Modular unit for subsea operations

Abstract

The present utility model pertains to the technical field of oil and gas and, more specifically, to the field of subsea operations using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The utility model relates to a skid that is connected to an ROV for subsea operations, comprising structural elements and a support for coupling to an ROV, the skid further comprising a cradle, wherein the cradle comprises: at least one seat; at least one sliding rod; at least one upper rail and one lower rail; and at least one double-acting hydraulic cylinder.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTIVE REPORT

[0002] MODULAR UNIT FOR SUBMARINE OPERATIONS

[0003] FUNDAMENTALS

[0004]

[0001] The present utility model belongs to the technical field of oil and gas and, more specifically, to the field of subsea operations using Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs).

[0005]

[0002] This utility model relates to a skid, which is connected to an ROV for subsea operations. A skid is a structure or platform used in the oil and gas industry, as well as in other industries, to mount and transport equipment efficiently and safely. Skids are designed as modular units that can be easily transported and installed, facilitating the movement of heavy and complex equipment and may additionally include subsea floats for deep water to provide thrust to counteract the weight limitation of the ROV. A skid can support various types of equipment, such as pumps, compressors, filtration systems, generators, and processing units, which are assembled and tested at the factory before being shipped to the installation or use site.The robust construction of skids allows them to be moved by cranes, trucks, vessels, and other means of transport without disassembling the equipment mounted on them. Furthermore, skids simplify installation and maintenance, as most of the necessary components are already integrated into the structure, reducing the time and effort required on site.

[0006]

[0003] In oil and gas exploration, skids are frequently used to support processing units, chemical injection systems, pumping stations, and other applications requiring compact and efficient assembly. The use of skids is an efficient and versatile solution for assembling, transporting, and installing equipment in various industrial environments, providing flexibility and saving time and resources.

[0007]

[0004] Patent document US2016258653 discloses a remotely operated vehicle-mountable hot water injection skid comprising a skid structure, one or more floats, a power interface, one or more subsea power transformers, one or more electrical power interfaces, one or more data communication interfaces, one or more heater skid telemetry systems, a predetermined set of integration equipment, a water collection and heating vessel, a pumping and circulation system, and a hot seawater circulation flying cable or spray stick that enables the delivery of heated fluid directly to a subsea asset using heated seawater supplied through a common hot hydraulic system or directly via a pressurized spray stick.

[0008]

[0005] Additionally, document US2016258235 discloses a system for installing a strip around a rigid subsea structure that includes an ROV having a main body. A set of extendable jaws beyond an outer perimeter of the main body is attached to the ROV. The system also includes an operatively coupled strip distribution system and a strip installation mechanism operatively coupled to the ROV. The ROV includes at least one main body and a skid. A strip system can be positioned on the skid coupled to the ROV.

[0009] FUNCTIONAL IMPROVEMENT

[0010]

[0006] Subsea tools or devices can be transported by skid from the surface to the location where they will be used. A device, such as a subsea inspection device, can be attached to a skid in order to be transported to, for example, a subsea pipeline to be inspected.

[0011]

[0007] However, conventional skids do not offer adequate support to accommodate specific device geometries, and adaptations to the skids are necessary so that such devices can be placed and transported.

[0012]

[0008] Therefore, the present object is a new arrangement of a skid comprising a cradle, through which the functional improvement of resting a tool or device in said cradle is achieved.

[0013]

[0009] This functional improvement increases the efficiency in the use of devices for underwater services, as it allows for greater convenience in positioning, resting, and transporting the device on the skid.

[0014]

[0010] Thus, a skid for underwater operations is disclosed comprising structural elements and a support for coupling to an ROV, the skid further comprising a cradle, wherein the cradle comprises: at least one seat; at least one sliding rod; at least one upper rail and one lower rail; and at least one double-acting hydraulic cylinder.

[0015] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016]

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the skid with the cradle retracted, according to the preferred embodiment of the present utility model.

[0017]

[0012] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the skid with the cradle extended, according to the preferred embodiment of the present utility model.

[0013] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cradle separated from the skid, according to the preferred embodiment of the present utility model.

[0018]

[0014] Figure 4A is a perspective view of a section of the seat, showing the internal elements connected to the latch, with the latch in its retracted position, according to the preferred embodiment of the present utility model.

[0019]

[0015] Figure 4B is a perspective view of a section of the seat, showing the internal elements connected to the latch, with the latch in its extended position, according to the preferred embodiment of the present utility model.

