SUBSEA STORAGE OF A WATER MISCIBLE STORAGE FLUID

Abstract

The present invention relates to a subsea storage system for storing a water miscible storage fluid and methods related thereto.

Claims

1. A subsea storage system comprising a subsea storage unit storing a water miscible storage fluid, wherein the subsea storage unit comprises a wall defining an inner storage volume for storing fluids, wherein the inner storage volume comprises a top side facing the sea surface, a vertical side and a bottom side facing the seafloor, and wherein the inner storage volume comprises a barrier fluid as a layer between the storage fluid and seawater extending the entire horizontal cross section of the inner storage volume for separating the storage fluid from the seawater, the barrier fluid being immiscible with both the storage fluid and seawater, and an upper section that extends down from the top side to the barrier fluid within the inner storage volume, and a lower section that extends up from the bottom side to the barrier fluid within the inner storage volume, wherein the upper section comprises at least one upper section opening for fluid connection from the inner storage volume for loading and unloading the subsea storage unit with fluid, and the lower section comprises at least one lower section opening for fluid connection from the inner storage volume to the ambient sea, wherein the stored storage fluid is comprised above the barrier fluid within the inner storage volume, and seawater within the inner storage volume is comprised below the barrier fluid, and wherein the inner storage volume is pressure equalized by fluid connection to the ambient sea wherein the subsea storage system further comprises a monitoring system comprising a data processor for analyzing data, and at least one sensor located adjacent to or within the subsea storage unit for detecting characteristics of at least one of a fluid, fluid layer and fluid interphase within the subsea storage unit.

2. The subsea storage system according to claim 1, wherein the barrier fluid has a thickness of at least 1%, or a thickness between 2%, 5-25%, 7%, 10-17% or 12-15% of the maximum vertical extent of the inner storage volume.

3. The subsea storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage fluid is liquid ammonia.

4. The subsea storage system according to claim 3, wherein the sensor is a pH-sensor detecting the pH of at least one of the fluids within the storage unit.

5. The subsea storage system according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring system comprises a plurality of sensors displaced vertically adjacent to a vertical side for detecting characteristics of at least one of the fluid(s), fluid layer(s) and fluid interphase(s) at different vertical levels within the subsea storage unit independently.

6. The subsea storage system according to claim 1, wherein the subsea storage unit comprises an outer wall disposed adjacent to the wall for providing a two-walled subsea storage unit, and wherein the subsea storage unit comprises an annulus between the outer wall and the wall, wherein the annulus comprises an annulus fluid, wherein the sensor of the monitoring system comprises a detector for detecting characteristics of the annulus fluid.

7. The subsea storage system according to claim 1, wherein the subsea storage unit comprises at least one or more fluid deflectors and/or fluid distributors located in the proximity of the upper section opening and/or the bottom section opening for preventing disruption of the barrier fluid by flow of liquid to or from a lower section opening or an upper section opening.

8. The subsea storage system according to claim 1, wherein the wall comprises an anti-stick surface facing the inner storage volume, wherein the surface has a low wettability for at least one, preferably more than one, of the fluids within the inner storage volume.

9. The subsea storage system according to claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a fluid conduit fluidly connected to the upper or lower section opening, wherein the fluid conduit is fluidly connectable to a surface installation for evacuating and/or adding fluids.

10. The subsea storage system according to claim 1, wherein the subsea storage unit comprises at least one maintenance opening for fluid connection from the inner storage volume to the outside of the subsea storage unit, wherein the at least one maintenance opening is located at a distance that is 10-90% of the vertical extent of the inner storage volume below the top side, wherein the at least one maintenance opening is suitable for evacuating and/or adding fluids.

11. The subsea storage system according to claim 10, wherein the subsea storage unit comprises at least one maintenance fluid conduit for fluid connection from the inner storage volume to outside of the subsea storage unit, wherein the at least one maintenance fluid conduit extends within the inner storage volume from the inner storage volume top side to a maintenance fluid conduit end distal from the wall, and wherein the maintenance fluid conduit end comprises the respective at least one maintenance opening.

12. The subsea storage system according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring system comprises at least two sensors located adjacent to opposite vertical sides for detecting characteristics of fluids, fluid layers and/or fluid interphases within the inner storage volume.

13. The subsea storage system according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring system comprises a plurality of sensors displaced vertically adjacent to a vertical side, for detecting characteristics of at least one of the fluids, fluid layers and fluid interphase within the subsea storage unit located at different vertical levels within the inner storage volume independently.

14. The subsea storage system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor of the monitoring system comprises an acoustic reflector located within the inner storage volume for reflecting an acoustic signal, and an acoustic transceiver adjacent to a vertical side for transmitting and receiving the acoustic signal, and wherein the storage system further comprises at least one transmitter for transmitting data from the at least one acoustic transceiver to the monitoring system, for measuring time of flight for the acoustic signal through a fluid within the inner storage volume, wherein the acoustic signal is reflected from the acoustic reflector for detecting characteristics of at least one of a fluid, fluid layer and fluid interphase within the subsea storage unit.

15. The subsea storage system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor of the monitoring system comprises a cesium source for emitting gamma rays horizontally through a layer of fluid within the inner storage volume and a gamma ray receiver for detecting gamma rays located adjacent to the vertical side or within the inner storage volume, and wherein the storage system further comprises a transmitter for transmitting data from the gamma ray receiver to the monitoring system for detecting characteristics of at least one of a fluid(s), fluid layer(s) and fluid interphase(s) within the subsea storage unit.

