Pipeline system and method for recovering fluid from a well

Description

1 / 20 “PIPE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECOVERING FLUID FROM A WELL”

[001] The present invention relates to a piping system for recovering fluid from a well or for injecting fluid into a well, comprising: - at least one fluid flow pipe; - at least one valve, comprising a valve stem configured to be movable along a first horizontal axis in the flow tube between at least one open position in which fluid is able to flow in the flow tube and one closed position in which fluid is unable to flow in the flow tube; and for the valve or valves: - a valve jack, having an actuating connecting rod connected to the valve, the connecting rod being configured to translate along the first horizontal axis to move the valve stem between at least one open position and the closed position, and a gate mechanically connected to the connecting rod, the gate being configured to be rotated by an actuator to translate the connecting rod.

[002] In particular, the piping system is installed underwater, on or near the bottom of a body of water. For example, the piping system is installed above or near the head of a well, through which a fluid is produced or a fluid is injected into the well. In a variant, the piping system is installed in a surface installation.

[003] An example of a fluid produced by the well comprises hydrocarbons, such as oil and gas. A fluid injected into the well is, for example, a gas, in particular a carbon-containing gas, such as carbon dioxide, to capture carbon-containing gas in the well and reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. In a variant, the injected fluid is a gas to be stored in the well for later use, such as hydrogen or, more generally, a liquid, such as water. Petition 870250111262, dated 04 / 12 / 2025, page 7 / 41 2 / 20

[004] In particular, the piping system is a Christmas tree connected to a wellhead, a subsea distribution unit (or “SDU”), a high integrity pipeline protection system (or “HIPPS”), a blowout prevention device (or “BOP”), an emergency disconnection pack (or “EDP”), a bottom lift pack (or “LRP”) or an in-line tree (or “ILT”).

[005] This piping system generally comprises several fluid flow pipes in which the fluid produced by the well or the fluid to be injected into the well can flow.

[006] At least part of the fluid flow piping is equipped with valves. Valves are operable to control the flow of fluid through the piping. Valves are, for example, gate valves, ball valves, or choke valves.

[007] Each valve is controlled by an actuator that operates a valve jack. The valve jack has a connecting rod that usually moves horizontally to actuate the valve.

[008] In traditional systems, the actuators operate hydraulically. However, in new piping systems, particularly in the latest Christmas trees, the actuators are electrically operated.

[009] A known electric Christmas tree generally has an external structure with vertical side faces through which electric actuators are connected in the horizontal direction to valve jacks.

[0010] Each valve jack comprises a horizontal port to which a rotary electric actuator head is connected. The valve jack uses a roller or screw drive mechanism to convert the rotation of the port generated by the actuator around a horizontal axis into a horizontal translation of the connecting rod.

[0011] This project allows for fully electric operation of Petition 870250111262, dated 04 / 12 / 2025, page 8 / 41 3 / 20 valves in the piping system. However, it is not entirely satisfactory.

[0012] In particular, mounting horizontal actuators at the end of the valve stem substantially increases the total area of ​​the Christmas tree in a horizontal plane, due to the horizontal protrusion of the electric actuator. This is detrimental because, in most cases, the environment at the top of a well contains a lot of equipment, with little space available for new equipment.

[0013] Furthermore, access to the side face of the Christmas tree structure to place and / or replace a horizontal actuator with a remotely operated vehicle (“ROV”) is generally difficult, requires the use of bulky guidance systems and therefore consumes costly operating time.

[0014] More broadly, electric Christmas trees have many recoverable ROV components, all requiring anchoring / guidance / locking systems, which increases the Christmas tree's volume and complexity.

[0015] The electric actuators and other electrical components require many electrical harnesses around the Christmas tree and several wet coupling connectors to power them. These connectors are known to be weak points and can cause failures.

[0016] One objective of the invention is therefore to obtain a very compact piping system with operable valves, in particular configured to be electrically operated, which is also very reliable and easy to maintain.

[0017] For this purpose, the object of the invention is a piping system of the type mentioned above, characterized in that the door is rotatable around a second vertical axis (orthogonal to the first horizontal axis).

