System and method for pigging at boundary where first body is rotationally connected to second body

Abstract

Systems and methods for pigging. The system may include an in-line swivel joint, an annular swivel joint, and a plurality of conduits, each conduit including a valve. The first conduit may be in communication with the supply conduit and the in-line swivel joint. The second conduit may be in communication with the annular swivel joint and the first conduit. A third conduit may be in communication with the first conduit and the first return conduit. The fourth conduit may be in communication with the annular swivel joint and the third conduit. The fifth conduit may be in communication with the in-line swivel joint and the discharge conduit. And the sixth guide pipe can be communicated with the annular rotating joint and the fifth guide pipe. A seventh conduit may be in communication with the fifth conduit and the second return conduit. The eighth guide pipe can be communicated with the annular rotating connector and the seventh guide pipe.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 434,676, filed on December 22, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments described herein generally relate to a system and method for pigging a pipeline at a boundary of a rotational connection between a first body and a second body. Background Art

[0004] In the offshore oil and gas industry, floating vessels are often configured to rotate around a fixed or stationary structure. This can be achieved, for example, with a turret mooring system. A turret mooring system can include a rotating portion connected to the floating vessel and a fixed portion connected to the seabed. Such turret mooring systems typically include a fluid transfer system to provide fluid communication between the vessel and a subsea well or pipeline located on the seabed. The fluid transfer system spans or passes between the fixed portion of the turret and the rotating portion of the turret. A fluid rotary joint is typically used to maintain fluid communication between the rotating portion of the turret and the fixed portion of the turret as the rotating portion of the turret rotates around the fixed portion of the turret.

[0005] It is often necessary or desirable to perform a "round trip" pigging operation from a vessel or turret to a subsea well and back. Traditionally, this has been accomplished using pigging equipment (such as pig launchers and receivers) located on a fixed portion of the turret. This equipment requires a significant amount of space, structure, and equipment that is both expensive and sometimes difficult to install on the fixed portion of the turret.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a system and method for pigging a pipe at a boundary where a first body is rotationally connected to a second body. Summary of the Invention

[0007] A system and method for pigging a pipe at a boundary between a first body and a second body in a rotational connection are provided. In some embodiments, a system for pigging a pipe at a boundary between a first body and a second body in a rotational connection may include an inline rotary joint, an annular rotary joint, a first fluid conduit, a second fluid conduit, a third fluid conduit, a fourth fluid conduit, a fifth fluid conduit, a sixth fluid conduit, a seventh fluid conduit, and an eighth fluid conduit. The inline rotary joint may include a fixed portion and a rotating portion. The fixed portion of the inline rotary joint may be configured to connect to the second body, and the rotating portion of the inline rotary joint may be configured to connect to the first body. The annular rotary joint may include a fixed portion and a rotating portion. The fixed portion of the annular rotary joint may be configured to connect to the second body, and the rotating portion of the annular rotary joint may be configured to connect to the first body. The first fluid conduit may be configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid supply conduit provided on the first body and the rotating portion of the inline rotary joint. The first fluid conduit may include a first firing valve located between the fluid supply conduit and the rotating portion of the inline rotary joint. The second fluid conduit may be in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit and the rotating portion of the annular rotary joint. The second fluid conduit may be in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit at a location between the fluid supply conduit and the first firing valve. The second fluid conduit may include a second firing valve located between the first fluid conduit and the rotating portion of the annular rotary joint. The third fluid conduit may be in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit and may be configured to be in fluid communication with a first fluid return conduit provided on the first body. The third fluid conduit may be in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit at a location between the first firing valve and the rotating portion of the in-line rotary joint. The third fluid conduit may include a first return valve located between the first fluid conduit and the first fluid return conduit. The fourth fluid conduit may be in fluid communication with the third fluid conduit at a location between the first fluid return conduit and the first return valve. The fourth fluid conduit may include a second return valve located between the rotating portion of the annular rotary joint and the first fluid return conduit. The fifth fluid conduit may be in fluid communication with the fixed portion of the in-line rotary joint and may be configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid discharge conduit provided on the second body. The fifth fluid conduit may include a third firing valve located between the fixed portion of the in-line rotary joint and the fluid discharge conduit. The sixth fluid conduit may be in fluid communication with the fixed portion of the annular rotary joint and the fifth fluid conduit. The sixth fluid conduit may be in fluid communication with the fifth fluid conduit at a location between the fluid discharge conduit and the third firing valve. The sixth fluid conduit may include a fourth firing valve located between the fixed portion of the annular rotary joint and the fluid discharge conduit.The seventh fluid conduit can be in fluid communication with the fifth fluid conduit and can be configured to be in fluid communication with the second fluid return conduit provided on the second body. The seventh fluid conduit can be in fluid communication with the fifth fluid conduit at a location between the third firing valve and the fixed portion of the inline rotary joint. The seventh fluid conduit can include a third return valve located between the fifth fluid conduit and the second fluid return conduit. The eighth fluid conduit can be in fluid communication with the fixed portion of the annular rotary joint and the seventh fluid conduit. The eighth fluid conduit can be in fluid communication with the seventh fluid conduit at a location between the second fluid return conduit and the third return valve. The eighth fluid conduit can include a fourth return valve located between the fixed portion of the annular rotary joint and the second fluid return conduit.

[0008] In some embodiments, a method for pigging a pipe at a boundary between a first body rotatably connected to a second body may include inserting a pig into a first fluid conduit. The system may include an inline rotary joint, an annular rotary joint, a first fluid conduit, a second fluid conduit, a third fluid conduit, a fourth fluid conduit, a fifth fluid conduit, a sixth fluid conduit, a seventh fluid conduit, and an eighth fluid conduit. The inline rotary joint may include a fixed portion and a rotating portion. The fixed portion of the inline rotary joint may be configured to connect to the second body, and the rotating portion of the inline rotary joint may be configured to connect to the first body. The annular rotary joint may include a fixed portion and a rotating portion. The fixed portion of the annular rotary joint may be configured to connect to the second body, and the rotating portion of the annular rotary joint may be configured to connect to the first body. The first fluid conduit may be configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid supply conduit provided on the first body and the rotating portion of the inline rotary joint. The first fluid conduit may include a first firing valve located between the fluid supply conduit and the rotating portion of the inline rotary joint. The second fluid conduit may be in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit and the rotating portion of the annular rotary joint. The second fluid conduit may be in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit at a location between the fluid supply conduit and the first firing valve. The second fluid conduit may include a second firing valve located between the first fluid conduit and the rotating portion of the annular rotary joint. The third fluid conduit may be in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit and may be configured to be in fluid communication with a first fluid return conduit provided on the first body. The third fluid conduit may be in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit at a location between the first firing valve and the rotating portion of the in-line rotary joint. The third fluid conduit may include a first return valve located between the first fluid conduit and the first fluid return conduit. The fourth fluid conduit may be in fluid communication with the third fluid conduit at a location between the first fluid return conduit and the first return valve. The fourth fluid conduit may include a second return valve located between the rotating portion of the annular rotary joint and the first fluid return conduit. The fifth fluid conduit may be in fluid communication with the fixed portion of the in-line rotary joint and may be configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid discharge conduit provided on the second body. The fifth fluid conduit may include a third firing valve located between the fixed portion of the in-line rotary joint and the fluid discharge conduit. The sixth fluid conduit may be in fluid communication with the fixed portion of the annular rotary joint and the fifth fluid conduit. The sixth fluid conduit may be in fluid communication with the fifth fluid conduit at a location between the fluid discharge conduit and the third firing valve. The sixth fluid conduit may include a fourth firing valve located between the fixed portion of the annular rotary joint and the fluid discharge conduit.The seventh fluid conduit can be in fluid communication with the fifth fluid conduit and can be configured to be in fluid communication with the second fluid return conduit provided on the second body. The seventh fluid conduit can be in fluid communication with the fifth fluid conduit at a location between the third firing valve and the fixed portion of the inline rotary joint. The seventh fluid conduit can include a third return valve located between the fifth fluid conduit and the second fluid return conduit. The eighth fluid conduit can be in fluid communication with the fixed portion of the annular rotary joint and the seventh fluid conduit. The eighth fluid conduit can be in fluid communication with the seventh fluid conduit at a location between the second fluid return conduit and the third return valve. The eighth fluid conduit can include a fourth return valve located between the fixed portion of the annular rotary joint and the second fluid return conduit.