16. The subsea storage system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor of the monitoring system comprises an inductive sensor located adjacent to the vertical side or within the inner storage volume, and the storage system further comprises a transmitter for transmitting data from the inductive sensor to the monitoring system, for detecting characteristics of at least one of a fluid(s), fluid layer(s) and fluid interphase(s) within the subsea storage unit.

17. The subsea storage system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor of the monitoring system comprises a capacitive sensor located adjacent to the vertical side, and the subsea storage system further comprises a transmitter for transmitting data from the capacitive sensor to the monitoring system, for detecting characteristics of at least one of a fluid(s), fluid layer(s) and fluid interphase(s) within the subsea storage unit.

18. A subsea storage system according to claim 9, wherein the fluid conduit comprises the sensor being a flow meter for measuring and collecting data of fluid flowrate, and a transmitter for transmitting data from the flow meter to the monitoring system, and a remote controlled valve comprising a receiver connected to the monitoring system, the remote controlled valve configured for receiving a signal from said monitoring system and for adaptively controlling the flowrate of the storage fluid into the inner storage volume.

19. The subsea storage system according to claim 1, wherein the subsea storage system further comprises; a fluid conduit fluidly connected to the at least one maintenance opening, wherein the fluid conduit is fluidly connected to the surface installation and wherein the fluid conduit comprises at least one flow meter for measuring and collecting data of fluid flowrate, and at least one transmitter for transmitting data from the at least one flow meter to the monitoring system, and a remote controlled valve comprising a receiver connected to the monitoring system, the remote controlled valve configured for receiving a signal from said monitoring system and for adaptively controlling the flowrate of fluid into or out of the inner storage volume.

20. A method for maintenance of the subsea storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of A. using the monitoring system for collecting data and determining the the volumes of fluids, flowrates of fluids, the vertical levels of fluid interphases, and/or the fraction of emulsified barrier fluid with seawater relative to total amount of barrier fluid.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: B. using the monitoring system to identify a barrier fluid and/or emulsified barrier fluid in need of maintenance, C. evacuating barrier fluid and/or emulsified barrier fluid from the inner storage volume via the lower section opening or the upper section opening, and D. adding fresh barrier fluid to the inner storage volume via the lower section opening or the upper section opening from a surface installation.

22. The method according to claim 20 for maintenance of the subsea storage system, wherein the method further comprises the steps of E. using the monitoring system to identify a barrier fluid and/or an emulsified barrier fluid in need of maintenance, F. adjusting the level of said barrier fluid and/or emulsified barrier fluid for vertical alignment with the at least one maintenance opening by introducing seawater or storage fluid into the inner storage volume, G. evacuating a predetermined volume of said barrier fluid and/or emulsified barrier fluid from the inner storage volume via the at least one maintenance opening to a surface installation, H. adding a predetermined volume of fresh barrier fluid via the at least one maintenance opening from a surface installation.

23. The method according to claim 20, wherein the method further comprises the steps of I. analyzing the data collected by the monitoring system in step A by using the data processor for verifying that the barrier fluid layer is extending across the entire cross section of the inner storage volume, J. using the monitoring system for transmitting a signal to a fluid conduit valve for automatically adapting flowrates for filling and emptying storage fluid for securing that the barrier fluid layer extends across the entire cross section of the inner storage volume during filling or emptying of storage fluid.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0091] FIG. 1: Shows a schematic view of a subsea storage unit with a barrier fluid between storage fluid in an upper storage section, seawater in an lower storage section and an emulsified layer of barrier fluid and seawater. The subsea storage unit is shown with fluid conduits connected to the openings and connected to a single fluid conduit that extends to a surface installation.

[0092] FIG. 2: Shows a schematic view of a subsea storage unit with fluid conduits connected to the openings and extending to a surface installation.

[0093] FIG. 3: Shows a schematic view of a subsea storage unit with a vertical stack of cesium 137 gamma-ray emitters and corresponding gamma-ray receivers which are connected to a data processor and a second sensor at the opposite side of the subsea storage unit also connected to the data processor. Remote controlled valves for controlling flow through conduits are also shown connected to the data processor.

[0094] FIG. 4: Shows a schematic view of the subsea storage unit with acoustic transceivers and an acoustic reflector plate. The acoustic transceivers are connected to the data processor.

[0095] FIG. 5: Shows a schematic view of the subsea storage unit with inductive sensors connected to the data processor.

[0096] FIG. 6: Shows a schematic view of the subsea storage unit with capacitive sensors connected to the data processor.

[0097] FIG. 7a: Shows a schematic view of the subsea storage unit with components and references to different components distance from the top end of the subsea storage unit, i.e. a low volume of storage fluid, where the barrier fluid and emulsified barrier fluid is near the top end and shown with an uneven surface.

[0098] FIG. 7b: Shows a view of the subsea storage unit where the barrier fluid and emulsified barrier fluid is near the bottom of the subsea storage unit, i.e. there is a large volume of storage fluid in the subsea storage unit and wherein the barrier fluid and emulsified barrier fluid is aligned with a maintenance opening.

[0099] FIG. 8a: Shows the subsea storage unit with fresh barrier fluid.

[0100] FIG. 8b: Shows the subsea storage unit with a thick emulsified barrier fluid layer aligned with a maintenance opening ready for being evacuated from the inner storage volume.

