An apparatus (36) for use in performing an artificial lift operation in a fluid conduit system (14) comprises a flexible hose (38), an injector arrangement (40) for deploying the flexible hose (38) into the fluid conduit system (14), and a hanger arrangement (42) configured to support the flexible hose (38) in the fluid conduit system (14). The flexible hose (38) has a smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of the fluid conduit system (14) so as to facilitate deployment of the flexible hose (38) into the fluid conduit system (38), the flexible hose (38) reducing the flow area in the fluid conduit system (14) such that a flow velocity of the fluid in the fluid conduit system (14) or the flexible hose (38) increases, thereby facilitating artificial lift of fluid from the fluid conduit system (14).
A method for testing a tunnel fire suppression system in the form of a water deluge system having a wet side and a dry side separated by a valve, includes the step of providing a nozzle arrangement comprising a plurality of nozzles, with each nozzle disposed in or coupled to an outlet of the water deluge system. The nozzle arrangement comprises, is coupled to or operatively associated with a sensor arrangement configured to measure the pressure of air at each of the plurality of outlets of the water deluge system and output one or more output signals indicative of the pressure of the air at the one or more outlets. The method includes providing a supply of pressurised air through the water deluge system using a blower coupled to the water deluge system. The method further includes measuring the pressure of the air at the one or more outlets of the water deluge system and outputting an output signal indicative of the pressure of the air at the one or more outlets, and conveying the output signal to a processing system configured to determine from said one or more output signals the flow rate of the air supply at the one or more outlets.
A62C 37/50 - Testing or indicating devices for determining the state of readiness of the equipment
A62C 35/68 - Details, e.g. of pipes or valve systems
A62C 3/02 - Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places for area conflagrations, e.g. forest fires, subterranean fires
3.
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TESTING A FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
An apparatusfor testing a water deluge systemhaving a wet sideand a dry side separated by a valve comprises a blower configured for coupling to an inlet of the water deluge system The blower provides a supply of pressurised air through the water deluge systemfrom the inlet to one or more outlets of the water deluge system. A sensor arrangement is associated with one or more of the outlets and configured to measure the pressure of the air at the one or more outlets and then output one or more output signals indicative of the pressure of the air at the one or more outlets. A communication arrangement conveys the one or more output signals from the sensor arrangementto a processing system configured to determine from said one or more output signals the flow rate of the air supply at the one or more outlets.
A method for testing a tunnel fire suppression system in the form of a water deluge system having a wet side and a dry side separated by a valve, includes the step of providing a nozzle arrangement comprising a plurality of nozzles, with each nozzle disposed in or coupled to an outlet of the water deluge system. The nozzle arrangement comprises, is coupled to or operatively associated with a sensor arrangement configured to measure the pressure of air at each of the plurality of outlets of the water deluge system and output one or more output signals indicative of the pressure of the air at the one or more outlets. The method includes providing a supply of pressurised air through the water deluge system using a blower coupled to the water deluge system. The method further includes measuring the pressure of the air at the one or more outlets of the water deluge system and outputting an output signal indicative of the pressure of the air at the one or more outlets, and conveying the output signal to a processing system configured to determine from said one or more output signals the flow rate of the air supply at the one or more outlets.
A62C 3/02 - Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places for area conflagrations, e.g. forest fires, subterranean fires
A62C 35/62 - Pipe-line systems dry, i.e. empty of extinguishing material when not in use
A62C 35/68 - Details, e.g. of pipes or valve systems
A62C 37/50 - Testing or indicating devices for determining the state of readiness of the equipment
5.
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TESTING A FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
An apparatus (10) for testing a water deluge system (12) having a wet side (16) and a dry side (14) separated by a valve (18) comprises a blower (24) configured for coupling to an inlet (42) of the water deluge system (12). The blower (24) is configured to provide a supply of pressurised air through the water deluge system (12) from the inlet (42) to one or more outlet of the water deluge system (12). A sensor arrangement (26) is coupled to or operatively associated with one or more of the outlets (22) of the water deluge system (12), and is configured to measure the pressure of the air at the one or more outlets (22) of the water deluge system (12) and then output one or more output signals indicative of the pressure of the air at the one or more outlets (22). A communication arrangement (34) conveys the one or more output signals from the sensor arrangement (26) to a processing system configured to determine from said one or more output signals the flow rate of the air supply at the one or more outlets (22).
