Remote dynamic monitoring of deepwater drill-in mud return riser system

Abstract

The deepwater drill mud return riser system of remote dynamic monitoring disclosed by the application comprises a pipe-ship connecting unit fixed on a moon pool of a drilling and production ship, a mud return riser and an underwater crossover pipe manifold with the other end obliquely communicated to a suction module are sequentially communicated below the pipe-ship connecting unit, an anchoring tension unit is fixed at the bottom end of the mud return riser, a monitoring assembly is arranged on the suction module, and the monitoring assembly is electrically connected with a monitoring console located on the deck of the drilling and production ship through cables sequentially passing through the underwater crossover pipe manifold, the mud return riser and the pipe-ship connecting unit. The deepwater drill mud return riser system of remote dynamic monitoring can realize rapid return and remote dynamic monitoring of seabed mud.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of marine oil and gas drilling and production equipment technology, specifically relating to a remotely dynamically monitored deepwater riserless drilling mud return riser system. Background Technology

[0002] Riserless drilling mud recycling technology utilizes lift pumps and small-diameter return lines to lift drilling mud back to the drilling platform during open-circuit drilling, thus achieving closed-loop mud circulation. The riserless drilling mud return riser system, a key piece of equipment in offshore drilling engineering, is a mud return channel extending from the drilling platform to the subsea wellhead suction module. It is primarily used in ocean drilling and shallow, BOP-less drilling to pump drilling fluid from the wellhead suction module back to the drilling platform via lift pumps, achieving mud recycling. Due to technological limitations, there is currently no commercially viable deepwater riserless drilling mud return riser system. To meet the needs of deep-sea drilling and shallow BOP-free drilling, and to solve the problems of narrow safety density windows, mud waste, and environmental pollution in deepwater drilling, this invention proposes a remotely dynamic monitoring deepwater riserless drilling mud return riser system to achieve rapid seabed mud return and remote dynamic monitoring. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a remotely dynamically monitored deepwater drilling mud return riser system that enables rapid return of seabed mud and remote dynamic monitoring.

[0004] The technical solution adopted in this invention is: a remotely dynamically monitored deep-water drilling mud return riser system, including a pipe-ship connection unit fixed on the moon pool of the drilling and production vessel. Below the pipe-ship connection unit, a mud return riser and an underwater crossover manifold that is inclined to the suction module are connected in sequence. An anchoring and tensioning unit is fixed at the bottom of the mud return riser. A monitoring component is installed on the suction module. The monitoring component is electrically connected to a monitoring control console located on the deck of the drilling and production vessel via a cable that passes through the underwater crossover manifold, the mud return riser, and the pipe-ship connection unit in sequence.

[0005] The invention is further characterized in that,

[0006] The pipe-ship connection unit includes a suspension device, which holds a longitudinal suspension section. The upper end of the suspension section is fixedly connected to a deck manifold located on the deck of the drilling vessel, and the lower end of the suspension section is fixedly connected to a ball joint and a transition section whose lower end is connected to the mud return riser.

[0007] A flow monitoring device is installed on the deck manifold. The flow monitoring device is connected to the monitoring control console via a deck cable, and the power cord of the suspension device is connected to the deck cable.

[0008] The drilling vessel is equipped with a cable winch on its deck, with the power line of the cable winch connected to the deck cable. A cable guide device is fixedly suspended below the moon pool of the drilling vessel to allow the cable to pass through.

[0009] The mud return riser includes an upper mud return riser whose upper end is connected to the transition section. The lower end of the upper mud return riser is sequentially and fixedly connected to a lifting pump docking device and a lower mud return riser whose lower end is fixedly connected to an underwater crossover manifold. The lifting pump docking device includes an upper bend pipe whose upper end is connected to the lower end of the upper mud return riser and a lower bend pipe whose lower end is connected to the upper end of the lower mud return riser. A support plate is provided on one side of the lifting pump docking device, and a lifting pump is suspended and fixed on the support plate. The inlet of the lifting pump is connected to the upper end of the lower bend pipe of the lifting pump docking device, and the outlet of the lifting pump is connected to the lower end of the upper bend pipe of the lifting pump docking device.

