Umbilical approximation device and method for umbilical approximation.

Description

1 / 17 Umbilical approximation device and method for umbilical approximation. Field of application

[001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for coordinated operations performed in oil extraction wells, especially in the feeding and supply of pipelines and related equipment. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device and a method for the installation of an umbilical with a tubular string in these types of wells. Introduction

[002] The present invention relates to an umbilical approximation device, the device being composed of a main body and at least one front arm.

[003] The invention also relates to the method of operation of the device for approaching an umbilical cord. Fundamentals of the invention

[004] In the field of well drilling, umbilicals are lines that correspond to sets of hoses, wires and cables for various operations, most notably the conduction of energy and data, as well as fluids and chemicals, for the remote operation and monitoring of valves and subsea equipment. Therefore, umbilicals can comprise one or more electrical, hydraulic, fiber optic lines and many other types of lines, including combinations of those already exemplified.

[005] Therefore, when placing and lowering the umbilicals, they normally need to be brought close to and secured to the outer face of a tubular column, or tube, which serves as a centralizer and guide for this operation. This type of use of tubes for guiding the umbilicals also prevents that Petition 870250006969, dated 01 / 28 / 2025, p. 9 / 35 2 / 17 these umbilicals become damaged or displaced in an undesirable manner. In this procedure, the umbilicals are normally secured by operators to the columns or tubes using clamps positioned at predetermined intervals.

[006] Current techniques foresee a number of challenges in these operations. As examples, it is worth mentioning the need for a large set of accessories, especially with regard to operators placing the umbilical in the desired position and fixing it properly, in addition to the impairments to the field of vision and operation necessary for any corrections and realignment maneuvers.

[007] Other problems arise from the very nature of this activity, such as the aggressive oxidation to which the equipment is subjected, both due to environmental conditions and friction from use, requiring frequent maintenance. It is clear, therefore, that a device and a method are needed that require low maintenance under such aggressive conditions, as well as allowing precision and safety for operators in the field. State of the art

[008] Several solutions for handling umbilicals and control lines are known in the state of the art, such as the solution disclosed by patent document number US 2006 / 0065407, which describes a device for supporting piping that passes through a floor and which includes a fixed bridge and a movable body. The fixed bridge is positioned permanently on a base assembly and is positioned adjacent to one side of the piping. The fixed bridge has a pair of locking ribs to engage the movable body and has a roller mounted on top of the bridge to guide a line beyond the bridge. The movable body is positioned on the base assembly adjacent to the other side of the piping. Petition 870250006969, dated 01 / 28 / 2025, p. 10 / 35 3 / 17 The movable body defines a passage for the tubing and has a first and a second body portion connected to each other by a hinge pin. The movable body slides into the base assembly to an advanced position over an opening in the base assembly, so that the tubing is positioned through the body passage. When in the advanced position, a pair of ribs on the movable body engages with a pair of ribs on the fixed bridge to lock the body portions around the tubing. Wedges are moved within the passage to engage the tubing, so that sections of tubing can be added or removed during well operations. An arm assembly is hingedly attached to the fixed bridge to guide one or more lines and move them close to the tubing for clamping.

[009] Patent document number US 2006 / 0065407 bases its operating principle on the presence of at least one roller that is pushed against the umbilical, pressing it against the column that will assist in its guidance. This solution, which predominates in this field, presents several drawbacks and difficulties, such as the risks of the umbilical slipping and escaping from the roller that guides it due to its dimensions and / or weight.

[010] Furthermore, solutions such as those in document US 2006 / 0065407 have a complex construction, dependent on a significant number of parts and components, among which the hydraulic actuator or drive system stands out. This complexity increases the difficulty of operation, as well as maintenance, given the aforementioned complications imposed by the installation and use environment of these devices, as well as the protective layers of the piping and hydraulic actuator systems, which are repeatedly worn down until they are lost due to the friction resulting from contraction and retraction.