A communicator (1) for monitoring a worker in a work environment when carried or worn by said worker, the communicator (1) comprises: a transmitter (7) for communicating with abase station remote from the communicator (1); a location monitoring means (3) for monitoring the location of the communicator (1) and for continuously or intermittently sending to the base station worker location data associated with the respective communicator (1) and/or the worker wearing or carrying the communicator (1); a fall detection device (4) configured to detect a fall event of a worker carrying or wearing the communicator (1); an input means (5) operable by the worker carrying or wearing the communicator (1); and an alarm (8; 9) configured to activate if a fall of the worker has been detected by the fall detection device (4), where the communicator (1) is configured to transmit a fall warning to the base station using the transmitter (7) when the fall detection device (4) detects a fall event of a person carrying or wearing the communicator (1) unless the input means (5) is activated to prevent the transmission, wherein the alarm (8; 9) is configured to activate only if a fall warning has been or is being transmitted.
B08B 9/055 - Cleaning the internal surfacesRemoval of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction the cleaning devices conforming to, or being conformable to, substantially the cross-section of the pipes, e.g. pigs or moles
An apparatus for cleaning a fluid conduit in a hydrocarbon production installation is described. The apparatus comprises a flexible hose comprising a bore and at least one outlet; a pressure control device; a coupling for an opening of a fluid conduit system; at least one feeding module for engaging the flexible hose and imparting a pushing and/or pulling force on the flexible hose to introduce it through the pressure control device and into or out of the fluid conduit system; and a pump configured to pump a cleaning fluid into the bore of the flexible hose and expel the cleaning fluid into the conduit through the at least one outlet in the flexible hose.
B08B 9/032 - Cleaning the internal surfacesRemoval of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing
E21B 37/00 - Methods or apparatus for cleaning boreholes or wells
E21B 41/00 - Equipment or details not covered by groups
E21B 7/18 - Drilling by liquid or gas jets, with or without entrained pellets
E21B 19/08 - Apparatus for feeding the rods or cablesApparatus for increasing or decreasing the pressure on the drilling toolApparatus for counterbalancing the weight of the rods
E21B 19/22 - Handling reeled pipe or rod units, e.g. flexible drilling pipes
A coiled tubing system (10) for use in deploying a tubing string (12) into a conduit (14) comprises the tubing string (12) and a fluid discharge apparatus (26) disposed at a distal end of the tubing string (12). The tubing string (12) includes a first tubing portion (28) comprising composite coiled tubing and a second tubing portion (30) comprising metallic coiled tubing. The system (10) is configured to deploy the tubing string (12) and the fluid discharge apparatus (26) into the conduit (14), the fluid discharge apparatus (26) operable to generate pressure pulses which facilitate transport of the tubing string (12) further along the conduit 14.
A coiled tubing system (10) for use in deploying a tubing string (12) into a conduit (14) comprises the tubing string (12) and a fluid discharge apparatus (26) disposed at a distal end of the tubing string (12). The tubing string (12) includes a first tubing portion (28) comprising composite coiled tubing and a second tubing portion (30) comprising metallic coiled tubing. The system (10) is configured to deploy the tubing string (12) and the fluid discharge apparatus (26) into the conduit (14), the fluid discharge apparatus (26) operable to generate pressure pulses which facilitate transport of the tubing string (12) further along the conduit 14.
A coiled tubing system (10) comprises a tubing string (12) including a first tubing portion (28) and a second tubing portion (30), a flow line (42) and a lateral flow passage (44) for directing fluid from the flow line to an exterior of the tubing string (12).
A cleaning head for a cleaning system for use in cleaning a fluid conduit for transporting hydrocarbons and/or a fluid conduit in a hydrocarbon wellbore, comprises a body defining an outer surface having a cross-section which is configured to match, or be comparable to, a cross-section of an inner surface of the fluid conduit. Thebody defines a jetting fluid flow path extending from a jetting fluid input port to ajetting fluid output port, and wherein the body defines a bypass fluid flow pathextendingfrom a bypass fluid input port to abypass fluid output port, the bypass fluid flow path being separate from the jetting fluid flow path. The cleaning head comprises a jetting head defining one or more jetting apertures, wherein the jetting head is coupled to thejetting fluid output port so that the one or more jetting apertures are in fluid flow communication with the jetting fluid flow path. The cleaning head comprises a variable aperture valve in the bypass fluid flow path, the variable aperture valve defining a variable aperture which varies in response to a variation in fluid flow rate through the bypass fluid flow path.
