A STABBING MANIFOLD AND A CONNECTION DEVICE FOR USE IN MANAGED PRESSURE DRILLING

Abstract

A connection device has a first connection body and a second connection body movable with respect to the first connection body. The connection device is configured for connecting a plurality of control lines terminating in connectors forming part of the first connection body, to corresponding control lines terminating in connectors forming part of the second connection body. The connection device is provided with a first alignment means for rough alignment of the connection bodies. The connection device further has a second alignment means for aligning the rigid holding means of one of the bodies with respect to the connectors of the other one of the bodies, at least one of the rigid holding means movable in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first alignment means.

Claims

1. A stabbing manifold for use in a system for Managed Pressure Drilling, MPD, the stabbing manifold configured for connecting to a riser manifold, the stabbing manifold being movable with respect to the riser manifold, the stabbing manifold comprising: a plurality of control lines terminating in connectors configured for connecting to a plurality of connectors forming terminations of control lines of the riser manifold, the stabbing manifold provided with a first alignment means configured for rough alignment with alignment means of the riser manifold, wherein the connectors of the stabbing manifold are secured to a rigid holding means part of the stabbing manifold, the rigid holding means being configured for a limited movement with respect to the stabbing manifold, the stabbing manifold further comprising a second alignment means forming part of the rigid holding means and configured for aligning with the rigid holding means of the riser manifold, wherein the rigid holding means of the stabbing manifold is movable in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first alignment means, and wherein the stabbing manifold comprises a fluid channel configured for connection to a fluid channel of the riser manifold, the fluid channel being configured for communicating a well control fluid.

2. The stabbing manifold according to claim 1, wherein the connectors of the stabbing manifold are configured for a limited individual movement.

3. The stabbing manifold according to claim 1, wherein the control lines are selected from a group consisting of one of or a combination of two or more of electrical lines, hydraulic lines, pneumatic lines and fiber optic lines.

4. The stabbing manifold according to claim 1, wherein the well control fluid is a drilling mud for use in Managed Pressure Drilling, MPD.

5. The stabbing manifold according to claim 4, wherein the stabbing manifold is configured for carrying mud return conduits.

6. The stabbing manifold according to claim 5, wherein the stabbing manifold is further provided with one umbilical connection for receiving an umbilical comprising control lines configured for communicating with the control lines of the stabbing manifold when the umbilical is connected to the stabbing manifold.

7. A connection device for use in a system for Managed Pressure Drilling, MPD, the connection device comprising: a riser manifold and a stabbing manifold movable with respect to the riser manifold, the connection device configured for connecting a plurality of control lines terminating in connectors forming part of the riser manifold, to corresponding control lines terminating in connectors forming part of the stabbing manifold, the connection device being provided with a first alignment means for rough alignment of the riser manifold and the stabbing manifold with respect to each other, wherein the connectors of the riser manifold are secured to rigid holding means forming part of the riser manifold, and the connectors of the stabbing manifold are secured to a rigid holding means forming part of the stabbing manifold, at least one of the rigid holding means is configured for a limited movement with respect to its respective riser manifold and stabbing manifold, the connection device further comprising a second alignment means forming part of the rigid holding means and configured for aligning the rigid holding means with respect to each other, wherein at least one of the rigid holding means movable in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first alignment means, and wherein the riser manifold comprises a fluid channel for connection to a fluid channel of the stabbing manifold, the fluid channels being configured for communicating a well control fluid.

8. The connection device according to claim 7, wherein the connectors of at least one of the riser manifold and the stabbing manifold are configured for a limited individual movement.

9. The connection device according to claim 7, wherein connectors of one of the riser manifold and the stabbing manifold is prevented from individual movement, and the connectors of the other one of the stabbing manifold and the riser manifold are configured for the limited individual movement.

10. The connection device according to claim 7, wherein the control lines are selected from a group consisting of one of or a combination of two or more of electrical lines, hydraulic lines, pneumatic lines and fiber optic lines.

