SUBSEA DEVICE AND METHOD FOR INSTALLING A SEAL

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a subsea device for installing a seal and a corresponding method. More precisely, the seal referred to in an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an elastomeric seal temporarily installed, until a definitive repair is possible to solve the leak of fluids, such as oil, identified, for example, in large-sized vessel structures.

Claims

1. A subsea device for installing a seal, and to be operated by a remotely operable equipment, the subsea device comprising: a chassis structure comprising a handle, whereby the remotely operable equipment handles the subsea device; two magnets arranged in parallel on the chassis structure; a sealing element positioned in the subsea device together with a plate, wherein a movement of the plate is caused by the rotation of a spindle through torque by the remotely operable equipment, the movement causing the positioning of the sealing element on an identified damage to the hull of the vessel.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the remotely operable equipment comprises a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).

3. The device according to claim 2, further comprising: two rods adapted for the ROV and for activating the magnetization and demagnetization of the magnets.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the plate is arranged in a central region of the subsea device and is positioned opposite a threading portion plate.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the threading portion plate comprises four parallel sticks, distributed two in its upper region and two in its lower region, and wherein the four parallel sticks prevent the plate from rotating in the operation of the torque executed by the remotely operated device.

6. The device according to claim 1, further comprising, in a central region: (1) two first structural elements, in the shape of a C mirrored and arranged parallel to each other, and located between the plate and the threading portion plate; (2) a torque tool reaction stop arranged on the threading portion plate; (3) a second central structural element, positioned between two structural elements, and supporting the plate on the spindle structure; (4) a fixing plate of the sealing and support element of a first bearing; and (5) a second bearing in which the spindle rotates.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the chassis structure comprises a U-shaped metallic structure, and wherein each of the tips of the two ends of said U (larger U) opens into a new smaller U, for fixing the magnets.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the magnets are supported by screws attached to the chassis structure, by the addition of a plate also fixed by screws.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the chassis structure further comprises an eyelet.

10. The device according to claim 5, wherein the sealing element comprises vinyl acetate material (EVA), or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or rubbers of varying hardness, having measurements close enough to the measurements of the plate, fitting firmly into the plate with the four parallel sticks.

11. The device according to claim 8, wherein a glue is applied between the plate and the sealing element.

12. A method for installing a seal in a subsea environment, through a subsea device for installing a seal, according to claim 1, the method including at least the steps of: a) locating a point of damage; b) installing an auxiliary magnetic base; c) defining and preparing the location to receive the sealing device; d) positioning of the sealing device, and e) applying torque.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the origin of the identified leak is defined.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the positioning of a magnetic base occurs, whereby the remotely operated device is capable of docking and maintaining its stability.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein the cleaning of any scales and marine life present in the place to receive the seal is carried out.

16. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: (1) centralizing the device over the damage, wherein the device is positioned with one of the rods adapted for a remote operated vehicle (ROV) activated and the other of the rods non-activated; (2) rotating the device to achieve the centralization; and (3) activating the rod adapted for the ROV.

17. The method according to claim 12, wherein a glue is applied to the sealing element prior to centering the device over the damage.

18. The method according to claim 12, wherein a torque wrench is connected to a 10.0 m hydraulic jumper when executing the torque.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0016] FIG. 1 is a graphic representation, in perspective, of the subsea device for installing a seal of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a graphic representation, in bottom view, of the subsea device for installing a seal of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a graphic representation, in a second perspective of the subsea device for installing a seal of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a graphic representation, in front view, of the subsea device for installing a seal of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a graphic representation, with a section, in detail, of the central region of the device of the disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a graphic illustration of the off demagnetized condition of the magnets of the device of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a graphic illustration of the on magnetized condition of the magnets of the device of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a graphic representation of an ROV handling the device of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0024] The present disclosure relates to a subsea device for installing a seal on a vessel. More precisely, the seal referred to in the present disclosure is, preferably, an elastomeric seal temporarily installed, until a definitive repair is possible to solve a fluid leak, such as oil, identified in the structures of large-sized vessels.

[0025] Before beginning the description of each of the elements that make up the present disclosure, it is worth noting that the device now described is capable of temporarily solving leaks in FPSOs, FSOs, subsea structures, shuttle ships or any device or equipment that stores or has a flow of oil or other fluid. Furthermore, the device of the disclosure can be used in any vessel, conduit, pipe or structure that has sufficient area for sealing, preferably of medium or large size, and that is composed of a material to which a magnet can be magnetically attached. Consequently, the ideal measurements for manufacturing the device of the present disclosure may vary, depending on what is necessary to meet a given seal. Regarding this possibility of variation, a technician skilled on the subject is perfectly capable of observing that the technical principles disclosed in the present disclosure remain. Furthermore, in an additionally embodiment of the disclosure, modifications can be made, for example, in the plate 10 and in the magnets 6 and 7 described in detail below, in order to take into account damage to regions of curvature or shapes other than rectangular.