E21B 37/00 - Methods or apparatus for cleaning boreholes or wells
B08B 9/043 - Cleaning the internal surfacesRemoval of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved by externally powered mechanical linkage, e.g. pushed or drawn through the pipes
The invention provides a fluid discharge apparatus (102) and a method of use. The apparatus (102) comprises a body (106) comprising an inlet (122) configured to receive fluid from a fluid source, and one or more fluid discharge ports (140). A valve arrangement (124) in the body (106) is operable to be cycled to provide an interrupted flow of fluid through the body (106). The valve arrangement (124) may be disposed in the body (106), and/or may be operable to be moved between a first condition in which fluid entering the body (106) from the inlet (122) is prevented from passing through the apparatus (102), and a second condition in which fluid is discharged through the one or more fluid discharge ports (140). The valve arrangement (124) may be operable to cycle between the first condition and the second condition to provide an interrupted flow of fluid through the body (106).
E21B 34/14 - Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells operated by movement of tools, e.g. sleeve valves operated by pistons or wire line tools
E21B 37/00 - Methods or apparatus for cleaning boreholes or wells
E21B 21/10 - Valves arrangements in drilling-fluid circulation systems
E21B 37/08 - Methods or apparatus for cleaning boreholes or wells cleaning in situ of down-hole filters, screens, or gravel packs
E21B 34/10 - Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells operated by control fluid supplied from outside the borehole
F16K 31/58 - Mechanical actuating means comprising a movable discharge-nozzle
A method of cleaning a fluid conduit in a hydrocarbon production installation is described. The method comprises introducing a flexible hose into a fluid conduit system through a pressure control device, and running the flexible hose into a conduit to be cleaned while a fluid stream flows in the conduit. At least one substance is cleaned from the conduit by pumping a cleaning fluid into a bore of the flexible hose and expelling the cleaning fluid from the flexible hose into the conduit through at least one outlet in the flexible hose. The at least one substance is carried in the fluid stream to a conduit outlet.
B08B 9/032 - Cleaning the internal surfacesRemoval of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing
E21B 37/00 - Methods or apparatus for cleaning boreholes or wells
E21B 41/00 - Equipment or details not covered by groups
E21B 7/18 - Drilling by liquid or gas jets, with or without entrained pellets
E21B 19/08 - Apparatus for feeding the rods or cablesApparatus for increasing or decreasing the pressure on the drilling toolApparatus for counterbalancing the weight of the rods
E21B 19/22 - Handling reeled pipe or rod units, e.g. flexible drilling pipes
14.
Method and apparatus for performing operations in fluid conduits
A method and apparatus for cleaning a fluid conduit in a hydrocarbon production installation. The method comprises providing a composite pipe having a cleaning head coupled to a first end, and introducing the first end of the composite pipe and the cleaning head into a fluid conduit to be cleaned. Fluid is circulated between an annulus between an interior wall of the fluid conduit and the composite pipe, through a fluid circulation path defined by the cleaning head. The method comprises running the first end of the composite pipe and the cleaning head into the fluid conduit and cleaning at least one substance from the fluid conduit. An aspect of the invention relates to methods comprising circulating a heavy fluid through the fluid circulation path to reduce the effective weight of the pipe in the fluid conduit, and another aspect relates to a method comprising generating at least one pressure pulse in fluid in the fluid circulation path while imparting a pulling force or a pushing force on the pipe.
E21B 37/00 - Methods or apparatus for cleaning boreholes or wells
F16L 9/14 - Compound tubes, i.e. made of materials not wholly covered by any one of the preceding groups
B08B 9/055 - Cleaning the internal surfacesRemoval of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction the cleaning devices conforming to, or being conformable to, substantially the cross-section of the pipes, e.g. pigs or moles
B08B 9/043 - Cleaning the internal surfacesRemoval of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved by externally powered mechanical linkage, e.g. pushed or drawn through the pipes
The invention provides a fluid discharge apparatus (102) and a method of use. The apparatus (102) comprises a body (106) comprising an inlet (122) configured to receive fluid from a fluid source, and one or more fluid discharge ports (140). A valve arrangement (124) in the body (106) is operable to be cycled to provide an interrupted flow of fluid through the body (106). The valve arrangement (124) may be disposed in the body (106), and/ or may be operable to be moved between a first condition in which fluid entering the body (106) from the inlet (122) is prevented from passing through the apparatus (102), and a second condition in which fluid is discharged through the one or more fluid discharge ports (140). The valve arrangement (124) may be operable to cycle between the first condition and the second condition to provide an interrupted flow of fluid through the body (106).
