Deluge system

Abstract

A method of providing a deluge system (10) on a boom (12) such as a boom that is used to conduct well flaring operations at an end thereof. The deluge system comprises a base unit (30), a stanchion (20), and a nozzle apparatus (22); the method comprising attaching the deluge system to a burner boom with a walkway, such that there remains a width of at least 30 cm clear passage on the boom's walkway after the deluge system has been attached. This provides an escape and/or rescue route for personnel should a dangerous situation occur, such as uncontrolled fire or personnel falling overboard. In preferred embodiments, the deluge system is attached to the boom outboard of handrail supports (which includes on a single handrail). The deluge system may have its own mechanism e.g. a winch, for moving the stanchion from a stowed position to an operative position which allows a safe and more optimum positioning of the stanchion away from the well flaring operation, as herein described. In a preferred embodiment, the stanchion is provided as part of a moveable member which is rotationally attached to a connection mechanism of the base unit at a connection point spaced away from an end of the moveable member. This allows the moveable member to have a counter weight system and reduces the amount of force required to move the moveable member, avoiding mechanical constraints.

Claims

1. A method of operating a deluge system on a burner boom comprising oil and gas pipework and a walkway, the deluge system comprising a base unit, a stanchion, and a nozzle apparatus wherein the stanchion is attached to the base unit and moveable relative thereto, from a stowed fixed position to an operative fixed position; the method comprising attaching the deluge system to the burner boom along a length of a handrail of the walkway and where an end of the handrail interposes the deluge system and a free end of the burner boom; wherein attaching the deluge system comprises securing the base unit to at least one of a single lateral side and a handrail support of the burner boom, such that the stanchion is off-centered with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the walkway and there remains a width of at least 30 cm clear on the walkway width after the deluge system has been attached such that access is provided to and from the free end of the burner boom via the entire boom; using the burner boom for a well-flaring operation by supplying at least one of oil and gas through the pipework and generating a heat source; repositioning the stanchion and nozzle apparatus between the stowed fixed position, where the stanchion has a dominant longitudinal dimension in line with a dominant longitudinal dimension of the handrail, and the operative fixed position, where the dominant longitudinal dimension of the stanchion is no longer in line with respect to the dominant longitudinal dimension of the handrail; and using the deluge system when the stanchion is in the operative fixed position to spray water to provide a water screen spaced away from the heat source.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein there remains a width of at least 50 cm clear on the burner boom's walkway width after the deluge system has been attached.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein there remains a width of at least 65 cm clear on the burner boom's walkway width after the deluge system has been attached.

4. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the deluge system is placed over the pipework on the burner boom.

5. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the deluge system is attached to the boom outboard of the handrail support of the burner boom walkway.

6. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the well-flaring operation is performed on an offshore vessel or platform.

7. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heat source includes a flaming well blow-out.

8. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base unit is repositionably secured to the at least one of the single lateral side and the handrail support of the burner boom.

9. A method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the base unit is repositionably secured by a releasable clamp.

10. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the substantial length of the walkway between the deluge system and the burner is at least as long as a length of the stanchion.

11. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the walkway comprises a fixed walkway, providing a fixed path between the installation and the burner.

12. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method comprises providing sufficient free width at the intermediate location on the walkway to allow walking access to the entire boom and escape from the burner past the deluge system in an emergency.

13. A burner boom for flaring, the burner boom being provided with oil and gas pipework such that the burner boom is configured for a well-flaring operation providing a heat source; wherein the burner boom comprises a walkway and a deluge system to create a water barrier, the deluge system being attached to a handrail of the walkway at an intermediate location along the walkway, where the deluge system is backset from an end of the walkway; wherein the deluge system comprises a base unit, a stanchion attached to the base unit and moveable from a stowed position extending horizontally with respect to the handrail to an operative position extending vertically with respect to the handrail, and a nozzle apparatus attached to the stanchion, wherein the stanchion is off-centered with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the walkway; wherein the walkway is provided with a clearance width of at least 30 cm such that access is provided to and from the free end of the burner boom via the entire burner boom; the deluge system is configured to spray a screen of water between the heat source and the installation and an end of the handrail interposes the deluge system and the free end of the burner boom.

14. A burner boom as claimed in claim 13, wherein the stanchion is arranged to rotate by at least 89 degrees.

15. A burner boom as claimed in claim 14, wherein the stanchion is arranged to rotate by at least 100 degrees.

16. A burner boom as claimed in claim 15, wherein the stanchion is arranged to rotate by at least 270 degrees.

17. A burner boom as claimed in claim 16, wherein the stanchion is arranged to rotate by at least 360 degrees.

18. A burner boom as claimed in claim 13, wherein the stanchion is arranged to rotate in a second plane by at least 170 degrees.