[0018] The piping system according to the invention can Petition 870250111262, dated 04 / 12 / 2025, page 9 / 41 4 / 20 include one or more of the following characteristics, considered individually or in combination with any technically feasible options: - The valve jack comprises an intermediate gear that converts the rotation of the port around the second vertical axis into a translation of the connecting rod along the first horizontal axis; - The valve jack is a screw jack, the connecting rod having an external thread, the gate having a worm shaft with an external thread, the intermediate gear being externally engaged with the external thread and internally engaged with the external thread; - the door comprises a free upper end fitted with a bucket to receive a rotary actuator head; - The valve jack has a housing that defines a horizontal access opening opposite a first end of the connecting rod that acts on at least one valve, a second end of the connecting rod projecting through the horizontal access opening to allow direct actuation of the connecting rod by translation of a horizontal actuator; - it comprises a plurality of flow tubes and a plurality of valves, each valve having a valve stem configured to be movable along a horizontal axis in at least one of the flow tubes between at least one open position in which fluid is able to flow in at least one of the flow tubes and one closed position in which fluid is not able to flow in at least one of the flow tubes; and for each valve: - a valve jack, having a connecting rod connected to the valve, the connecting rod being configured to translate along the horizontal axis to move the valve stem between at least one open position and the closed position, and a port mechanically connected to the connecting rod, the valve ports being configured to be rotated around parallel vertical axes of rotation; Petition 870250111262, dated 04 / 12 / 2025, page 10 / 41 5 / 20 - it comprises an external structure, the or each flow pipe and the or each valve being at least partially contained within the external structure, the external structure defining an upper access opening emerging upwards to allow access to the or each port of the or each valve jack; - it comprises a movable panel mounted on the external structure between a cover position that covers the upper access opening and an access position at least partially away from the upper access opening, preferably completely away from the external structure; - the movable panel comprises a lower surface facing the door or each valve in the cover position, the piping system comprising an actuator mounted on the lower surface, the actuator being engaged with the door in the cover position and the actuator being disengaged from the door in the access position; - the actuator is an electric actuator, the piping system comprising at least one wet-coupled electrical connector supported by the moving panel to receive an electrical connection to an external power source; - it comprises at least one battery for powering the electric actuator, the battery being supported by the lower surface of the moving panel and being electrically connected to the actuator and to at least one wet coupling connector, advantageously by means of dry coupling connections; - it comprises a downhole interface unit and / or an electrical subsea control module supported by the lower surface of the movable panel and / or comprises power and / or communication components intended to be plugged into fixed items received on the external structure, the Petition 870250111262, dated 04 / 12 / 2025, page 11 / 41 6 / 20 power and / or communication components being supported by the bottom surface; - the external structure comprises at least one vertical face, the vertical face delimiting a side passage facing the horizontal access opening, a free horizontal volume extending between the side passage and the second end of the connecting rod projecting through the horizontal access opening; - The piping system is a Christmas tree connected to a wellhead, a subsea distribution unit, a high-integrity pipeline protection system, an emergency disconnection pack, a bottom lift pack, or an in-line tree.

[0019] The invention also relates to a method for recovering fluid from a well or injecting fluid into a well, comprising: - to flow a fluid from or to the well in at least one fluid flow pipe of a piping system as defined above, - Rotate the valve jack door via an actuator around the second axis of rotation to translate the valve stem along the first horizontal axis. - move the valve stem along the first horizontal axis in the flow tube between at least one open position in which fluid is able to flow in the flow tube and the closed position in which fluid is not able to flow in the flow tube. [ 0020] The method according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically feasible combination: The fluid comprises hydrocarbon fluid produced from the well or is a fluid injected into the well, in particular a gas, such as a carbon-containing fluid to be captured in the well, typically carbon dioxide, or Petition 870250111262, dated 04 / 12 / 2025, page 12 / 41 7 / 20 such as hydrogen or in particular a liquid to be injected into the well, such as water; - the piping system comprises an outer structure, the flow pipe(s) and valve(s) being at least partially contained within the outer structure, the outer structure defining an upper access opening emerging upwards to allow access to the port(s) of the valve(s), the method comprising moving a movable panel mounted on the outer structure between a cover position covering the upper access opening and an access position at least partially separated from the upper access opening, preferably totally separated from the outer structure, the movable panel comprising a lower surface facing the port(s) in the cover position, the piping system comprising, for the valve(s), an actuator mounted on the lower surface, the actuator being engaged with the port in the cover position and the actuator being disengaged from the port in the access position,The lower surface of the movable panel also advantageously carries at least one battery to power the actuator, a downhole interface unit, an electrical subsea control module, and / or power and / or communication components intended to plug into fixed items received on the external structure in the cover position.

