Abstract
The invention relates to a subsea deployable installation and workover control system (IWOCS) skid (1) for connection to a subsea component (2), the skid (1) comprising: a wireless communication unit (3) for communication with a wireless communication unit (4) at a topside installation (10); a control system (69) for data storage and/or data filtering and transferring the filtered data to the wireless communication unit (3) and receiving data from the wireless communication unit (3); a self-contained fluid system comprising a fluid supply tank (5, 8), the fluid system being configured to be connected to a fluid connection on the subsea component such as to provide fluid to the subsea component (2); an electric power source (7) for supplying electric power to the communication unit (3) and the control system (69). It is further described a method of performing installation or workover operation(s) on a subsea component using an installation workover control system (IWOCS) skid.
Claims
1. A subsea deployable installation and workover control system (IWOCS) skid for connection to a subsea component, the skid comprising: a first wireless communication unit for communication with a second wireless communication unit at a topside installation, each of the first and second wireless communication units comprising a respective acoustic transponder; a control system configured for data storage and/or data filtering and for transferring the filtered data to the first wireless communication unit and receiving data from the first wireless communication unit; a self-contained fluid system comprising a fluid supply tank, the fluid system being connectable to a fluid connection on the subsea component so as to provide fluid to the subsea component; and an electric power source for supplying electric power to the first wireless communication unit and the control system.
2. (canceled)
3. The skid according to claim 1, further comprising a pump unit for pressurizing fluid fed from the self-contained fluid system.
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. The skid according to claim 1, wherein the control system operates at least partly autonomous.
11. The skid according to any of the preceding claim 1, further comprising an additional communication system.
12. The skid according to claim 11, wherein the skid comprises means for switching functionality between the first wireless communication unit and the additional communication system.
13. The skid according to claim 11, wherein the additional communication system comprises a third wireless communication unit arranged on a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), and wherein the first wireless communication unit on the skid communicates with the third wireless communication unit on the ROV.
14. The skid according to claim 11, wherein the additional communication system is arranged on an ROV which is docked to the skid.
15. The skid according to claim 11, wherein the additional communication system comprises a communication line which is connected between the skid and an ROV.
16. The skid according to claim 11, wherein the additional communication system is a connection to a preinstalled communication line located at the subsea location at or close to the subsea component.
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. A method of performing installation and/or workover operation(s) on a subsea component at a subsea location using an installation workover control system (IWOCS) skid, the skid comprising a first wireless communication unit for communication with a second wireless communication unit at topside installation, each of the first and second wireless communication units comprising a respective acoustic transponder, a control system configured for data storage and/or data filtering and for transferring the filtered data to the first wireless communication unit and receiving data from the first wireless communication unit, a self-contained fluid system comprising a fluid supply tank, the fluid system being connectable to a fluid connection on the subsea component so as to provide fluid to the subsea component, and an electric power source for supplying electric power to the first communication unit and the control system, the method comprising the steps of: deploying the skid to a location subsea; connecting the fluid system to the subsea component; and performing the installation and/or workover operations on the subsea component utilizing the fluid system.
22. (canceled)
23. The method according to claim 21, further comprising: controlling the skid from the topside installation via communication between the acoustic transponder topside of the second wireless communication unit and the acoustic transponder of the first wireless communication unit.
24. The method according to claim 23, further comprising: connecting an additional communication system and/or an additional power supply to the skid.
25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the step of connecting an additional communication system to the skid comprises: deploying an ROV subsea, wherein the ROV comprises a third wireless communication unit; and communicating with the topside installation via the third wireless communication unit on the ROV and the first wireless communication unit on the skid.
26. The method according to claim 24, wherein the step of connecting the additional communication system and/or the additional power supply to the skid comprises: docking an ROV to the skid.
27. The method according to claim 24, wherein the step of connecting the additional communication system and/or the additional power supply to the skid comprises: connecting an electrical line between an ROV and the skid.
