Deep sea valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a deep sea valve (1) having at least one valve slide (2), the at least one valve slide (2) being displaceable by means of an actuator (3) in order to open a flow passage (5) in the deep sea valve (1), a spring arrangement (4) being arranged on the deep sea valve (1) and being designed to displace the valve slide (2) in order to close the flow passage in the event of an emergency, the actuator (3) having an electric drive, wherein the actuator (3) and the spring arrangement (4) are arranged on opposite sides of the flow passage (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to deep-sea valves and valve assemblies for subsea production trees. Background Technology

[0002] A subsea production tree, also known as a subsea X-Mas production tree or subsea oil and gas well Christmas tree (hereinafter referred to as a subsea production tree), includes a valve assembly and at least one flow passage that can be vertically installed on a borehole at the seabed. The subsea production tree serves as an interface between the pipeline on the seabed and the borehole. The valve assembly includes a deep-sea valve for blocking and regulating the delivery flow and for various maintenance functions during operation.

[0003] Subsea workstations are used in the transportation of oil or the storage of gases (such as CO2 or hydrogen on the seabed). Multiple boreholes are drilled for each transportation or storage area, and each borehole includes a subsea workstation. Therefore, a large number of subsea workstations are used for each transportation or storage area, which leads to high costs, especially in the installation of these workstations.

[0004] Subsea drilling trees are costly to place on the seabed. They are vertically placed onto the borehole using cranes on ships or platforms at depths up to >3,500 meters and then connected by submersible robots.

[0005] Typically, the (remotely controlled) deep-sea valves of the subsea production tree are operated using a hydraulic cylinder unit with a return spring. Operation is achieved via a control block with a switching valve secured to the subsea production tree and a hydraulic reservoir. Pressure is supplied from a surface platform or vessel. In the event of control failure, the valve can be safely closed using the spring.

[0006] Process valves are typically located on one side of the subsea wellhead. Emergency operations can also be performed from this operating side using a submersible robot.

[0007] Hydraulic cylinders and springs require relatively large structural space and have significant mass. Furthermore, a hydraulic valve with a control block and at least one hydraulic reservoir is installed at the subsea production tree; these are also complexly designed and operate with considerable mass. The control block and hydraulic reservoir are located on the side opposite to the operating side. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Based on this, the objective of the present invention is to at least partially solve the problems described in the prior art. In particular, a feasible solution should be provided that makes the transport and installation of subsea production trees easier. Specifically, to simplify and more cost-effectively design the installation of numerous subsea production trees on the seabed, it is worthwhile to design the subsea production trees to be more compact and, where necessary, lighter. Very particularly, emphasis is placed on easier and more durable assembly at the borehole location on the seabed.

[0009] This objective is achieved through the features of the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features individually listed in the claims can be combined with each other in any technically meaningful manner and define further embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the features given in the claims are clearly described and explained in detail in the specification, wherein further preferred embodiments of the invention are shown.

[0010] A deep-sea valve facilitates this objective, having at least one valve slide. The valve slide is movable by means of an actuator to (targetedly) open or close a flow passage in the deep-sea valve. A spring assembly is also arranged at the deep-sea valve and configured to move the valve slide to close the flow passage in an emergency (when the actuator for the valve slide is unavailable and / or offline). The actuator has an electric actuator. Here, the actuator and spring assembly are arranged on opposite sides of the flow passage.

[0011] Deep-sea valves are preferably designed for underwater operation. Specifically, they can be used at depths of at least 1000 meters, particularly at least 3000 meters, and if necessary, even above 3500 meters. Deep-sea valves can be used at boreholes, for example, in oil transportation. They can also be used at boreholes for applications such as CO2 (carbon dioxide) storage facilities. Deep-sea valves can be used to regulate, in particular, open and / or close, the inflow or outflow at boreholes. Similarly, maintenance functions can be achieved using deep-sea valves.

[0012] The valve slide is preferably a flat slide. The valve slide preferably has an opening and a closing element. The valve slide can move axially such that the opening partially or completely releases the inflow or outflow (flow passage) at the borehole. The valve slide can move such that the closing element completely blocks the flow passage at the borehole.

[0013] The valve slide can be moved by means of an actuator. Here, the actuator can move the valve slide laterally relative to the borehole. The actuator can be fixedly or coupledly connected to the deep-sea valve. Alternatively, the actuator can directly manipulate the valve slide. Preferably, the actuator is arranged such that it has a direction of movement along the axis of movement of the valve slide. In particular, the actuator can move the valve slide without turning or changing direction.

[0014] The deep-sea valve is specified to have at least one flow passage that can be closed by means of a valve slide. The flow passage can be a pipe section within the deep-sea valve. The flow passage is preferably cylindrical. The flow passage can be connected to a borehole. It is possible that the borehole and the flow passage are on the same axis. It is also possible that the borehole and the flow passage have axes that extend parallel to each other. Preferably, the axis of the deep-sea valve extends through the center point of the flow passage and extends transversely to the axis of movement. In particular, the axis and the flow passage can be the flow axis of the deep-sea valve.

