Hydraulic actuation device for bell mouths

Abstract

The present utility model relates to a hydraulic actuating device for bell mouths, comprising: a metal rod; a movable locking device; a return spring; a circular block displaying an opening in which a metal support is fastened; a proximity sensor; and a hydraulic pressurisation region. The hydraulic pressurisation region is, more specifically, the region in which hydraulic fluid is introduced to generate a force that moves the metal rod. The return spring is further arranged around the metal rod and is arranged to return the metal rod to its initial position after hydraulic actuation, so that the movable locking device is coupled to the metal rod and moves together therewith. The proximity sensor, for its part, is installed in the opening of the actuator, allowing monitoring of the position of the mobile locking device. In this way, the need for divers or subsea cameras is eliminated, resulting in a significant reduction in operating costs, in the time required for pipeline installation and removal operations, and in the risks associated with manual interventions.

Description

[0001] HYDRAULIC ACTUATING DEVICE FOR BELL MOUTHS UTILITY MODEL FIELD

[0001] This utility model is situated within the technical field of pipeline and riser technologies, particularly in monitoring and control systems for hydraulic actuators used in offshore production platforms, specifically in the hydraulic actuators that comprise bell mouths (BSDL). UTILITY MODEL BACKGROUND

[0002] In offshore operations, especially in regions with adverse maritime conditions such as the Santos Basin, verifying the final position of the hydraulic actuators of the BSDL (Basic Safety Load Deflectors) that support the risers is a crucial process to ensure the safety and efficiency of operations.

[0003] Traditionally, this verification is carried out using divers or underwater cameras, which implies high operational costs, significant risks, and limitations due to weather and tidal conditions.

[0004] In this sense, the need to confirm the operation of the hydraulic actuators of the riser supports without resorting to manual interventions, such as diving, represents a significant technical challenge, given that the reliance on traditional methods increases risks and costs, in addition to prolonging the time required for pipeline installation (pull-in) and dismantling (pull-out) operations.

[0005] Thus, the present utility model proposes a diverless solution (without the need for diving) through the structural modification of hydraulic actuators, allowing the inclusion of a position sensor that will remotely monitor the operation of the actuator's metal rod. STATE OF THE ART

[0006] WO2022101032A1 refers to an inductive position sensing device for detecting the position of a coupling element that can be arranged on a moving actuator element of an electric machine. The device comprises at least one transmitting coil to generate electromagnetic waves, at least one receiving coil to detect the electromagnetic waves influenced by the coupling element, and a computing unit configured to actuate the transmitting coil and evaluate the waves detected by the receiving coil to determine the position of the actuator element. The coils and the computing unit are arranged on a common printed circuit board, with the coils on the front and the computing unit on the back of the board.

[0007] Document BR102021017362A2 describes a device capable of enabling remote unlocking operation while remaining compatible with both mechanical and manual actuation. The device is a hydraulic actuator with hydraulic power supplied via lines from the platform. It also has a handle for manual actuation.

[0008] However, it is evident that none of the prior art documents are capable of describing mechanisms that allow for the identification of the correct operation of hydraulic actuators in bell mouths. Therefore, there is no prior art device or method that provides precise recognition of the operating state of a hydraulic actuator, as proposed by this utility model. SUMMARY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0009] This utility model presents a hydraulic actuation device for bell mouths, comprising, in simplified terms: a metal rod; a movable locking device; a return spring; an opening; a proximity sensor; and a hydraulic pressurization region. More specifically, the hydraulic pressurization region is where the hydraulic fluid is introduced to generate the force that moves the metal rod.

[0010] Furthermore, the return spring is located around the metal rod, configured to return the metal rod to its initial position after hydraulic actuation, so that the movable locking device is coupled to the metal rod and moves along with it. In turn, the proximity sensor is installed in the actuator opening, allowing monitoring of the position of the movable locking device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present utility model will now be described with reference to its typical embodiments and also with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 is a representation of a bell mouth comprising the device of the present utility model.

[0013] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional representation of the device of the present utility model.

[0014] Figure 3 is a bottom view of the device of the present utility model.

[0015] Figures 4A to 4C are a representation of the proximity sensor installation of the present utility model. Figure 4A shows the hydraulic actuator of the present utility model coupled to the BSDL. Figure 4B shows a metal support and the proximity sensor. Figure 4C shows the hydraulic actuator mounted with the proximity sensor.

[0016] Figure 5 is a representation of an exemplary embodiment of the pull-in procedure in a bell mouth implementing the device of the present utility model.

[0017] Figure 6 is a representation of an exemplary embodiment of the pull-out procedure in a bell mouth implementing the device of the present utility model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0018] This utility model relates to a hydraulic actuator specially adapted to perform the detection of actuation states during pull-in and pull-out procedures of flexible ducts.

[0019] As can be seen in Figure 1, the hydraulic actuators 10 are located above the skirt of the BSDL 20. Below each of the hydraulic actuators 10 and attached to the structure of the hydraulic actuators are installed proximity sensors 30.

[0020] In pull-in procedures, when the duct is being installed, a pull-in cable moves the bend stiffener structure into the bell mouth. During the ascent, the bend stiffener helmet pushes the hydraulic actuators, displacing their spring and allowing the duct to enter. After the bend stiffener helmet passes, the hydraulic actuator springs relax, returning to their static position, and the hydraulic actuators then vertically support the bend stiffener helmet, keeping the duct in place.