[0009] The method may also include placing the system in a launch mode. The method may also include flowing fluid from the fluid supply line to displace the pig from the first fluid conduit toward the inline rotary joint. The method may also include flowing the fluid until the pig has passed through a third launch valve. In some embodiments, the method may also include placing the system in a receive mode. In some embodiments, the method may also include flowing the fluid until the pig has entered the third fluid conduit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Various aspects and advantages of the preferred embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the invention, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof.

[0011] Figure 1 An exemplary turret mooring system configured to facilitate reciprocating pigging operations between a first body and a second body in rotational connection is described in accordance with one or more described embodiments.

[0012] Figure 2 Depicts Figure 1 Isometric view of the piping system shown in , with the annular swivel omitted for clarity.

[0013] Figure 3 A schematic diagram depicts an exemplary control system configured to operate a turret mooring system configured to facilitate reciprocating pigging operations between a rotationally coupled first body and a second body, according to one or more described embodiments.

[0014] Figure 4 A schematic diagram depicts another exemplary control system configured to operate a turret mooring system configured to facilitate reciprocating pigging operations between a first body and a second body in rotational connection, according to one or more described embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] A detailed description will now be provided. Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which, for infringement purposes, is deemed to include equivalents to the various elements or limitations recited in the claims. Depending on the context, in some cases, all references to the "invention" refer only to certain specific or preferred embodiments. In other cases, references to the "invention" refer to the subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, claims. It should be understood that the following disclosure describes several exemplary embodiments for implementing different features, structures, or functions of the invention. Exemplary embodiments of components, arrangements, and configurations are described below to simplify the disclosure; however, these exemplary embodiments are provided by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. In addition, the disclosure may repeat reference numerals and / or letters in various exemplary embodiments and figures provided herein. This repetition is for the purposes of simplicity and clarity and does not, in itself, dictate a relationship between the various exemplary embodiments and / or configurations discussed in the figures. In addition, in the following description, the formation of a first feature over a second feature includes embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and also includes embodiments in which an additional feature is inserted between the first and second features so that the first and second features are not in direct contact. The exemplary embodiments presented below may be combined in any manner, that is, any element from one exemplary embodiment may be used in any other exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and certain features and certain views of the drawings may be exaggerated in scale or shown in schematic form for the sake of clarity and / or simplicity.

[0016] In addition, certain terms are used in the following description and claims to refer to specific components. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various entities may refer to the same component by different names. Therefore, the naming conventions of the elements described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specifically defined herein. In addition, the naming conventions used herein are not intended to distinguish between components that have different names but the same function. In addition, in the following discussion and claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are used in an open-ended manner and should therefore be interpreted as "including but not limited to."

[0017] All numerical values ​​in the present disclosure are exact values ​​or approximate values ​​("about") unless otherwise specifically stated. Therefore, various embodiments of the present disclosure can deviate from the numbers, values ​​and ranges disclosed herein without departing from the intended scope.

[0018] Furthermore, the term "or" is intended to include both the exclusive and inclusive cases, i.e., "A or B" is intended to be synonymous with "at least one of A and B," unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The indefinite articles "a" and "an" refer to both the singular (i.e., "one") and the plural (i.e., one or more) unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms "up" and "down"; "upwardly" and "downwardly"; "upper" and "lower"; "upwardly" and "downwardly"; "above" and "below"; and other similar terms used herein refer to relative positions to one another and are not intended to denote a specific spatial orientation, as devices and methods using them may function equally well at various angles or orientations.

[0019] Figure 1 Depicted is an exemplary turret mooring system 100 configured to facilitate reciprocating pigging operations between a rotationally coupled first body and a second body. Figure 2 Depicts Figure 1 An isometric view of the piping system 101 is shown in FIG, wherein the annular rotary joint 120 is omitted for clarity. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the first body B1 can be configured as a rotating portion of the turret mooring system 100. The second body B2 can be configured to be substantially rotationally fixed relative to the earth. In other words, the second body B2 can be configured to be substantially rotationally fixed relative to the earth about the vertical axis 180. As used herein, the term "substantially rotationally fixed" means that the second body B2 can rotate relative to the earth about the vertical axis 180 by approximately + / -45° or less, approximately + / -40° or less, approximately + / -35° or less, approximately + / -30° or less, approximately + / -25° or less, approximately + / -20° or less, approximately + / -15° or less, or approximately + / -10° or less.

[0020] In some embodiments, a floating storage and offloading (FSO) device, a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) device, a floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) device, or other similar devices can be attached to the first body B1, i.e., the rotating part of the turret mooring system 100. In some embodiments, the first body B1 can be configured to be set on a floating structure and fixed to the floating structure. In some embodiments, the floating structure can be a floating vessel, such as an FSO, FPSO, FLNG, or any other floating vessel. In other embodiments, the first body B1 can be configured to be set on a fixed structure and fixed to the fixed structure. In some embodiments, the fixed structure can be a tower, platform, or other structure, and the floating vessel can be configured to be moored to the first body B1, and the first body B1 and the floating vessel can be configured to rotate around the fixed structure and the second body B2.

[0021] The turret mooring system 100 may include an inline rotary joint 110, which may include a fixed portion 111 and a rotating portion 112. The fixed portion 111 of the inline rotary joint 110 may be connected to the second body B2, and the rotating portion 112 of the inline rotary joint 110 may be connected to the first body B1. The inline fluid rotary joint 110 may be configured to maintain fluid communication between the fixed portion 111 and the rotating portion 112 when the rotating portion 112 rotates relative to the fixed portion 111. In some embodiments, the inline fluid rotary joint 110 may be configured to allow a pipeline detector or "pig" 123 to pass therethrough.

[0022] In some embodiments, pig 123 can be spherical or substantially spherical. In some embodiments, the diameter of pig 123 can be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of in-line rotary joint 110. For example, the diameter of pig 123 can be approximately 90%, approximately 93%, approximately 95%, approximately 97%, or approximately 99% of the inner diameter of in-line rotary joint 110. In other embodiments, pig 123 can have an elliptical or elongated shape. For example, the length of pig 123 can be greater than the inner diameter of in-line rotary joint 110, such as a "smart" pig. In some embodiments, the length of pig 123 can be approximately 1.1 times, approximately 1.5 times, approximately 2 times, approximately 3 times, approximately 4 times, approximately 5 times, or even approximately 6 times or more the inner diameter of in-line rotary joint 110. In other embodiments, the pig 123 may be configured as a smart detection pig or a scraper pig, which may have an expandable outer surface, such as a spring-loaded outer surface, so that the outer diameter of the pig 123 can match the inner diameter of the inline swivel joint 110 .

[0023] In some embodiments, the turret mooring system 100 may further include an annular rotary joint 120, which may include a fixed portion 121 and a rotating portion 122. The fixed portion 121 of the annular rotary joint 120 may be connected to the second body B2, and the rotating portion 122 of the annular rotary joint 120 may be connected to the first body B1. In some embodiments, the annular rotary joint 120 may be configured to maintain fluid communication between the fixed portion 121 and the rotating portion 122 when the rotating portion 122 rotates relative to the fixed portion 121. In some embodiments, the turret mooring system 100 may be configured such that the rotating portion 112 of the in-line rotary joint 110 and the rotating portion 122 of the annular rotary joint 120 may each be configured to rotate about an axis 180, which may be collinear with the longitudinal axes of the in-line rotary joint 110 and the annular rotary joint 120.