28. The method according to claim 24, wherein, after the skid has been deployed and installed at the subsea location, the step of connecting an additional communication system to the skid comprises: connecting the skid to a preinstalled communication and power supply line at a subsea location at or close to the subsea location of the skid.
29. The method according to claim 21, wherein the control system is configured for partly autonomous operation and the method comprises: using the control system, receiving communication signals and in response thereto performing a required action in accordance with pre-programmed algorithms, wherein the required action comprises filtering said detected signals and communicating the filtered signals to the topside installation.
30. (canceled)
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0086] FIG. 1 is an overall view of an umbilical-less XT control, where the communication between an IWOCS skid subsea and topside is via acoustic transponders arranged on the skid and topside, respectively;
[0087] FIGS. 2A-2G are different views on an IWOCS skid according to the invention, where:
[0088] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the skid with outer cover, seen from a first side,
[0089] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the skid with outer cover, seen from a second side opposite to the first side;
[0090] FIG. 2C is a similar view as in FIG. 2A where the outer covers have been removed in order to see the different components the skid may comprise as well as the mutual arrangement of the different components;
[0091] FIG. 2D is a similar view as in FIG. 2B where the outer covers have been removed in order to see the different components the skid may comprise as well as the mutual arrangement of the different components;
[0092] FIG. 2E shows a top part of the outer cover of the skid;
[0093] FIG. 2F is a similar view as in FIG. 2A where the different components of the skid have been removed in order to better illustrate the outer side cover of the skid;
[0094] FIG. 2G is a similar view as in FIG. 2B where the different components of the skid have been removed in order to better illustrate the outer cover of the skid;
[0095] FIGS. 3A-3F show an example of different steps during installation of a horizontal XT;
[0096] FIGS. 4A-4E show an example of different steps during installation of a tubing hanger in a horizontal XT, showing initial steps possible without a rig (i.e. pre-rig) and final steps with a rig;
[0097] FIG. 5 shows an example of monitoring downhole instrumentation and XT and operation of subsea control module of XT using a vessel (i.e. not a rig);
[0098] FIG. 6 shows an example of an additional communication system and additional power supply in the form of an electrical line between an ROV and the skid, e.g. how a battery on a skid may be charged by arranging an electrical line from a floating topside installation to the battery on the skid;
[0099] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of connections between the different equipment on an IWOCS skid with acoustic communication with the topside floating installation;
[0100] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of connections between the different equipment on an IWOCS skid with an electrical cable for communication with the topside floating installation;
[0101] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a possible setup of a topside control system with acoustic communication with the IWOCS skid;
[0102] FIG. 10 shows an example of an additional communication system and/or an additional power supply where a ROV is docked to the skid for wired/cabled communication to the topside installation;
[0103] FIG. 11 shows an example of an additional communication system where a ROV is equipped with a wireless communication unit and the wireless communication unit on the skid communicates with the wireless communication unit on the ROV;
[0104] FIG. 12 shows an example of an additional communication system and/or additional power supply established by connection to a preinstalled communication line and/or power supply line present at the subsea location at or close to the subsea component;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0105] In the following, embodiments of the invention will be discussed in more detail with reference to the appended drawings. It should be understood, however, that the drawings are not intended to limit the invention to the subject-matter depicted in the drawings. Furthermore, even if some of the features are described in relation to the subsea wellhead support system only, it is apparent that they are valid for the related method as well, and vice versa. Hence, any features described in relation to the method only are also valid for the subsea wellhead support system.