19. A deluge system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the mechanism for moving the stanchion comprises a winch mechanism.

20. A deluge system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the mechanism for moving the stanchion comprises a gear mechanism.

21. A burner boom as claimed in claim 13 wherein the base unit's width perpendicular to the plane defined by the movement of the stanchion, is less than 1 m.

22. A burner boom as claimed in claim 21, wherein said width of the base unit is smaller than 75 cm.

23. A deluge system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the deluge system comprises a filter between the inlet and the outlet to the stanchion and a first flow path is defined for particles too large for said filter and a second flow path is defined for particles small enough for said filter; and wherein a container is provided downstream of the first flow path.

24. A deluge system as claimed in claim 23, wherein there is a further container co-linear with the stanchion.

25. A deluge system as claimed in claim 23, wherein the container(s) comprise a removable portion.

26. A deluge system as claimed in claim 25, wherein the removable portion is removable by way of any one or more of a threaded connection, a snap fit connection, springs, clips and bolt & screw and is reattachable to the rest of the deluge system.

27. A deluge system as claimed in claim 23, wherein the container is at least 20 cm.sup.3 optionally more than 50 cm.sup.3 optionally more than 100 cm.sup.3.

28. A deluge system as claimed in claim 23, wherein the first flow path terminates in or above the container.

29. A deluge system as claimed in claim 23, wherein the filter is a screen comprising at least one aperture therein such that the first flow path is for particles too large for said aperture and the second flow path is for particles small enough for said aperture.

30. A deluge system as claimed in claim 29, wherein the at least one aperture of the screen is linear in shape.

31. A deluge system as claimed in claim 29, wherein the screen is a tubular screen with a passage therein, and said at least one aperture thereon is on a face of the tubular screen.

32. A deluge system as claimed in claim 29, wherein there are at least four apertures in the screen.

33. A deluge system as claimed in claim 13, wherein a moveable member comprises the stanchion, the stanchion having an internal fluid channel and being suitable to attach a nozzle apparatus thereto; and the base unit comprises a connection mechanism, wherein the moveable member is rotationally attached to the connection mechanism at a connection point spaced away from an end of the moveable member.

34. A deluge system as claimed in claim 33, wherein the connection point is spaced away from the end of the moveable member by at least 10% of the moveable member's length, without nozzle apparatus, optionally by at least 20%.

35. A deluge system as claimed in claim 33, wherein the connection point is spaced away from the end of the moveable member by less than 40%.

36. A deluge system as claimed in claim 33, wherein the moveable member has a nozzle end between said connection point and the end suitable for attaching a nozzle apparatus; and a counterweight end, between said connection point and the opposite end of the moveable member; and wherein said counterweight end weighs between 50-300 kg, optionally 100-200 kg.

37. A deluge system as claimed in claim 33, wherein the moveable member has a nozzle end between said connection point and the end suitable for attaching a nozzle apparatus; and a counterweight end, between said connection point and the opposite end of the moveable member; and wherein 20-40% of the combined weight of the moveable member and nozzle apparatus, is at the counterweight end of the moveable member.

38. A method as claimed in claim 33, wherein the connection mechanism is connected to a burner boom.

39. A method as claimed in claim 38, wherein the deluge system is provided outboard of handrail supports of the burner boom.

40. A burner boom as claimed in claim 13, wherein the stanchion is configured to extend parallel to the walkway when the stanchion is in the stowed position.

41. A burner boom as claimed in claim 13, wherein the stanchion is configured to move between an orientation in which the nozzle apparatus faces upwards and a further position in which the nozzle apparatus faces downwards.

42. A burner boom as claimed in claim 13, wherein the stanchion is configured for rotation about perpendicular axes of rotation.

43. A burner boom as claimed in claim 13, wherein the walkway of the burner boom is provided with boom handrails and the deluge system is attached to the burner boom outboard of the boom handrails.

44. A burner boom as claimed in claim 13, wherein the walkway is provided with a clearance width of at least 50 cm along its length.

45. A burner boom as claimed in claim 13, wherein the base unit is repositionably secured to the at least one of the single lateral side and the handrail support of the burner boom.

