Offshore Riser Cleaning Caps with Debris Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning oil and gas well riser sections require transporting the riser sections onshore for cleaning, which is inefficient and contaminates the ocean, and existing equipment has a large footprint and slow cleaning process.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allows for simultaneous cleaning of multiple holes in the riser sections using a spool basket with pneumatic feeders and reels, an improved control panel to manage multiple feeders, and caps that collect debris and fluids, enabling faster and more efficient cleaning on location without a large footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If riser sections are cleaned onshore by transporting them from offshore, then cleaning can be performed with existing equipment, but transportation time is lost and ocean contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A containment system with caps and collection vessels is introduced as an intermediary between the riser section and the ocean environment. This intermediary captures and contains the discharged debris and cleaning fluids, preventing direct contamination of the ocean while enabling offshore cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful elements (debris, rust, scale, chemical deposits) are extracted from the riser section through the cleaning process and separated from the ocean environment by being collected in containment vessels, thus removing the contamination pathway.
2Productivity
If multiple cleaning tools are used simultaneously in multiple holes, then cleaning speed increases, but equipment footprint and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cleaning tools operating in multiple holes are merged into a single integrated containment system. The caps and collection vessels are designed to accommodate simultaneous cleaning operations across multiple riser holes, consolidating the equipment footprint rather than requiring separate systems for each tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment system is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple cleaning tools simultaneously. The caps feature multiple openings and the collection vessels can accommodate debris from various pipe diameters, allowing one system to perform multiple cleaning functions.
3Loss of time
If cleaning is performed offshore on location, then transportation time is eliminated, but additional considerations are needed to prevent ocean contamination
Solution Approach 1:
A containment system with caps and collection vessels is introduced as an intermediary between the riser section and the ocean environment. This intermediary captures and contains the discharged debris and cleaning fluids, preventing direct contamination of the ocean while enabling offshore cleaning operations.
4Productivity
If a large footprint cleaning system is used, then multiple tools can be accommodated, but the system becomes less suitable for offshore use
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cleaning tools operating in multiple holes are merged into a single integrated containment system. The caps and collection vessels are designed to accommodate simultaneous cleaning operations across multiple riser holes, consolidating the equipment footprint rather than requiring separate systems for each tool.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution reduces the footprint of cleaning equipment, speeds up the cleaning process, and allows for efficient cleaning of both larger and smaller diameter pipes simultaneously, completing the process in under 15 minutes with minimal human intervention and reduced environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
the cap continuously collects spent cleaning fluid and debris
Implementation Method 2
a spool basket that holds 2 pneumatic feeders
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for cleaning an oil and gas well riser section or assembly on location offshore that includes a larger diameter central pipe and a plurality of smaller diameter pipes that are spaced radially away from the central larger diameter pipe. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for cleaning oil and gas well riser sections wherein a specially configured cap or pair of caps are fitted to the ends of the riser which enable pressure washing cleaning tools (or a camera) to be inserted into and through a selected one of the pipes including either a smaller diameter of the pipes or the central larger diameter pipe and wherein the cap continuously collects spent cleaning fluid and debris, allowing the cleaning process to be done on location without transporting the riser section back onshore.