[0106] Referring to FIG. 1 it is disclosed an overall view of an umbilical-less XT control, where the communication between an IWOCS skid 1 subsea and a topside installation 10 is via acoustic transponders arranged on a communication unit 3 on the skid 1 and a communication unit 4 at a topside installation 10, respectively. A riser 30 extends from the topside installation 10 with an umbilical 31 clamped thereon. The equipment forming part of the surface installation 10 may comprise: [0107] surface flow tree 32, swivel 33, tension frame 34, gooseneck (tubing hanger mode) 35, HSLV sheave 36′, LS sheave 36′, HSLV umbilical and reel 37′, LS umbilical and reel 37″, Master control systems 38′, 38″ and IWOCS remote control panel 39. In addition, a ROV container 40 is arranged topside, which is connected to a ROV umbilical reel 41 which is connected to a tether management system (TMS) 42 which again is connected to a ROV 43. Appropriate fluid and communication lines are provided between the different equipment, as required.
[0108] The riser 30 is disclosed with typical components such as: [0109] extension joint(s), crossover joint(s), casing joint(s), lubricator valve(s), Landing string accumulator module (LAM) joint, slim line connection landing string umbilical, Landing string Subsea control module (LSCM) (Riser Control Module (RCM), landing string adapter, Lower landing string (LLS) assembly, tubing hanger running tool etc.
[0110] The skid 1 is configured to be connected to a fluid connection on the subsea component 2 such as to provide fluid to the subsea component and/or access to a well 15 in fluid communication with the subsea component 2.
[0111] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the skid 1 with outer cover, including top part cover 20 and side covers 21, seen from a first side. The skid 1 is disclosed having a total of four lifting hooks 14 in top corners for safe and stable installation subsea and retrieval to topside. A wireless communication unit 3 in the form of an acoustic transponder is disclosed in the top cover 21 of the skid 1. The acoustic transponder 3 may communicate with a wireless communication unit 4 in the form of an acoustic transponder at a topside installation 10 (see element 4 in FIG. 1). The skid 1 comprises a self-contained or self-sufficient fluid system comprising a hydraulic fluid supply tank 5. In addition, a hydraulic fluid return tank 6 for storing spent hydraulic fluid is disclosed next to the supply tank 5. The self-contained fluid system is connected to an electric power source 7 which provides electric power to the self-contained fluid system.
[0112] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the skid 1 with outer covers, including top part cover 20 and side covers 21, seen from a second side opposite to the first side of FIG. 2A. In FIG. 2B the setup of low-pressure (LP) pump 13′, high-pressure (HP) pump 13″ and chemical pump 13′″ is illustrated.
[0113] FIG. 2C is a similar view as in FIG. 2A where the outer covers 20, 21 have been removed in order to see the different components the skid 1 may comprise as well as the mutual arrangement of the different components. Comparing FIG. 2C with the components visible in FIG. 2A, one may in addition see two additional electric power sources 7, a tank 8 for storage of chemical injection fluid, an acoustic transponder 9, two subsea electronic modules (SEMs) 11 and valve pack 12. In addition, some communication and fluid lines between the different components are disclosed.
[0114] FIG. 2D is a similar view as in FIG. 2B where the outer covers 20, 21 have been removed in order to see the different components the skid 1 may comprise as well as the mutual arrangement of the different components.
[0115] FIG. 2E shows a top part 20 of the outer cover of the skid 1.
[0116] FIG. 2F is a similar view as in FIG. 2A where the different components of the skid 1 have been removed in order to better illustrate the outer side cover 21 of the skid.
[0117] FIG. 2G is a similar view as in FIG. 2B where the different components of the skid have been removed in order to better illustrate the outer side cover 21 of the skid.
[0118] FIGS. 3A-3F show an example of different steps during installation of a subsea component 2 in the form of a horizontal XT (Xmas tree). Referring to FIG. 3A, a topside installation 10 in the form of a floating rig is disclosed. The XT 2 is run on wireline 22 from the floating rig 10 and down to seabed 23.
[0119] Referring to FIG. 3B, the IWOCS skid 1 is installed on wireline 22 and lowered onto a mudmat 24. In addition, the jumper basket 25 may be installed together with or next to the skid 1 on the mudmat 24. The mudmat 24 is only required if the seabed 23 is uneven and if it is difficult to provide a stable foundation for the skid 1 directly on the seabed 23.