11. The connection device according to claim 7, wherein the well control fluid is a drilling mud for use in Managed Pressure Drilling, MPD.

12. The connection device according to claim 7, wherein the riser manifold forms part of a flow spool configured for use in Managed Pressure Drilling, wherein the control lines of the riser manifold is operatively connected to flow spool control means.

13. The connection device according to claim 12, wherein the stabbing manifold is configured for carrying mud return conduits for connection to the flow spool via the riser manifold.

14. The connection device according to claim 13, wherein the stabbing manifold is further provided with one umbilical connection for receiving an umbilical comprising control lines configured for communicating with the control lines of the stabbing manifold when the umbilical is connected to the stabbing manifold.

15. The connection device according to claim 7, wherein the riser manifold comprises a housing and a fluid channel receptacle block releasably secured to the housing.

16. The connection device according to claim 15, wherein the fluid channel receptacle block is secured to the housing by fastening means configured for providing a clearance between the fluid channel receptacle block and the housing when in a position of use.

17. The connection device according to claim 16, wherein the fastening means are in the form of bolts and mating guiding sleeves.

18. The connection device according to claim 15, wherein the fluid channel receptacle block is further provided with at least one clearance hole running through the fluid channel receptacle block from a face thereof, the clearance hole provided with a threaded portion configured for receiving a pulling bolt.

19. The connection device according to claim 18, wherein the pulling bolt has an axial length exceeding an axial length of the clearance hole, so that the pulling bolt upon rotation may abut a surface of the housing beyond an end portion of the clearance hole and thereby displace the fluid channel receptacle block with respect to the housing.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] FIG. 1a illustrates a riser manifold integrated in a riser flow spool;

[0060] FIG. 1b illustrates in larger scale detail A in FIG. 1a;

[0061] FIG. 2a illustrates a stabbing manifold viewed in perspective from a front;

[0062] FIG. 2b illustrates in larger scale detail B in FIG. 2a;

[0063] FIG. 2c illustrates the stabbing manifold in FIG. 2a viewed in perspective from a back;

[0064] FIGS. 3a-3c illustrate a sequence of moving the stabbing manifold into engagement with a riser manifold;

[0065] FIG. 4a illustrates a horizontal cross section through C-C of FIG. 1b;

[0066] FIG. 4b illustrates the same as FIG. 4a, after a fluid channel receptacle block has been removed from a housing; and

[0067] FIGS. 4c and 4d illustrate a perspective view of a receptacle block seen form a front and back, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] Positional specifications such as upward, downward, down, top, bottom, etc. refer to the positions shown in the figures.

[0069] In the figures, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding elements. Not all elements are indicated by reference numerals in all the figures.

[0070] In the figures, reference numeral 1 denotes a riser manifold configured for mating with a stabbing manifold 20 movable with respect to the riser manifold 1. The riser manifold 1 will hereinafter also be denoted a female connection body 1, and the stabbing manifold 20 will also be denoted a male connection body 20.

[0071] In the embodiment shown, the riser manifold 1 is integrated in a flow spool 100 as best seen in FIG. 1a. The flow spool 100 forms part of a riser 102 as illustrated in FIG. 3a-3c.

[0072] As best seen in FIG. 1b, the riser manifold 1 comprises several connectors 3, 5 for control lines. The control lines may for example be electric, hydraulic, pneumatic or optical lines. The connectors 3, 5 are secured to a rigid holding means 35, here in the form of a plate 35 secured to and protruding upwardly from a top portion of the riser manifold 1. The connectors 3, 5 extend through apertures in the plate 35. Preferably, the apertures have a diameter being larger than a diameter of the respective connector 3, 5 at the portion passing the aperture, so that each connector 3, 5 is allowed to move or “float” with respect to the plate 35. A perimeter of the connectors 3, 5 abut opposing faces of the plate 35 so that connectors are substantially prevented from moving axially with respect to the plate 35.