[0010] The lifting pump docking device has a main junction box fixed on its outer casing. The main junction box is electrically connected to the lifting pump. A main cable is connected between the main junction box and the monitoring control console. The main cable passes through a cable winch and a cable guide device in sequence and is then fixed to one side of the upper mud return riser by a double-line cable clamp.

[0011] The anchoring tensioning unit includes a release device fixedly connected to the bottom end of the lower mud return riser. The release device is connected to the mud-entry anchoring device via a tensioning rope.

[0012] A junction box is fixed on the outer casing of the release device. The junction box is electrically connected to both the release device and the suction module. A cable is connected between the junction box and the monitoring control console. After passing through a cable winch and a cable guide device, the upper section of the cable is fixed to one side of the upper mud return riser by a double-wire cable clamp, and the lower section is fixed to one side of the lower mud return riser by a single-wire cable clamp.

[0013] The underwater jumper manifold includes jumper hoses fixed at both ends to the bottom of the lower mud return riser and the suction module, respectively. The jumper hoses are connected to the suction module through quick-connect hoses. Buoyancy balls are tied to the jumper hoses at intervals. Jumper cables are fixed to the jumper hoses through hose cable clamps. One end of the jumper cable is connected to the junction box, and the other end is inserted into the cable socket of the suction module through an underwater cable quick-connect connector.

[0014] The monitoring components include a camera, a searchlight, and a mud level monitoring device that are fixedly installed and electrically connected to the suction module.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The remotely dynamically monitored deep-water riserless drilling mud return riser system of this invention is used to solve the problems of narrow safety density window, mud waste and environmental pollution in deep-sea drilling and shallow BOP-free drilling. At the same time, it realizes rapid return of seabed mud and remote dynamic monitoring, thereby widening the safety density window of deep-water riserless drilling, reducing mud waste, protecting the marine environment, and monitoring the mud return status in real time to ensure safe and efficient drilling operations. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the remote dynamic monitoring deep-water drilling mud return riser system of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the upper structure of the mud return riser in the remote dynamic monitoring deep-water drilling mud return riser system of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a front view of the lifting pump docking device in the remote dynamic monitoring deep-water riserless drilling mud return riser system of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a left view of the lifting pump docking device in the remote dynamic monitoring deep-water riserless drilling mud return riser system of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the lower structure of the mud return riser in the remote dynamic monitoring deep-water drilling mud return riser system of the present invention.

[0021] In the diagram, 1. Monitoring console, 2. Deck cable, 3. Flow monitoring device, 4. Deck manifold, 5. Suspension device, 6. Cable winch, 7. Cable guide device, 8. Suspension sub, 9. Ball joint, 10. Transition sub, 11. Upper mud return riser, 12. Main cable, 13. Dual-line cable clamp, 14. Lift pump, 15. Lift pump docking device, 16. Main junction box, 17. Lower mud return riser, 18. Sub-cable, 19. Single-line cable. 20. Clamp, Release device, 21. Tensioning rope, 22. Mud anchoring device, 23. From junction box, 24. Jumper cable, 25. Jumper hose, 26. Buoyancy ball, 27. Hose cable clamp, 28. Hose quick connector, 29. Underwater cable quick connector, 30. Camera, 31. Suction module, 32. Searchlight, 33. Mud level monitoring device, 34. Upper bend of lifting pump docking device, 35. Lower bend of lifting pump docking device, 36. Bearing plate. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0023] This invention provides a remotely dynamically monitored deepwater drilling mud return riser system, which consists of a monitoring and control unit, a pipe-vessel connection unit, a mud return riser, an anchoring and tensioning unit, an underwater crossover manifold, wellhead equipment, and related monitoring components.