[0024] In some embodiments, turret mooring system 100 may include a first fluid conduit 131, which may include a first firing valve or "first valve" 141. This first firing valve or "first valve" 141 may be configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid supply conduit 160 disposed on first body B1 and the rotating portion 112 of in-line rotary joint 110. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the fluid may be introduced into fluid supply conduit 160 via conduit 166. In some embodiments, turret mooring system 100 may include a second fluid conduit 132, which may include a second firing valve or "second valve" 142. This second firing valve or "second valve" 142 may be in fluid communication with the rotating portion 122 of annular rotary joint 120 and first fluid conduit 131. In some embodiments, second fluid conduit 132 may be in fluid communication with first fluid conduit 131 at a location between fluid supply conduit 160 and first firing valve 141. In some embodiments, turret mooring system 100 may include a third fluid conduit 133, which may include a first return valve or "third valve" 151. This first return valve or "third valve" 151 may be in fluid communication with first fluid conduit 131 and configured to be in fluid communication with a first fluid return conduit 162 disposed on first body B1. In some embodiments, third fluid conduit 133 may be in fluid communication with first fluid conduit 131 at a location between first firing valve 141 and rotating portion 112 of in-line rotary joint 110. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the fluid introduced into first fluid return line 162 may be removed therefrom via conduit 167. In some embodiments, turret mooring system 100 may include a fourth fluid conduit 134, which may include a second return valve or "fourth valve" 152. This second return valve or "fourth valve" 152 may be in fluid communication with rotating portion 122 of annular rotary joint 120 and third fluid conduit 133. In some embodiments, the fourth fluid conduit 134 may be in fluid communication with the third fluid conduit 133 at a location between the first fluid return conduit and the first return valve 151 .

[0025] In some embodiments, the turret mooring system 100 may include a fifth fluid conduit 135, which may include a third firing valve or "fifth valve" 143, which may be in fluid communication with the fixed portion 111 of the inline rotary joint 110 and configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid discharge conduit 161 disposed on the second body B2. In some embodiments, the turret mooring system 100 may include a sixth fluid conduit 136, which may include a fourth firing valve or "sixth valve" 144, which may be in fluid communication with the fixed portion 121 of the annular rotary joint 120 and the fifth fluid conduit 135. In some embodiments, the sixth fluid conduit 136 may be in fluid communication with the fifth fluid conduit 135 at a location between the fluid discharge conduit 161 and the third firing valve 143. In some embodiments, turret mooring system 100 may include a seventh fluid conduit 137, which may include a third return valve or "seventh valve" 153. This third return valve or "seventh valve" 153 may be in fluid communication with fifth fluid conduit 135 and configured to be in fluid communication with a second fluid return conduit 163 disposed on second body B2. In some embodiments, seventh fluid conduit 137 may be in fluid communication with fifth fluid conduit 135 at a location between third firing valve 143 and fixed portion 111 of inline rotary joint 110. In some embodiments, turret mooring system 100 may include an eighth fluid conduit 138, which may include a fourth return valve or "eighth valve" 154. This fourth return valve or "eighth valve" 154 may be in fluid communication with fixed portion 121 of annular rotary joint 120 and seventh fluid conduit 137. In some embodiments, eighth fluid conduit 138 may be in fluid communication with seventh fluid conduit 137 at a location between second fluid return conduit 163 and third return valve 153.

[0026] In some embodiments, the fixed portion 111 and the rotating portion 112 of the in-line rotary joint 110 can be configured to maintain fluid communication between the first fluid conduit 131 and the fifth fluid conduit 135 when the first body B1 rotates relative to the second body B2. In some embodiments, the fixed portion 121 and the rotating portion 122 of the annular rotary joint 120 can be configured to maintain fluid communication between the second fluid conduit 132, the fourth fluid conduit 134, the sixth fluid conduit 136, and the eighth fluid conduit 138 when the first body B1 rotates relative to the second body B2. In such embodiments, the annular rotary joint 120 can include an annular flow path that can provide fluid communication between the second fluid conduit 132, the fourth fluid conduit 134, the sixth fluid conduit 136, and the eighth fluid conduit 138 when the first body B1 rotates relative to the second body B2.

[0027] In other embodiments, the annular rotary joint 120 can be configured to maintain fluid communication between the second fluid conduit 132 and the sixth fluid conduit 136, and separately maintain fluid communication between the fourth fluid conduit 134 and the eighth fluid conduit 138. In such embodiments, the annular rotary joint 120 can include a first annular flow path configured to provide fluid communication between the second fluid conduit 132 and the sixth fluid conduit 136, and a second annular flow path configured to provide fluid communication between the fourth fluid conduit 134 and the eighth fluid conduit 138. In other such embodiments, the annular rotary joint 120 can be two separate annular rotary joints that can include fixed portions 121 connected to each other.

[0028] In some embodiments, the third fluid conduit 133 can be in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit 131 via a first piggable Y-piece 173. In some embodiments, the seventh fluid conduit 137 can be in fluid communication with the fifth fluid conduit 135 via a second piggable Y-piece 174. In some embodiments, the first piggable Y-piece 173 and the second piggable Y-piece 174 can each be configured with an inlet / outlet 177, an inlet 178, and an outlet 179. In other embodiments, the first piggable Y-piece 173 can be configured with an inlet / outlet 177, an inlet 178, and an outlet 179, and the second piggable Y-piece 174 can be configured with an inlet / outlet 177, an outlet 178, and an inlet 179. Whether 178 and 179 in the second piggable Y-piece 174 are inlets or outlets can depend on the particular route the pig 123 takes when exiting and reentering the second piggable Y-piece 174 during launch and receive modes.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first piggable Y-piece 173 and the second piggable Y-piece 174 can each be configured with a switch 176 that can be configured to direct the pig 123 therethrough. For example, when the turret mooring system 100 is in a launch mode (described in more detail below), the switch 176 in the second piggable Y-piece 174 can ensure that the pig 123 travels through the outlet 179 of the second piggable Y-piece 174. In another example, when the turret mooring system 100 is in a return mode (described in more detail below), the switch 176 in the first piggable Y-piece 173 can ensure that the pig 123 travels through the outlet 179 of the first piggable Y-piece 173. In some embodiments, the switch 176 in the first piggable Y-piece 173 and the switch 176 in the second piggable Y-piece 174 can each be independently configured as an internal gate or guide structure that can be positioned in a first position or a second position to guide the pig 123 therethrough via a desired path, as described in more detail below.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first firing valve 141, the third firing valve 143, the first return valve 151, and the third return valve 153 can each be independently configured as a conduit valve, such as a ball valve or a straight-through gate valve. In some embodiments, the second firing valve 142, the fourth firing valve 144, the second return valve 152, and the fourth return valve 154 can each be independently configured as a conduit valve, such as a ball valve, a straight-through gate valve, a gate valve, or a butterfly valve.

[0031] In some embodiments, turret mooring system 100 can further include a pig detector 175. In some embodiments, pig detector 175 can be located on fluid discharge conduit 161 (as shown), or on fifth fluid conduit 131, first fluid conduit 131, or fifth fluid conduit 135. In other embodiments, pig detector 175 or another pig detector 175 can be located on third fluid conduit 133, first fluid return conduit 162, second fluid return conduit 163, or seventh fluid conduit 137. In some embodiments, turret mooring system 100 can include two or more pig detectors 175 arranged in any desired configuration. In some embodiments, pig detector 175 can detect when pig 123 passes by pig detector 175.

[0032] In some embodiments, an optional pig launcher 164 can be in fluid communication with the fluid supply conduit 160 and / or the first fluid conduit 131. In some embodiments, an optional pig receiver 165 can be in fluid communication with the first fluid return conduit 162 and / or the third fluid conduit 133. The pig launcher 164 can be configured to introduce a pig 123 into the fluid supply conduit 160 or the first fluid conduit 131. In some embodiments, the pig receiver 165 can be configured to receive the pig 123 from the third fluid conduit 133 or the first fluid return conduit 162. In some embodiments, the pig launcher 164 and / or the pig receiver 165 can be disposed on the first body B1. In some embodiments, the pig launcher 164 and / or the pig receiver 165 can be disposed on a floating vessel, such as on the deck of a floating vessel, or on any other structure to which the first body B1 can be attached.