[0021] The invention will be better understood based on the following description, given only by way of example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic top view of an example of an underwater fluid exploration installation, the installation comprising at least one piping system according to the invention; Figure 2 is a top perspective view of the system. Petition 870250111262, dated 04 / 12 / 2025, page 13 / 41 8 / 20 of piping according to the invention, having a ceiling panel in a covering position; Figure 3 is a schematic vertical cross-section of a detail of the piping system in Figure 2, showing a valve in an open position; Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3, with the valve in the closed position; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a worm gear mechanism of a valve jack connected to the valve; Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 2, with the ceiling panel in an accessible position.

[0022] Hereafter, the term “horizontal” should be understood in general as a direction that defines an angle of 90° plus or minus 10°, preferably plus or minus 5° with the direction of gravity.

[0023] The term “vertical” should be understood in general as a direction that defines an angle of 0° plus or minus 10°, preferably plus or minus 5° with gravity.

[0024] The term “A is orthogonal to B” generally means that A is a direction that makes an angle of 90° plus or minus 10°, preferably plus or minus 5°, with direction B.

[0025] A first installation (10) comprising a piping system (12) according to the invention is shown schematically in Figure 1. The installation (10) is a fluid exploitation installation, in particular a fluid production installation or a fluid injection installation.

[0026] When the fluid is produced from underground at the installation (10), the fluid advantageously comprises hydrocarbons, in particular oil and gas. When the fluid is injected underground, the fluid is, for example, Petition 870250111262, dated 04 / 12 / 2025, page 14 / 41 9 / 20 a carbon-containing gas, such as carbon dioxide. In one variant, the injected fluid is a gas to be stored in the well for later use, such as hydrogen or, more generally, a liquid such as water.

[0027] The installation (10) shown in Figure 1 is a fluid production installation located in a body of water (14), in particular at the bottom of the body of water (14).

[0028] The installation (10) comprises at least one well (16) drilled in the ground, a wellhead (not shown) closing each well (16) and a Christmas tree (18) to regulate the flow of fluid through the wellhead.

[0029] The installation (10) further comprises a subsea distribution unit comprising at least one manifold (20) that collects the fluid produced from one or more wells (16) and a termination (22) for transferring the fluid produced in the wells (16) and collected in the manifold (20) towards a surface installation (not shown).

[0030] The installation (10) also comprises several flow tubes (24) connecting each Christmas tree (18) to the collector (20) and connecting the collector (20) to the termination (22).

[0031] The installation (10) may comprise high integrity pipe protection systems (30) and / or an emergency disconnection package (not shown).

[0032] The installation (10) also comprises other flow pipes (26) connecting the termination (22) to the surface, the latter flow pipes generally being called “risers”, the termination (22) forming a lower riser package.

[0033] An example of the piping system (12) according to the invention is shown in Figures 2 to 6. The piping system (12) is here a Christmas tree (18) mounted on top of a wellhead. Petition 870250111262, dated 04 / 12 / 2025, page 15 / 41 10 / 20

[0034] In a variant, the piping system (12) is a subsea distribution unit / manifold, a high integrity piping protection system, an explosion prevention device, an emergency disconnection pack, a bottom lift pack and / or an in-line tree.

[0035] Returning to the example in Figures 2 to 6, the piping system (12) comprises an external structure (40). The piping system (12) also includes, advantageously contained within the external structure (40), fluid flow pipes (42) and at least one valve (44) for controlling the fluid flow within at least one of the fluid flow pipes (42). The external structure (40) may also contain fixed tree items such as wet bond electrical wiring for downhole electrical functions, a multiphase flow meter, a choke actuator and / or power and communication connections.

[0036] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the piping system (12) further comprises, associated with each valve (44), a valve jack (46) to operate the valve (44) by means of an actuator (48).

[0037] In the example of Figures 2 to 6, the piping system (12) is an electrically operated piping system (12) comprising an electrical unit (50). The electrical unit (50) is preferably a single mobile unit in a single piece, as will be described below.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the external structure (40) comprises several lateral vertical faces (52), in particular at least three, preferably four lateral vertical faces (52).