[0101] FIG. 9: Shows the subsea storage unit with a fluid deflector at the lower section opening and a protective cap on the lower section opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0102] In the following, specific embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments and illustrations contained herein. It is specifically intended that the invention includes modified forms of the embodiments, including portions of the embodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments. It should be appreciated that in the development of any actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system and/or business related constraints. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication and manufacture for the skilled person having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0103] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a subsea storage system 100 comprising surface installation 160 and a subsea storage unit 110 comprising a barrier fluid 130 according to the invention. The barrier fluid 130 is for separating storage fluid 123 and seawater within an inner storage volume 113.

[0104] The storage fluid 123 is typically an energy containing fluid suitable for use as fuel, for example liquid ammonia.

[0105] The surface installation 160 may be floating at the sea surface, for example a ship, and comprises a tank for storage fluid 163, a tank for fresh barrier fluid 162, a tank for used barrier fluid 164 and a tank for annulus fluid 165. The tanks 162, 163, 164, and 165 are fluidly connected via fluid conduits comprising respective valves 168f, 168g, 168h, 168e for controlling the flow of fluids, to a fluid conduit 120e which extends down to the subsea storage unit 110. Between the valves 168f, 168g, 168h, 168e and the fluid conduit 120e a pump 161 is set up for pumping fluids. Between the pump 161 and the fluid conduit 120e a valve 168d is placed in order to control flow from the fluid conduit 120e into the 161. The skilled person will acknowledge that pumps may also be installed subsea on one or more of fluid conduits 120a, 120b, 120c and 120d for pumping fluids.

[0106] It is also envisaged other variants of surface installations 160 that could use storage fluid 123 provided from the subsea storage unit 110 or provide storage fluid 123 to the subsea storage unit 110. Examples include land-based installations for example located at a quay or a platform installation located at sea.

[0107] The surface installation 160 may be provided with a fluid conduit fluidly connected to the subsea storage unit 110 for transfer of storage fluid 123.

[0108] The subsea storage unit 110 may be fed storage fluid 123 from a surface installation 160 by means of a riser. If the storage fluid is liquid ammonia (NH.sub.3), the base case is to pressurize cryogenic NH.sub.3 liquid from the surface installation 160 and heat it to 0 degrees C. by means of a heat exchanger, preferably taking thermal power from the tankers' turbine/engine exhaust, before transferring the NH.sub.3 subsea.

[0109] When pumps are installed subsea there may be need for a pump 161 bypass conduit 166 with a valve 168c which provides means for bypassing fluids around the pump 161 to the fluid conduit 120e. A fluid conduit coupling 167 is located between the valves 168c, 168d and the fluid conduit 120e which allows the surface installation 160 to disconnect from the fluid conduit 120e.

[0110] A fluid conduit for external connection 169 allows for connection to a second surface installation (not shown) for example for loading of storage fluid 123. A valve 168b, a fluid conduit coupling 167 and a valve 168a are located between the fluid conduit for external connection 169 and the fluid conduit 120e. Such an arrangement for external connection allows a second surface installation the flexibility to connect, load or unload storage fluid 123 and disconnect.

[0111] All valves 168a-168h may be manual or automatic, for example configured to operate via a data signal for example from a data processor 155 (not shown).

[0112] The fluid conduit 120e is shown comprising a flow meter 128a located subsea adjacent to the subsea storage unit 110. The flow meter 128 allows for control of the volume of fluid that passes through the fluid conduit 120e per time unit.

[0113] The subsea storage unit 110 comprises a wall 112 defining an inner storage volume 113. The inner storage volume 113 comprises a top side 114b, a vertical side 114c and a bottom side 114a. The subsea storage unit 110 further comprises an outer wall 111. This provides the subsea storage unit 110 with a double wall with an annulus 140 between the wall 112 and the outer wall 111. The annulus 140 is filled with an annulus fluid.

[0114] The inner storage volume 113 is suitable for storing a storage fluid 123. The storage fluid 123 is separated from seawater by a layer of barrier fluid 130. The inner storage volume 113 comprises a lower section 116 which extends from the bottom side 114a up to the barrier fluid 130 and an upper section 117 which extends down from the top side 114b to the barrier fluid 130. The upper section 117 comprises an upper section opening 119 that is for loading and unloading the inner storage volume 113 for example with storage fluid 123. To make loading and unloading the inner storage volume 113 possible it must be pressure compensated. This is obtained by providing the inner storage volume 113 with a lower section opening 118 which makes the inner storage volume 113 fluidly connected to the ambient sea.

[0115] When storage fluid 123 is added to the upper section 117, seawater is pushed out of the lower section opening 118 and as the volume of storage fluid 123 within the inner storage volume 113 increases, the layer of barrier fluid 130 is pushed down towards the inner storage volume bottom side 114a. The barrier fluid constantly extends horizontally across the entire inner storage volume 113 in order to separate the storage fluid 123 and seawater.

[0116] Now turning back to the fluid connections showed in FIG. 1. The fluid conduit 120e is fluidly connected to a fluid conduit 120d which is fluidly connected to an annulus opening 145 for filling or emptying the annulus 140 of annulus fluid. The fluid conduit 120d comprises a remote controlled valve 170d. An accumulator 144 is fluidly connected to the annulus opening 145 and the accumulator 144 is configured to maintain pressure within the annulus 140 over time. A fluid conduit coupling 167 is located between the valve 170d and the annulus opening 145 which allows for disconnection of the fluid conduit 120d from the subsea storage unit 110.

[0117] The fluid conduit 120e is also fluidly connected to fluid conduit 120a which comprises a remote controlled valve 170a. Fluid conduit 120a is fluidly connected to the upper section opening 119. The fluid conduit 120a is configured to allow loading and unloading of storage fluid 123 from the subsea storage unit 110 through the upper section opening 119.