[0033] In some embodiments, the turret mooring system 100 can be configured to operate in a pig launch mode, a pig receive mode, or a non-launch / non-receive mode, which can also be referred to as a normal operation or normal production mode. In some embodiments, the turret mooring system 100 can be configured to operate in a pig launch mode when the first launch valve 141 is open, the second launch valve 142 is closed, the third launch valve 143 is open, the fourth launch valve 144 is closed, the first return valve 151 is closed, the second return valve 152 is open, the third return valve 153 is closed, and the fourth return valve 154 is open. In other embodiments, the turret mooring system 100 can be configured to operate in a pig launch mode when the first launch valve 141 is open, the second launch valve 142 is closed, the third launch valve 143 is closed, the fourth launch valve 144 is open, the first return valve 151 is closed, the second return valve 152 is open, the third return valve 153 is open, and the fourth return valve 154 is closed.

[0034] In some embodiments, turret mooring system 100 may be configured to be in pigging reception mode when first firing valve 141 is closed, second firing valve 142 is open, third firing valve 143 is closed, fourth firing valve 144 is open, first return valve 151 is open, second return valve 152 is closed, third return valve 153 is open, and fourth return valve 154 is closed. In other embodiments, turret mooring system 100 may be configured to be in pigging reception mode when first firing valve 141 is closed, second firing valve 142 is open, third firing valve 143 is open, fourth firing valve 144 is closed, first return valve 151 is open, second return valve 152 is closed, third return valve 153 is closed, and fourth return valve 154 is open.

[0035] In some embodiments, turret mooring system 100 may be configured to be in a non-transmit / non-receive mode when first launch valve 141 is open, second launch valve 142 is closed, third launch valve 143 is open, fourth launch valve 144 is closed, first return valve 151 is closed, second return valve 152 is open, third return valve 153 is closed, and fourth return valve 154 is open.

[0036] In some embodiments, when the turret mooring system 100 is in the launch mode, the switch 176 in the first piggable Y-piece 173 can be configured to direct the pig 123 from the inlet 178 to the inlet / outlet 177, and the switch 176 in the second piggable Y-piece 174 can be configured to direct the pig 123 from the inlet / outlet 177 to the outlet 179. In some embodiments, when the turret mooring system 100 is in the receive mode, the switch 176 in the second piggable Y-piece 174 can be configured to direct the pig 123 from the inlet 178 to the inlet / outlet 177, and the switch 176 in the first piggable Y-piece 173 can be configured to direct the pig from the inlet / outlet 177 to the outlet 179.

[0037] In some embodiments, the system 100 may include a structure 139 that may be configured to prevent the pig 123 from traveling from the third fluid conduit 133 into the fourth fluid conduit 134 (e.g., Figure 1 134, and / or from the first fluid conduit 131 to the second fluid conduit 132, and / or from the fifth fluid conduit 135 to the sixth fluid conduit 136, and / or from the seventh fluid conduit 137 to the eighth fluid conduit 138. In some embodiments, the structure 139 can be disposed within the fourth fluid conduit 134, as shown. In other embodiments, the structure 139 can be disposed within the third fluid conduit 133. In still other embodiments, the structure 139 can be disposed partially within the fourth fluid conduit 134 and partially within the third fluid conduit 133. When additional structure 139 is present to prevent the pig 123 from traveling from the first fluid conduit 131 into the second fluid conduit 132, and / or from the fifth fluid conduit 135 into the sixth fluid conduit 136, and / or from the seventh fluid conduit 137 into the eighth fluid conduit 138, such additional structure 139 may be arranged within the conduits in the same or similar manner as structure 139, i.e., within one fluid conduit or partially within both fluid conduits.

[0038] In some embodiments, structure 139 may be or may include, but is not limited to, one or more fences, one or more baffles, gates, grilles, screens, or any other components. Structure 139 may have any configuration that allows fluid to pass between fluid conduits while preventing pig 123 from entering another conduit from one conduit. Structure 139 may be fixed, attached, or otherwise connected to the inner wall or surface of the conduit via any suitable means. In some embodiments, structure 139 may be integral with the conduit, for example, via casting, molding, milling, or the like. In other embodiments, structure 139 may be connected to the conduit via welding, one or more mechanical fasteners (e.g., bolts, bolts and nuts, screws, rivets, etc.), brazing, or the like. Structure 139 may be formed of one or more metals (e.g., aluminum), one or more metal alloys (e.g., stainless steel), one or more polymers, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, structure 139 may be the same or similar to the structure disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 612,588.

[0039] In some embodiments, system 100 can be configured such that the inner diameter of second fluid conduit 132, the inner diameter of fourth fluid conduit 134, the inner diameter of sixth fluid conduit 136, and / or the inner diameter of eighth fluid conduit 138 can be smaller than the outer diameter of pig 123 to prevent pig 123 from entering or traveling into second fluid conduit 132 and / or fourth fluid conduit 134 and / or sixth fluid conduit 136 and / or eighth fluid conduit 138.

[0040] Figure 3 A schematic diagram depicting an exemplary control system configured to operate a turret mooring system 100 configured to facilitate reciprocating pigging operations between a first body B1 and a second body B2 in rotational connection (see FIG. Figure 1 In some embodiments, the first firing valve 141, the second firing valve 142, the third firing valve 143, the fourth firing valve 144, the first return valve 151, the second return valve 152, the third return valve 153, and the fourth return valve 154 can each be configured with a controllable actuator 330. In some embodiments, the actuators 330 can each be independently driven hydraulically, pneumatically, or electrically. The control system 300 may include a power unit 310 (e.g., an air compressor, a hydraulic power unit, or an electric power unit such as a generator) and a logic controller 320 (e.g., a programmable logic controller (PLC)).

[0041] In some embodiments, controllable actuator 330 can communicate with control system 300, power unit 310, and / or control unit 320. In some embodiments, first conduit bundle 311 can communicate with power unit 310 and can include first control or power conduit 351, second control or power conduit 352, third control or power conduit 353, and fourth control or power conduit 354. First control or power conduit 351, second control or power conduit 352, third control or power conduit 353, and fourth control or power conduit 354 can communicate with controllable actuator 330 configured to operate first launch valve 141, second launch valve 142, first return valve 151, and second return valve 152, respectively. In some embodiments, second conduit bundle 312 can communicate with power unit 310 and can include fifth control or power conduit 355, sixth control or power conduit 356, seventh control or power conduit 357, and eighth control or power conduit 358. In some embodiments, the second conduit bundle 312 may also include a ninth control or power conduit 359 that may connect the pig detector 175 to the control system 300 .

[0042] In some embodiments, the logic controller 320 may be connected to or otherwise linked to a central control unit (not shown) provided on the vessel. In some embodiments, the power unit 310 and the control unit 320 may be provided on the first body B1 (see FIG. Figure 1 In some embodiments, the turret mooring system 100 may further include a rotary joint 340 (e.g., a universal rotary joint, an electric rotary joint, and / or a fiber optic rotary joint), which may be configured to transmit power (e.g., hydraulic power or air power from a power unit 310 disposed on the first body B1) across the rotary boundary (see Figure 1 ) to a controllable actuator 330 disposed on the second body B2. In some embodiments, the rotary joint 340 can be configured to transmit control signals from the turret mooring system 100 to the control unit 320 or from the control unit 320 to the turret mooring system 100. For example, a signal from the pig detector 175 can be transmitted to the control unit 320, and vice versa. In some embodiments, the fifth control or power conduit 355, the sixth control or power conduit 356, the seventh control or power conduit 357, the eighth control or power conduit 358, and the ninth control or power conduit 359 can communicate with the control system 300 via the rotary joint 340. As shown, the second conduit bundle 312 can pass through the rotary joint 340 and then be separated and connected to the controllable actuator 330 or the pig detector. In other embodiments, each control or power conduit 355, 356, 357, 358, and 359 can pass through a separate path through the rotary joint 340 and / or through two or more paths through the rotary joint as a separate smaller conduit bundle.