46. A burner boom as claimed in claim 45, wherein the base unit is repositionably secured by a releasable clamp.

47. A burner boom as claimed in claim 13, wherein the stanchion is moveable from the stowed position to the operative position by rotation about a rotating point of the stanchion, the rotating point being spaced away from an end of the stanchion by at least 5% of the moveable member's length, the end of the stanchion from which the rotating point is spaced being an opposite end of the stanchion to which the nozzle apparatus is attached.

48. A method of providing a deluge system on a burner boom as claimed in claim 1, comprising using a burner boom and deluge system as claimed in claim 13.

Description

(1) Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a deluge system in an operative position on a flare boom in accordance with the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2a is an end view of the FIG. 1 deluge system in an outboard operative position and a flare boom;

(4) FIG. 2b is a top view of the FIG. 2a deluge system in an outboard stowed position and a flare boom;

(5) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the FIG. 2b deluge system in an outboard stowed position and a flare boom;

(6) FIG. 4a is a top view of the FIG. 1 deluge system in an inboard stowed position and a flare boom;

(7) FIG. 4b is an end view of the FIG. 4a deluge system in an inboard operative position and a flare boom;

(8) FIG. 5a is a top view of the FIG. 1 deluge system in a further inboard stowed position and a flare boom;

(9) FIG. 5b is an end view of the FIG. 5a deluge system in the further inboard and operative position and a flare boom;

(10) FIG. 6 is a side view of a lower end of the FIG. 1 deluge system in an operative position and a flare boom;

(11) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 deluge system;

(12) FIGS. 8a, 8b are side views of the FIG. 1 deluge system in a stowed position and a flare boom;

(13) FIGS. 8c-8d are a series of side views of the FIG. 1 deluge system moving into the operative position and a flare boom;

(14) FIG. 9 is a further perspective view of a deluge system in accordance with the present invention; and,

(15) FIG. 10 is a further perspective view of a different embodiment of a deluge system in accordance with the present invention.

(16) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a deluge system in a stowed position on a flare boom in accordance with the present invention;

(17) FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the FIG. 11 deluge system in an operative position;

(18) FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the FIG. 11 deluge system showing the connection mechanism and a connection point;

(19) FIG. 14a is a perspective view of a boom and deluge system in accordance with the present invention;

(20) FIG. 14b is a plan view of the FIG. 14a boom and deluge system;

(21) FIG. 14c is an end view of the FIG. 14a boom and deluge system;

(22) FIG. 14d is a side view of the FIG. 14a boom and deluge system;

(23) FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a boom and another embodiment of the deluge system in accordance with the present invention; in a transit position;

(24) FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the FIG. 15 deluge system in a stowed position, including nozzle apparatus;

(25) FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the FIG. 16 deluge system and nozzle apparatus in further a stowed position;

(26) FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the FIG. 16 deluge system and nozzle apparatus in an operative position;

(27) FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the FIG. 16 deluge system and nozzle apparatus in further a servicing position.

(28) FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a deluge system 10 provided on a boom 12 of an offshore installation (not shown). The deluge system 10 comprises a base unit 30 having a main body 50 connected to a stanchion tube 20 and at the opposite end of the stanchion 20, a nozzle apparatus 22. The deluge system 10 takes water supplied by pumps (not shown) through pipework 14, through the stanchion 20 into the nozzle apparatus 22 to create a screen of water, thus mitigating the heat transfer from a well flaring operation at the end of the boom 12.

(29) The position of the deluge system 10 may be secured to the boom 12 in various positions; but all positions for preferred embodiments leave the boom 12 and its walkway 16 free to walk on for personnel, who may need to run off the boom 12 in the event of an emergency.

(30) A first positional option is shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b where the deluge system 10 is provided outboard of boom handrails 18. The walkway 16 is thus completely clear for access for personnel. FIG. 3 shows the deluge system 10 in this outboard and stowed position. This contrasts sharply with existing systems which are provided over both handrails and so block the use of the walkway.

(31) A second positional option is shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b where the the deluge system 10 is provided inboard of the handrails 18 and clamped to the side thereof. Whilst some space on the boom walkway 16 is taken up by the deluge system 10 there is still sufficient space on the walkway 16 to allow personnel to access the entire boom and escape therefrom in an emergency.

(32) Such a position can be beneficial for installations that have their own booms installed as they tend to be wider than temporarily installed flare booms.

(33) A further positional option for the deluge system 10 is shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b. This position is inboard of the boom handrails 18 but over pipework 15 often present in booms 12, thus making minimal difference to the accessible area of the walkway 16; and so still allowing access for personnel.

