Abstract

The invention provides an access apparatus for accessing a flow system in a subsea oil and gas production installation, a method of installation and a subsea horizontal connection installation. In one aspect, the access apparatus comprises a body, a plurality of connectors configured to connect the apparatus to the flow system and an access interface providing an access point to the flow system. The body defines at least one bore which fluidly connects at least one of the plurality of connectors to the access interface to provide a path between the access interface and the flow system. A first connector of the plurality of connectors is oriented with a longitudinal axis in a substantially horizontal plane, such that the at least one connector is configured to connect to a respective horizontally oriented connector of the flow system and a second connector of the plurality of connectors forms part of a connection interface for a jumper flowline, the connection interface replicating a flow system connection interface. The access apparatus is configured to be connected between the, flow system connection interface and the jumper flowline.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 43/013 - Connecting a production flow line to an underwater well head
• E21B 33/076 - Well headsSetting-up thereof having provision for introducing objects or fluids into, or removing objects from, wells specially adapted for underwater installations
• E21B 41/00 - Equipment or details not covered by groups

Abstract

The invention provides a subsea oil and gas production installation, methods of installing the installation and methods of use. The installation comprises a subsea production system comprising a first production pipeline and a second production pipeline, a first subsea manifold in fluid communication with the first production pipeline comprising a fluid access interface and a flowline connector, a removable module fluidly connected to the fluid access interface of the first subsea manifold and configured to receive production fluid from one or more subsea wells and a second subsea manifold in fluid communication with the second production pipeline. The first subsea manifold defines a first flow path between the fluid access interface and the first production pipeline and a second bypass flow path between the fluid access interface and the flowline connector. The first and the second subsea manifolds are fluidly coupled to one another by a connecting flowline which is connected at a first end to the flowline connector of the first subsea manifold. The removable module comprises a flow control means operable to selectively route the production fluid from one or more subsea wells into the first production pipeline via the first flow path defined by the manifold, and/or into the second production pipeline via the second bypass flow path, the connecting flowline and the second subsea manifold.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/076 - Well headsSetting-up thereof having provision for introducing objects or fluids into, or removing objects from, wells specially adapted for underwater installations
• E21B 43/013 - Connecting a production flow line to an underwater well head
• E21B 43/017 - Production satellite stations, i.e. underwater installations comprising a plurality of satellite well heads connected to a central station

Abstract

The invention provides a subsea in-line tee arrangement for a subsea production system comprising at least one removable module. The removable module is configured to be assembled with a jumper flowline and provide flow access between a jumper flowline and the subsea in-line tee. At least one retrievable process apparatus can be connected to the retrievable module. The at least one retrievable process apparatus is configured to perform a function selected from the group comprising: fluid control, fluid sampling, fluid diversion, fluid recovery, fluid injection, fluid circulation, fluid measurement and/or fluid metering.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 43/013 - Connecting a production flow line to an underwater well head

Abstract

The invention provides a subsea manifold for a subsea production system comprising at least one removable module, and methods of installation and use. The at least one removable is configured to perform a function selected from the group comprising: fluid control, fluid sampling, fluid diversion, fluid recovery, fluid injection, fluid circulation, fluid measurement and/or fluid metering.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 43/013 - Connecting a production flow line to an underwater well head
• E21B 43/017 - Production satellite stations, i.e. underwater installations comprising a plurality of satellite well heads connected to a central station

Abstract

The invention provides a subsea oil and gas production installation, methods of installing the installation and methods of use. The installation comprises a subsea production system comprising a first production pipeline and a second production pipeline, a first subsea manifold in fluid communication with the first production pipeline comprising a fluid access interface and a flowline connector, a removable module fluidly connected to the fluid access interface of the first subsea manifold and configured to receive production fluid from one or more subsea wells and a second subsea manifold in fluid communication with the second production pipeline. The first subsea manifold defines a first flow path between the fluid access interface and the first production pipeline and a second bypass flow path between the fluid access interface and the flowline connector. The first and the second subsea manifolds are fluidly coupled to one another by a connecting flowline which is connected at a first end to the flowline connector of the first subsea manifold. The removable module comprises a flow control means operable to selectively route the production fluid from one or more subsea wells into the first production pipeline via the first flow path defined by the manifold, and/or into the second production pipeline via the second bypass flow path, the connecting flowline and the second subsea manifold.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/035 - Well headsSetting-up thereof specially adapted for underwater installations
• E21B 43/013 - Connecting a production flow line to an underwater well head
• E21B 43/017 - Production satellite stations, i.e. underwater installations comprising a plurality of satellite well heads connected to a central station