[0120] Referring to FIG. 3C, flying leads 26 are installed between the IWOCS skid 1 and the XT 2 using a ROV 43.
[0121] Referring to FIG. 3D, the ROV 43 has been retrieved to the topside installation 10. An acoustic transponder cable 27 suspended from an acoustic reel 28 and with a communication unit 4 in an end extending into the sea, have been prepared and installed on the topside installation. Other required topside controls such as master control systems 38′, 38″ has also been installed. The wireless communication unit 3 on the skid 1 has been activated (as indicated by the wave-shape) in direction towards the wireless communication unit 4 on the topside installation 10 and wireless/acoustic communication between the wireless communication units 3, 4 is established. A control system 69 with a processing unit for data storage and/or filtering of data and transferring the filtered data to the wireless communication unit 3 and receiving data from the wireless communication unit 3, is also shown as part of the skid 1.
[0122] Referring to FIG. 3E, an optional step of loading a XT subsea control module (XTSCM) configuration file using a ROV 43 is illustrated.
[0123] Referring to FIG. 3F, optional step of FIG. 3E has been performed and the ROV 43 has been retrieved. In FIG. 3F, the functioning of the system is tested. This may include to XT lock Torus connector, manifold hub connector and test XT valves, which are the final pressure test of the connector prior to operation. If the tests are successful, the system is ready for operation.
[0124] FIGS. 4A-4E show an example of different steps during installation of a tubing hanger in a subsea component 2 in the form of a horizontal XT.
[0125] Referring to FIG. 4A, a situation pre rig is shown. The IWOCS skid 1 is installed on wireline 22 and lowered onto a mudmat 24. In addition, the jumper basket 25 may be installed together with or next to the skid 1 on the mudmat 24. The mudmat 24 is only required if the seabed 23 is uneven and if it is difficult to provide a stable foundation for the skid 1 directly on the seabed 23.
[0126] Referring to FIG. 4B, after installing the skid 1 in FIG. 4A, flying leads 26 between the skid 1 and the XT is installed using a ROV 43.
[0127] Referring to FIG. 4C, an optional pre-rig step of loading XT subsea control module (XTSCM) configuration file is shown. An acoustic transponder cable 27 suspended from an acoustic reel 28 and with a wireless communication unit 4 in an end extending into the sea, have been prepared and installed on the topside installation. Other required topside controls such as master control systems 38′, 38″ has also been installed. The wireless communication unit 3 on the skid 1 has been activated (as indicated by the wave-shape) in direction towards the wireless communication unit 4 on the topside installation 10 and wireless/acoustic communication between the wireless communication units 3, 4 is established. A control system 69 with a processing unit for data storage and/or filtering of data and transferring the filtered data to the wireless communication unit 3 and receiving data from the wireless communication unit 3, is also shown as part of the skid 1
[0128] Referring to FIG. 4D, the vessel 10 has been exchanged with a rig 10 in order to install a landing string 29. The installation of the subsea components has been performed in FIGS. 4A-4C. A blowout preventer (BOP) 44 is installed on top of the XT 2 using a landing string 29. An ROV 43 is used for observing the installation of the BOP 44. Once installed, the XT 2 is operated and the XT valves are tested.
[0129] Referring to FIG. 4E, an optional step of hydrate remediation using a hydrate remediation skid 45 deployed from a separate vessel 2 using e.g. a wireline 22 is shown. The hydrate remediation skid 45 is connected to the XT 2 using a ROV 43 via line 46.
[0130] FIG. 5 shows an example of monitoring downhole instrumentation 47 and XT 2 from a vessel 10. The monitoring is by wireless communication units 3,4 in the form of acoustic transponders, where one of the acoustic transponders 3 is arranged on the skid 1 and the other acoustic transponder 4 is arranged at the vessel 10. A control system 69 with a processing unit for data storage and/or filtering of data and transferring the filtered data to the wireless communication unit 3 and receiving data from the wireless communication unit 3, is also shown as part of the skid 1.