[0039] In this example, the external structure (40) further comprises at least one fixed roof panel (54) and at least one removable roof panel (56), which advantageously carries the electrical unit (50).

[0040] The lateral vertical faces (52) delimit between themselves an internal volume (58) which receives at least partially the fluid flow tubes (42) Petition 870250111262, dated 04 / 12 / 2025, page 16 / 41 11 / 20 and receives each valve (44). The vertical side faces (52) and the fixed roof panel (54), when present, define a top access opening (60) to the internal volume (58), which is covered by the removable roof panel (56). At least one vertical side face (52) defines a side passage (62) facing a valve jack (46), to access the valve jack (46) horizontally.

[0041] The removable roof panel (56) has a lower surface (64) facing the internal volume (58) and an opposite external surface (65) and / or a side surface (66).

[0042] Fluid flow tubes (42) comprise vertical fluid flow tubes (42A), horizontal fluid flow tubes (42B) and / or inclined or curved fluid flow tubes (42C).

[0043] In the example of a Christmas tree (18) shown in Figure 6, at least one vertical fluid flow tube (42A) has a lower end connected to the wellhead and an upper end projecting partially above the external structure (40) through the roof panels (54, 56) to allow connection of a blowout safety device (BOP).

[0044] At least one lateral fluid flow tube (42B) extends laterally to connect to a flow line (24) outside the Christmas tree (18).

[0045] In the Christmas tree (18), at least one flow tube (42) is fitted with at least one valve (44), potentially with multiple valves (44). In this example, several fluid flow tubes (42A, 42B) are each fitted with a valve (44).

[0046] In the example of Figures 3 and 4, valve (44) is a gate valve. In a variant, valve (44) is a ball valve or a choke valve actuated by a valve stem that moves horizontally.

[0047] When the valve (44) is a gate valve, it Petition 870250111262, dated 04 / 12 / 2025, page 17 / 41 12 / 20 comprises a solid obturator (70), configured to close the flow of fluid within a channel (68) defined in the fluid flow tube (42), and a through orifice (72) through which the flow of fluid may flow when the through orifice (72) is placed in the fluid channel (68). The valve (44) further comprises a valve stem (74) connecting the obturator (70) to the valve jack (46).

[0048] The valve stem (74) is configured to move relative to the fluid flow tube (42) along a first horizontal axis AA', between an open position shown in Figure 3 and a closed position shown in Figure 4.

[0049] In the open position, the fluid can flow in the flow tube (42). The passage orifice (72) is positioned inside the channel (68) and allows the fluid to pass through. In the closed position, the fluid cannot flow in the flow tube (42). The solid obturator (70) closes the channel (68) and prevents the fluid from passing through the obturator (70).

[0050] The connecting rod (74) extends horizontally, in an extension of the shutter (70).

[0051] The valve jack (44) comprises an intermediate gear mechanism configured to convert a rotational motion around a vertical axis into a translational motion along a horizontal axis.

[0052] The valve jack (44) is a screw jack, in particular a worm screw drive jack. In a variant, the valve jack (44) has a lead / ball / roller screw drive.

[0053] In the example of Figures 3 to 5, the valve jack (44) comprises a housing (80), a horizontal actuating connecting rod (82), connected or integral to the valve stem (74), to allow a connection with the valve (44), Petition 870250111262, dated 04 / 12 / 2025, page 18 / 41 13 / 20 the connecting rod (82) being configured to translate along the first horizontal axis A-A' to move the valve stem (74) between the open position and the closed position.

[0054] The valve jack (46) further comprises a vertical gate (84) configured to be engaged by an actuator (48) and to be rotated by the actuator (48) around a second vertical axis of rotation B-B', orthogonal to the first horizontal axis A-A'.

[0055] The valve jack (46) further comprises a worm gear (86), to convert the rotation of the port (84) around the second vertical axis B-B' into a translation of the connecting rod (82) along the first horizontal axis A-A'.

[0056] With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the housing (80) internally defines a horizontal longitudinal passage (87) that extends along the first horizontal axis A-A'. The horizontal passage (87) emerges in a first longitudinal opening (88) towards the valve (44), and in a second opposite longitudinal opening (90), facing the side passage (62).