[0024] Monitoring and control units, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the monitoring console 1 is fixed on the left side of the deck. It transmits power and control signals to various monitoring and execution devices via deck cable 2, main cable 12, main junction box 16, slave cable 18, slave junction box 23, and jumper cable 24. It is used to monitor the overall system's operating status and control the start and stop of related equipment. Deck cable 2 is the power and signal transmission cable entirely located on the deck surface. The flow monitoring device 3 uses a flow meter installed on a straight section of the deck manifold 4 to monitor the flow rate and velocity of the returned mud in real time, transmitting the data to the monitoring console 1 via deck cable 2.

[0025] Pipeline connection unit, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the suspension device 5 is fixedly installed on the left side of the moon pool of the drilling vessel. It serves as the suspension platform for the entire riser and is electrically controlled. The power supply line is connected to the deck cable 2, enabling automated electric operation. The specific structure can adopt existing mature methods, such as a gate-type closure. The lower plate is a fixed plate, and the upper plate consists of two identical sliding flat plates on the left and right sides. Driven by a motor and guide rails, it achieves opening and closing functions. When it is necessary to fix the suspension section 8, first open the two upper plates of the suspension device 5, then hoist the suspension section 8 through the central through hole of the lower plate of the suspension device 5, then close the two upper plates of the suspension device 5, and finally lower the suspension section 8 so that its upper flange sits exactly on the two upper plates of the suspension device 5. The cable winch 6 is installed on the right side of the moon pool of the drilling vessel, and the power supply line is connected to the deck cable 2, enabling electrically controlled cable retrieval and lowering. The cable guide device 7 is fixedly suspended below the moon pool. It adopts an arc-shaped cylinder and can be used to support the weight of the suspended cable. It works with the cable winch 6 to retrieve and lower the cable, reducing damage during the cable retrieval process. The suspension section 8 is fixed to the suspension device 5. Its upper flange connects to the deck manifold 4, leading to the mud treatment system. The lower flange connects to the ball joint 9, which in turn connects to the mud return riser. This is a key load-bearing component for the entire system's pipe-to-ship connection. The lower flange of the ball joint 9 connects to the conversion section 10. The ball joint 9 can swing and rotate within a certain range around its spindle, thereby reducing the bending moment at the top of the riser and offsetting some of the movement caused by platform swaying and riser tension, achieving flexible suspension between the mud return riser and the drilling vessel. The conversion section 10 connects the ball joint 9 to the upper mud return riser 11, enabling conversion between joint types of different dimensions. The main cable 12 and the secondary cable 18 pass through the cable winch 6 and the cable guide device 7, and are then fixed to one side of the upper mud return riser 11 by double-wire cable clamps 13, and lowered along with the riser.

[0026] Mud returns to the riser, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the upper end of the lifting pump docking device 15 is connected to the upper mud return riser 11, and the lower end is connected to the lower mud return riser 17. The lifting pump 14 is suspended and fixed on the pre-reserved bearing plate 36 of the lifting pump docking device 15, and is not subjected to the axial load of the tubing column. It is the power device for the entire mud circulation return. Its inlet flange is connected to the lower bend 35 of the lifting pump docking device, and then connects to the lower mud return riser 17. Its outlet flange is connected to the upper bend 34 of the lifting pump docking device, realizing the connection with the upper mud return riser 11, forming a complete mud return channel. The main junction box 16 is fixed on the outer shell of the lifting docking device 15. One end of its connection is connected to the cable of the lifting pump 14, and the other end is connected to the main cable 12, providing power and signal transmission for the lifting pump 14.