[0020]

[0016] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the skid with the extended cradle having an exemplary underwater inspection device resting on said cradle, according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE OBJECT

[0022]

[0017] The following detailed description refers to the figures in which the preferred embodiment of the present utility model is represented, by way of non-limiting illustration, in order to allow a person skilled in the art to reproduce its results. Other embodiments are possible and can be carried out without departing from the spirit and scope of the present utility model. The following detailed description should therefore not be understood in a restrictive or limiting manner.

[0023]

[0018] Figure 1 shows a skid (100) formed by horizontal (110) and vertical (120) structural elements. The skid can assume any shape, not limited to the shape shown in the figures. That is, the arrangement of the structural elements (110, 120) of the skid (100) can be carried out in such a way as to achieve different shapes, according to the needs of the project. In addition, the structural elements (110, 120) can comprise any cross-sectional profile, such as, but not limited to, U-profile, I-profile, square profile, circular profile, among others.

[0024]

[0019] The skid (100) further comprises a coupling support (130), for coupling the skid (100) to an ROV, through which the control of underwater operations is carried out.

[0025]

[0020] Figure 2 illustrates the end where the cradle (200) is located on the skid (100). The cradle (200) is shown in its extended position. The cradle (200) comprises a seat (210) on which a device for underwater operations (300) can be rested. Although Figure 2 shows the seat (210) having a circular cross-section, it should be appreciated that any cross-sectional profile can be used, which may vary according to the fitting needs of the device for underwater operations to be used. For example, square, rectangular, triangular, circular, and other profiles can be used.

[0026]

[0021] Furthermore, the cradle (200) also comprises two sliding rods (220), through which the cradle can move between the retracted and extended positions. In addition, to allow sliding, the skid (100) comprises upper rails (230) and lower rails (240), in which the sliding rods (220) are fitted and can slide.

[0027]

[0022] Still referring to figure 2, the skid (100) further comprises a handle locking block (270) for the electronics container (250), fastened by means of a fastening means, more particularly by means of two screws.

[0028]

[0023] With reference to Figure 3, in order for the cradle (200) to move between the retracted and extended positions, at least one double-acting hydraulic cylinder (280) is installed on the skid (100) and connected to the cradle (200). In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 3, two hydraulic cylinders (280) are used, however, the number of hydraulic cylinders may vary without departing from the present utility model. The hydraulic cylinder (280) can be actuated to push the cradle (200) into the extended position or pull the cradle (200) into the retracted position.

[0029]

[0024] Additionally, when positioned on the seat (210), the underwater operating device (300) can be secured by means of a latch (260) located on the seat (210).

[0030]

[0025] As illustrated in figures 4A and 4B, the change of position of the latch (260) is carried out by means of at least one double-acting hydraulic cylinder (262), preferably by means of two double-acting hydraulic cylinders (262). Figures 4A and 4B illustrate a preferred embodiment of the object, in which two double-acting hydraulic cylinders (262) are used. The piston divides the interior of the cylinder into two chambers, one pressure chamber and one return chamber. When hydraulic fluid is supplied to the pressure chamber, it pushes the piston out of the cylinder, moving the latch connected to the end of the piston.

[0031]

[0026] In addition, the latch (260) is also connected to at least one spring (264), preferably two springs (264), more preferably four springs (264), which act to keep the latch (260) in the extended position in case of failure of the hydraulic system and consequent failure of the double-acting hydraulic cylinder (262), ensuring the fixation of the device for underwater operations (300). Figures 4A and 4B further illustrate the connection points (266) where the hydraulic system hoses are connected.

[0032]

[0027] Figure 5 shows the skid (100) comprising a cradle (200) in its extended position, in which an exemplary underwater tool (300) rests and can be transported by the skid (100) when connected to an ROV.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Skid (100) for underwater operations comprising structural elements (110, 120) and a support for coupling (130) to an ROV, characterized in that it further comprises a cradle (200), wherein the cradle (200) comprises: at least one seat (210); at least one sliding rod (220); at least one upper rail (230) and one lower rail (240); and at least one double-acting hydraulic cylinder (280).

2. Skid (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the seat (210) comprises a latch (260).

3. Skid (100), according to claim 2, characterized in that the latch (260) can be moved between the retracted and extended positions by means of at least one double-acting hydraulic cylinder (262), preferably by means of at least two double-acting hydraulic cylinders (262).

4. Skid (100), according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the latch (260) is connected to at least one spring (264).

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