[0118] The fluid conduit 120e is also fluidly connected to a fluid conduit 120b which comprises a remote controlled valve 170b. The fluid conduit 120b is fluidly connected to a maintenance opening 125a. As shown the maintenance opening 125a is located within the storage volume 113 at a maintenance fluid conduit end 127 of a maintenance fluid conduit 126 fluidly connected to the fluid conduit 120b. The end 127 being distal from the fluid connection between the fluid conduit 120b and the maintenance fluid conduit 126.

[0119] The maintenance opening 125a is located between 10-90% of the vertical extent of the inner storage volume 113 below the top side 114b.

[0120] The fluid conduit 120e is further fluidly connected to a fluid conduit 120c which comprises a remote controlled valve 170c and is fluidly connected to a second maintenance opening 125b.

[0121] The maintenance openings 125a, 125b are suitable for adding or evacuating barrier fluid 130 and emulsified barrier fluid 131 from the subsea storage unit 110. This allows for maintenance of the barrier fluid 130 in order to sustain an effective barrier between storage fluid and seawater within the subsea storage unit 110. The maintenance can be performed while the subsea storage unit 110 is located subsea, for example at the sea floor, and in operation.

[0122] All valves 170a-170d may be remote controlled and automatic, for example configured to operate via a data signal for example from a data processor 155 (not shown).

[0123] The subsea storage unit 110 comprises an annulus detector 142 for detecting storage fluid 123 if leaked into the annulus 140. The detector may for example be a pH meter in the case where storage fluid 123 is NH.sub.3. Leakage of NH.sub.3 from the inner storage volume 113 into the annulus 140 would easily be detected since said NH.sub.3 would cause a change in pH that would be detected by the detector. The annulus detector 142 may comprise a transmitter configured to transmit a signal to data processor 155 (not shown).

[0124] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment with an alternative way of fluidly connecting the surface installation 160 with the subsea storage unit 110. The surface installation comprises a tank for storage fluid 163, a tank for fresh barrier fluid 162, a tank for used barrier fluid 164 and a tank for annulus fluid 165.

[0125] The tank for storage fluid 163 is fluidly connected to the subsea storage unit 110 via a fluid conduit 120a which comprises valves 168g, 168i and a fluid conduit coupling 167 between said valves 168g, 168i for breaking the fluid connection from the tank for storage fluid 163 to the subsea storage unit 110. The fluid conduit 120a further comprises a remote controlled valve 170a and a fluid conduit coupling 167 between said remote controlled valve 170a and the upper section opening 119 for breaking the fluid connection from the fluid conduit 120a to the upper section opening 119.

[0126] The tank for fresh barrier fluid 162 is fluidly connected to the subsea storage unit 110 via a fluid conduit 120b which comprises valves 168f, 168j and a fluid conduit coupling 167 between said valves 168f, 168j for breaking the fluid connection from the tank for fresh barrier fluid 162 to the subsea storage unit 110. The fluid conduit 120b further comprises a remote controlled valve 170b and a fluid conduit coupling 167 between said remote controlled valve 170b and the maintenance opening 125a breaking the fluid connection from the fluid conduit 120b to the maintenance opening 125a.

[0127] The tank for used barrier fluid 164 is fluidly connected to the subsea storage unit 110 via a fluid conduit 120c which comprises valves 168h, 168k and a fluid conduit coupling 167 between said valves 168h, 168k for breaking the fluid connection from the tank for used barrier fluid 164 to the subsea storage unit 110. The fluid conduit 120c further comprises a remote controlled valve 170c and a fluid conduit coupling 167 between said remote controlled valve 170c and the maintenance opening 125b for breaking the fluid connection from the fluid conduit 120b to the maintenance opening 125b.

[0128] The tank for annulus fluid 165 is fluidly connected to the subsea storage unit 110 via a fluid conduit 120d which comprises valves 168e, 1681 and a fluid conduit coupling 167 between said valves 168e, 1681 for breaking the fluid connection from the tank for annulus fluid 165 to the subsea storage unit 110. The fluid conduit 120d further comprises a remote controlled valve 170d and a fluid conduit coupling 167 between said remote controlled valve 170b and the annulus opening 145 for breaking the fluid connection from the fluid conduit 120d to annulus opening 145.

[0129] The subsea storage unit 110 is identical for the first and second embodiment.

[0130] Properties of the annulus fluid: The annulus fluid must be different from the storage fluid 130 and is preferably seawater or barrier fluid 130.

[0131] The storage fluid 123 has a specific gravity that is lower than the barrier fluid and is immiscible with said barrier fluid 130 may be suitable. This ensures that the storage fluid 123 floats on top of the barrier fluid 130 within the inner storage volume 113.

[0132] The subsea storage unit 110 is suitable for storing several different storage fluids. One preferred storage fluid 123 is liquid ammonia (NH.sub.3). However, the skilled person acknowledges that other storage fluids that has a specific gravity above the barrier fluid and is immiscible with said barrier fluid 130 may be suitable for storage in a storage unit according to the present invention.

[0133] The barrier fluid 130 must be immiscible with seawater and the storage fluid 123. The barrier fluid 130 must have a specific gravity between seawater and the storage fluid 123 in order to form a layer between said seawater and storage fluid 123.

[0134] The barrier fluid 130 is in one preferred embodiment an oily fluid for example biodiesel or a vegetable oil, such as canola oil or olive oil or any blends thereof.

[0135] In another preferred embodiment the barrier fluid 130 comprises hydrocarbons with a molecule structure having a carbon number C11 or higher, and with a specific gravity lower than seawater.