(34) As shown in FIG. 6, the deluge system 10 comprises a base unit 30, a winch 40 and a main body 50. The base unit 30 comprises a frame 31 which is clamped to the handrails 18 and their supports 19.

(35) The winch 40 is attached to the base unit 30 and controls a line 42 (not shown in FIG. 6) which extends to the opposite end of the stanchion 20 in order to move the main body 50, stanchion 20 and nozzle apparatus 22 as described in more detail below.

(36) This contrasts with existing systems where the installation's crane needs to raise the system and typically position a 4 flange to another 4 flange while lifting the assembly over the boom and above workers who must guide the assembly down and connect it. This is a very dangerous activity which embodiments of the present invention including the winch avoid or mitigate.

(37) Moreover, given the crane on the installation can only pull towards the installation, any previous deluge system needs to be orientated so that it moves upwards towards the installation. For larger stanchions the resulting operational position is often spaced away from the well flaring by a greater distance than desired. In contrast, the embodiments of the present invention comprising a winch 40 or gearing system described below may be orientated, if required, such that they move upwards away from the installation and so their final operational position allows the water screen operation to be optimally positioned form the well flaring.

(38) To allow for the main body 50 to move, a swivel unit 34 has a moving mechanism comprising (not shown) nylon brushes and washers (alternatively on roller bearings) and optionally a gearing system. Better shown in FIG. 7, the swivel unit 34 is connected to swivel clamps 36 which are attached to the main body 50.

(39) The main body 50 includes containers or debris traps 51, 52. Within the main body is a screen which inhibits debris in the water supply from going up the stanchion 20 towards the nozzle. The debris traps 51, 52 provide a recess for the debris to collect (rather than on the screen).

(40) Some further details are shown in FIG. 7 including a removable winch handle 41, a further pipe support 33.

(41) The series of views from FIGS. 8a to 8e show the deluge system 10 moving from the stowed position (FIG. 8a), the stowed position with the nozzle apparatus 12 attached (FIG. 8b) and approaching the operational position (FIG. 8e). Typically the deluge system 10 is installed onshore in the position shown in FIG. 8a ready for shipping. The nozzle apparatus 22 is installed on location (FIG. 8b) and then the stanchion 20, nozzle apparatus 22 and main body 50 erected into the operational position by the internal winch or gearing with a handle. When the system is the operational position, it is secured and the 4 flexible pipework 14 is attached to the main body 50. The winch also allows convenient stowing of the system when not in use, without requiring specialist personnel and use of the installation's crane. This also removes the dangerous operation of swinging the boom towards the rig in order to allow access for the installation's crane.

(42) FIG. 9 shows a further view of a deluge system in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 10 shows a modified embodiment 110 where a handle 135 is attached to the swivel unit 134. The swivel unit 134 includes a gearing system (not shown) and so an operator can use the handle to erect the stanchion 20 and associated nozzle apparatus.

(43) FIG. 11 shows one embodiment of an alternate deluge system 210 provided in a stowed position on a boom 212 of an offshore platform (not shown). The deluge system 210 comprises a mechanism connection or bracket 230 connected to a moveable member 221. The moveable member 221 comprises a stanchion tube 220, nozzle apparatus 222 and a counterweight 223. A further clamp 232 holds the moveable member in the stowed position and can be released before the stanchion is raised.

(44) As will be described in more detail below, the moveable member 221 moves around a connection point (i.e. a point with the connection bracket 230 where it can rotate or part-rotate around) so that it moves to an operative position, shown in FIG. 12, and is then secured by ropes 227. The deluge system 210 then takes water supplied by pumps (not shown) through pipework 214, hose 217, through the stanchion 220 into the nozzle apparatus 222 to create a screen of water, thus mitigating the heat transfer from a well flaring operation at the end of the boom 212.

(45) This moving operation is much easier because of the position of the connection point (it is not at the end of the moveable member) and the counterweight 223, at the end of the moveable member opposite the nozzle apparatus 222.

(46) An enlarged view of the connection bracket 230 and a counterweight end of the moveable member 221 in an upright position is shown in FIG. 13. The bracket 230 is secured to sides/handrail supports 216 of the boom 212. The moveable member is attached to the bracket at a connection point 231. Thus the moveable member and connection bracket are both outboard of the handrails 216 of the boom 212. This contrasts sharply with existing systems which are provided over both handrails and so block the use of the walkway. Notably a deluge system provided in accordance with this embodiment of the invention, leaves the walkway completely clear for access for personnel, especially in an emergency situation when the walkway needs to be cleared of personnel quickly to escape a dangerous situation.