[0073] In the embodiment shown, the riser manifold 1 further comprises connectors 7 secured to a rigid holding means in the form of a plate 37 protruding downwardly from and secured to a bottom portion of the riser manifold 1. The individual connector 7 may float with respect to the plate 37 as discussed above.

[0074] The riser manifold 1 further comprises first alignment means 40, here in the form of two guide sleeves 40 configured for receiving alignment means in the form of guideposts 50 protruding from a face of the stabbing manifold 20 (the male connection body) as best seen in FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c.

[0075] The stabbing manifold 20 is configured to be moved into engagement with the riser manifold 1 by means of a manipulator 70 shown in FIGS. 3a-3c.

[0076] As best seen in FIG. 2b, the stabbing manifold 20 comprises connectors 203, 205 for mating with the connectors 3, 5 of the riser manifold 1, and connectors 207 (only one partly visible in FIG. 2b) for mating with the connectors 7 of the riser manifold 1.

[0077] The connectors 203, 205 are secured to a rigid holding means in the form of a plate 22 secured to a body of the stabbing manifold 20. The plate 22 is configured for moving a certain distance, in one embodiment ±3 mm, sideways and up-and-down with respect to the body of the stabbing manifold 20. This “floating” features of the plate may for example be achieved by means of a tongue-and-groove-like configuration and a resilient or elastic means configured for substantially centring the plate 22 in a “neutral” position.

[0078] The connectors 207 are secured in a similar way to a rigid holding means in the form of a plate 24.

[0079] In the embodiment disclosed in the figures and discussed above, the connectors 203, 205 may be, but does not have to be, prevented from moving with respect to the plate 22. The same applies to the connectors 207 arranged in the plate 24. The connectors 203, 205 and 207 should therefore be mounted in apertures or bores in the plates 22, 24. The bores are provided mutually spaced-apart within a certain tolerance. Any position deviations between individual bores exceeding the tolerance will result in position deviations of the connectors 203, 205 and 207. However, due to the “floating” configurations of the connectors 3, 5 and 7 arranged on the plates 35 and 37, respectively, the connectors may still mate despite any such position deviations of the connectors 203, 205 and 207.

[0080] In the embodiment shown, the connectors 3, 5, 7 of the riser manifold 1 are female couplings and the connectors 203, 205, 207 of the stabbing manifold 20 are male couplings, hence the denomination female connection body 1 and male connection body 20, respectively. Obviously, the connectors 3, 5, 7 of the riser manifold 1 may alternatively be male couplings and the connectors 203, 205, 207 of the stabbing manifold 20 may be female couplings. However, the shown embodiment is preferred.

[0081] The riser manifold 1 further comprises two fluid flow channels 60. Each channel 60 has an inlet in a bottom portion of the riser manifold 1, and an outlet in a face configured for abutting a face of the stabbing manifold 20. Similarly, the stabbing manifold 20 has corresponding flow channels 66 with inlets protruding from the face of the stabbing manifold 20 and outlets in a bottom portion, as best seen in FIGS. 2a-2b. Thus, the fluid flow channels 60, 66 comprises pipe-bends within the manifolds 1, 20.

[0082] In operation, the fluid flow channels 60, 66 in the shown embodiment communicate drilling mud returned from the well to the rig. The stabbing manifold 20 carries mud return hoses 68 extending to a drilling rig as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art.

[0083] Turning now to FIGS. 3a-3c illustrating a sequence of moving the stabbing manifold 20 into engagement with the riser manifold 1 by means of the manipulator 70.