[0136] It is preferred that the barrier fluid 130 is a fluid with low environmental impact.

[0137] Typically, after some time of operation barrier fluid 123 will form an emulsion with seawater at the interface between the barrier fluid 130 and seawater. Emulsified barrier fluid 131 is not effective for keeping storage fluid 123 and seawater separate, thus it is important to ensure that the layer of barrier fluid 130 extending horizontally across the entire inner storage volume is thick enough to avoid penetration and mixing of storage fluid 123 and seawater.

[0138] As best shown in FIGS. 3-8 the subsea storage unit 110 comprises a monitoring system 150. The monitoring system 150 comprises at least one sensor S configured to transmit and/or receive signals. The sensor S are typically instruments for discrimination between the barrier fluid 130 phase, emulsified barrier fluid 131 phase, the water phase and the storage fluid 123 phase within the inner storage volume 113. Applicable sensors S are described in the following:

[0139] FIG. 3 shows a setup for nucleonic phase detection. Both volume management and barrier fluid 130 management depend on the ability to determine the vertical level of all the 4 phases within the inner storage volume 113.

[0140] One system which is well established and proven in a subsea context utilizes the capability of Cesium 137 radiation to penetrate most materials. Cesium 137 radiates gamma rays which is absorbed/scattered in any medium it penetrates. The signal loss is essentially proportional to the density of the materials through which the radiation travels.

[0141] A vertical pipe 159 comprising an array of Cesium 137 sources 153 may be arranged to produce several gamma rays horizontally in the tank and focused to hit a gamma ray receiver 154 located at the same vertical level as a corresponding Cesium 137 source 153. The gamma ray receiver 154 may be located in a recess of outer wall 111 or in a second vertical pipe located within the inner storage volume 113 (not shown).

[0142] Depending on the density of the liquid phase traversed the radiation will lose an amount of energy. The difference in loss of energy may be detected and represent the difference in fluid density. Thus, allowing for determining which fluid phase the gamma rays has traversed based on the known density of the fluid phases within the inner storage volume 113.

[0143] The pipe 159 could beneficially run the full height of the inner storage volume 113 or at least 90% of the vertical extent of the inner storage volume 113. It is not required to be maintained. The life-time and reliability of Cesium 137 sources are very high. Cesium 137 has a half-life of 30.5 years and the loss over time of radiation is exponential and entirely predictable.

[0144] Each emitter 153 radiates a stream of gamma rays, which penetrate the wall of pipe 159, penetrates whichever liquid phase is present storage fluid 130, emulsified storage fluid 131, 123 or seawater, and hits the gamma ray receiver 154 which contains a receiving Geiger Mueller tube. The gamma ray receiver 154 could be located in a (partial) window in the inner wall 112 and the receiving unit could beneficially be connected (connector not shown) to the outer wall 111 and sealed to it such as to maintain the pressure containment with two mechanical barriers, the wall 112 and the outer wall 111. A pipe 801 could be organized to isolate the receiver unit 154 from the annulus volume 140.

[0145] The receiver unit 154 may be retrieved from the tank assembly for maintenance during operation of the subsea storage system 100.

[0146] FIG. 3 also shows that the subsea storage unit 110 comprises a second assembly of sensors (S) adjacent to the vertical side 114c on the opposite side of the inner storage volume 113 with reference to the assembly of nucleonic phase detectors described above. The second assembly of sensors (S) may be identical to the assembly of to the assembly of nucleonic phase detectors described above. This configuration with sensors on opposite sides of the inner storage volume 113 allows for detection of differences in the vertical levels of phases on opposing sides within the inner storage volume 113. For example differences in the thickness of the layer of emulsified barrier fluid 131.

[0147] FIG. 3 also shows a fluid distributor 121b located in the proximity of both the upper section opening 118 and the lower section opening 119 for preventing disruption of the barrier fluid 130 layer by breaking up the flow of fluids to or from said openings.

[0148] The annulus detector 142 may for example be a pH meter for detecting storage fluid 123 that changes pH on the annulus fluid if they mix.

[0149] Also shown is a data processor 155 which is part of the monitoring system 150. The data processor 155 is configured to receive data signals 158, shown as dotted lines external to the subsea storage unit in FIGS. 3-5, process the data and send data signals to components of the subsea storage system 100 such as remote controlled valves 170a-170d, for example instructions for opening or closing the valves in response to measured vertical levels for the fluid phases within the inner storage volume 113. The sensors (S), the remote controlled valves 170a-170d, the annulus detector 142 and the gamma ray receivers 154 are shown connected to the data processor 155.

[0150] FIG. 4 shows an acoustic fluid discrimination system for a subsea storage unit 110.

[0151] The basic principle of the acoustic fluid discrimination system is to mount a vertical stack of acoustic transceivers along the vertical side 114c wall of the inner storage volume 113 and radiate the inner storage volume 113 with a single burst of acoustic energy which is reflected by an acoustic reflector 152 such as a simple vertical steel plate mounted inside of the inner storage volume 113. Only one acoustic transceiver 151 is activated at any time. The time-of-flight of the acoustic energy to travel horizontally from the transceiver 151 through the fluid, be reflected from the acoustic reflector 152 and make it back to the transceiver 151 for detection, is a function of the density of the fluid through which the sound wave travels.