[0057] The horizontal passage (87) receives the actuating connecting rod (82). A first end of the actuating connecting rod (82) connected to the valve (44) projects through the first opening (90) and a second end of the actuating connecting rod (82) projects out of the housing (80) through the second opening (90).

[0058] The connecting rod (82) has an external thread (84) at least in the portion received within the housing (80).

[0059] Thanks to the provision of the side passage (62), the second end of the actuating connecting rod (82) is configured to be engaged by a horizontal actuator (not shown) inserted in the side passage (62) to directly maneuver the actuating connecting rod (82) without having to directly actuate the vertical door (84). Petition 870250111262, dated 04 / 12 / 2025, page 19 / 41 14 / 20

[0060] The housing (80) further defines a second vertical passage (92) which extends along the second vertical axis B-B' and intersects the first horizontal passage (87).

[0061] In the example of Figures 4 and 5, the gate (84) comprises a rotating worm shaft (96) mounted in the second vertical passage (92). It advantageously comprises a bucket (98) for engagement with the actuator (48).

[0062] The rotating shaft (96) rotates around the second vertical axis B-B'. It comprises an external helical thread (100), located at least in its central part at the intersection between the first horizontal passage (87) and the second vertical passage (92).

[0063] The bucket (98), when present, is connected to an upper end of the rotating shaft (96). It comprises an internal receiving space (102) to receive at least one actuator head (110) (48). The actuator head (110) is configured to engage the bucket (98) to jointly rotate the bucket (98) and the worm shaft (96).

[0064] For each valve (44), the port (84) of the valve jack (46) projects upwards into a free space located above the fluid flow tube (42) and extending to the upper access opening (60).

[0065] Thus, each port (84) of a valve jack (46) is vertically accessible from the top of the external structure (40), to be operated by an external actuator (e.g., carried by an ROV) when the removable roof panel (56) is removed, or by an actuator (48) of the electrical unit (50) when the removable roof panel (56) is present.

[0066] Thus, the valve jack (46) does not need to project horizontally outward from the outer structure (40). The valve jack (46) is easily accessible from above through the top access opening (60). The footprint of the piping system (12) is therefore minimized, thanks to this Petition 870250111262, dated 04 / 12 / 2025, page 20 / 41 15 / 20 particular configuration of the valve jack (46).

[0067] The worm gear (86) is disposed at the intersection between the horizontal passage (87) and the vertical passage (92). It comprises an external gear (104), meshed with the external helical thread (100) of the rotating shaft (96), and an internal thread (106) defined around an internal longitudinal cavity that receives the connecting rod (82), the external thread (94) of the connecting rod (82) being meshed with the internal thread (106) of the worm gear (86).

[0068] Thus, a rotation of the rotating shaft (96) around the second vertical axis B-B' produces a corresponding rotation of the worm gear (86) around the first horizontal axis A-A' and, therefore, a translation of the actuating connecting rod (82) along the same axis A-A'.

[0069] The electrical unit (50) is mounted on the roof panel (56), with all components of the electrical unit (50) being transported and moved together with the roof panel (56).

[0070] In the present case, the electrical unit (50) comprises at least one actuator (48) with a rotating head (110) and a motor (112), and at least one battery (114) to power the actuator (48). It further comprises at least one wet coupling connector (116) to connect the battery (114) to an external electrical source, for example, by means of a cable or an umbilical and / or to a surface controller to transmit information to the electrical unit (50).

[0071] In some cases, the electrical unit (50) further comprises at least one downhole interface unit (118), a subsea electrical control module (120).

[0072] The electrical unit (50) may also comprise electrical wiring, as well as power and / or communication components configured to connect via wet coupling connectors to the suspended electrical cables of fixed tree items, such as electrical functions Petition 870250111262, dated 04 / 12 / 2025, page 21 / 41 16 / 20 bottom hole, multiphase flow meter, choke actuator and / or power and communication connections, when present.

[0073] Each actuator (48) projects vertically from the lower surface (64) of the removable roof panel (56). Each actuator (48) is located in a predefined position on the lower surface (64) of the roof panel (56), so that the actuator head (110) engages directly with the port (84) of a corresponding valve jack (46) when the removable roof panel (56) is placed in the cover position.

[0074] Therefore, it is very easy to put in place, maintain and / or replace each actuator (48), simply by removing the ceiling panel (56) that carries the electrical unit (50) in a single piece.