An apparatus and method for collecting fluid during flushing of a subsea fluid conduit such as a subsea umbilical. The apparatus comprises a vessel configured to receive fluid from the subsea fluid conduit, and a first connector for fluidly coupling the vessel to the subsea flowline. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a second connector for fluidly coupling the apparatus to a subsea production system and a flow control system. The flow control system is configured to operate in a first mode in which flushing fluid is directed from the subsea fluid conduit into the vessel, and is configured to operate in a second mode of operation in which the fluid is diverted from the subsea flowline to the subsea production system. In another aspect, the apparatus is configured to provide a detectable signal to surface when a pre-determined volume of flushing fluid has been received in the vessel.
E21B 33/00 - Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
E21B 41/00 - Equipment or details not covered by groups
E21B 37/04 - Scrapers specially adapted therefor operated by fluid pressure, e.g. free-piston scrapers
E21B 44/06 - Automatic control of the tool feed in response to the flow or pressure of the motive fluid of the drive
E21B 43/01 - Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells specially adapted for obtaining from underwater installations
A method and apparatus for cleaning a fluid conduit (112) in a hydrocarbon production installation. The method comprises providing a composite pipe (104) having a cleaning head (102) coupled to a first end, and introducing the first end of the composite pipe (104) and the cleaning head (102) into a fluid conduit (112) to be cleaned. Fluid is circulated between an annulus (124) between an interior wall of the fluid conduit (112) and the composite pipe (104), through a fluid circulation path defined by the cleaning head. The method comprises running the first end of the composite pipe (104) and the cleaning head (102) into the fluid conduit and cleaning at least one substance from the fluid conduit.A method comprising circulating a heavy fluid through the fluid circulation path to reduce the effective weight of the pipe in the fluid conduit, and another aspect relates to a method comprising generating at least one pressure pulse in fluid in the fluid circulation path while imparting a pulling force or a pushing force on the pipe.
B08B 9/055 - Cleaning the internal surfacesRemoval of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction the cleaning devices conforming to, or being conformable to, substantially the cross-section of the pipes, e.g. pigs or moles
E21B 37/00 - Methods or apparatus for cleaning boreholes or wells
F16L 55/38 - Constructional aspects of the propulsion means, e.g. towed by cables driven by fluid pressure
The invention provides a method and apparatus for of performing a test on a deluge system. The method comprises providing a gas source in fluid communication with a deluge system. A plurality of fluid sensors is installed at a plurality of locations (e.g. nozzles) in the deluge system. The gas source is activated to cause gas to flow through the deluge system during a gas test period, and using the plurality of sensors, at least one fluid parameter during the gas test period is measured to provide a gas test data set. The first gas test data set is stored, transmitted and/or processed to derive information about the condition of the deluge system.
G01F 1/05 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects
A62C 37/50 - Testing or indicating devices for determining the state of readiness of the equipment
A62C 35/62 - Pipe-line systems dry, i.e. empty of extinguishing material when not in use
G01L 9/00 - Measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or a fluent solid material by electric or magnetic pressure-sensitive elementsTransmitting or indicating the displacement of mechanical pressure-sensitive elements, used to measure the steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or fluent solid material, by electric or magnetic means
19.
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING SUBSEA FLUID CONDUITS
An apparatus and method for collecting fluid during flushing of a subsea fluid conduit such as a subsea umbilical. The apparatus comprises a vessel configured to receive fluid from the subsea fluid conduit, and a first connector for fluidly coupling the vessel to the subsea flowline. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a second connector for fluidly coupling the apparatus to a subsea production system and a flow control system. The flow control system is configured to operate in a first mode in which flushing fluid is directed from the subsea fluid conduit into the vessel, and is configured to operate in a second mode of operation in which the fluid is diverted from the subsea flowline to the subsea production system. In another aspect, the apparatus is configured to provide a detectable signal to surface when a pre-determined volume of flushing fluid has been received in the vessel.
E21B 43/01 - Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells specially adapted for obtaining from underwater installations
20.
WATER DELUGE SYSTEM TREATMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD
The invention provides a method and apparatus for treating a deluge system. The apparatus comprises a venturi device comprising a first inlet and an outlet for connection to a flow path between a firemain and an arrangement of deluge pipework. The venturi device, which may be an eductor or inductor, comprises a second inlet for connection to a source of corrosion inhibitor. A corrosion inhibitor control valve actuable between an open condition in which corrosion inhibitor is drawn into the deluge pipework by motive fluid in the flow path, and a closed position in which the deluge pipework is isolated from the source of corrosion inhibitor.
