Subsea oil leak stabilization system and method

Abstract

A method for controlling a subsea leak is provided using a manifold and an enclosing member extending above the manifold. The manifold includes a plurality of outlets directed toward a subsea bottom surface. The manifold and the enclosing member define an interior volume and are positioned so that the subsea leak is situated in the interior volume. The method includes jetting fluid out of the plurality of outlets of the manifold to remove subsea bottom material, and injecting fluidized concrete into the interior volume above the subsea bottom surface after the jetting fluid operation. The method also includes sealing the interior volume at a top of the enclosing member above the subsea leak. A device and system for controlling a subsea leak are provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 396,937 filed Jun. 4, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]1. Field of the Invention[0004]The present invention relates to subsea oil leaks, and in particular relates to a subsea oil leak stabilization system (also referred to herein as SOLSS) and a method for developing and using a SOLSS.[0005]2. Description of the Related Art[0006]Water streams forced under pressure out a small diameter opening or nozzle (referred to herein as water-jetting or jetting) are used in the undersea construction industry and utilized for various tasks including dredging, fishing, trenching, cable burial and pipe-line burial. Jet-assistance in a plowshare or other trenching tools can significantly reduce the tow force (also referred to as draw-bar) required to s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]A method for controlling a subsea leak from an opening in a pipe which extends from a subsea bottom surface is provided. The method uses an assembly including a manifold and an enclosing member extending above the manifold. The manifold includes a plurality of fluid outlets. The manifold and the enclosing member at least partially define an interior volume, a bottom having an opening adapted to accommodate the pipe, and a top outlet. The method includes opening the top outlet to allow a free flow of a fluid leaking from the pipe opening, and positioning the manifold to circumferentially enclose the pipe opening. The method also includes jetting fluid out of the plurality of outlets of the manifold toward the subsea bottom surface to remove subsea bottom material proximate the pipe after positioning the manifold, seat the bottom of the manifold into the subsea surface, and cause the manifold to move downwardly relative to the pipe opening. The method further includes injecting fluidized concrete into the interior volume above the subsea bottom surface to a level below the pipe opening to seal the bottom opening, and closing the top outlet above the subsea leak to seal the assembly.

[0028]Once assembled and deployed, a SOLSS may quickly and efficiently stop the flow of oil or other leaking material at the source, namely the riser pipe or other leaking pipe. The SOLSS may also create a stable bottom platform with a re-enterable final pipe cap enabling reopening and resumption of oil recovery, thereby avoiding abandonment and loss of the initial drilling assets.

Problems solved by technology

The BP oil spill was not contained for several months causing significant environmental damage and imposing substantial monetary liabilities on BP.

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