[0043] In some embodiments, the control system 300 can be configured to configure the turret mooring system 100 into a pig launch mode, a pig receive mode, or a non-launch / non-receive mode, as appropriate. In some embodiments, the control system 300 can switch the turret mooring system 100 from the non-launch / non-receive mode to the launch mode to initiate the launch of the pig 123. Once the pig detector 175 detects that the pig 123 has passed, the control system 300 can switch the turret mooring system 100 from the launch mode to the receive mode. In some embodiments, a second pig detector 175 can be located on the third fluid conduit 133 or the first fluid return conduit 162, and upon detecting the return of the pig 123, the control system 300 can switch the turret mooring system 100 from the receive mode to the non-launch / non-receive mode or back to the launch mode. In other embodiments, personnel can manually confirm that the pig 123 has returned after initiating the launch mode, and this return can be manually input into the control system 300.

[0044] Figure 4 Another exemplary turret mooring system 400 is described, according to one or more embodiments, that is configured to facilitate reciprocating pigging operations between a first body B1 and a second body B2 that are rotatably connected. The turret mooring system 400 may be used in conjunction with the above-referenced Figure 1 and Figure 2 The turret mooring system 100 is substantially similar to the turret mooring system 100. A first major difference between the turret mooring system 100 and the turret mooring system 400 is that the fluid supply conduit 160 can be in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit 131, and an optional pig launcher 164 can be in fluid communication with the fluid supply conduit 160 and the first fluid conduit 131. A second major difference between the turret mooring system 100 and the turret mooring system 400 is that the first fluid return conduit 162 can be in fluid communication with the third fluid conduit 133 and the fourth fluid conduit 134, and an optional pig receiver 165 can be in fluid communication with the first fluid return conduit 162.

[0045] The fluid supply conduit 160 may include a valve or "ninth valve" 192 that can be opened or closed as needed when the pig 123 is launched from the pig launcher 164, when the pig 123 returns to the pig receiver 165, and when the system is in a non-launch / non-receive mode. Similarly, the first fluid return conduit 162 may include a valve or "tenth valve" 197 that can be opened or closed as needed when the pig 123 is launched from the pig launcher 164, when the pig 123 returns to the pig receiver 165, and when the system is in a non-launch / non-receive mode. The pig launcher 164 may also include a valve or "eleventh valve" 190 that can be opened before the pig 123 is launched and closed thereafter. The pig receiver 165 may also include a valve or "twelfth valve" 195 that can be opened when the pig 123 returns thereto and closed thereafter.

[0046] In some embodiments, conduit 166 can introduce a quantity and flow rate of fluid into pig launcher 164 sufficient to move pig 123 into first conduit 131. Once pig 123 has been introduced into first conduit 131, valve 190 can be closed and valve 192 can be opened to allow fluid from fluid supply conduit 160 to flow into first fluid conduit 131 to displace pig 123 therein. In some embodiments, valve 195 can be opened when pig 123 is delivered to pig receptacle 165 and closed once pig 123 enters pig receptacle 165. Conduit 167 can allow fluid delivered to pig receptacle 165 to be removed therefrom. In some embodiments, valve 197 can be opened, or at least partially opened, when pig 123 is delivered to pig receptacle 165, so that at least some of the fluid used to move pig 123 from third fluid conduit 133 into pig receptacle 165 can flow into fluid return conduit 162.

[0047] The second pigging detector 175 (such as Figure 4 As shown above, the first fluid conduit 131 may also be located between the fluid supply conduit 160 and the pig launcher 164. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As described, additional pig detectors 175 may be located around the conduits of the turret mooring system 400. The turret mooring system 400 may also include one or more structures 139 that may partially obstruct fluid communication between any one or more intersections of the various conduits (as described above with reference to FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 described).

[0048] In some embodiments, a method for performing a pigging operation between a first body B1 and a second body B2 in a rotationally connected state may include inserting a pig 123 into a first fluid conduit 131 or a fluid supply conduit 160 provided on the first body B1, configuring the turret mooring system 100 in a launch mode, flowing fluid from the fluid supply line 160 to displace the pig 123 from the first fluid conduit 131 or the fluid supply conduit 160 toward the in-line rotary joint 110, and flowing the fluid until the pig 123 passes through a third launch valve 143. Once the pig 123 has passed through the third launch valve 143, the turret mooring system 100 may be configured in a receive mode. The method may include flowing fluid through a second fluid return conduit 163 until the pig 123 enters the first fluid return line 162. In some embodiments, inserting the pig 123 into the first fluid conduit may include loading the pig into a pig launcher 164. In some embodiments, receiving pig 123 may include receiving pig 123 with pig receiver 165. In some embodiments, configuring turret mooring system 100 to the receiving mode may be performed by control system 300 when pig detector 175 detects the presence of pig 123 in fifth fluid conduit 135 after passing through third firing valve 143. In other embodiments, configuring turret mooring system 100 to the receiving mode may be performed by control system 300 after a time interval following the step of flowing fluid from the fluid supply line to displace the pig from the first fluid conduit toward the inline swivel joint. In some embodiments, the time interval may be calculated based on the length of the pigging loop or the length of the round-trip path and the flow rate.

[0049] The present disclosure further relates to any one or more of the following numbered embodiments:

[0050] A1. A system for pigging a pipe between a first body rotatably connected to a second body, the system comprising: an in-line rotary joint comprising a fixed portion and a rotating portion, wherein the fixed portion of the in-line rotary joint is configured to be connected to the second body, and the rotating portion of the in-line rotary joint is configured to be connected to the first body; an annular rotary joint comprising a fixed portion and a rotating portion, wherein the fixed portion of the annular rotary joint is configured to be connected to the second body, and the rotating portion of the annular rotary joint is configured to be connected to the first body; a first fluid conduit configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid supply conduit provided on the first body and the rotating portion of the in-line rotary joint, wherein the first fluid conduit includes a first firing valve located between the fluid supply conduit and the rotating portion of the in-line rotary joint; a second fluid conduit in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit and the rotating portion of the annular rotary joint, wherein the second fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit at a position between the fluid supply conduit and the first firing valve, and wherein the second fluid conduit includes a second firing valve located between the first fluid conduit and the rotating portion of the annular rotary joint. a first fluid conduit in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit and configured to be in fluid communication with a first fluid return conduit provided on the first body, wherein the third fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit at a position between the first firing valve and the rotating portion of the inline rotating joint, and wherein the third fluid conduit includes a first return valve, the first return valve being located between the first fluid conduit and the first fluid return conduit; a fourth fluid conduit in fluid communication with the rotating portion of the annular rotating joint and the third fluid conduit, wherein the fourth fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the third fluid conduit at a position between the first fluid return conduit and the first return valve, and wherein the fourth fluid conduit includes a second return valve, the second return valve being located between the rotating portion of the annular rotating joint and the first fluid return conduit; a fifth fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fixed portion of the inline rotating joint and configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid discharge conduit provided on the second body, wherein the fifth fluid conduit includes a third firing valve, the third firing valve being located between the fixed portion of the inline rotating joint and the fluid discharge conduit;a sixth fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fixed portion of the annular rotating joint and the fifth fluid conduit, wherein the sixth fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the fifth fluid conduit at a position between the fluid discharge conduit and the third firing valve, and wherein the sixth fluid conduit includes a fourth firing valve, the fourth firing valve being located between the fixed portion of the annular rotating joint; a seventh fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fifth fluid conduit and configured to be in fluid communication with a second fluid return conduit provided on the second body, wherein the seventh fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the fifth fluid conduit at a position between the third firing valve and the fixed portion of the in-line rotating joint, and wherein the seventh fluid conduit includes a third return valve, the third return valve being located between the fifth fluid conduit and the second fluid return conduit; and an eighth fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fixed portion of the annular rotating joint and the seventh fluid conduit, wherein the eighth fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the seventh fluid conduit at a position between the second fluid return conduit and the third return valve, and wherein the eighth fluid conduit includes a fourth return valve, the fourth return valve being located between the fixed portion of the annular rotating joint and the second fluid return conduit. ;

[0051] A2. A system according to A1, wherein: the fixed portion of the in-line rotary joint and the rotating portion of the in-line rotary joint are configured to maintain fluid communication between the first fluid conduit and the fifth fluid conduit when the first body rotates relative to the second body, and the fixed portion of the annular rotary joint and the rotating portion of the annular rotary joint are configured to maintain fluid communication between the second fluid conduit, the fourth fluid conduit, the sixth fluid conduit and the eighth fluid conduit when the first body rotates relative to the second body.

