Offshore Riser Cleaning Caps with Suction for 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, leading to contamination risks and inefficiencies, and there is a need for a method that allows for offshore cleaning with reduced machinery footprint and faster processing times.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize specially configured caps to allow pressure washing tools to be inserted into both larger and smaller diameter pipes, with a system for continuous fluid collection and suction, enabling simultaneous cleaning in both directions and reducing the need for onshore transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If riser sections are transported onshore for cleaning, then cleaning can be performed with standard equipment, but contamination risks increase and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions the cleaning operation from a terrestrial dimension (onshore) to an offshore marine dimension by deploying a floating platform equipped with cleaning apparatus. This dimensional shift allows cleaning to occur in-situ at the well location, eliminating transportation requirements and associated contamination risks while reducing processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
A floating platform serves as an intermediary between the offshore well location and onshore facilities. This intermediary provides a stable base for cleaning operations offshore, enabling the use of controlled cleaning environments without requiring physical transportation of riser sections, thus resolving the contradiction between contamination prevention and processing time.
2Productivity
If multiple cleaning tools are used simultaneously, then cleaning speed increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus is designed with multi-functional capabilities that allow a single integrated system to perform multiple cleaning tasks simultaneously on different riser sections. The system can accommodate various cleaning tools (mechanical scrapers, high-pressure water jets, abrasive blasting equipment) within a unified platform structure, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high productivity through parallel operations.
3Loss of time
If cleaning is performed offshore, then transportation time is reduced and contamination is prevented, but equipment footprint must be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is segmented into modular components that can be configured in different arrangements on the floating platform. This segmentation allows the equipment to be compactly stored when not in use and efficiently deployed during operations, minimizing the footprint while enabling comprehensive cleaning capabilities offshore without requiring large equipment footprints.
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
This approach allows for efficient offshore cleaning of oil and gas well riser sections, reducing contamination risks, minimizing equipment footprint, and significantly reducing cleaning time, making the process more economical and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
the cap continuously collects spent cleaning fluid and debris
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. In one embodiment, a specially configured back out preventer can be used to prevent inadvertent backwards travel of the cleaning tool during cleaning.