[0084] In FIG. 3a, the riser 102 comprising the flow spool 100 and the riser manifold 1 has been moved vertically and aligned with respect to a moonpool M at a cellar deck CD under the rig floor, so that the stabbing manifold 20 is substantially at same elevation as the riser manifold 1 of the flow spool 100. In the embodiment shown, the stabbing manifold 20 has been picked up from a storage area (not shown) by means of the manipulator 70 which is movable on rails both in an axial and a longitudinal direction with respect to the moonpool M. An arm 72 of the manipulator 70 is pivotable with respect to its base B. The manipulator arm 72 is further pivotable with respect to a horizontal axis, and a manipulator head 74 (see FIG. 3c) forming an end portion of the arm 72, is pivotable a certain angle around a longitudinal axis of the arm 70. The manipulator head 74 is provided with manipulator head guideposts 76 configured for releasable engaging stabbing manifold guide sleeves 240. The manipulator head guideposts 76 are seen in FIG. 3c. The stabbing manifold guide sleeves 240 are shown in FIGS. 2a-2c.

[0085] The movability of the arm 72 and head 74 facilitates connection of the manifolds 1, 20 because the arm 72 and head 74 are capable of following any movement of the riser 100 prior to releasing the manipulator head 74 from the stabbing manifold 20 when this has been secured to the riser manifold 1, as shown in FIG. 3b.

[0086] In FIG. 3b the manipulator arm 72 has been telescoped towards the riser manifold 1. In FIG. 3c the manipulator head 74 has been released from the stabbing manifold 20 and the arm 72 has been retracted.

[0087] When the stabbing manifold 20 is moved towards the flow spool 100 and its riser manifold 1, an operator O controls the position of the guideposts 50 protruding from the stabbing manifold 20, with respect the guide sleeves 40 of the riser manifold 1.

[0088] As best seen in FIGS. 2a-2c, the guideposts 50 have a two-diameter configuration wherein a distant portion of the guideposts 50 has a first diameter and a proximate portion has a second diameter wherein the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter. Thus, the guideposts 50 first provides a rough alignment, and thereafter a finer alignment of the manifolds 1, 20. It should be noted that an axial length of said proximate portion is longer than an axial length of the flow channels 66 protruding from the face of the stabbing manifold 20 so that said finer alignment is achieved prior to mating the flow channels 60, 66.

[0089] The diameter of the proximate portion of the guideposts 50 substantially corresponds to the internal diameter of the guide sleeves 40. However, with regards to the required finetolerance mating of the connectors 3, 5 with the connectors 203, 205 and connectors 7 with connectors 207, the alignment provided by the guideposts 50 and sleeves 40 may not be sufficient accurate for a desired alignment, and a second alignment means are required.

[0090] In the embodiment shown, a second alignment means comprises two receptacles 42 arranged distant from each other on the plate 35. The receptacles 42 are configured for mating tapered pins or guideposts 242 protruding from the plate 22 of the stabbing manifold 20, see FIG. 2b.

[0091] To align the connectors 7, 207 arranged on respective plates 37, 24 protruding downwardly from the riser manifold 1 and stabbing manifolds 20, respectively, the second alignment means further comprises receptacles 44 arranged distant from each other on the plate 37, and mating tapered pins or guideposts 244 (only one visible in FIG. 2b) protruding from the plate 24 of the stabbing manifold 20.

[0092] The second alignment means 42, 242; 44, 244 thus provides means for eliminating any misalignment of the connection plates 35, 22; 37, 24 by urging the displaceable plates, here the plates 22, 24, into correct position. When the plates are in the correct position, the connectors should also be in the correct position. Any position deviation of an individual connector, may according to the embodiment discussed above, be compensated by means of the providing connectors being individually movable with respect to the plates 35, 37.

[0093] When the stabbing manifold 20 has been fully aligned with the riser manifold 1 and the connectors of the plurality of control lines are connected, the stabbing manifold 20 is locked to the riser manifold 1 by means of a fail-safe locking mechanism 54 as seen in FIG. 2c. In the embodiment shown, the locking mechanism 54 comprises cam locks 52 protruding from a distant end portion of the guideposts 50. The cam locks 52 are rotatable 90° around a longitudinal axis of the guideposts 50 and operable by means of a portion of the manipulator 70 configured for engaging a recess 56 in an engagement portion 55 of the locking mechanism 54 to lock the guideposts 50 with respect to the sleeves 40.