[0052] A3. A system according to A1, wherein: the fixed portion of the in-line rotary joint and the rotating portion of the in-line rotary joint are configured to maintain fluid communication between the first fluid conduit and the fifth fluid conduit when the first body rotates relative to the second body, and the fixed portion of the annular rotary joint and the rotating portion of the annular rotary joint are configured to maintain fluid communication between the second fluid conduit and the sixth fluid conduit, and separately maintain fluid communication between the fourth fluid conduit and the eighth fluid conduit.

[0053] A4. A system according to any one of A1 to A3, wherein the rotating part of the in-line rotating joint and the rotating part of the annular rotating joint are each configured to rotate around a longitudinal axis, and the longitudinal axis is collinear with the longitudinal axis of the in-line rotating joint and the longitudinal axis of the annular rotating joint.

[0054] A5. A system according to any one of A1 to A4, wherein the first body is a rotating part of a turret mooring system and the second body is a fixed part of the turret mooring system, and the fixed part is configured to be substantially rotationally fixed relative to the earth about a vertical axis.

[0055] A6. A system according to any one of A1 to A4, wherein the first body is a vessel configured to float on the surface of a body of water, and the second body is a fixed portion of the turret mooring system, which is configured to be substantially rotationally fixed about a vertical axis relative to the earth.

[0056] A7. The system of any one of A1 to A6 further comprises a control system, wherein the control system is configured to independently open and close the first launch valve, the second launch valve, the third launch valve, the fourth launch valve, the first return valve, the second return valve, the third return valve, and the fourth return valve.

[0057] A8. The system according to any one of A1 to A7 further includes a pig launcher, which is configured to be set on the first body and configured to be in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit; and a pig receiver, which is configured to be set on the first body and configured to be in fluid communication with the third fluid conduit.

[0058] A9. The system of any one of A1 to A8, wherein the third conduit is in fluid communication with the first conduit via a first piggable Y-piece, and the seventh fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the fifth fluid conduit via a second piggable Y-piece.

[0059] A10. The system of A9, wherein the first piggable Y-piece and the second piggable Y-piece each include a switch configured to direct a pig therethrough.

[0060] A11. The system according to any one of A1 to A6 or A8 to A10 further includes a pipe cleaning detector and a control system arranged on the fluid supply conduit, the first fluid conduit, the fifth fluid conduit or the fluid discharge conduit, wherein the control system is configured to independently open and close the first launch valve, the second launch valve, the third launch valve, the fourth launch valve, the first return valve, the second return valve, the third return valve and the fourth return valve, and receive a signal from the pipe cleaning detector, the signal indicating that the pipe cleaning device has passed through the pipe cleaning detector.

[0061] A12. The system of A11, wherein the pig detector is disposed on the fifth fluid conduit or the fluid discharge conduit.

[0062] A13. A system according to A11 or A12, wherein the control system is configured to place the system in a transmit mode or a receive mode.

[0063] A14. The system of A13, wherein the control system is configured to switch the system from the transmit mode to the receive mode after the pig detector detects that a pig has passed the pig detector.

[0064] A15. A system according to any one of A11 to A14, wherein when the first launch valve is open, the second launch valve is closed, the third launch valve is open, the fourth launch valve is closed, the first return valve is closed, the second return valve is open, the third return valve is closed, and the fourth return valve is open, the system is in the launch mode; and when the first launch valve is closed, the second launch valve is open, the third launch valve is closed, the fourth launch valve is open, the first return valve is open, the second return valve is closed, the third return valve is open, and the fourth return valve is closed, the system is in the receive mode.

[0065] A16. A system according to any one of A11 to A14, wherein when the first launch valve is open, the second launch valve is closed, the third launch valve is closed, the fourth launch valve is open, the first return valve is closed, the second return valve is open, the third return valve is open, and the fourth return valve is closed, the system is in the launch mode; and when the first launch valve is closed, the second launch valve is open, the third launch valve is open, the fourth launch valve is closed, the first return valve is open, the second return valve is closed, the third return valve is closed, and the fourth return valve is open, the system is in the receive mode.

[0066] A17. The system according to any one of A1 to A16, wherein the first firing valve, the third firing valve, the first return valve, and the third return valve are each independently a straight-through ball valve or a straight-through gate valve.

[0067] A18. A system according to any one of A1 to A17, wherein the system further comprises a structure disposed within at least one of the second fluid conduit, the fourth fluid conduit, the sixth fluid conduit and the eighth fluid conduit, wherein the structure is configured to prevent a pipe cleaner from entering the second fluid conduit, the fourth fluid conduit, the sixth fluid conduit and / or the eighth fluid conduit when passing through the first fluid conduit, the third fluid conduit, the fifth fluid conduit and / or the seventh fluid conduit, respectively.

[0068] A19. A system according to any one of A1 to A17, wherein the system further comprises a structure disposed within at least one of the first fluid conduit, the third fluid conduit, the fifth fluid conduit, and the seventh fluid conduit, wherein the structure is configured to prevent a pipe cleaner from entering the second fluid conduit, the fourth fluid conduit, the sixth fluid conduit, and / or the eighth fluid conduit when passing through the first fluid conduit, the third fluid conduit, the fifth fluid conduit, and / or the seventh fluid conduit, respectively.

[0069] A20. A system according to any one of A1 to A17, wherein the system further includes at least one structure at least partially disposed within the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit, at least partially disposed within the third fluid conduit and the fourth fluid conduit, at least partially disposed within the fifth fluid conduit and the sixth fluid conduit, and / or at least partially disposed within the seventh fluid conduit and the eighth fluid conduit, wherein the structure is configured to prevent a pipe cleaner from entering the second fluid conduit, the fourth fluid conduit, the sixth fluid conduit, and / or the eighth fluid conduit when passing through the first fluid conduit, the third fluid conduit, the fifth fluid conduit, and / or the seventh fluid conduit, respectively.

[0070] A21. A system according to any one of A1 to A20, wherein the inner diameter of at least one of the second fluid conduit, the fourth fluid conduit, the sixth fluid conduit and the eighth fluid conduit is smaller than the outer diameter of a pipe cleaner configured to pass through the first fluid conduit, the fifth fluid conduit, the seventh fluid conduit and the third fluid conduit, so that the pipe cleaner is prevented from entering the second fluid conduit, the fourth fluid conduit, the sixth fluid conduit and / or the eighth fluid conduit.