[0152] The simplest software is associated with locating the transceivers 151 inside of the inner storage volume 113. It is also possible to mount the transceivers 151 externally on the subsea storage unit 110, for instance in acoustic contact with a steel rod running through the annulus 140 and acoustically connecting the externally mounted transceiver 151 with the inner storage volume 113. This arrangement is more demanding in terms of signal processing in view of the multiple reflections which must be filtered out to identify the wave reflected from the acoustic reflector 152, but in terms of maintenance it offers significant benefits. This arrangement offers replacement of one acoustic transceiver 151 at the time and during full operation of the subsea storage system 100.

[0153] FIG. 4 also shows that the subsea storage unit 110 comprises a second assembly of sensors (S) adjacent to the vertical side 114c on the opposite side of the inner storage volume 113 with reference to the assembly of acoustic transceivers 151 and acoustic reflector 152 described above. The second assembly of sensors (S) may be identical to the assembly of acoustic transceivers 151 and acoustic reflector 152. This configuration with sensors on opposite sides of the inner storage volume 113 allows for detection of differences in the vertical levels of phases on opposing sides within the inner storage volume 113. For example, differences in the thickness of the layer of emulsified barrier fluid 131.

[0154] Also shown in FIG. 4 is the data processor 155 which is part of the monitoring system 150. The sensors (S), the remote controlled valves 170a-170d, the annulus detector 142 and the acoustic transceivers 151 are shown connected to the data processor 155.

[0155] From an electrical point of view seawater is a semiconductor. The conductivity is in order of 5 siemens/meter. For practical purposes the conductivity of NH.sub.3 and barrier fluid 130 may be considered to be zero. The emulsion phase has an uncertain value of electrical conductivity and any value measured could depend on the method of measurement. NH.sub.3 is a preferred storage fluid 130, but the skilled person acknowledges that the same principle can be used for other storage fluids 130 which have conductivities that can be considered zero. The differences in conductivity of the different fluid phases may be used to discriminate between them by use of inductive sensors.

[0156] Inductive sensors 156 which have been developed and successfully operated to identify the water phase and the emulsion phases in a subsea separator. Typically, a low excitation voltage of frequency higher than 5 Mhz (can be substantially higher, but 5 Mhz is sufficient) is fed to an electric coil of only a few windings. The coil may typically be wound on a ferrite core of E-shape such as to direct the high frequency magnetic field to the volume in front of the coil. When a conductive/semiconductive fluid is penetrated by the magnetic field energy is consumed by the fluid by generation of eddy currents in the fluid. The loss of power to the fluid materializes as a load on an excitation oscillator. The loading may be detected as an increase in current or by phase angle between voltage and current. The discrimination between the fluids is very easily detected, as the difference in conductivity can be as high as 10 exp(7).

[0157] If at least one such inductive sensor 156 is located on the inside of the inner tank wall in a position to inject a high frequency magnetic field into the fluid, then at least the top of the water phase will be detected as it passes the sensor location. In practical systems the emulsion layer has also been successfully and consistently detected, although with less discrimination.

[0158] FIG. 5 shows inductive sensors 156 that are mounted in a vertical stack along the vertical side 114c wall of the inner storage volume 113. The inductive sensors 156 must either be in contact with the fluids inside the inner storage volume 113 or separated from it by a non-conducting material of limited thickness, e.g. as a window in the tank wall to function and is configured to discriminate between the different phases and send a signal to the data processor 155 and thereby indicate the vertical levels of the storage fluid 123, the barrier fluid 130, the emulsified barrier fluid 131 and the seawater.

[0159] FIG. 5 also shows that the subsea storage unit 110 comprises a second assembly of sensors (S) adjacent to the vertical side 114c on the opposite side of the inner storage volume 113 with reference to the assembly of the inductive sensor 156 described above. The second assembly of sensors (S) may be identical to the assembly of inductive sensors 156 described above. This configuration with sensors on opposite sides of the inner storage volume 113 allows for detection of differences in the vertical levels of phases on opposing sides within the inner storage volume 113. For example, differences in the thickness of the layer of emulsified barrier fluid 131.

[0160] Also shown in FIG. 5 is the data processor 155 which is part of the monitoring system 150. The sensors (S), the remote controlled valves 170a-170d, the annulus detector 142 and the acoustic transceivers 151 are shown connected to the data processor 155.

[0161] FIG. 6 shows capacitive sensors 175 that are mounted in a vertical stack along the vertical side 114c wall of the inner storage volume 113. The working principle is that the volume of fluid inside of the inner storage volume 113 is exposed to an alternating electric field generated between two insulated electrodes making up the probe (facing the fluids) of the capacitive sensor 175. The dielectric constant of the storage fluid 123 is different from that of seawater and the voltage loss in the excitation circuit and/or the electric phase distortion will provide a signal which is an expression of which type of fluid is in the volume in front of the sensor face.

[0162] Furthermore, the dielectric constant of the emulsified barrier fluid 131 is also different from both that of storage fluid 123 and that of seawater, such as to facilitate even detection of the emulsion phase. The capacitive sensors 175 are thus able to discriminate between the different phases and send a signal to the data processor 155 and thereby indicate the vertical levels of the storage fluid 123, the barrier fluid 130, the emulsified barrier fluid 131 and the seawater.

[0163] FIG. 6 also shows that the subsea storage unit 110 comprises a second assembly of sensors (S) adjacent to the vertical side 114c on the opposite side of the inner storage volume 113 with reference to the assembly of the capacitive sensor 175 described above. The second assembly of sensors (S) may be identical to the assembly of capacitive sensor 175 described above. This configuration with sensors on opposite sides of the inner storage volume 113 allows for detection of differences in the vertical levels of phases on opposing sides within the inner storage volume 113. For example, differences in the thickness of the layer of emulsified barrier fluid 131.