[011] Another solution for the application and descent of the umbilical cord is revealed Petition 870250006969, dated 01 / 28 / 2025, page 11 / 35 4 / 17 by patent document number EP 1774133, which presents and describes an apparatus for connecting a control line to a tubular column. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a guide arm that is articulated around a location adjacent to the column and has a guide element at one end thereof to guide the control line. The apparatus further includes a clamping arm that is independently articulated and includes a clamping housing at one end thereof to secure the control line against the tubular column. The guide arm and the clamping arm each have a centerline that is substantially aligned with the centerline of the tubular column, allowing the control line to be aligned adjacent to the tubular column prior to clamping.

[012] The solution described in patent document number EP 1774133 aims to achieve a damped approach of the umbilical and column, ensuring the integrity of these elements while providing secure fixation. For this, the device taught in this document requires at least one pair of rollers, rollers or drums at its end, at least two clamping members as part of a removable clamp, as well as some sets of actuators (cylinders), with at least one set for lifting and another set for pivoting.

[013] Thus, the device described in patent document number EP 1774133 has a high degree of manufacturing and control complexity, resulting in a less effective, more prone to failure, and costly assembly. It is noticeable that, in addition to the complexity offered by the hydraulic or pneumatic actuators it uses, it drastically limits access for clamp installation, making it difficult to operate the tightening tools. Finally, the greater complexity of maintenance is reinforced, given the aforementioned complications imposed by... Petition 870250006969, dated 01 / 28 / 2025, page 12 / 35 5 / 17 the installation environment itself, due to the use of these devices, and the wear and tear suffered by the protective layers of the pipes and hydraulic actuator systems, given the friction resulting from the contraction and retraction movements.

[014] As can be inferred from the previous descriptions, there is room for a device and a method capable of providing safe approximation of the umbilical to the tubular column, through a simple operation that requires very few actuating elements. At the same time, this device and method must be able to guarantee a safe and ample area for the operator responsible for installing clamps, so that they overcome the deficiencies of the state of the art and represent a simple, economical and easy-to-install solution. Objectives of the invention

[015] One of the objectives of the present invention is, therefore, a device, according to the characteristics of claim 1 of the attached claims.

[016] Another object of the present invention is a method, according to the characteristics of claim 6 of the appended claims.

[017] Other features and details of the features are represented by the dependent claims. Brief description of the figures

[018] For a better understanding and visualization of the object of the present invention, it will now be described with reference to the attached figures, representing the technical effect obtained through exemplary embodiments that are not limiting to the scope of the present invention, in which, schematically: Figure 1: presents a perspective view of the device according to the invention; Figure 2: presents a perspective view of the device. Petition 870250006969, dated 01 / 28 / 2025, page 13 / 35 6 / 17 according to the invention having its arm detached from the main body; Figure 3a: shows a side view of the device in Figure 1; Figure 3b: shows details of the side view of the device in Figure 1; Figure 4: shows a top view of the device in Figure 1; Figure 5: shows a rear view of the device in Figure 1; Figure 6a: presents a schematic side view of the device according to the invention in use; Figure 6b: presents a schematic side view of the device according to the invention in use; and Figure 7: shows a detailed top view of the device in Figure 5a. Numerical references for the figures 100 proximity device; 200 main body; 210 base; 211 openings; 220 side beams; 230 axle; 240 articulated actuator connection; 241 support wall; 250 actuator; 260 transmission arc; 270 reinforcing bars; 280 lifting panels; 290 armrest compartments; Petition 870250006969, dated 01 / 28 / 2025, page 14 / 35 7 / 17 291 arm fastening devices; 300 front arm; 310 arm mounting openings; 320 handles; 330 internal plates; 340 rolls; 341 roller shaft; 350 front roller bar; Umbilical cord; C tubular column; S spider; α front arm angle; and α2 actuator angle. Detailed description of the invention

[019] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings in which embodiments of the present invention are represented, by way of non-limiting illustration. These embodiments are described in such a way as to allow a person skilled in the art to reproduce their results. Other embodiments resulting from structural, mechanical, logical, electrical and electronic changes are possible and can be carried out without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description should therefore not be understood in a restrictive or limiting manner.

[020] The present invention relates to an approximating device (100) or simply device (100) for approximating an umbilical (U) to a tubular column (C).