[0071] B1. A method for pigging a pipe between a first body and a second body of a system rotatably coupled to the second body, wherein the system comprises: inserting a pig into a first fluid conduit, wherein the system comprises: an in-line rotary joint comprising a fixed portion and a rotary portion, wherein the fixed portion of the in-line rotary joint is configured to be connected to the second body, and the rotary portion of the in-line rotary joint is configured to be connected to the first body; an annular rotary joint comprising a fixed portion and a rotary portion, wherein the fixed portion of the annular rotary joint is configured to be connected to the second body, and the rotary portion of the annular rotary joint is configured to be connected to the first body connected to the first body; a first fluid conduit configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid supply conduit provided on the first body and the rotating portion of the in-line rotary joint, wherein the first fluid conduit includes a first firing valve, the first firing valve being located between the fluid supply conduit and the rotating portion of the in-line rotary joint; a second fluid conduit in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit and the rotating portion of the annular rotary joint, wherein the second fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit at a position between the fluid supply conduit and the first firing valve, and wherein the second fluid conduit includes a second firing valve, the a second firing valve located between the first fluid conduit and the rotating portion of the annular rotating joint; a third fluid conduit in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit and configured to be in fluid communication with a first fluid return conduit provided on the first body, wherein the third fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit at a location between the first firing valve and the rotating portion of the in-line rotating joint, and wherein the third fluid conduit includes a first return valve located between the first fluid conduit and the first fluid return conduit; a fourth fluid conduit in fluid communication with the rotating portion of the annular rotating joint and the third fluid conduit, wherein the fourth fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the third fluid conduit at a location between the first fluid return conduit and the first return valve, and wherein the fourth fluid conduit includes a second return valve located between the rotating portion of the annular rotating joint and the first fluid return conduit; a fifth fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fixed portion of the in-line rotating joint and configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid exhaust conduit provided on the second body, wherein the fifth fluid conduit includes a third firing valve located between the fixed portion of the in-line rotating joint and the fluid exhaust conduit;a sixth fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fixed portion of the annular rotary joint and the fifth fluid conduit, wherein the sixth fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the fifth fluid conduit at a position between the fluid discharge conduit and the third firing valve, and wherein the sixth fluid conduit includes a fourth firing valve, and the fourth firing valve is located between the fixed portion of the annular rotary joint and the fluid discharge conduit; a seventh fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fifth fluid conduit and configured to be in fluid communication with a second fluid return conduit provided on the second body, wherein the seventh fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the fifth fluid conduit at a position between the third firing valve and the fixed portion of the in-line rotary joint, and wherein the seventh fluid conduit includes a fourth firing valve. three return valves, the third return valve being located between the fifth fluid conduit and the second fluid return conduit; and an eighth fluid conduit being in fluid communication with the fixed portion of the annular rotary joint and the seventh fluid conduit, wherein the eighth fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the seventh fluid conduit at a location between the second fluid return conduit and the third return valve, and wherein the eighth fluid conduit includes a fourth return valve located between the fixed portion of the annular rotary joint and the second fluid return conduit; placing the system in a launch mode; flowing fluid from the fluid supply line to displace the pig from the first fluid conduit toward the inline rotary joint; and flowing the fluid until the pig has passed through the third launch valve.

[0072] B2. The method according to B1 further comprising placing the system in a receive mode.

[0073] B3. The method of B2, further comprising flowing the fluid until the pig has entered the third fluid conduit.

[0074] B4. A method according to any one of B1 to B3, wherein placing the system in the launch mode includes configuring the system so that the first launch valve is open, the second launch valve is closed, the third launch valve is open, the fourth launch valve is closed, the first return valve is closed, the second return valve is open, the third return valve is closed, and the fourth return valve is open.

[0075] B5. A method according to any one of B2 to B4, wherein placing the system in the receive mode includes configuring the system so that the first transmit valve is closed, the second transmit valve is open, the third transmit valve is closed, the fourth transmit valve is open, the first return valve is open, the second return valve is closed, the third return valve is open, and the fourth return valve is closed.

[0076] B6. The method of any one of B1 to B5, wherein the system further comprises a pig launcher in fluid communication with the fluid supply conduit, and wherein inserting the pig into the first fluid conduit comprises loading the pig into the pig launcher.

[0077] B7. The method according to any one of B1 to B6, wherein the system further comprises a pig receiver in fluid communication with the third fluid conduit, the method further comprising receiving the pig with the pig receiver.

[0078] B8. A method according to any one of B1 to B7, wherein the system further comprises a pig detector disposed on the fifth fluid conduit or the fluid discharge conduit, and wherein placing the system in the receiving mode is performed by the control system after the pig detector detects that the pig has passed through the pig detector.

[0079] B9. A method according to any one of B2 to B8, wherein the system further comprises a control system, wherein the step of configuring the system to a receiving mode is performed by the control system after a time interval after the step of flowing fluid from the fluid supply line to shift the pig from the first fluid conduit toward the in-line rotary joint.

[0080] Certain embodiments and features have been described using a set of numerical upper limits and a set of numerical lower limits. It should be understood that ranges including any combination of two values, such as any lower limit combined with any upper limit, any two lower limits combined, and / or any two upper limits combined, are contemplated unless otherwise indicated. Certain lower limits, upper limits, and ranges appear in one or more claims below. All numerical values ​​are "about" or "approximately" the indicated value, and take into account experimental error and variations that would be expected by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0081] Various terms have been defined above. A term used in a claim that is not defined above should be given the broadest definition given that term in the relevant art, as reflected in at least one printed publication or issued patent. Furthermore, all patents, test procedures, and other documents cited in this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent their disclosure is not inconsistent with this application and to the extent such citation is permitted in any jurisdiction.

[0082] Although certain preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, it is obvious that modifications and adaptations thereof will occur to those skilled in the art. It should be clearly understood that such modifications and adaptations may be designed without departing from the basic scope thereof, the scope of which is determined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A system for pigging a pipe at a boundary where a first body is rotatably connected to a second body, the system comprising: an inline rotary joint comprising a fixed portion and a rotary portion, wherein the fixed portion of the inline rotary joint is configured to be connected to the second body and the rotary portion of the inline rotary joint is configured to be connected to the first body; an annular rotary joint comprising a fixed portion and a rotary portion, wherein the fixed portion of the annular rotary joint is configured to be connected to the second body, and the rotary portion of the annular rotary joint is configured to be connected to the first body; a first fluid conduit configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid supply conduit provided on the first body and the rotating portion of the inline rotating joint, wherein the first fluid conduit includes a first firing valve located between the fluid supply conduit and the rotating portion of the inline rotating joint; a second fluid conduit in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit and the rotating portion of the annular rotating joint, wherein the second fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit at a location between the fluid supply conduit and the first firing valve, and wherein the second fluid conduit includes a second firing valve located between the first fluid conduit and the rotating portion of the annular rotating joint; a third fluid conduit in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit and configured to be in fluid communication with a first fluid return conduit provided on the first body, wherein the third fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit at a location between the first firing valve and the rotating portion of the in-line rotating joint, and wherein the third fluid conduit includes a first return valve, the first return valve being located between the first fluid conduit and the first fluid return conduit; a fourth fluid conduit in fluid communication with the rotating portion of the annular rotating joint and the third fluid conduit, wherein the fourth fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the third fluid conduit at a location between the first fluid return conduit and the first return valve, and wherein the fourth fluid conduit includes a second return valve located between the rotating portion of the annular rotating joint and the first fluid return conduit; a fifth fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fixed portion of the inline rotary joint and configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid discharge conduit disposed on the second body, wherein the fifth fluid conduit includes a third firing valve positioned between the fixed portion of the inline rotary joint and the fluid discharge conduit; a sixth fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fixed portion of the annular rotating joint and the fifth fluid conduit, wherein the sixth fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the fifth fluid conduit at a location between the fluid discharge conduit and the third firing valve, and wherein the sixth fluid conduit includes a fourth firing valve, the fourth firing valve being located between the fixed portion of the annular rotating joint and the fluid discharge conduit; a seventh fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fifth fluid conduit and configured to be in fluid communication with a second fluid return conduit provided on the second body, wherein the seventh fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the fifth fluid conduit at a location between the third firing valve and the fixed portion of the inline rotary joint, and wherein the seventh fluid conduit includes a third return valve, the third return valve being located between the fifth fluid conduit and the second fluid return conduit; as well as an eighth fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fixed portion of the annular rotary joint and the seventh fluid conduit, wherein the eighth fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the seventh fluid conduit at a location between the second fluid return conduit and the third return valve, and wherein the eighth fluid conduit includes a fourth return valve located between the fixed portion of the annular rotary joint and the second fluid return conduit.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The fixed portion of the inline rotary joint and the rotating portion of the inline rotary joint are configured to maintain fluid communication between the first fluid conduit and the fifth fluid conduit when the first body rotates relative to the second body, and The fixed portion of the annular revolving joint and the rotating portion of the annular revolving joint are configured to maintain fluid communication among the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth fluid conduits when the first body rotates relative to the second body.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that The rotating portion of the inline rotating joint and the rotating portion of the annular rotating joint are each configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis that is colinear with the longitudinal axis of the inline rotating joint and the longitudinal axis of the annular rotating joint.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first body is a rotating part of a turret mooring system and the second body is a fixed part of the turret mooring system, the fixed part being configured to be substantially rotationally fixed relative to the earth about a vertical axis.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first body is a vessel configured to float on a surface of a body of water, and the second body is a fixed portion of the turret mooring system, the fixed portion configured to be substantially rotationally fixed relative to the earth about a vertical axis.

6. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a control system, characterized in that: The control system is configured to independently open and close the first, second, third, and fourth firing valves, the first, second, third, and fourth return valves.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a pig launcher, wherein: The pig launcher is configured to be disposed on the first body and is configured to be in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit; and a pig receiver is configured to be disposed on the first body and is configured to be in fluid communication with the third fluid conduit.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The third conduit is in fluid communication with the first conduit via a first piggable Y-piece, and the seventh fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the fifth fluid conduit via a second piggable Y-piece.

9. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that The first piggable Y-piece and the second piggable Y-piece each include a switch configured to direct a pig therethrough.

10. The system according to claim 7, further comprising a pigging detector and a control system provided on the fluid supply conduit, the first fluid conduit, the fifth fluid conduit or the fluid discharge conduit, wherein: The control system is configured to independently open and close the first, second, third, and fourth firing valves, the first, second, third, and fourth return valves, and receive a signal from the pig detector indicating that a pig has passed the pig detector.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein: The pigging detector is disposed on the fifth fluid conduit or the fluid discharge conduit.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The control system is configured to place the system in a transmit mode or a receive mode.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein: The control system is configured to switch the system from the transmit mode to the receive mode after the pig detector detects that a pig has passed the pig detector.

14. The system according to claim 12, wherein: The system is in the transmit mode when the first transmit valve is open, the second transmit valve is closed, the third transmit valve is open, the fourth transmit valve is closed, the first return valve is closed, the second return valve is open, the third return valve is closed, and the fourth return valve is open; and the system is in the receive mode when the first transmit valve is closed, the second transmit valve is open, the third transmit valve is closed, the fourth transmit valve is open, the first return valve is open, the second return valve is closed, the third return valve is open, and the fourth return valve is closed; or The system is in the transmit mode when the first transmit valve is open, the second transmit valve is closed, the third transmit valve is closed, the fourth transmit valve is open, the first return valve is closed, the second return valve is open, the third return valve is open, and the fourth return valve is closed; and the system is in the receive mode when the first transmit valve is closed, the second transmit valve is open, the third transmit valve is open, the fourth transmit valve is closed, the first return valve is open, the second return valve is closed, the third return valve is closed, and the fourth return valve is open.

15. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first firing valve, the third firing valve, the first return valve, and the third return valve are each independently a straight-through ball valve or a straight-through gate valve.

16. The system of claim 1, further comprising a structure disposed within at least one of the second fluid conduit, the fourth fluid conduit, the sixth fluid conduit, and the eighth fluid conduit, wherein: The structure is configured to prevent a pig from entering the second, fourth, sixth, and / or eighth fluid conduit while passing through the first, third, fifth, and / or seventh fluid conduit, respectively.

17. A method for a system for pigging a pipe at a boundary where a first body is rotatably connected to a second body, the method comprising: inserting a pig into a first fluid conduit, wherein the system comprises: an inline rotary joint comprising a fixed portion and a rotary portion, wherein the fixed portion of the inline rotary joint is configured to be connected to the second body and the rotary portion of the inline rotary joint is configured to be connected to the first body; an annular rotary joint comprising a fixed portion and a rotary portion, wherein the fixed portion of the annular rotary joint is configured to be connected to the second body, and the rotary portion of the annular rotary joint is configured to be connected to the first body; a first fluid conduit configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid supply conduit provided on the first body and the rotating portion of the inline rotating joint, wherein the first fluid conduit includes a first firing valve located between the fluid supply conduit and the rotating portion of the inline rotating joint; a second fluid conduit in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit and the rotating portion of the annular rotating joint, wherein the second fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit at a location between the fluid supply conduit and the first firing valve, and wherein the second fluid conduit includes a second firing valve located between the first fluid conduit and the rotating portion of the annular rotating joint; a third fluid conduit in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit and configured to be in fluid communication with a first fluid return conduit provided on the first body, wherein the third fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit at a location between the first firing valve and the rotating portion of the in-line rotating joint, and wherein the third fluid conduit includes a first return valve, the first return valve being located between the first fluid conduit and the first fluid return conduit; a fourth fluid conduit in fluid communication with the rotating portion of the annular rotating joint and the third fluid conduit, wherein the fourth fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the third fluid conduit at a location between the first fluid return conduit and the first return valve, and wherein the fourth fluid conduit includes a second return valve located between the rotating portion of the annular rotating joint and the first fluid return conduit; a fifth fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fixed portion of the inline rotary joint and configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid discharge conduit disposed on the second body, wherein the fifth fluid conduit includes a third firing valve positioned between the fixed portion of the inline rotary joint and the fluid discharge conduit; a sixth fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fixed portion of the annular rotating joint and the fifth fluid conduit, wherein the sixth fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the fifth fluid conduit at a location between the fluid discharge conduit and the third firing valve, and wherein the sixth fluid conduit includes a fourth firing valve, the fourth firing valve being located between the fixed portion of the annular rotating joint and the fluid discharge conduit; a seventh fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fifth fluid conduit and configured to be in fluid communication with a second fluid return conduit provided on the second body, wherein the seventh fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the fifth fluid conduit at a location between the third firing valve and the fixed portion of the inline rotary joint, and wherein the seventh fluid conduit includes a third return valve, the third return valve being located between the fifth fluid conduit and the second fluid return conduit; and an eighth fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fixed portion of the annular rotating joint and the seventh fluid conduit, wherein the eighth fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the seventh fluid conduit at a location between the second fluid return conduit and the third return valve, and wherein the eighth fluid conduit includes a fourth return valve, the fourth return valve being located between the fixed portion of the annular rotating joint and the second fluid return conduit; placing the system in a transmit mode; flowing fluid from the fluid supply line to displace the pig from the first fluid conduit toward the inline swivel joint; flowing the fluid until the pig has passed the third firing valve; placing the system in receive mode; and The fluid is caused to flow until the pig has entered the third fluid conduit.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: Placing the system in the transmit mode comprises configuring the system such that the first transmit valve is open, the second transmit valve is closed, the third transmit valve is open, the fourth transmit valve is closed, the first return valve is closed, the second return valve is open, the third return valve is closed, and the fourth return valve is open; and wherein placing the system in the receive mode comprises configuring the system such that the first transmit valve is closed, the second transmit valve is open, the third transmit valve is closed, the fourth transmit valve is open, the first return valve is open, the second return valve is closed, the third return valve is open, and the fourth return valve is closed; or Placing the system in the transmit mode includes configuring the system such that the first transmit valve is open, the second transmit valve is closed, the third transmit valve is closed, the fourth transmit valve is open, the first return valve is closed, the second return valve is open, the third return valve is open, and the fourth return valve is closed; and wherein placing the system in the receive mode includes configuring the system such that the first transmit valve is closed, the second transmit valve is open, the third transmit valve is open, the fourth transmit valve is closed, the first return valve is open, the second return valve is closed, the third return valve is closed, and the fourth return valve is open.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein The system further comprises at least one of the following: a pig launcher in fluid communication with the fluid supply conduit, wherein inserting the pig into the first fluid conduit comprises loading the pig into the pig launcher; as well as A pig receiver is in fluid communication with the third fluid conduit, the method further comprising receiving the pig with the pig receiver.

20. The method according to claim 16, wherein The system further includes a pig detector disposed on the fifth fluid conduit or the fluid discharge conduit, and wherein placing the system in the receiving mode is performed by the control system after the pig detector detects that the pig has passed the pig detector.

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