Abstract

The invention provides an apparatus for introducing a fluid into a subsea production flow system, a system and a method of use. The apparatus comprises a first flow path through the apparatus for fluidly coupling a subsea well to a subsea production flow system and an inlet for receiving a fluid. A second flow path fluidly connects the inlet and the subsea production flow system. A valve is operable to control the flow of the fluid through the inlet to the subsea production flow system. In one embodiment, the invention provides an apparatus for preventing or reducing flow of a first treatment chemical into a subsea production flow system, a system, and a method of use. In an alternative embodiment, the invention provides an apparatus for injecting a gas into a subsea production flow system, a system, and a method of use.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/076 - Well headsSetting-up thereof having provision for introducing objects or fluids into, or removing objects from, wells specially adapted for underwater installations
• E21B 47/001 - Survey of boreholes or wells for underwater installations
• E21B 47/07 - Temperature
• E21B 37/06 - Methods or apparatus for cleaning boreholes or wells using chemical means for preventing or limiting the deposition of paraffins or like substances
• E21B 43/013 - Connecting a production flow line to an underwater well head

Abstract

The invention provides a jumper termination apparatus for a subsea jumper flowline, a flow system incorporating a jumper termination apparatus, and a method of use. The jumper termination apparatus comprises a body, a jumper coupling means configured to couple the body to a jumper flowline, a connector coupling means configured to couple the body to a subsea manifold connector, and an access interface disposed on the body, arranged above the connector coupling means and vertically oriented to enable access from above. The body defines a first flow path from a coupled jumper flowline to a coupled subsea manifold connector, and a second flow path from the access interface to the first flow path or the subsea manifold connector. The access interface is configured to be connected to a termination apparatus of a second jumper flowline in a vertically stacked arrangement.

IPC Classes  ?

• 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
• F16L 1/26 - Repairing or joining pipes on or under water
• E21B 43/017 - Production satellite stations, i.e. underwater installations comprising a plurality of satellite well heads connected to a central station

Abstract

An apparatus and system for accessing a flow system (such as a subsea tree) in a subsea oil and gas production system, and method of use. The apparatus comprises a body defining a conduit therethrough and a first connector for connecting the body to the flow system. A second connector is configured for connecting the body to an intervention apparatus, such as an injection or sampling equipment. In use, the conduit provides an intervention path from the intervention apparatus to the flow system. Aspects of the invention relate to combined injection and sampling units, and have particular application to well scale squeeze operations.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/076 - Well headsSetting-up thereof having provision for introducing objects or fluids into, or removing objects from, wells specially adapted for underwater installations
• E21B 49/08 - Obtaining fluid samples or testing fluids, in boreholes or wells
• E21B 33/035 - Well headsSetting-up thereof specially adapted for underwater installations
• E21B 33/038 - Connectors used on well heads, e.g. for connecting blow-out preventer and riser
• E21B 34/04 - Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in well heads in underwater well heads
• E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells

Abstract

The invention provides a subsea in-line tee arrangement for a subsea production system comprising at least one removable module.The removable module is configured to be assembled with a jumper flowline and provide flow access between a jumper flowline and the subsea in-line tee.At least one retrievable process apparatus can be connected to the retrievable module. The at least one retrievable process apparatus is configured to perform a function selected from the group comprising: fluid control, fluid sampling, fluid diversion, fluid recovery, fluid injection, fluid circulation, fluid measurement and/or fluid metering.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 41/00 - Equipment or details not covered by groups

Abstract

The invention provides a subsea manifold for a subsea production system comprising at least one removable module, and methods of installation and use. The at least one removable is configured to perform a function selected from the group comprising: fluid control, fluid sampling, fluid diversion, fluid recovery, fluid injection, fluid circulation, fluid measurement and/or fluid metering.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 43/013 - Connecting a production flow line to an underwater well head
• E21B 43/017 - Production satellite stations, i.e. underwater installations comprising a plurality of satellite well heads connected to a central station