[021] In the context of the present invention, the term “umbilical (U)” refers to a set of cables and tubes, protected by an outer sheath, which Petition 870250006969, dated 01 / 28 / 2025, page 15 / 35 8 / 17 connect the subsea well to the oil extraction platform or vessel. An umbilical (U) often exhibits some flexibility and may be responsible for providing power, control, and communication for production operations at that well, as well as electrical and data signals to control well operations. It may also be responsible for transporting fluids such as oil, gas, or water.

[022] In the context of the present invention, the term “tubular column (C)” or “pipe (C)” refers to the set of pipes that are installed in the well to facilitate the extraction of oil or gas, serving various functions such as casing, pumping and, obviously, as a guide for an umbilical (U).

[023] Also in the context of the present invention, the term “spider (S)” refers to a device mounted on the drilling platform that is used to support and stabilize the drill string, keeping the pipes aligned and vertical during insertion or removal operations in / from the well. It is common for other devices and apparatus to be attached to the spider (S) for operations such as the one described herein. Device

[024] The approximating device (100) of the invention comprises at least one main body (200) and at least one front arm (300).

[025] The main body (200) comprises at least one base (210), side beams (220), a shaft (230), an articulated actuator connection (240), an actuator (250), a transmission arc (260), reinforcing bars (270), lifting panels (280) and arm housings (290).

[026] The front arm (300) comprises arm attachment openings (310), handles (320), inner plates (330), a roller (340) and a front roller bar (350).

[027] The main body (200) contains most of the components of Petition 870250006969, dated 01 / 28 / 2025, page 16 / 35 9 / 17 device (100) of the present invention. In the embodiment illustrated herein, in a non-limiting manner, its base (210) has the form of a plate provided with openings (211) for attachment to a spider (S) by means already known in the art, such as commercial fasteners like screws and nuts.

[028] The lower ends of the side beams (220) and the articulated actuator connection (240) are fixed to the upper face of the base (210). The side beams (220) are symmetrical and are equidistant from the articulated actuator connection (240). The embodiment illustrated here provides for the presence of reinforcing elements between the side beams (220) and the articulated actuator connection (240), such as a support wall (241).

[029] One end of the actuator (250) is attached to the upper end of the articulated actuator connection (240). The other end of this actuator (250) is attached to the lower face of the transmission arc (260). The transmission arc (260), illustrated here as a curved segment, is located between two of the reinforcing bars (270), where its front face is in contact with the rear face of one of the reinforcing bars (270).

[030] The reinforcing bars (270) presented in this non-limiting embodiment exhibit a substantially oblong shape, their ends being connected to the inner faces of the lifting panels (280), as well as the lateral ends of the transmission arch (260) also being each coupled to the inner face of each of the lifting panels (280).

[031] The lifting panels (280) correspond to plates arranged horizontally on the main body (200), to which various components are attached. On their inner faces, the transmission arch (260) and the reinforcement bars (270) are coupled. On their outer faces, if Petition 870250006969, dated 01 / 28 / 2025, page 17 / 35 10 / 17 find the arm housings (290). Through it, is found the axis (230) of the main body (200).

[032] The shaft (230) of the present invention is a cylindrical shaft that passes through the upper ends of the side beams (220), as well as the upper ends of the lifting panels (280).

[033] The present invention also includes a front arm (300) in the form of two long, substantially oblong and flat metal plates, the initial ends of which have arm attachment openings (310). Its opposite end is angled and has handles (320) on its outer faces. On its inner faces are inner plates (330), the roller (340) and the front roller bar (350).

[034] The arm fixing openings (310) are holes disposed at one end of the front arm (300) so that, after insertion of the front arm (300) into the arm housings (290) of the lifting panels (280), the front arm (300) can be fixed and locked inside them by the use of arm fixing means (291). The present invention provides for the use of means already known in the art to be the arm fixing means (291), such as commercial fasteners like screws and nuts, but not limited to these. More preferably, this fixing is done using machined pins and cotter pins with a ring (linchpin).