[0075] The same roof panel (56) or a replacement roof panel (56) can then be repositioned in the same position on the outer structure (40).

[0076] The battery (114) is also supported on the lower surface (64) of the roof panel (56). It is electrically connected to the motor (112) and to the wet coupling connector (116) to recharge the battery (114).

[0077] The downhole interface unit (118) and the subsea electrical control module (120), when present, are also carried by the lower surface (64) of the removable panel (56).

[0078] The downhole interface unit (118) is configured to communicate with and control the drive of the equipment in the well below the Christmas tree (18).

[0079] The electric submarine module (120) is configured to communicate with and control equipment on the Christmas tree (18).

[0080] As well as each actuator (48), each of the batteries (114), the wet coupling connector (116), the downhole interface unit (118), the subsea electrical control module (120) and, when present, the Petition 870250111262, dated 04 / 12 / 2025, page 22 / 41 17 / 20 power and / or communication components intended for connection to the tree's fixed items can be easily maintained and / or replaced by vertically moving the removable roof panel (56) above the outer structure (40).

[0081] In addition, the downhole interface unit (118), the subsea electrical control module (120) and the power and / or communication components are all connected to a limited number of wet coupling connectors (116) by means of rigid connections and dry connectors. The risk of leakage or malfunction is greatly reduced.

[0082] The number of wet coupling connectors (116) in the electrical unit (50) supported by the removable ceiling panel (56) is preferably very low, for example less than 5, for example between 2 and 4.

[0083] The use of the piping system (12) according to the invention during production and / or during the injection of a fluid into a well (16) will be described below.

[0084] When a fluid produced by the well (16) or a fluid to be injected into the well (16) circulates within the fluid flow tubes (42), a valve operation (44) may be required.

[0085] In this case, the battery (114) is activated to power the actuator motor (112) (48). The rotating head (110) of the actuator (48) rotates around the second vertical axis B-B' and rotates the door (84), preferably by engaging with the bucket (98).

[0086] The rotating shaft (96) consequently rotates around the second vertical axis B-B' and drives the helical gear (86) around the first horizontal axis A-A'. The helical gear (86) translates the drive connecting rod (82) along the first horizontal axis A-A'. This moves the valve stem (74) and the shutter (70) horizontally between the open and closed positions, or vice versa. Petition 870250111262, dated 04 / 12 / 2025, page 23 / 41 18 / 20

[0087] If a component of the electrical unit (50) malfunctions or requires maintenance and / or replacement, the electrical unit (50) is moved as a single piece by vertically lifting the removable roof panel (56).

[0088] Each actuator head (110) disengages from its corresponding door (84) and the upper access opening (60) is released.

[0089] The same removable panel (56) or a replacement removable panel (56) is then lowered vertically towards the upper access opening (60). It is then guided towards the cover position.

[0090] A permanent guide or a temporary guide is advantageously provided for landing the removable panel (56) without damaging the other components.

[0091] Each actuator (48) is aligned vertically with a respective door (84). The rotating head (110) of the actuator (48) engages easily with the door (84).

[0092] Similarly, when the removable panel (56) occupies its cover position, the electrical cables of fixed tree items, such as downhole electrical functions, multiphase flow meter, choke actuator and / or power and communication connections, plug directly into the electrical unit (50) by means of wet coupling connectors.

[0093] Each wet coupling connector (116) is then connected to an electrical source or an information source.

[0094] The electrical components of the electrical unit (50) can then operate to manage the piping system (12). All electrical connections and information transfer connections are therefore easily managed.

[0095] If the valve jack (46) cannot be operated with the actuator (48), it is still possible to insert a linear actuator (not shown) in Petition 870250111262, dated 04 / 12 / 2025, page 24 / 41 19 / 20 side passage (62). The linear actuator engages directly with the actuating connecting rod (82) to operate the valve (44), without needing to use the door (84).

[0096] Thanks to the configuration of the piping system (12) according to the invention, the piping system (12) remains extremely compact and has a small horizontal footprint, even though it is fully electrically operated.