[0164] Also shown in FIG. 6 is the data processor 155 which is part of the monitoring system 150. The sensors (S), the remote controlled valves 170a-170d, the annulus detector 142 and the acoustic transceivers 151 are shown connected to the data processor 155.

[0165] The processing circuitry and software for processing the data signals will for all embodiments described herein be located in the data processing unit 155

[0166] In one aspect at least one optical sensor 157 is located within the inner storage volume 113 for monitoring the vertical levels of the fluid phases. The at least one optical sensor is configured to send data signals to the data processor 155.

[0167] A skilled person would acknowledge that one or several different types of sensors 151, 154, 156, 157, 175 can be placed at different vertical levels or at opposite vertical sides of the inner storage volume 113 for detecting the vertical levels of the different fluid phases within the inner storage volume 113. The sensors 151, 154, 156, 157, 175 do not have to be placed at opposite vertical sides, the may be placed along the vertical sides with any suitable radial spacing for detecting varying thickness of fluid layers within the inner storage volume 113.

[0168] It can be beneficial to combine sensor systems based on acoustic transceivers 151/acoustic reflector 152 and cesium 137 source 153/gamma ray receiver 154 and/or inductive sensors 156 and/or optical sensors 157 and or capacitive sensors 175 in one subsea storage unit 110.

[0169] FIG. 7a shows the subsea storage unit 110 with a vertical stack of cesium 137 emitters 153 and gamma ray receivers and a second sensor (S) arranged at the opposite vertical side 114c. The subsea storage unit is shown with a small volume of storage fluid 123 and a large volume of seawater within the inner storage volume 113, thus the barrier fluid 130 layer and the emulsified barrier fluid 131 layer is located at a distance A from the top side 114b which is close to said top side 114b.

[0170] The barrier fluid 130 layer is shown with uneven thickness across the horizontal cross section of the inner storage volume 113.

[0171] The top of the emulsified barrier fluid 131 is a distance B down from the top side 114b.

[0172] The bottom of the emulsified barrier fluid 131 is a distance C down from the top side 114b.

[0173] The total vertical extent of the inner storage volume 113 is denoted with a distance D.

[0174] The maintenance opening 125b is a distance E down from the top side 114b.

[0175] The maintenance opening 125a is a distance F down from the top side 114b FIG. 7b shows the subsea storage unit 110 with the same features as in FIG. 7a, but with a large volume of storage fluid 123 and a small volume of seawater within the inner storage volume 113, thus the barrier fluid 130 layer and the emulsified barrier fluid 131 layer is located close to the bottom side 114a.

[0176] Typically, the subsea storage unit 110 would go from the situation depicted in FIG. 7a to the one in 7b by being loaded with storage fluid 123.

[0177] Such loading of storage fluid will cause the barrier fluid 130 layer and the emulsified barrier fluid 131 layer to travel from the position in FIG. 7a close to the top side 114b to the position in FIG. 7b close to the bottom side 114 a. By travelling from the position showed in FIG. 7a to the position in showed in FIG. 7b the layers of fluid and respective interphases between them pass by the sensors (S) that are vertically displaced adjacent to a vertical side 114c. The sensor (S) are configured to discriminate between the different fluids and send a data signal to the data processor disclosing which fluid is detected at a specific. By processing the data signals the data processor will be able to calculate the thickness of the different phases and the vertical location/elevation of the interphases within the inner storage volume 113.

[0178] With a view to management of the emulsified barrier fluid 131 layer it is beneficial to define one or more areas i.e. vertical regions in the inner storage volume 113 that will be needing higher density of sensors (S) and thus better resolution of fluid interface position. Such regions will for example be the vertical region where the maintenance opening 125a, 125b is located, or where the lower section opening (118) is located. An example of such increased density of sensors is that there is typically more than 1 sensors per meter, or more than 2 sensors per meter.

[0179] As shown in FIG. 7b the emulsified barrier fluid 131 may be vertically aligned with a maintenance opening 125b by use of the monitoring system 150 and adding storage fluid 123 to the inner storage volume 113. Emulsified barrier fluid 131 may then be evacuated from the inner storage volume 113 and be replaced with fresh barrier fluid 130.

[0180] FIG. 8a shows the subsea storage unit 110 with a fresh layer of barrier fluid 130 extending across the entire horizontal cross section of the inner storage volume 113. FIG. 8b shows the subsea storage unit 110 with a thick layer of emulsified barrier fluid 131 compared to the layer of barrier fluid 130. There is a risk of mixing of the storage fluid with seawater. Maintenance of the barrier fluid 130 is thus due, ie there is need for management of the emulsion.

[0181] FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the subsea storage unit 110 where the lower section opening 118 extends via a fluid conduit adjacent to the vertical side 114c towards the sea surface. Further, the lower section opening 118 may comprise a screen and/or an overhanging cap cover for shielding from debris that typically sink towards the sea floor. The lower section opening 118 into the lower section 116 is shown a distance H up from the bottom side 114a. The lower section opening 118 is shown a distance G higher up from the lower section opening 118 into the lower section 116. The distance G is preferably minimum 1 meter, 2 meter or 3 meter. A fluid reflector 121a is located within the lower section 116 for protecting the barrier fluid 130 from fluid flow from the lower section opening 118.

[0182] The maintenance fluid conduit 126 is arranged to enter from the top side 114b and extends within the inner storage volume 113 to the maintenance opening 125a. FIG. 9 shows the emulsified barrier fluid 131 vertically aligned with the maintenance opening 125a in the process of being evacuated from the inner storage volume 113.