[035] The handles (320) are located on the outer faces of the front arm (300) and are intended for handling by operators, such as inserting and removing the front arm (300) from the arm housings (290), facilitating movement and assembly of the assembly that makes up the device (100). Similarly, the inner plates (330) are intended for shock absorption and reduction of abrasion between the umbilical (U) and the device (100) when in use. The inner plates (330) can be made of various materials, notably Petition 870250006969, dated 01 / 28 / 2025, page 18 / 35 11 / 17 polymeric materials, in view of their inherent qualities and ease of replacement. The embodiment illustrated in the attached figures also has the internal plates (330) attached to the front arm (300) by means of a set of screws and nuts, but is not limited to these, and other commercial fasteners already known in the art may be used, such as keys, clamps, rivets and so on.

[036] The roller (340) of the front arm (300) is presented in the present embodiment in the shape of an hourglass, with two truncated conical bodies joined by their smaller faces. A person skilled in the art can clearly see that its geometry can be adapted to the needs and dimensions of each umbilical (U), such as drums, rollers and rollers in the form of common cylinders, oblique cylinders and cylinders with concave sides.

[037] The roller (340) has as its main functions the proper alignment, positioning and sliding of the aforementioned umbilical (U) when in use. For this purpose, it is provided with a roller shaft (341), this roller shaft (341) being a cylindrical shaft that also passes through the plates of the front arm (300) in a through manner, similarly to the shaft (230) of the main body (200), and allowing its free rotary movement.

[038] Parallel to the roller axis (341), the present invention features a front roller bar (350) at the end of the front arm (300). The front roller bar (350) provides a connection between the ends of the arm (300) and facilitates handling of the assembly, as well as preventing unwanted contact between the roller (340) and a user or operator during operation using the present device (100).

[039] As is clear, especially when read in conjunction with the attached figures, for the device (100) to be put into use, its main body (200) must be properly installed in the spider (S), in position Petition 870250006969, dated 01 / 28 / 2025, page 19 / 35 12 / 17 diametrically opposite the position where the umbilical (U) will be installed. After that, the front arm (300) must be coupled to the arm housing (290), and then secured using arm fastening means (291).

[040] In this way, both the umbilical (U) and the tubular column (C) will be centralized between these two elements, main body (200) and front arm (300), and therefore surrounded by the assembly that forms the approximation device (100).

[041] With the actuator (250) being put into use, force is exerted on the transmission arc (260), raising the front arm (300) towards the center of the spider (S). At the same time, this movement raises and pivots various elements that make up the main body (200), such as the shaft (230), the transmission arc itself (260), the reinforcement bars (270), the lifting panels (280) and the arm housings (290). Thus, only one actuator (250) is responsible for both raising and pivoting the front arm (300) towards the center of the spider (S), to bring the umbilical (U) closer to the tubular column (C).

[042] To this end, the present invention also provides that the angle of the front arm (01), composed of the angled portion of the front arm (300) in relation to the plane of the base (210) of the main body (200), must be two to three times greater than the angle of the actuator (02), this angle being composed of the actuator (250) in relation to the plane of the base (210) of the main body (200).

[043] Thus, and only as an example, where the front arm angle (01) corresponds to 140°, the respective actuator angle (02) must correspond to an angle approximately between 46° and 70°.

[044] In the context of the present invention, an actuator (250) is represented by a hydraulic piston as known in the prior art, being a mechanical device, normally composed of a cylinder and Petition 870250006969, dated 01 / 28 / 2025, page 20 / 35 13 / 17 a piston, which converts the energy of a pressurized fluid into mechanical work. The present invention provides that the actuator (250) may be another power element suitable for the present application, whether other hydraulic or pneumatic devices.

[045] The transmission arc (260), illustrated here in the form of a curved segment, acts as a stringer, transmitting the force from the actuator (250) while simultaneously allowing the lifting and pivoting movements of the device (100) to be performed. It is easily identifiable that the arc shape, for the present application, offers a more uniform load distribution, as well as greater resistance to shocks and vibrations present in operations. In this way, other implementations may provide for other starting shapes better suited to their needs without, however, departing from the scope of the present invention.

[046] Similar to the transmission arch (260), the present invention also provides for the presence of reinforcing elements, such as reinforcing bars (270), between the lifting panels (280), and the support wall (241), between the side beams (220) and the articulated actuator connection (240). Considering the movement performed by the device (100), these elements are responsible not only for distributing the weight across the assembly, but also for maintaining the position of the plates, preventing twisting and the occurrence of any break points.