[0131] FIG. 6 shows an example of an additional communication system and additional power supply in the form of a communication line or electrical line 49 between an ROV 43 and the skid 1, e.g. how a battery 48 on a skid 1 may be charged by arranging an electrical line 49 from a floating topside installation 10 to the battery 48 on the skid 1. This option may be favorable in situations where the battery has depleted significantly or completely before all required operations have been finished. The communication line or electrical line 49 may also be used as an additional communication system for communicating with the skid 1. This line 49 may be used e.g. if the wireless communication is lost or if a large amount of data shall be transferred either form the skid 1 to the topside installation 10 or from the topside installation 10 to the skid. A control system 69 with a processing unit for data storage and/or filtering of data and transferring the filtered data to the wireless communication unit 3 and receiving data from the wireless communication unit 3, is also shown as part of the skid 1.
[0132] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of connections between the different equipment on an IWOCS skid 1 with acoustic communication with the topside floating installation. The flow chart is thus an example of the relationship between the different components on an IWOCS skid 1.
[0133] A subsea control module (SCM) 51 on the XT 2 is connected to XT com/power canister 52 via a signal cable 53, which signal cable 53 provides the XT 2 with power and signal. The acoustic transponder 9 (i.e. communication unit 3) for communication with an acoustic transponder on the topside installation (not shown) is connected to the XT com/power canister 52. A battery 48 powers the XT com/power canister 52.
[0134] A valve pack 12 is in communication with the XT com/power canister 52 via a communication line 54. The valve pack is further in communication with a low-pressure pump 13′ and a high-pressure pump 13″ via separate lines 56′, 56″, respectively. A battery 48 may power the low-pressure pump 13′ and the high-pressure pump 13″ via a variable frequency drive 55. Power from the battery 48, via the variable frequency drive 55, to the pumps 13′, 13″ are submitted through power lines 57.
[0135] The low-pressure pump 13′ is in communication with the XT 2 via low-pressure supply line 58′. A low-pressure quick dump valve (QDV) 59′ is arranged in the low-pressure supply line 58′. Similarly, the high-pressure pump 13″ is in communication with the XT 2 via high-pressure supply line 58″. A high-pressure quick dump valve (QDV) 59″ is arranged in the high-pressure supply line 58″.
[0136] In addition, hydraulic test and function line(s) 60 may be arranged between low-pressure pump 13′ and/or the high-pressure pump 13″ and the XT 2.
[0137] The valve pack 12 may be in communication with a variety of monitoring devices 50 such as flow meter, pressure transmitter, temperature transmitter, level transmitter etc.
[0138] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of connections between the different equipment on an IWOCS skid with an electrical cable 61 for communication with the topside floating installation. The setup of the components in FIG. 8 is similar to the setup in FIG. 7, except that the acoustic transponder 3,9 and the batteries 48 supplying power to the XT com/XT canister 52 and the low and high-pressure pumps 13′,13″, respectively, have been replaced by an electric cable 61 to the topside installation 10. Electric power and communication signals are thus transmitted via the electric cable 61 to the different components on the skid 1.
[0139] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a possible setup of a control system on the topside installation 10 communicating acoustically with the IWOCS skid 1. Such setup may include a Human Machine Interface (HMI) 64, a computer protocol (e.g. Ethernet/OPC) 63, router board 65, a converter 66, acoustic transponder 4,9 communicating with acoustic transponder 3 on the skid (not shown), PC 67 (e.g. innova PC with output and service and diagnostic input). The setup further comprises a ROV multiplexer 68 connected to the ROV 43.
[0140] FIG. 10 shows an example of an additional communication system and/or additional power supply where a ROV 43 is docked to the skid 1 for wired/cabled communication to the topside installation 10. This solution utilizes the communication/power cable already present between the ROV 43 and the topside installation 10 as the ROV 43 is always wired/cabled to a topside installation 10. The cable enables the possibility of high-bandwidth communication as well as possibility of charging of the power source (battery) on the skid 1 and/or power boosting the skid 1. This may be advantageous as stored filtered data in the control system may be transferred via high bandwidth to the topside installation through the ROV cable(s).