[0026] The subsea device for installing seals on vessels of the present disclosure is specially designed to act remotely. As mentioned in the sections above, it is an objective of the present disclosure to enable emergency temporary sealing operations on hull of the vessels to be carried out without the need for a diver in loco. To this end, in the present disclosure, what is proposed is that the remote operation of the proposed device is controlled via, preferably, an ROV. FIG. 8, in fact, contributes to the graphic representation of an ROV handling the device of the disclosure.

[0027] In this sense, to be used to control the subsea device for installing a seal on a vessel of the present disclosure, an ROV must be capable of operating in shallow and deep waters and, at least, be light work class, with 2 manipulators.

[0028] However, depending on the operation, the device of the disclosure can also be installed via crawler, as long as it has a manipulator and load capacity to move with the device. If a crawler is used, it is possible to use the crawler's own attachment to the ship for docking.

[0029] Now, referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, more precisely, it must be understood that the device of the disclosure comprises, at least: [0030] a chassis 1, which is the base of the device where all component elements are interconnected; [0031] a handle 3, which is connected to the chassis 1, being the means by which the ROV holds the device; [0032] two magnets 6 and 7, arranged at opposite ends of chassis 1; [0033] two rods adapted for ROV 8 and 9, which make it possible to magnetize and demagnetize the magnets; [0034] a plate 10 that supports a sealing element 2 and serves as a support for a spindle 5; [0035] the sealing element 2, which is available in the device together with the plate 10; [0036] spindle 5, which, when torqued by the ROV, promotes the movement of plate 10 in order to make the sealing element 5 find the damage to the hull of the ship.

[0037] In more detail, with reference to FIG. 4, it should be noted that the chassis 1, as the base of the device, promotes the integration of all component elements. Basically, the chassis 1 comprises a U-shaped metallic structure. Each of the tips of the two ends of said U (larger U) opens into a new U (smaller U), so that magnets 6 and 7 are supported in these two points. Therefore, it is notable that magnets 6 and 7 assume a parallel positioning.

[0038] Even more specifically, based on FIG. 3, it is noted that, in order to attach each of the magnets to each of the smaller U-shaped ends that make up the larger U corresponding to chassis 1, fixing means, for example, of the screw type, are used. Said screws can, for example, pass through the end structures of the smaller U and the magnets 6 and 7, on each side, correspondingly. Furthermore, preferably, a plate fixed by screws to the body of the magnets 6 and 7 can also be fixed by screws to each of a smaller U, reinforcing the fixed positioning of the magnets.

[0039] In addition, said smaller U ends of the larger U corresponding to the chassis 1 have a height greater than the height of the body of the larger U itself, such as walls. In practice, the height of these ends of the smaller U responsible for fixing the magnets 6 and 7 must be close to the heights of each of the magnets 6 and 7. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate this definition well.

[0040] Additionally, the handle 3 comprises an eyelet 4 arranged along its body to assist in launching operations, when necessary.

[0041] With respect to the magnets 6 and 7, it should be noted that these magnets must have an actuation device to activate (on) and deactivate (off) the magnetization for installation purposes in the workplace. The specification of the magnets' lifting capacity may vary according to operating conditions, and is technically defined by a technician skilled on the subject. In addition, to magnetically achieve the fixation of the device in the location of the hull of the vessel under maintenance, the magnetic face of the magnets must be mounted facing the ship structure.

[0042] The two rods adapted for ROV 8 and 9, which make it possible to magnetize and demagnetize the magnets, have the demagnetization and magnetization positions illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively. Precisely, the rotational movement of said rods causes magnetic switching, blocking/unlocking, through a redirection of the magnetic field.

[0043] It is worth to note that the sealing element 2 is preferably made from a vinyl acetate (EVA) material, or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or rubbers of varying hardness, among others.

[0044] Still regarding the sealing element 2, it should be noted that its measurements must be close enough to the measurements of the plate 10, such that it is possible to keep such a sealing element secured by firmly fitting the plate 10. Notwithstanding, to additionally contribute to fixing the sealing element 2 in the hole under maintenance, the use of a commercially available glue is envisaged, such as the commercial product Turbolit?, or a marine epoxy resin, for example.

[0045] The plate 10 is arranged in a central region of the device of the disclosure. Observing FIG. 5, which is an illustrative sectional view of this central portion, it is observed that the plate 10 is moved guided by some peripheral elements. More precisely, the plate 10 is disposed oppositely to a fixed threading portion plate 11. On said threading portion plate 11, four parallel sticks 14 are arranged and fixed, distributed two in an upper region, and two in a lower region of the same threading portion plate 11. The four parallel sticks 14 prevent the rotation of the central portion, especially the plate 10, in the operation of the torque itself, executed by the ROV.