[0094] The fail-safe locking mechanism 54 is provided with locking pins 57 being urged by a spring 58 into engagement with an indent in the engagement portion 55 when the cam locks 52 has been rotated into the locking position. Thereby, the locking pins 57 prevents any further rotation in any direction of the engagement portion 55. When in the locking position, a rotation of the cam locks 52 is prevented. To disengage the fail-safe locking mechanism 54, the pin 57 is driven out of engagement by a disengagement means (not shown) connected to the manipulator 70.

[0095] When the riser manifold 1 forms part of a flow spool 100 as shown in FIGS. 1a-1b and FIGS. 3a-3c and discussed above, the angled flow channels 60 of the riser manifold 1 are subject to wear and other factors such as incrustation on the internal wall thereof. Maintenance of the flow channels 60 may therefore be required after some time in operation.

[0096] The skilled person will appreciate that such maintenance cannot be performed in situ. The skilled person will also appreciate that dismantling the riser manifold 1 from the flow spool 100 is practically impossible to perform in situ.

[0097] The applicant has solved the above challenges by arranging the flow channels 60 in a removable portion of the riser manifold 1.

[0098] FIG. 4a illustrates a horizontal cross section through C-C of the riser manifold 1 shown in FIG. 1b. The riser manifold 1 comprises a housing 10 and a receptacle block 12 comprising two flow channels 60. The receptacle block 12 is configured for being slid into and out of a slot 11 of the housing 10.

[0099] The receptacle block 12 is secured to the housing 10 by means of fasteners in the form of bolts 13 (four bolts shown in FIG. 1b) running through guiding sleeves 14. An end portion of the bolts 13 are configured for engaging a threaded slot in the housing 10, as shown.

[0100] The guiding sleeves 14 are configured for aligning the receptacle block 12 with respect to the housing 10. Further, the guiding sleeves 14 are configured for keeping a small clearance, for example in the range of 1-2 mm, between the surfaces of the receptacle block 12 facing the surfaces of the housing 10. Thereby, the guiding sleeves 14 provides reduced friction between the surfaces which represents an advantage when sliding the receptacle block 12 out of the housing 10. However, more importantly the clearance reduces the risk of “binding” the surfaces together for example due to corrosion that are likely to occur when submerged in sea water.

[0101] In FIG. 4b, the bolts 13 have been removed, and the receptacle block 12 has been removed for maintenance or replacement. It should be noted that prior to removing the receptacle block 12 from the housing 10 of the riser manifold 1, some dismantling of piping and control lines shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b have be carried out.

[0102] The receptacle block 12 is further provided with clearance holes 16 (two indicated in FIG. 4d).

[0103] An outer end portion of each of the clearance holes 16 is provided with a threaded portion 16b, see FIGS. 4a and 4c, for engaging pulling bolts. Pulling bolts are not shown in FIG. 4a. In FIG. 1b, the bolts indicated are sealing bolts 16c for preventing intrusion of contaminants into the clearance holes when the riser manifold 1 is in operation.

[0104] Prior to removing the receptacle block 12 from the housing 10, the sealing bolts 16c are removed and replaced by pulling bolts. Each pulling bolt has an axial length exceeding the axial length of the clearance hole 16. Thereby the pulling bolt may extend beyond an inner end face of the receptacle block 12 and abut against a pipe portion of the housing 10. By rotating the pulling bolt, the receptacle block 12 will be urged a distance out of the housing 10. A controlled and safe sliding of the receptacle block 12 may therefore be achieved. It should be noted that the pulling of the receptacle block 12 may alternatively be provided by pulling only but represents a less controllable pulling operation.

[0105] FIGS. 4c and 4d shows a perspective view of the fluid channel receptacle block 12 seen form a front and back, respectively. The receptacle block 12 further comprises channels 62 for connection to so-called RCD bleed valves (RCD—Rotating Control Device) as indicated in FIG. 1a. The channels 62 are in fluid communication with the flow channels 60.

[0106] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb “comprise” and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0107] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.