides
or the top side 147.
[0080] A production manifold tie-in hub 145 being provided on a
production manifold top side 147 is incompatible with many existing
external branched connection assemblies that are dependent on being
positioned adjacent to the production manifold tie-in hub. The
subsea assembly 100 according to the present invention may be
mounted on vertically aligned production manifold tie-in hubs
145.
[0081] Any of the tie-in hub coupling, the tie-in hub and the well
multiplier assembly connection of the subsea assembly may be
covered by an end cap or other cover means prior to being connected
to a subsea production unit, jumper/flowline. The end cap or other
cover means is removed or opened when the subsea assembly is
connected to a jumper/flowline or subsea production unit. Any
tie-in hub, jumper/flowline may also be provided with an end cap or
cover means which may be opened or removed when the subsea assembly
is connected to the subsea production unit tie-in hub or
jumper/flowline.
[0082] FIG. 19 illustrates a subsea assembly according to an
embodiment of the invention, where the subsea assembly is fitted
with a termination assembly and where the tie in hub of the subsea
assembly is connected to a jumper 110 by employing a tie-in hub
connector 180. Any jumper or subsea assembly may according to any
embodiment of the invention be fitted with, or be integrally
attached to, a termination assembly. A termination assembly may be
associated with or positioned adjacent to any tie-in hub coupling.
A termination assembly may be fitted with, or comprise, any
combination or assortment amongst barrel in barrel alignment means
167, a guide funnel 165, an insertion interface 168 and landing
bracket means 169. Any tie-in hub 150 or tie-in hub connector 180
may be fitted with, or comprise, any combination or assortment
amongst a guide funnel, and a landing beam 166.
[0083] A termination assembly can e.g. be used in order to aid the
tie-in of a jumper 110 or subsea assembly onto a tie-in hub 150.
Landing bracket means 169 may according to the invention be
configured to couple with a landing beam 166. Any guidepost may
according to the invention be configured to fit inside a guide
funnel 165.
[0084] FIG. 20 illustrates the same subsea arrangement as FIG. 19
viewed from a different angle. The subsea assembly can here be seen
to be connected with one tie-in hub 150, which may be part of an
associated production manifold, Christmas tree or other
structure.
[0085] FIG. 21 illustrates a subsea assembly like the one
illustrated in FIG. 19, further comprising a flowline/jumper 110
that is integrally attached to the well multiplier assembly of the
subsea assembly. The flowline/jumper 110 may as illustrated be
integrally attached to a well multiplier assembly connection 155 of
the well multiplier assembly, by e.g. using a weld 171, a permanent
flange coupling 172, clamp, etc. The flowline/jumper 110 may
alternatively be unitarily attached to the well multiplier assembly
connection 155, or alternatively be integrally or unitarily
attached directly to the branched pipe 130.
[0086] FIG. 22 illustrates a subsea system comprising two subsea
assemblies like the one illustrated by FIGS. 19 and 20 that are
connected to a production manifold 146. Each subsea assembly is
here tied in on a production manifold tie-in hub 145. The
connection of a subsea assembly onto a production manifold tie-in
hub enables the connection of two jumpers, onto one production
manifold tie-in hub. FIG. 23 illustrates a top view of the subsea
system illustrated in FIG. 22. FIG. 24 illustrates a zoomed in view
of the subsea system illustrated in FIG. 22.
[0087] Other advantageous features will be apparent from the
accompanying claims.
TABLE-US-00001 11 First jumper 12 Second jumper 100 Subsea assembly
101 Subsea production system 110 Flowline/jumper 120 Well
multiplier assembly 130 Branched pipe 131 Y-branch 132 T-branch 140
Tie-in hub coupling 145 Production manifold tie-in hub 146
Production manifold 147 Production manifold top side 150 Tie-in hub
155 Well multiplier assembly connection 160 Closing valve
arrangement 165 Guide funnel 166 Landing beam 167 Barrel in barrel
alignment means 168 Insertion interface 169 Landing bracket means
170 Integral attachment point 171 Weld 172 Flange coupling 180
Tie-in hub connector 190 Pressure cap 200 Christmas tree 201 First
Christmas tree 202 Second Christmas tree 210 Christmas tree tie-in
hub
TABLE-US-00002 Terminology Definition Tie-in hub Connection/tie-in
point configured to be connectable with any tie-in hub coupling. A
tie-in hub may i.a. be provided on production manifolds and subsea
assemblies. Production manifold Tie-in hub provided on a production
tie-in hub manifold configured to be connectable with any tie-in
hub coupling. Tie-in hub coupling Coupling configured to be
connectable with any tie-in hub. A tie-in hub coupling is according
to the present invention i.a. provided on subsea assemblies and
jumpers. Tie-in hub connector A connector configured to connect a
tie- in hub coupling to a tie-in hub by clamping or locking the two
together.
* * * * *