[0097] The operation of the piping system (12) is very reliable, since the number of wet coupling connectors (116) is limited by the integration of all electrical components into the electrical unit (50). The interface of the electrical unit (50) with the different components of the piping system (12) to which they must be connected is therefore very simple. As mentioned above, only a vertical movement of the removable ceiling panel (56) allows all components to be removed or installed, which significantly reduces maintenance and replacement costs.

[0098] Consequently, multiple wet coupling harnesses, submersibles, guidance funnels and ROV interfaces can be removed and the cost of the piping system (12) is also reduced. Electronic components and modules can be completely replaced in case of failure of a component, for example, of an actuator (48), which minimizes installation downtime (10).

[0099] In the previous description, the piping system (12) is a Christmas tree (18). In a variant, the piping system (12) according to the invention is a subsea distribution unit, a high-integrity pipeline protection system, an emergency disconnection pack, a bottom lift pack, an in-line tree, all located underwater.

[00100] In another variant, the piping system (12) according to the invention is mounted in a topsides installation, in particular Petition 870250111262, dated 04 / 12 / 2025, page 25 / 41 20 / 20 having electrically operated valve systems.

[00101] In another variant, the removable panel (56) comprises multiple movable plates in one piece or one after the other. Petition 870250111262, dated 04 / 12 / 2025, page 26 / 41

Claims

1 / 6 Claims 1. PIPING SYSTEM (12) for recovering fluid from a well (16) or for injecting fluid into a well (16), characterized by comprising: - at least one fluid flow pipe (42); - at least one valve (44), comprising a valve stem (74) configured to be movable along a first horizontal axis (A-A') in the flow pipe (42) between at least one open position in which fluid is able to flow in the flow pipe (42) and one closed position in which fluid is not able to flow in the flow pipe (42);and for each valve (44): - a valve jack (46), having an actuating connecting rod (82) connected to the valve (44), the connecting rod (82) being configured to translate along the first horizontal axis (A-A') to move the valve stem (74) between at least one open position and the closed position, and a gate (84) mechanically connected to the connecting rod (82), the gate (84) being configured to be rotated by an actuator (48) to translate the connecting rod (82), wherein the gate (84) is rotatable about a second vertical axis (B-B') orthogonal to the first horizontal axis (A-A').

2. PIPING SYSTEM (12), according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve jack (46) comprises an intermediate gear that converts the rotation of the port (84) around the second vertical axis (B-B') into a translation of the connecting rod (82) along the first horizontal axis (A-A').

3. PIPING SYSTEM (12), according to claim 2, characterized in that the valve jack (46) is a screw jack, the connecting rod (82) has an external thread (94), the gate (84) has a worm shaft (96) with an external thread (100), the intermediate gear (86) is externally meshed with the external thread (100) and internally meshed with the external thread (94). Petition 870250111262, dated 04 / 12 / 2025, page 27 / 41 2 / 6 4. PIPING SYSTEM (12), according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the port (84) comprises a free upper end fitted with a bucket (98) for receiving a rotary actuator head (110).

5. PIPING SYSTEM (12), according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the valve jack (46) has a housing (80) that defines a horizontal access opening (90) opposite a first end of the connecting rod (82) that acts on at least one valve (44), a second end of the connecting rod (82) projecting through the horizontal access opening (90) to allow direct actuation of the connecting rod (82) by translation of a horizontal actuator.

6. PIPING SYSTEM (12), according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by comprising a plurality of flow tubes (42) and a plurality of valves (44), each valve (44) having a valve stem (74) configured to be movable along a horizontal axis (A-A') in at least one of the flow tubes (42) between at least one open position in which the fluid is able to flow in at least one of the flow tubes (42) and a closed position in which the fluid is not able to flow in at least one of the flow tubes (42);and for each valve (44): - a valve jack (46), having a connecting rod (82) connected to the valve (44), the connecting rod (82) being configured to translate along the horizontal axis (A-A') to move the valve stem (74) between at least one open position and the closed position, and a gate (84) mechanically connected to the connecting rod (82), the gates (84) of the valves (44) being configured to be rotated around parallel vertical axes of rotation.; 7. PIPING SYSTEM (12), according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by comprising an external structure (40), the or each flow pipe (42) and the or each valve (44) being at least partially contained in the external structure (40), the external structure (40) defining an upper access opening (60) emerging upwards to allow access to the or each port (84) of the or each valve jack (46).