[0046] Additionally, as auxiliary structural elements for the connections of the central region of the device, there are two first structural elements 15, fixed, in the shape of a C that are mirrored and arranged parallel to each other, located between the plate 10 and the threading portion plate 11. The function of the structural elements 15 is to keep the central parts joined to each other and to the chassis 1.

[0047] With regard to the torque itself, a torque tool reaction stop 13 is arranged, fixed, on the threading portion plate 11.

[0048] In addition to the structural elements 15, a second central structural element 19, movable, between two fixed structural elements 20, is arranged in the central region. The structural elements 19 and 20 assist in positioning the plate 10, which moves, to the spindle structure 5, which is responsible for the movement. Additionally, contributing to this movement, a fixing plate of the sealing and support element of the bearing 16 is provided.

[0049] In this sense, with regard to movement, a bearing 17 is envisaged as the portion of the device in which the spindle 5 rotates and pushes the central assembly.

[0050] In practice, it is observed that with the rotation caused by the ROV, the elements: plate 10, structural element 19, fixing plate of the sealing and support element of the bearing 16, sealing element 2 and the bearing 17 move, while the other elements in this central region are kept fixed.

[0051] It is important to highlight that this central structure around plate 10 is described in terms of a preferred embodiment. However, modifications can be made to the elements, which still achieve the same objective, which is to secure a sealing element to a base, and be able to direct this element, moving it in the direction of finding the damage to be repaired. The movement must be performed on a device whose structure is firmly secured by an ROV, which can provide the necessary input for such a movement to occur. In summary, this is the requirement that a central structure of the device must meet to be suitable for the disclosure.

[0052] Spindle 5 is, in practice, the means by which the ROV implements the temporary seal. Once said spindle 5 is torqued, a movement begins in the device of the disclosure, causing the sealing element to come against the hull of the vessel under maintenance and, more than that, to be pressed until sealing of the leak flow is identified. Auxiliary tools available on ROVs can help identify when the leak has stopped. In this way, by using the magnets 6 and 7, the sealing device remains firmly installed on the vessel damage, temporarily, until it is possible to carry out a complete definitive repair operation, or the descent of a diver, for example.

[0053] Additionally, the object of the present disclosure is also a method for installing a seal on a vessel in a subsea environment, using the device now disclosed. By using the method of the present disclosure, it becomes possible to close a leak from a damage identified to the hull of a vessel, remotely, via an ROV. The seal proposed by the method of the present disclosure has a temporary nature, that is, the leak is ended so that a diver can descend or until definitive repair of the vessel is possible.

[0054] To this end, the method that is object of the present disclosure comprises, at least, the steps of: [0055] a) Location of the point of damage; [0056] b) Installation of an auxiliary magnetic base; [0057] c) Definition and preparation of the location to receive the sealing device; [0058] d) Positioning of the sealing device, and [0059] e) Torque.

[0060] More specifically, in step a) of locating the point of damage, the origin of the identified leak must be defined.

[0061] Next, in step b) of installation of an auxiliary magnetic base, a magnetic base is positioned that will be used for the ROV to dock and maintain its stability for the next steps.

[0062] In step c) of definition and preparation of the location to receive the sealing device, it must be understood that, in order to guarantee an adequate fixation of the device of the disclosure, the location of the vessel must be clean, free from scales and of marine life. Therefore, if any cleaning in this regard is required, it must be carried out at this step.

[0063] In turn, in step d) of positioning the sealing device, some substeps are envisaged, all interconnected and involved. Precisely: [0064] (i) The device must be centered over the damage. However, depending on the operation in question, as mentioned previously, a glue can be applied to the sealing element 2 to maximize sealing, with this application occurring before centering the device over the damage; [0065] (ii) The device must be positioned with one magnet magnetized, and the other magnet demagnetized. Precisely, one of the rods adapted for ROV 8 and 9 must be activated, while the other is not activated. Which side will be activated or not will depend on local operating conditions and the ROV operator; [0066] (iii) If adjustments are necessary to ensure that the device is centrally arranged in relation to the damage, clockwise and counterclockwise rotation movements can be made. As there is pre-attachment of the device to the vessel, described in adjustment substep ii above, this possibility is envisaged in the disclosure; [0067] (iv) Once the centralization of the device in relation to the damage is recognized, the second rod, of the rods adapted for ROV 8 and 9, which was previously in the demagnetization position, must be activated to the magnetization position.

[0068] In step e), the device is finally torqued via the ROV. In the preferred embodiment of the disclosure, the torque wrench shall be connected to a 10.0 m hydraulic jumper. With this configuration, the ROV can work uncoupled, that is, it places the torque wrench in the operating location and does not need to have its arm touching the torque wrench to operate the same.

[0069] With the device torqued and no further leaks identified, the torque equipment is removed.

[0070] The present disclosure is defined here in terms of its preferred embodiment. However, for a technician skilled on the subject, it is perfectly notable that modifications can be made while still being encompassed by the same scope as now disclosed and claimed.