[047] In this way, it is clear that the approximating device (100) of the present invention teaches in a completely opposite sense to its respective state of the art: the other devices and systems included in the state of the art start from a common assumption, which is that of an approximation of the umbilical (U) in which it is pushed against the tubular column (C). This assumption exhibits several disadvantages already widely discussed, Petition 870250006969, dated 01 / 28 / 2025, page 21 / 35 14 / 17 such as the risk to operator safety, the difficulty of handling, correcting and installing clamps, among others.

[048] It should also be noted that the requirement of only one actuator (250) offers a significant reduction in moving parts, implying a great improvement in maintenance and parts replacement operations, considering the wear common to this type of part.

[049] According to laboratory tests and validation tests, 15,000 approach cycle tests were performed using a test specimen with an approximate tare weight of 350 kg (± 30 kg). For these tests, the device (100) was lubricated every 1,500 cycles and completely disassembled for inspection after 7,500 cycles. A cycle should be understood as a complete advance and return of the device (100), from its initial to final position and from the final back to the initial position.

[050] At the end of the 7,500 cycles, as well as at the end of the 15,000 cycles, no surface wear was observed, nor were any significant temperature changes verified throughout the process, clear indications of its robustness and reliability.

[051] Finally, a person skilled in the art will understand that the entire device (100) and all its parts can be obtained and constructed from conventional means, such as sheet metal cutting, welding, machining processes in general. Similarly, the fasteners used as fastening means are commercial fasteners already exhaustively exemplified, such as the use of screws, pins, threads, clamps, clamps, bushings and so on. Under similar reasoning, any electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic elements can be powered by already known means, such as sources, electric motors, transformers, hydraulic hoses and the like. Petition 870250006969, dated 01 / 28 / 2025, page 22 / 35 15 / 17 Method

[052] A method for bringing an umbilical (U) closer to a tubular column (C), according to the invention, brings an umbilical (U) closer to a tubular column (C) by means of an approximating device (100). Properly installed, the application of the method by means of this approximating device (100) allows simultaneous lifting and pivoting movements by using only one actuator set (250).

[053] A method according to the invention comprises the following method steps: A. Bring a main body (200) of a device (100) close to a tubular column (C); B. Attach and lock a base (210) of the main body (200) in its respective position on the well spider (S); C. Attach and lock a front arm (300) to the main body (200), close to an umbilical (U); D. Activate an actuator (250); E. Rotate the front arm (300) towards the center of the spider (S) and the umbilical (U); F. After supporting the umbilical cord (U), by contacting it with a roller (340) of the front arm (300), clamping the umbilical cord (U) to the tubular column (C); G. Actuator retraction (250), generating descent and alignment of the front arm (300); H. Descent of the umbilical cord (U) together with the tubular column (C); and I. Repetition of Steps E to H.

[054] Steps A and B mark the beginning of the operation. The transport of the device (100) can be done by already known means of suspension - with the Petition 870250006969, dated 01 / 28 / 2025, p. 23 / 35 16 / 17 device (100) already coupled to the spider (s) or being installed to each other at the time of operation -, as well as the fixing of the base (210) to the spider (S) can be done by means of commercial fasteners such as screws and nuts inserted into their openings (211).

[055] In step C, the front arm (300) is coupled to the main body (200) of the device. For this purpose, the aforementioned suspension means must be used. The fixing of the front arm (300) depends on the insertion of its ends into arm housings (290) present on the outer faces of lifting panels (280) of the main body (200). In order for the front arm (300) to be fixed and locked inside these, the front arm (300) is provided with arm fixing openings (310) at the same ends already inserted to which arm fixing means (291) are disposed.

[056] In steps D and E, the actuator (250) is activated. The actuator (250) exerts force on a transmission arc (260), raising the front arm (300) towards the center of the spider (S). At the same time, this movement raises and pivots several elements that make up the main body (200), such as the shaft (230), the transmission arc itself (260), the reinforcement bars (270), the lifting panels (280) and the arm housings (290). Thus, only one actuator (250) is responsible for both raising and pivoting the front arm (300) towards the center of the spider (S), to bring the umbilical (U) closer to the tubular column (C).