8. PIPING SYSTEM (12), according to claim 7, characterized by comprising a movable panel (56) mounted in a movable manner on the external structure (40) between a cover position covering the upper access opening (60) and an access position at least partially separated from the upper access opening (60), preferably totally separated from the external structure (40).

9. PIPING SYSTEM (12), according to claim 8, characterized in that the movable panel (56) comprises a lower surface (64) facing the or each port (84) in the cover position, the piping system (12) comprising for the or each valve (44), an actuator (48) mounted on the lower surface (64), the actuator (48) being engaged with the port (84) in the cover position and the actuator (48) being disengaged from the port (84) in the access position.

10. PIPING SYSTEM (12), according to claim 9, characterized in that the actuator (48) is an electric actuator (48), the piping system (12) comprising at least one wet coupling electrical connector (116) supported by the movable panel (56) to receive an electrical connection to an external power source.

11. PIPING SYSTEM (12), according to claim 10, characterized by comprising at least one battery (114) for powering the electric actuator (48), the battery (114) being supported by the lower surface (64) of the movable panel (56) and being electrically connected to the actuator (48) and to at least one wet coupling connector (116) by means of dry coupling connections. Petition 870250111262, dated 04 / 12 / 2025, page 29 / 41 4 / 6 12. PIPING SYSTEM (12), according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized by comprising a downhole interface unit (118) and / or an electrical subsea control module (120) supported by the lower surface (64) of the movable panel (56), or / and comprising power and / or communication components intended to be plugged into fixed items received on the external structure (40), the power and / or communication components being supported by the lower surface (64).

13. PIPING SYSTEM (12), according to any one of claims 7 to 12, taken in combination with claim 5, characterized in that the outer structure (40) comprises at least one vertical face (52), the vertical face (52) delimiting a side passage (62) facing the horizontal access opening (90), a horizontal free volume extending between the side passage (62) and the second end of the connecting rod (82) projecting through the horizontal access opening (90).

14. PIPING SYSTEM (12), according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the piping system (12) is a Christmas tree (18) connected to a wellhead, a subsea distribution unit, a high integrity pipeline protection system (30), an emergency disconnection pack, a lower lift pack or an in-line tree.

15. METHOD FOR RECOVERING FLUID FROM A WELL (16) or for injecting fluid into a well (16), characterized by comprising: - flowing a fluid from the well (16) or to the well (16) in at least one fluid flow pipe (42) of a piping system (12), as defined in any of claims 1 to 14, - rotating the valve jack (46) door (84) by an actuator (48) around the second axis of rotation (B-B') to translate the connecting rod (82) of the valve (44) along the first horizontal axis (A-A'), Petition 870250111262, dated 04 / 12 / 2025, p. 30 / 41 5 / 6 - move the valve stem (74), along the first horizontal axis (A-A') in the flow tube (42) between at least one open position in which fluid is able to flow in the flow tube (42) and the closed position in which fluid is not able to flow in the flow tube (42).

16. METHOD, according to claim 15, characterized in that the fluid comprises hydrocarbon fluid produced from the well (16) or is a fluid injected into the well (16), in particular a gas, such as a carbon-containing fluid to be captured in the well (16), typically carbon dioxide, or as hydrogen, or in particular a liquid to be injected into the well, such as water.

17. METHOD, according to any one of claims 15 to 16, characterized in that the piping system (12) comprises an outer structure (40), the one or each flow pipe (42) and the one or each valve (44) being at least partially contained within the outer structure (40), the outer structure (40) defining an upper access opening (60) emerging upwards to allow access to the one or each port (84) of the one or each valve jack (46), the method comprising moving a movable panel (56) mounted on the outer structure (40) between a cover position covering the upper access opening (60) and an access position at least partially separated from the upper access opening (60), preferably totally separated from the outer structure (40), the movable panel (56) comprising a lower surface (64) facing the one or each port (84) in the cover position, the piping system (12) comprising the one or each valve (44),an actuator (48) mounted on the lower surface (64), the actuator (48) being engaged with the door (84) in the cover position and the actuator (48) being disengaged from the door (84) in the access position, the lower surface (64) of the movable panel (56) also advantageously carrying at least one battery (114) to power the actuator (48), a wellbore interface unit (118), a subsea electrical control module (120) and / or power and / or communication components intended to be plugged into fixed items received on the external structure (40) in the cover position.

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