[0141] FIG. 11 shows an example of an additional communication system where a ROV 43 is equipped with a wireless communication unit 70 and the wireless communication unit 3 on the skid 1 communicates with the wireless communication unit 70 on the ROV 43. Shorter wireless distance, i.e. wireless communication between the wireless communication unit 3 on the skid 1 and a wireless communication unit 70 on the ROV 43 instead of between skid 1 and topside installation 10, renders possible higher bandwidth. This solution utilizes the communication cable already present between the ROV 43 and the topside installation 10 as the ROV 43 is always wired/cabled to a topside installation 10. The control system 69 is similar to the one described above in relation to e.g. FIG. 4C.
[0142] FIG. 12 shows an example of an additional communication system and/or additional power supply established by connection to a preinstalled communication line and/or power supply line 71 present at the subsea location at or close to the subsea component 2. In this solution, infrastructure already present at the subsea location is used for providing the additional communication system and/or power supply. An example of already present infrastructure can be e.g. a floating platform 10 connected to a X-mas tree 2 subsea where the skid 1 is connected to cables or wires subsea. As shown in the example on FIG. 12, stored filtered data in the control system 69 may be transferred via high bandwidth to the topside installation 10 through the already present cable(s) 71 or large amounts of data can be transferred from the topside installation 10 to the control system 69 on the skid 1.
[0143] The invention is now explained with reference to non-limiting embodiments. However, a skilled person will understand that there may be made alternations and modifications to the embodiment that are within the scope of the invention as defined in the attached claims.
LIST OF REFERENCES
[0144]
TABLE-US-00001 1 installation and workover control system (IWOCS) skid 2 Subsea component 3 Wireless communication unit IWOCS 4 Wireless communication unit topside installation 5 Hydraulic fluid supply tank 6 Hydraulic fluid return tank 7 Electric power source 8 Chemical storage/ chemical injection fluid 9 Acoustic transponder 10 Topside installation 11 Subsea electronic module (SEM) 12 Valve pack 13′ Low-pressure (LP) pump 13″ High-pressure (HP) pump 13″ Chemical pump 14 Lifting hooks 15 Well 20 Top part of the outer cover of skid 21 Outer side cover of the skid 22 wireline 23 seabed 24 mudmat 25 Jumper basket 26 Flying leads 27 Acoustic transponder cable 28 Acoustic reel 29 Landing string 30 riser 31 umbilical 32 Surface flow tree 33 swivel 34 Tension frame 35 gooseneck (tubing hanger mode) 36′ HSLV sheave 36″ LS sheave 37′ HSLV umbilical and reel 37″ LS umbilical and reel 38′, 38″ Master control systems 39 IWOCS remote control panel 40 ROV container 41 Umbilical reel 42 Tether management system (TMS) 43 Remotely operated vehicle, ROV 44 Blowout preventer (BOP) 45 Hydrate remediation skid 46 Line 47 Downhole instrumentation 48 Battery 49 Electrical line/ Communication line 50 Monitoring devices 51 Subsea Control Module (SCM) 52 XT com / power canister 53 Signal cable 54 Communication line 55 Variable frequency drive 56′, 56″ Lines to pump 57 Power lines 58′ low-pressure supply line 58″ high-pressure supply line 59′ Low-pressure Quick dump valve 59″ High-pressure Quick dump valve 60 Hydraulic test and function line(s) 61 Electric cable to topside installation 62 ROV multiplexer 63 Ethernet/OPC 64 Human Machine Interface (HMI) 65 router board 66 converter 67 PC 68 ROV multiplexer 69 Control system on skid 70 Wireless communication unit on ROV 71 Connection line to preinstalled communication line and or power supply line