[057] In step F, clamping of the umbilical cord by the operators is permitted: once the roller (340) and the front arm (300) pull the umbilical cord (U) towards the tubular column (C) and position it flush with it, the operators' field of vision and the operating space are finally clear.

[058] Step G comprises the retraction of the actuator (250) and the return to the initial position of the front arm (300), as in step C of the present method. Petition 870250006969, dated 01 / 28 / 2025, page 24 / 35 17 / 17

[059] In step H, with the device (100) retracted to the rest position, the tubular column (C), the umbilical (U), properly clamped, can be lowered into the well.

[060] Stage I comprises the repetition of stages E to H and is conditional on the dimensions of the umbilical (U) in use. Thus, the method will repeat stages E to H until the total length of the umbilical (U) is installed, or until the procedure needs to be interrupted.

[061] The present invention provides that, optionally, accessories may be included without, however, departing from the scope of the invention. For example, embodiments not illustrated may include temperature sensors for transmitting values ​​resulting from periodic measurements, similar to those mentioned above, in validation tests and laboratory trials. This temperature detection may occur according to the design specifications, and may include, but not limited to, sensors with wired or wireless transmission, thermal imagers and other forms known in the prior art. Final considerations

[062] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the concepts set forth in the description above. Such modifications should be considered as falling within the scope of the present invention. Consequently, the particular embodiments described in detail above are merely illustrative and exemplary and not limiting as to the scope of the present invention, to which the full extent of the appended claims and of any and all equivalents thereof should be given. Petition 870250006969, dated 01 / 28 / 2025, page 25 / 35

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Approximation device (100) for implanting an umbilical (U) with a tubular column (C) in an underground well, characterized in that it comprises a main body (200) and at least one front arm (300).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the main body (200) comprises at least one base (210), side beams (220), a shaft (230), an articulated actuator connection (240), an actuator (250), a transmission arc (260), reinforcing bars (270), lifting panels (280) and arm housings (290).

3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the front arm (300) comprises at least arm attachment openings (310), handles (320), inner plates (330), a roller (340) and a front roller bar (350).

4. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the approximating device (100) is configured to receive both the umbilical (U) and the tubular column (C) in its main body (200) and in its front arm (300), wherein both the umbilical (U) and the tubular column (C) are centrally arranged and surrounded by the main body (200) and the front arm (300).

5. Device, according to claim 1, characterized in that a front arm angle («1), composed of the angled portion of the front arm (300) in relation to the base plane (210) of the main body (200), must be two to three times greater than an actuator angle («2), wherein the actuator angle («2) is composed of the actuator (250) in relation to the base plane (210) of the main body (200).

6. Method for approaching an umbilical (U) to a tubular string (C) by means of an approximating device (100) defined in any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises the following method steps: A. Approaching a main body (200) of a device (100) to a tubular string (C); B. Coupling and locking a base (210) of the main body (200) in its respective position on the well spider (S); C. Coupling and locking a front arm (300) to the main body (200), near an umbilical (U); D. Actuating an actuator (250); E. Rotating the front arm (300) towards the center of the spider (S) and the umbilical (U); F. After supporting the umbilical cord (U), by contacting it with a roller (340) of the front arm (300), clamping the umbilical cord (U) to the tubular column (C); G. Retraction of the actuator (250), generating descent and alignment of the front arm (300); H.Descent of the umbilical cord (U) together with the tubular column (C); and I. Repetition of Steps E to H.

7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that, in step C, the front arm (300) is provided with arm attachment openings (310) at the same ends already inserted to which arm attachment means (291) are disposed.

8. Method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, in steps D and E, the actuator (250) exerts force on a transmission arc (260), and the front arm (300) is raised towards the center of the spider (S); and the shaft (230), the transmission arc (260), the reinforcement bars (270), the lifting panels (280) and arm housings (290) are raised and pivoted.

9. Method, according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, in step F, the roller (340) and the front arm (300) pull the umbilical (U) towards the tubular column (C) and position it flush with it.

10. Method, according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that, in step G, the retraction of the actuator (250) and the return to the initial position of the front arm (300) occur as in step C. Petition 870250006969, dated 28 / 01 / 2025, page 28 / 35

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