[0015] It is feasible to have at least one spring in the spring assembly. Preferably, the spring assembly has one, two, three, four, five, or more springs. The spring assembly is preferably designed to have a constant (directed in one direction) spring force. Specifically, the valve slide can move by means of the spring assembly (in the same or opposite direction to the actuator). It is feasible to design the spring force of the spring assembly to close the flow passage in an emergency, i.e., especially when the actuator is not activated. It is feasible to have such a high spring force that the flow passage can be closed even under high pressure.

[0016] Alternatively, the spring assembly can be arranged within a sleeve that is fastened to the deep-sea valve. The spring can be supported on a stop on the sleeve at its first end and apply spring force to the valve slide at its other end.

[0017] The electric actuator is preferably located within the actuator. Specifically, the actuator can have its own (or built-in) electric motor. The electric motor can have an internal current source located within the actuator. It is feasible that the internal current source is a battery. Alternatively, the actuator can be powered via a power cable without having an internal current source. It is also feasible that the power cable is connected to a current source on a platform or vessel at the water's surface.

[0018] The actuator and spring assembly are arranged on opposite sides of the flow passage. It is possible for the actuator and spring assembly to apply opposing forces on a common axis of movement.

[0019] It is feasible that the spring assembly and the actuator be connected or can be connected via a shaft. The valve slide can be arranged on the shaft. It is feasible that the shaft has separate shaft sections located on a common axis of movement and fastened opposite each other to the valve. Each shaft section can have a free end. An actuator is connected or can be connected to the free end of a shaft section. A spring assembly is connected or can be connected to the free end of another shaft section. Preferably, the spring assembly is fixedly connected to the free end of the shaft section. It is feasible to constantly ensure the safety function and to ensure that the valve slide can always move in an emergency to close the flow passage. Preferably, the other free end is interchangeably connected to the actuator. It is feasible to connect or disconnect the actuator while the deep-sea valve is installed or in operation.

[0020] The spring assembly can have at least one spring that reacts to the actuator's thrust (for opening the flow passage). It is feasible for the actuator to apply thrust to the valve slide to move it such that the flow passage opens and, if necessary, closes. Here, the actuator's thrust acts against the spring force of the spring assembly. It is feasible to apply a constant thrust of the actuator to the valve slide to open or maintain the open flow passage, which reacts to the spring force of the spring assembly. It is feasible to retract the valve slide and close the flow passage by the spring force of the spring assembly if the current is interrupted or in an emergency. It is feasible to ensure a safe closure that reliably closes the flow passage and thus the borehole at all times.

[0021] The spring assembly and actuator can be arranged such that the deep-sea valve is in balance along its flow axis. It is feasible that the movement axis and the flow axis intersect at the center point of the flow passage. It is also feasible that the deep-sea valve is designed to be in balance so that it does not have a tilting moment transverse to the flow axis. In other words, the center of gravity of the deep-sea valve is (e.g.) located at the center point of the flow passage.

[0022] The actuator can be connected to the deep-sea valve via an interface and can be replaced / coupled. It is feasible to set up an interface for standardized actuators. It is feasible to replace the actuator during operation. Particularly feasible is to replace the actuator in case of failure. It is feasible to hold the deep-sea valve in the closed position by the spring force of the spring assembly when replacing the actuator. Thus, the actuator can be replaced without opening the flow passage. It is feasible to open the deep-sea valve only when the actuator is connected and functioning properly.

[0023] A valve assembly located within a subsea production tree, comprising a flow passage and multiple deep-sea valves as described, facilitates this objective. The deep-sea valves can be positioned at various locations within the valve assembly.

[0024] Preferably, the subsea production tree is mounted on the borehole and has at least one flow passage that can be directly connected to the borehole. Therefore, the subsea production tree can be used as a connection point for additional pipes to drain liquids and / or gases from or into the borehole. It is feasible that the subsea production tree has at least one deep-sea valve, one of the described deep-sea valves, in at least one flow passage, capable of blocking and / or opening, and particularly regulating, the flow passage. It is also feasible to have additional non-central flow passages with deep-sea valves arranged in the subsea production tree, parallel to the central flow passage and containing the deep-sea valves therein. It is feasible that these additional deep-sea valves are used for maintenance functions or to further regulate the flow rate through the flow passages. It is feasible that the entire valve assembly is mounted in the subsea production tree, allowing all valves to be mounted in components on the borehole.

[0025] Multiple deep-sea valves can be offset along different axes within the subsea production tree, ensuring the tree is balanced along the central axis of the flow passage. The central axis of the flow passage extends through its center point. Preferably, the subsea production tree can be moved using a crane and placed on the borehole. Preferably, the subsea production tree is designed such that when held laterally at the flow passage, it can be placed vertically on the borehole. Preferably, the subsea production tree can be secured to the borehole without any transverse tilting moment acting on the flow passage.