[0183] The lower section opening also comprises a sensor 171, for example a pH meter for detecting changes in pH due to presence of storage fluid 123 in the seawater that is evacuated from the inner storage volume 113.

[0184] In one aspect the subsea storage unit 110 comprises an anti-stick surface 124 facing the inner storage volume 113, wherein the surface has a low wettability for at least one, preferably more than one, of the fluids within the inner storage volume 113. The surface 124 may have low wettability for hydrocarbons, liquid ammonia and seawater. This is to limit the mixing of the fluids within the inner storage volume 113 via the wall 112 surface facing the inner storage volume 113. Normally some of the fluid will stick to vertical sides 114c as the barrier fluid 130 layers moves up and down within the inner storage volume. Anti-stick surface 124 prevents this. The anti-stick surface may also prevent fouling of the surface facing the inner storage volume 113.

[0185] The present invention also relates to a method for maintenance of the subsea storage system 100. The method comprises the step of: [0186] using the monitoring system 150 for collecting data and determining the [0187] the volumes of fluids, [0188] flowrates of fluids, [0189] the vertical levels of fluid interphases, and/or [0190] the fraction of emulsified barrier fluid 131 with seawater relative to total amount of barrier fluid 130.

[0191] Using the data collected by the monitoring system for identifying barrier fluid 130 or emulsified barrier fluid 131 that is in need of maintenance. Evacuating barrier fluid 130 via the lower section opening 118 or the upper section opening 119 by adding storage fluid 123 or seawater to the inner storage volume 113 and adding fresh barrier fluid 130 to the inner storage volume 113.

[0192] Another method for maintenance of the barrier fluid 130 comprises the steps: [0193] using the monitoring system 150 for collecting data and determining the [0194] the volumes of fluids, [0195] flowrates of fluids, [0196] the vertical levels of fluid interphases, and/or [0197] the fraction of emulsified barrier fluid 131 with seawater relative to total amount of barrier fluid 130.

[0198] Using the monitoring system to identify barrier fluid 130 and or emulsified barrier fluid 131 in need of maintenance and adjusting the vertical level of said fluid to align with a maintenance opening 125a, 125b by introducing storage fluid 123 or seawater into the inner storage volume 113.

[0199] Evacuating an amount of the barrier fluid 130 or emulsified barrier fluid 131 that needs maintenance and adding fresh barrier fluid 130 to the inner storage volume via the maintenance opening 125a, 125b.

[0200] The method for maintenance may also be automatic. The data collected by the monitoring system is then transmitted by a transmitter to a data processor 155 which is configured to calculate if maintenance is needed. If maintenance is needed the data processor 155 then transmit a signal to the automatic vales 170a-170d which automatically adapts flowrates through the fluid conduits 120a-120e for securing that the barrier fluid layer extends across the entire cross-section of the inner storage volume during loading of unloading of storage fluids.

[0201] There are several methods available for installation of a large subsea tank system. One method would involve transport to the installation site on a barge and installation by a heavy lift vessel. This method requires hatches to be provided in the tank structure, typically hatches high up in the structure to let air out of the structure and hatches in the lower part of the structure to let water into the internal volume of the tank. Such hatches are only used during installation and retrieval of the tank structure and are operated manually when the tank is in air and by ROV when the tank structure is submerged. Other methods of installation could involve deployment of the tank inshore in sheltered water and penetration of the water surface with the benefit of calm water, for subsequent subsurface tow to the installation site. The latter method requires only small hatches to be provided for controlled deployment.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS/LETTERS

[0202]

TABLE-US-00001 100, Subsea storage system 110 Subsea storage unit 111 Outer wall 112 Wall 113 Inner storage volume 114a Inner storage volume bottom side 114b Inner storage volume top side 114c Inner storage volume vertical side 116 Inner storage volume lower section 117 Inner storage volume upper section 118 Lower section opening 119 Upper section opening 120a Fluid conduit 120b Fluid conduit 120c Fluid conduit 120d Fluid conduit 120e Fluid conduit 121a Fluid deflector 121b Fluid distributor 123 Storage fluid 124 Anti-stick surface 125a Maintenance opening 125b Maintenance opening 126 Maintenance fluid conduit 127 Maintenance fluid conduit end 128a Flow meter 128b Flow meter 129 Flow meter transmitter 130 Barrier fluid 131 Emulsified barrier fluid 140 Annulus 142 Detector for detecting storage fluid 143 Detector for detecting water 144 Accumulator 145 Annulus opening 150 Monitoring system 151 Acoustic transciever 152 Acoustic reflector 153 Cesium 137 source 154 Gamma ray receiver 155 Data processor 156 Inductive sensor 157 Optical sensor 158 Data connection 159 Vertical pipe 160 Surface installation 161 Pump 162 Tank for fresh barrier fluid 163 Tank for storage fluid 164 Tank for used barrier fluid 165 Tank for annulus fluid 166 Separator bypass conduit 167 Fluid conduit coupling 168a Fluid conduit valve 168b Fluid conduit valve 168c Fluid conduit valve 168d Fluid conduit valve 168e Fluid conduit valve 168f Fluid conduit valve 168g Fluid conduit valve 168h Fluid conduit valve 168i Fluid conduit valve 168j Fluid conduit valve 168k Fluid conduit valve 168l Fluid conduit valve 169 Fluid conduit for external connection 170a Fluid conduit remote controlled valve 170b Fluid conduit remote controlled valve 170c Fluid conduit remote controlled valve 170d Fluid conduit remote controlled valve 171 Lower section opening sensor. 175 Capacitive sensor