Abstract

The invention provides an apparatus and system for accessing a flow system (such as a subsea tree) in a subsea oil and gas production installation, and method of use. The apparatus comprises a body and a plurality of connectors configured to connect the apparatus to the flow system. A flow access interface is provided on the body for connecting the apparatus to a subsea process apparatus, and the body defines a plurality of flow paths. Each flow path fluidly connects one of the plurality of connectors to the flow access interface to provide an intervention path from a connected subsea process apparatus to the flow system in use. Aspects of the invention have particular application to flow metering, fluid sampling, and well scale squeeze operations.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/035 - Well headsSetting-up thereof specially adapted for underwater installations
• E21B 33/038 - Connectors used on well heads, e.g. for connecting blow-out preventer and riser
• E21B 33/076 - Well headsSetting-up thereof having provision for introducing objects or fluids into, or removing objects from, wells specially adapted for underwater installations
• E21B 43/013 - Connecting a production flow line to an underwater well head
• E21B 37/06 - Methods or apparatus for cleaning boreholes or wells using chemical means for preventing or limiting the deposition of paraffins or like substances
• 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
• E21B 49/08 - Obtaining fluid samples or testing fluids, in boreholes or wells

Abstract

The invention provides an apparatus for introducing a fluid into a subsea production flow system, a system and a method of use. The apparatus comprises a first flow path through the apparatus for fluidly coupling a subsea well to a subsea production flow system and an inlet for receiving a fluid. A second flow path fluidly connects the inlet and the subsea production flow system. A valve is operable to control the flow of the fluid through the inlet to the subsea production flow system. In one embodiment, the invention provides an apparatus for preventing or reducing flow of a first treatment chemical into a subsea production flow system, a system, and a method of use. In an alternative embodiment, the invention provides an apparatus for injecting a gas into a subsea production flow system, a system, and a method of use.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/038 - Connectors used on well heads, e.g. for connecting blow-out preventer and riser
• E21B 41/00 - Equipment or details not covered by groups
• E21B 43/013 - Connecting a production flow line to an underwater well head

Abstract

The invention provides a jumper termination apparatus (115) for a subsea jumper flowline (114), comprising a connector (116b) for connecting to a subsea manifold, and an access interface (122) for connecting to a second jumper flowline (124).

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 43/017 - Production satellite stations, i.e. underwater installations comprising a plurality of satellite well heads connected to a central station

Abstract

The invention provides an apparatus (10) for accessing a flow system in a subsea oil and gas production installation, comprising a body (12) having connectors (14, 16) configured to connect the apparatus to the flow system, and an access interface (17) providing an access point to the flow system. The apparatus can be retro-fitted to existing installations and allows for fluid and mechanical interventions.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/076 - Well headsSetting-up thereof having provision for introducing objects or fluids into, or removing objects from, wells specially adapted for underwater installations
• E21B 43/013 - Connecting a production flow line to an underwater well head

Abstract

An apparatus and system for accessing a flow system (such as a subsea tree) in a subsea oil and gas production system, and method of use. The apparatus comprises a body defining a conduit therethrough and a first connector for connecting the body to the flow system. A second connector is configured for connecting the body to an intervention apparatus, such as an injection or sampling equipment. In use, the conduit provides an intervention path from the intervention apparatus to the flow system. Aspects of the invention relate to combined injection and sampling units, and have particular application to well scale squeeze operations.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/076 - Well headsSetting-up thereof having provision for introducing objects or fluids into, or removing objects from, wells specially adapted for underwater installations
• E21B 49/08 - Obtaining fluid samples or testing fluids, in boreholes or wells
• E21B 33/035 - Well headsSetting-up thereof specially adapted for underwater installations
• E21B 33/038 - Connectors used on well heads, e.g. for connecting blow-out preventer and riser
• E21B 34/04 - Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in well heads in underwater well heads
• E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells

Abstract

The invention provides a sampling apparatus for sampling fluid from a pipeline system during a pigging operation and a method of use. The sampling apparatus comprises an inlet configured to be coupled to the pipeline system, for receiving a fluid carried by a pigging operation from the pipeline system, and an outlet for discharging fluid from the sampling apparatus. A flow control valve is disposed between the inlet and the outlet. A first flow line is in communication with a sampling circuit and is disposed between the inlet and the flow control valve. A second flow line is in communication with a sampling circuit, and is disposed between the outlet and the flow control valve. The flow control valve is operable to be partially closed to create a pressure differential between the first and second flow lines, and drive a fluid passing through the sampling apparatus into the sampling circuit.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 1/00 - SamplingPreparing specimens for investigation
• G01N 1/20 - Devices for withdrawing samples in the liquid or fluent state for flowing or falling materials
• E21B 49/08 - Obtaining fluid samples or testing fluids, in boreholes or wells
• F16L 55/26 - Pigs or moles, i.e. devices movable in a pipe or conduit with or without self-contained propulsion means
• F16L 101/30 - Inspecting, measuring or testing