[0021] In the pull-out procedure, that is, disconnecting the duct structure from the bell mouth, the tabs of the mechanical actuators are actuated externally so that the bend stiffener cap is unlocked and can be moved downwards and removed.

[0022] In this sense, to recognize whether or not the hydraulic actuators are activated, they are specially adapted so that their state (activated or not activated) is correctly detected. More specifically, the hydraulic actuator 10 of the present utility model, as represented in Figure 2, comprises the following structures: a metal rod 11; a movable locking device 12; a return spring 13; an opening 14; a hydraulic pressurization region 15; a circular block 16; and a proximity sensor 30.

[0023] The metal rod 11 is one of the moving components inside the hydraulic actuator. It moves when the hydraulic fluid is pressurized, allowing the system to operate. Its position is monitored by the proximity sensor 30, which checks if the actuator is "ACTIVATED" or "NOT ACTIVATED".

[0024] In turn, the return spring 13 is located around the metal rod 11 and is responsible for returning the metal rod 11 to its initial position after actuation. It contracts when the metal rod 11 is moved and expands again to reposition the metal rod 11, allowing the system to return to its resting state.

[0025] The movable locking device 12 is coupled to the metal rod 11 and moves along with it. Its main function is to be the fixing point of the bend stiffener helmet after the pull-in process, as well as to interact with the proximity sensor 30, serving as the reference point that the sensor detects to determine whether the hydraulic actuator 10 is in the "ACTIVATED" or "NOT ACTIVATED" position.

[0026] The proximity sensor 30 is installed close to the movable locking device 12, so that it detects its presence or absence. It is crucial for remote monitoring of the system, as it allows precise, real-time verification of the position of the metal rod 11, indicating whether the actuator is at rest ("NOT ACTIVATED") or in operation ("ACTIVATED").

[0027] In this sense, a small opening 14 is used in the actuator, which allows the installation of the proximity sensor 30. This opening is essential for the correct functioning of the proximity sensor 30, ensuring that it can monitor the position of the metal rod 11 without interference. As can be seen in more detail, Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the hydraulic actuator of the present utility model, highlighting the region of the opening 14, marked by a dotted line, where the sensor is positioned.

[0028] Figures 4A to 4C, in turn, illustrate the sensor installation process. Figure 4A illustrates the actuator coupled to the BSDL. In turn, Figure 4B shows a metal support 40 and the proximity sensor 30. In this sense, as can be observed in Figure 4C, the metal support 40 is fixed in the opening 14, by means of two screws that attach to the circular block 16. This metal support 40 has a fitting 42 where the proximity sensor 30 is fixed by means of screws.

[0029] Furthermore, the hydraulic pressurization region 15 is where the hydraulic fluid is introduced to generate the force that moves the metal rod 11. When the fluid is pressurized, it acts on the metal rod 11, moving it and consequently activating the system. EXAMPLES OF USE

[0030] Figure 5 shows the pull-in procedure in a BDSL that uses the hydraulic actuator of the present utility model.

[0031] In stage (I), the hydraulic actuator is in the non-actuated position, since the bend stiffener helmet has not yet reached the actuator. In stage (II), the bend stiffener helmet passes through the BDSL, displacing the hydraulic actuator spring. This displacement generates a reading on the position sensor, which indicates the actuation position of the actuator. In stage (III), with the passage of the bend stiffener helmet completed, the spring returns to its original position, displacing the locking device, generating a non-actuation indication from the position sensor readings.

[0032] Figure 6 shows the pull-out procedure in a BDSL that uses the hydraulic actuator of the present utility model.

[0033] In stage (I), the installed duct awaits hydraulic actuation for release. In stage (II), the hydraulic actuator tabs are retracted by the hydraulic pressurization region, which generates an actuation reading on the position sensors, since the locking device is no longer detected by them. Subsequently, in stage (III), with the complete passage of the bend stiffener helmet through the actuator region, the springs return from the deformation position and the sensors indicate that the actuators are not actuated.

[0034] In this sense, it is evident that the approach proposed by this utility model offers an effective solution for monitoring hydraulic actuators in offshore operations, particularly in adverse conditions. The use of the integrated proximity sensor allows for remote and precise verification of the actuators' position, eliminating the need for divers or underwater cameras. This results in a significant reduction in operating costs, the time required for pipeline installation and dismantling operations, and the risks associated with manual interventions.

[0035] Furthermore, the utility model improves the safety and reliability of operations, ensuring that actuators are functioning correctly without the need for constant physical inspections, especially in challenging environments.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Hydraulic actuation device for bell mouths, characterized in that it comprises: a metal rod (11); a movable locking device (12); a return spring (13); a hydraulic pressurization region (15); a circular block (16) having an opening (14) where a metal support (40) is fixed; and a proximity sensor (30) that is fixed in a fitting (42) of the metal support (40).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the hydraulic pressurization region (15) is where the hydraulic fluid is introduced to generate the force that moves the metal rod (11).

3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the return spring (13) is located around the metal rod (11), being configured to return the metal rod (11) to its initial position after hydraulic actuation. 4.Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable locking device (12) is coupled to the metal rod (11) and moves along with it.

5. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the metal support (40) is fixed to the circular block (16) by screws.

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