The invention provides a method and apparatus for of performing a test on a deluge system. The method comprises providing a gas source in fluid communication with a deluge system. A plurality of fluid sensors is installed at a plurality of locations (e.g. nozzles) in the deluge system. The gas source is activated to cause gas to flow through the deluge system during a gas test period, and using the plurality of sensors, at least one fluid parameter during the gas test period is measured to provide a gas test data set. The first gas test data set is stored, transmitted and/or processed to derive information about the condition of the deluge system.
A62C 37/50 - Testing or indicating devices for determining the state of readiness of the equipment
A62C 35/62 - Pipe-line systems dry, i.e. empty of extinguishing material when not in use
A62C 3/06 - Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places of highly inflammable material, e.g. light metals, petroleum products
A62C 3/10 - Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places in vehicles, e.g. in road vehicles in ships
Apparatus and method for generating pressurised fluid pulses. The apparatus comprises a pump (113) configured to output fluid from a fluid source (117), and a storage system (105) having at least one fluid reservoir for receiving and storing fluid from the pump. A connector (104) couples the fluid reservoir (105) to a fluid conduit (102), and a valve system (107) disposed between the fluid reservoir (105) and the connector (104). The valve system (107) comprises a controllable valve (121), and the storage system (105) is operable to maintain a fluid volume at a positive pressure differential over a pressure in the fluid conduit. The apparatus is configured to open and close the controllable valve (121) in order to transmit at least one pressurised fluid pulse from the storage system to the fluid conduit.
The present invention provides an apparatus (300) for performing an operation in a fluid conduit of a hydrocarbon exploration or production installation and methods of use. The apparatus comprises a body (302) configured to be received in a fluid conduit, which is coupled to a tool fluid conduit (304) defining a flow bore. An imaging device (314) is carried by the body and a flow direction arrangement provides a fluid circulation path between an annulus located between an interior wall of the fluid conduit and the body and the flow bore in use. The flow direction arrangement is configured to provide a deployment thrust on the body when fluid is circulated between the annulus and the flow bore through the fluid circulation path. Applications to the inspection of flexible risers and applications to the placement of a fluid or material a treatment operation are described.
A method of and apparatus for assessing the condition of a fluid conduit. The method comprises providing a measurement apparatus comprising a measurement region in fluid communication with the fluid conduit. The measurement apparatus is operable to measure at least one of pressure and flowrate in the measurement region. A pressure surge is effected or generated to propagate in the fluid conduit, and at least one of a pressure response or a flowrate response from the fluid conduit is measured. From a pressure data set and a flowrate data set, a data set representative of the cross sectional area along the fluid conduit is determined. This enables average or over all area profiles along long fluid pipelines to be deduced.
An apparatus for and method of cleaning a fire main associated with a deluge system. The method comprises injecting a chemical treatment fluid into the fire main via a first inlet and causing it to flow along a section of the fire main and out through an outlet while the fire main is in an operative condition associated with a deluge system. In one aspect, the method comprises biociding the fire main with a solution of chlorine dioxide to treat or remove tuberculation from the fire main.
A water deluge system cleaning apparatus and method of cleaning a water deluge system which does not require the water deluge system to be offline while it is being cleaned. This is achieved by a packing device (23) that provides an annular seal within the water deluge sys¬ tem, and a cleaning device (25) for cleaning the water deluge system that extends through the packing device. Arrangements of inlets and/ or outlets comprising safety valves also provide for additional func¬ tionality such as debris extraction or fluid flushing while still allowing the water deluge system to remain online.
A method of cleaning a fluid conduit in a hydrocarbon production installation is described. The method comprises introducing a flexible hose into a fluid conduit system through a pressure control device, and running the flexible hose into a conduit to be cleaned while a fluid stream flows in the conduit. At least one substance is cleaned from the conduit by pumping a cleaning fluid into a bore of the flexible hose and expelling the cleaning fluid from the flexible hose into the conduit through at least one outlet in the flexible hose. The substance is carried the at least one substance in the fluid stream to a conduit outlet.
E21B 37/00 - Methods or apparatus for cleaning boreholes or wells
E21B 19/22 - Handling reeled pipe or rod units, e.g. flexible drilling pipes
E21B 19/08 - Apparatus for feeding the rods or cablesApparatus for increasing or decreasing the pressure on the drilling toolApparatus for counterbalancing the weight of the rods
The invention provides a method and apparatus for removing a blockage from a fluid conduit. An apparatus comprises a first portion containing a fluid volume separated from the fluid conduit via a controllable valve. The valve is cyclically opened and closed such that a pressure differential between the first portion and the fluid conduit causes a series of pressure pulses in the fluid conduit. The pressure differential is regulated to control the amplitude of the pressure pulses of the series.
patents