Abstract

A valve apparatus (400) for a flow system in a subsea oil and gas production installation and a method of use. The valve apparatus comprises an inlet for production flow from the subsea oil and gas production installation, an outlet for production flow, and a flow control valve (420) disposed between the inlet and the outlet. A first flow line (361) in communication with a sampling circuit is disposed between the inlet and the flow control valve, and a second flow line (362) in communication with a sampling circuit is disposed between the outlet and the flow control valve. The flow control valve is operable to be partially closed to create a pressure differential between the first and second flow lines, and thereby drive a production fluid into the sampling circuit.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 34/04 - Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in well heads in underwater well heads
• E21B 49/08 - Obtaining fluid samples or testing fluids, in boreholes or wells
• E21B 33/076 - Well headsSetting-up thereof having provision for introducing objects or fluids into, or removing objects from, wells specially adapted for underwater installations

Abstract

The invention provides a sampling apparatus for sampling fluid from a pipeline system during a pigging operation and a method of use. The sampling apparatus comprises an inlet configured to be coupled to the pipeline system, for receiving a fluid carried by a pigging operation from the pipeline system, and an outlet for discharging fluid from the sampling apparatus. A flow control valve is disposed between the inlet and the outlet. A first flow line is in communication with a sampling circuit and is disposed between the inlet and the flow control valve. A second flow line is in communication with a sampling circuit, and is disposed between the outlet and the flow control valve. The flow control valve is operable to be partially closed to create a pressure differential between the first and second flow lines, and drive a fluid passing through the sampling apparatus into the sampling circuit.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 1/20 - Devices for withdrawing samples in the liquid or fluent state for flowing or falling materials

Abstract

The invention provides an apparatus and system for accessing a flow system (such as a subsea tree) in a subsea oil and gas production installation, and method of use. The apparatus comprises a body and a plurality of connectors configured to connect the apparatus to the flow system. A flow access interface is provided on the body for connecting the apparatus to a subsea process apparatus, and the body defines a plurality of flow paths. Each flow path fluidly connects one of the plurality of connectors to the flow access interface to provide an intervention path from a connected subsea process apparatus to the flow system in use. Aspects of the invention have particular application to flow metering, fluid sampling, and well scale squeeze operations.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/035 - Well headsSetting-up thereof specially adapted for underwater installations
• E21B 33/038 - Connectors used on well heads, e.g. for connecting blow-out preventer and riser
• E21B 33/076 - Well headsSetting-up thereof having provision for introducing objects or fluids into, or removing objects from, wells specially adapted for underwater installations
• E21B 37/06 - Methods or apparatus for cleaning boreholes or wells using chemical means for preventing or limiting the deposition of paraffins or like substances
• 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
• E21B 49/08 - Obtaining fluid samples or testing fluids, in boreholes or wells

Abstract

A valve apparatus (400) for a flow system in a subsea oil and gas production installation and a method of use. The valve apparatus comprises an inlet for production flow from the subsea oil and gas production installation, an outlet for production flow, and a flow control valve (420) disposed between the inlet and the outlet. A first flow line (361) in communication with a sampling circuit is disposed between the inlet and the flow control valve, and a second flow line (362) in communication with a sampling circuit is disposed between the outlet and the flow control valve. The flow control valve is operable to be partially closed to create a pressure differential between the first and second flow lines, and thereby drive a production fluid into the sampling circuit.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/076 - Well headsSetting-up thereof having provision for introducing objects or fluids into, or removing objects from, wells specially adapted for underwater installations
• E21B 49/08 - Obtaining fluid samples or testing fluids, in boreholes or wells

Abstract

The invention provides an apparatus and system for accessing a flow system (such as a subsea tree) in a subsea oil and gas production installation, and method of use. The apparatus comprises a body and a plurality of connectors configured to connect the apparatus to the flow system. A flow access interface is provided on the body for connecting the apparatus to a subsea process apparatus, and the body defines a plurality of flow paths. Each flow path fluidly connects one of the plurality of connectors to the flow access interface to provide an intervention path from a connected subsea process apparatus to the flow system in use. Aspects of the invention have particular application to flow metering, fluid sampling, and well scale squeeze operations.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/035 - Well headsSetting-up thereof specially adapted for underwater installations
• E21B 33/038 - Connectors used on well heads, e.g. for connecting blow-out preventer and riser
• E21B 33/076 - Well headsSetting-up thereof having provision for introducing objects or fluids into, or removing objects from, wells specially adapted for underwater installations
• E21B 43/013 - Connecting a production flow line to an underwater well head
• E21B 41/10 - Guide posts, e.g. releasableAttaching guide lines to underwater guide bases