[0027] Anchoring tensioning unit, such as Figure 1 and Figure 5As shown, the lower mud return riser 17 leads directly to the seabed and connects to the release device 20. The release device 20 employs an electrically controlled mechanical claw structure. The release device 20 is tensioned and fixed to the bottom-conical mud anchoring device 22 via a tension rope 21, achieving the limit and tension of the riser. The feed cable 18 bypasses the lifting pump docking device 15, is fixed to one side of the lower mud return riser 17 via a single-line cable clamp 19, and ultimately connects to the junction box 23. The junction box 23, fixed to the housing of the release device 20, serves as a relay station and distribution box for power and signal transmission. A feed cable 18, running directly to the deck, provides power and signal transmission to the release device 20 and the electronic components of the suction module 31. Before the mud anchoring device 22 is anchored on the seabed, it is suspended by the claws on the release device 20, and the tension rope 21 is stored in the inner cylinder of the mud anchoring device 22. When it reaches the predetermined position, the outer cylinder of the mud anchoring device 22 is pressed into the mud line by the weight of the mud anchoring device 22 and the weight of the riser column until the preset burial depth is reached. Then the claws of the release device 20 are opened, the tension rope 21 is adjusted, and the mud is returned to the seabed for anchoring and tensioning.

[0028] Underwater cross-connection manifold, such as Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, one end of the jumper hose 25 is fixedly connected to the elbow flange of the release device 20, and the other end is fixedly connected to the hose quick connector 28 and temporarily bound to the lower mud return riser 17, and lowered to the seabed with the riser. After the anchoring and tensioning unit completes anchoring and tensioning, with the help of an underwater robot, the temporarily bound end of the jumper hose 25 is untied and pulled to the wellhead. With the help of the underwater robot's manipulator, the hose quick connector 28 is aligned and connected to the reserved interface of the suction module 31. The buoyancy ball 26 is tied to the jumper hose 25 to offset part of the weight of the jumper hose and maintain the attitude of the jumper hose. The jumper cable 24 is fixed to the jumper hose 25 through the hose cable clamp 27. One end is connected to the junction box 23, and the other end is inserted into the cable socket of the suction module 31 through the underwater cable quick connector 29 with the help of the underwater robot's manipulator, providing power and signal transmission to the electronic components of the suction module 31.

[0029] Wellhead equipment and related monitoring components, such as Figure 1 and Figure 5As shown, the upper part of the mud return riser is fixed to the moon pool of the drilling and production vessel via a suspension device 5, while the lower part is tensioned and fixed away from the wellhead using a mud anchoring device 22. It is then connected to the suction module 31 via a jumper hose 25, forming a mud return channel from the wellhead to the drilling and production platform. The suction module 31 is installed on the seabed wellhead or base plate to contain the returned mud, creating an interface separation with the seawater. The mud level is adjusted by changing the rotation speed of the lift pump 14 to maintain stable drilling pressure. A camera 30, a searchlight 32, and a mud level monitoring device 33 are fixedly installed on the suction module 31 as electronic components. The mud level monitoring device 33 monitors the mud level changes within the suction module 31 in real time and uses the searchlight 32 and camera 30 for auxiliary positioning. Simultaneously, the camera 30 also monitors seabed conditions and abnormal changes within the well.

[0030] Through the above methods, the remote dynamic monitoring deepwater riserless drilling mud return riser system of the present invention is used to solve the problems of narrow safety density window, mud waste and environmental pollution in deep-sea drilling and shallow BOP-less drilling. At the same time, it realizes rapid return of seabed mud and remote dynamic monitoring, thereby widening the safety density window of deepwater riserless drilling, reducing mud waste, protecting the marine environment, and monitoring the mud return status in real time to ensure safe and efficient drilling operations.