[0026] The valve assembly can include a control block. The control block can have at least one control unit, which can individually operate the actuators. It is feasible that all actuators of the deep-sea valve in the valve assembly are connected to the control block. Furthermore, the control block can have a manual operation capability, allowing manual operation of the actuators. It is feasible that the control unit is a central current supply for all actuators. All actuators can be individually operated by the control unit. Preferably, the control block is secured to the actuators. It is feasible that the control block is also directly connected to the subsea production tree. Preferably, the control block is secured such that the subsea production tree is balanced along the central axis of the flow passage.

[0027] Deep-sea valves offer particular advantages, or rather, mitigation of the problems mentioned at the beginning. The specific advantages and design features described for deep-sea valves can be applied and transferred to the valve assemblies described, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The invention and technical environment will now be explained in detail with reference to the two accompanying drawings. The drawings are schematic and not intended to illustrate scale. Explanations given with reference to the details in the drawings can be extracted and freely combined with facts from the foregoing description, unless a different situation will necessarily arise for those skilled in the art or such combinations are explicitly excluded. Wherein: Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates a subsea production tree with a valve assembly, and Figure 2 The illustration shows a deep-sea valve in an underwater production tree. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Figure 1 A subsea production tree 10 is shown. The subsea production tree 10 has a valve assembly 12 with multiple actuators 3 and a spring assembly 4. The actuators 3 are connected to a control block 14, which has a control unit 15 for each actuator 3. The subsea production tree has a flow passage 11 with a central axis 13. The actuators 3 and the control block 14 are mounted on the side of the subsea production tree 10 opposite the spring assembly 4. Specifically, the spring assembly 4 and the actuators 3 are arranged at the subsea production tree 10 such that they are in equilibrium along the central axis 13 of the flow passage. The subsea production tree 10 does not have a tilting moment extending transversely to the central axis 13 of the flow passage.

[0030] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the deep-sea valve 1 in the subsea tree 10 is shown. The deep-sea valve 1 includes an actuator 3, a spring assembly 4, and a valve slide 2. The valve slide 2 is connected to the actuator 3 and the spring assembly 4 via a shaft 6. The spring assembly 4 has a spring 7 that acts on the shaft 6 and thus on the valve slide 2. The spring 7 of the spring assembly 4 is arranged in a sleeve 16. The spring 7 is supported on a stop of the sleeve 16 by a first end and applies spring force to the shaft 6 of the valve slide 2 by the other end. The actuator 3 can be connected to the subsea tree 10 at an interface 9. The valve slide 2 is movable, enabling it to open and close the flow passage 5. The valve slide 2 is movable along a movement axis 17, on which the actuator 3 and the spring assembly 4 are also arranged. The flow passage 5 also has a flow axis 8. The flow axis 8 is offset relative to the central axis 13 of the flow passage. The actuator 3 and spring assembly 4 are arranged such that the deep-sea valve 1 is in equilibrium along the flow axis 8.

[0031] The solutions proposed herein can at least partially alleviate the problems described in the prior art. In particular, the following solutions are illustrated, which provide a lighter and more compact subsea production tree with an improved deep-sea valve.

[0032] Figure label: 1. Deep-sea valve 2 Valve sliding parts 3. Actuator 4. Spring assembly 5. Flow passage 6-axis 7. Springs 8. Flow axis 9 Interfaces 10. Underwater oil production tree (Unterwasserbaum) 11. Flow tube 12 Valve Assembly 13. Central axis of the flow tube 14 Control Block 15 Control Unit 16 sleeve 17 Moving axis

Claims

1. A deep-sea valve (1) having at least one valve sliding element (2), wherein, The at least one valve slide (2) can be moved by means of an actuator (3) to open the flow passage (5) in the deep-sea valve (1), wherein a spring assembly (4) is arranged at the deep-sea valve (1) and configured to move the valve slide (2) to close the flow passage in an emergency, wherein the actuator (3) has an electric actuator, and wherein the actuator (3) and the spring assembly (4) are arranged on opposite sides of the flow passage (5).

2. The deep-sea valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The spring assembly (4) and the actuator (3) are connected or can be connected via a shaft (6), wherein the valve slide (2) is arranged on the shaft (6).

3. The deep-sea valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The spring assembly (4) has at least one spring (7) that reacts to the thrust of the actuator (3).

4. The deep-sea valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The spring assembly (4) and the actuator (3) are arranged such that the deep-sea valve (1) is in equilibrium along the flow axis (8).

5. The deep-sea valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The actuator (3) is connected to the valve slide (2) via interface (9) and can be replaced.

6. A subsea production tree (10) having at least one flow passage (11) and a valve assembly (12), the subsea production tree including a plurality of deep-sea valves (1) according to the preceding claims.

7. The subsea production tree (10) according to claim 6, wherein, Multiple deep-sea valves (1) are offsetly arranged on different axes in the subsea tree (10) so that the subsea tree (10) is in equilibrium along the central axis (13) of the flow passage.

8. The subsea production tree (10) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the subsea production tree includes a control block (14), wherein, The control block (14) has at least one control unit (15) which can be used to manipulate the actuator (3) accordingly.

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