Abstract

The invention provides a method and apparatus for accessing a hydrocarbon storage cell (400) and/or removing hydrocarbons therefrom. An access method comprises installing an anchor hub (60) in a capping plate (408) of the hydrocarbon storage cell (400), and drilling a bore (80) to penetrate an internal volume of the storage cell by passing a drilling apparatus through the anchor hub. A removal method comprises providing a first hydrocarbon storage cell comprising a first anchor hub and providing a second hydrocarbon storage cell comprising a second anchor hub. The first and second anchor hubs are connected to one another with a flowline, and hydrocarbons are pumped from an upper portion of an internal volume of the second hydrocarbon storage cell to an internal volume of the first hydrocarbon storage cell.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 29/00 - Cutting or destroying pipes, packers, plugs or wire lines, located in boreholes or wells, e.g. cutting of damaged pipes, of windowsDeforming of pipes in boreholes or wellsReconditioning of well casings while in the ground
• B08B 9/093 - Cleaning of containers, e.g. tanks by the force of jets or sprays

Abstract

An apparatus and system for accessing a flow system (such as a subsea tree) in a subsea oil and gas production system, and method of use. The apparatus comprises a body defining a conduit therethrough and a first connector for connecting the body to the flow system. A second connector is configured for connecting the body to an intervention apparatus, such as an injection or sampling equipment. In use, the conduit provides an intervention path from the intervention apparatus to the flow system. Aspects of the invention relate to combined injection and sampling units, and have particular application to well scale squeeze operations.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/076 - Well headsSetting-up thereof having provision for introducing objects or fluids into, or removing objects from, wells specially adapted for underwater installations
• E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
• E21B 34/04 - Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in well heads in underwater well heads
• E21B 33/035 - Well headsSetting-up thereof specially adapted for underwater installations
• E21B 33/038 - Connectors used on well heads, e.g. for connecting blow-out preventer and riser
• E21B 49/08 - Obtaining fluid samples or testing fluids, in boreholes or wells

Abstract

The invention provides a flow control valve for a subsea hydrocarbon production system and a method of use. The flow control valve comprises an inlet configured to be in fluid communication to an injection fluid conduit and an outlet configured to be in fluid communication with a subsea flow system. A flow control mechanism is disposed in a flow path between the inlet and the outlet and is arranged to adjust a flow rate through the flow path. The flow control mechanism is configured to automatically adjust the flow rate of injection fluid through the flow path according to a pressure differential between fluid pressure at the inlet and fluid pressure at the outlet. Adjustment may be self-regulating, or may be controlled by a hydraulic control circuit.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/076 - Well headsSetting-up thereof having provision for introducing objects or fluids into, or removing objects from, wells specially adapted for underwater installations
• E21B 34/04 - Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in well heads in underwater well heads
• E21B 33/035 - Well headsSetting-up thereof specially adapted for underwater installations
• 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
• E21B 43/16 - Enhanced recovery methods for obtaining hydrocarbons
• E21B 34/00 - Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells

Abstract

The invention in one of its aspects provides a connection apparatus for a subsea hydraulic circuit and method of use in a sampling application. The apparatus comprises a longitudinal body configured to be removably docked with a subsea hydraulic circuit receptacle. The body comprises a plurality of radial ports axially displaced along the body, and an axial bore accommodating a spool having at least one fluid barrier. The spool and fluid barrier are actuable to be axially moved in the bore to control axial flow paths along the bore between the plurality of radial ports. The apparatus may be configured as a sampling hot stab in an application to sampling a production fluid from a subsea hydrocarbon production system.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 33/076 - Well headsSetting-up thereof having provision for introducing objects or fluids into, or removing objects from, wells specially adapted for underwater installations
• E21B 49/08 - Obtaining fluid samples or testing fluids, in boreholes or wells
• E21B 33/035 - Well headsSetting-up thereof specially adapted for underwater installations
• E21B 33/038 - Connectors used on well heads, e.g. for connecting blow-out preventer and riser