Claims

1. A remotely dynamically monitored deepwater riserless drilling mud return riser system, characterized in that, The system includes a pipe-ship connection unit fixed on the moon pool of the drilling and production vessel. The pipe-ship connection unit includes a suspension device (5), which holds a longitudinal suspension section (8). The upper end of the suspension section (8) is fixedly connected to a deck manifold (4) located on the deck of the drilling and production vessel. The lower end of the suspension section (8) is sequentially fixedly connected to a ball joint (9) and a conversion section (10) whose lower end is connected to the mud return riser. Below the pipe-ship connection unit, there is a mud return riser and an underwater crossover manifold whose other end is inclined to the suction module (31). The mud return riser includes an upper mud return riser (11) whose upper end is connected to the conversion section (10). The lower end of 11) is sequentially connected to a lifting pump docking device (15) and a lower mud return riser (17) whose lower end is fixedly connected to the underwater cross-connection. The lifting pump docking device (15) includes an upper bend pipe (34) whose upper end is connected to the lower end of the upper mud return riser (11) and a lower bend pipe (35) whose lower end is connected to the upper end of the lower mud return riser (17). A bearing plate (36) is provided on one side of the lifting pump docking device (15). A lifting pump (14) is suspended and fixed on the bearing plate (36). The inlet of the lifting pump (14) is connected to the upper end of the lower bend pipe (35) of the lifting pump docking device, and the outlet of the lifting pump (14) is connected to the upper end of the lower bend pipe (35). The lower end of the upper bend (34) of the docking device is connected; the bottom end of the mud return riser is fixed with an anchoring tension unit, which includes a release device (20) fixedly connected to the bottom end of the lower mud return riser (17). The release device (20) is connected to the mud entry anchoring device (22) through the tension rope (21); a monitoring component is provided on the suction module (31). The monitoring component is electrically connected to the monitoring control console (1) located on the deck of the drilling and production vessel through a cable that passes through the underwater crossover manifold, the mud return riser and the pipe ship connection unit in sequence. A flow monitoring device (3) is provided on the deck manifold (4). The flow monitoring device (3) is connected to the monitoring control console (1) through the deck cable (2). The power line of the suspension device (5) is connected to the deck cable (2); a cable winch (6) with a cable wound around it is installed on the deck of the drilling and production vessel. The power line of the cable winch (6) is connected to the deck cable (2). A cable guide device (7) for the cable to pass through is fixedly suspended below the moon pool of the drilling and production vessel. A main junction box (16) is fixed on the outer shell of the lifting pump docking device (15). The main junction box (16) is electrically connected to the lifting pump (14). A main cable (12) is connected between the main junction box (16) and the monitoring control console (1). The main cable (12) passes through the cable winch (6) and the cable guide device (7) in sequence and is then fixed to one side of the upper mud return riser (11) by a double-line cable clamp (13).

2. The remotely dynamically monitored deepwater riserless drilling mud return riser system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The release device (20) has a junction box (23) fixed on its outer shell. The junction box (23) is electrically connected to the release device (20) and the suction module (31). A cable (18) is connected between the junction box (23) and the monitoring control console (1). The cable (18) passes through the cable winch (6) and the cable guide device (7) in sequence. The upper section is fixed to one side of the upper mud return riser (11) by a double-wire cable clamp (13), and the lower section is fixed to one side of the lower mud return riser (17) by a single-wire cable clamp (19).

3. The remotely dynamically monitored deepwater riserless drilling mud return riser system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The underwater crossover manifold includes a crossover hose (25) with both ends fixedly connected to the bottom of the lower mud return riser (17) and the suction module (31). The crossover hose (25) is connected to the suction module (31) through a hose quick connector (28). Buoyancy balls (26) are tied to the crossover hose (25) at intervals. A crossover cable (24) is fixed to the crossover hose (25) through a hose cable clamp (27). One end of the crossover cable (24) is connected to the junction box (23), and the other end is inserted into the cable socket of the suction module (31) through an underwater cable quick connector (29).

4. The remotely dynamically monitored deepwater riserless drilling mud return riser system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The monitoring components include a camera (30), a searchlight (32), and a mud level monitoring device (33) that are fixedly installed and electrically connected to the suction module (31).

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