(47) Weights 225 are attached to the counterweight end for aiding the erection of the stanchion 220. A fluid connector 226 is provided which is connected to a water supply and leads to a fluid passage within the stanchion 220. A debris trap 240 is also provided to collect debris in the water supply. To become operative therefore, the platform's water supply 214 (shown in FIG. 12) is connected to the fluid connector 226 via a hose 217. Note, for certain embodiments, additional weights 225 need not be added and the deluge system can still function and benefit from the counterweight effect of the end of the moveable member (since the connection point is spaced away from the end of the moveable member.)

(48) When moving the moveable member 221 from the stowed position (FIG. 11) to the operative position (FIG. 12) the position of the rotating point 231 and the counterweight allows a very modest force to be applied to move the moveable member, and so position the stanchion 220 in the operative position. Thus for certain embodiments, an platform's cranes or a stand-alone winching system may not be required to move the stanchion 220 and nozzle apparatus 222 to the operative position. Due to the limitations of the platform's winches (e.g. it can only pull towards the platform) the deluge system 210 can be more optimally positioned on the boom 212 than was possible in certain situations for known systems.

(49) A great benefit of embodiments of the invention is that the operation and raising of the stanchion if a deluge apparatus is greatly simplified. Moreover a further benefit is that the operation is safer.

(50) FIGS. 14a-14b are a series of views of the boom 212 with the deluge system attached thereto. As can be seen in particular from the plan (FIG. 14b) and end (FIG. 14c) views, a walkway 219, shown in FIGS. 14c and 14d, are clear for workers and the deluge system 210 does not block access to this walkway. Moreover, as can be seen from FIG. 14d, the deluge system can move from a front to a back storage position, as required.

(51) This can further assist in operation of the deluge system. Ideally the nozzle apparatus 222 is attached on location. This is much easier and less hazardous to do when the nozzle apparatus 222 is facing in the upwards direction. Thus the moveable member 221 can be appropriately positioned in a horizontal position so that the nozzle apparatus 222 can be attached in such a position. It can also be easier to raise the moveable member 221 when the heavy nozzle apparatus 222 is in such an upwardly facing position, as the effective weight at the connection point is less, compared to when the nozzle apparatus 222 is facing downwards.

(52) Moreover, when not in use, it is better to store the nozzle in a downwards position, where it is less likely to become damaged, and also so that it can be positioned below the boom handrail 216. Thus the moveable member can be rotated to be stowed in a position or about 180 degrees to the position where the nozzle was attached.

(53) FIGS. 15 to 19 show an alternative embodiment of deluge system 310 in accordance with one aspect of the invention. It includes a split base unit 330 which can rotate 360 degrees vertically in order to move from the stowed position to an operative position, and 360 degrees horizontally in order to move from a transit position to stowed positions. The stanchion 320 can be any length.

(54) As shown in FIG. 15 the base unit is attached to one handrail support of the boom 312 and shipped in the position shown, with the stanchion 320 and other components over the walkway in order to reduce dropped-object hazards (notably this is not the position in which it should be used.) The nozzle apparatus 322 is normally attached onsite and not shipped assembled.

(55) FIG. 16 shows a stowed position. The stanchion 320 has been swung around horizontally, compared to the FIG. 15 position, so that it extends outboard of the handrails, and the nozzle apparatus 322 attached. An alternative stowed position is shown in FIG. 17, which is also outboard of the handrails, and can be positioned in this way by 180 degree rotation of the stanchion 320 and associated components, from the position shown in FIG. 16. This may be done in either rotational direction. For example if there is anything blocking the overhead route, the stanchion 320 may be rotated 180 degrees such that the nozzle extends downwards relative to the boom 312 and around from the FIG. 16 to the FIG. 17 position.

(56) FIG. 18 shows the deluge system 310 in an operative position, leaving the walkway clear of obstacles. FIG. 19 shows a yet further position of the deluge system, where it has been rotated vertically and horizontally and can take on the shown position which is useful for servicing.

(57) In preferred embodiments, the deluge system is positioned outwith the flare boom walkway on a single handrail or attached to the handrail supports.

(58) An advantage of certain embodiments is that the deluge may have its own mechanism, e.g. a winch or counter weight, for moving the stanchion from the stowed position to the operational position avoiding the risk of being struck by crane operations when it is not in use.

(59) Improvements and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.