Riser Cleaning Fitting with Simultaneous Pressure Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning oil and gas well riser sections are inefficient in removing debris and deposits from both the larger diameter central pipe and smaller diameter peripheral pipes, as they lack effective mechanisms for pressure washing and fluid management.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing specially configured caps or fittings with multiple openings to allow pressure washing tools to be inserted into both the larger and smaller diameter pipes, with a system for continuous fluid collection and suction to facilitate thorough cleaning and debris removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cleaning methods are used for riser sections, then the cleaning process is simple to implement, but the effectiveness of removing debris and deposits from both central and peripheral pipes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus is segmented into multiple independent cleaning tools, each designed to clean specific pipes (central or peripheral). This allows each tool to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cleaning tools are combined into a single integrated apparatus that can clean both central and peripheral pipes simultaneously. The apparatus merges multiple cleaning functions into one unified system, improving overall cleaning effectiveness.
2Reliability
If pressure washing tools are inserted into pipes for cleaning, then debris removal effectiveness is improved, but fluid leakage and human exposure to cleaning fluid increases
Solution Approach 1:
A collection system acts as an intermediary between the cleaning tools and the environment, capturing spent cleaning fluid and debris. This intermediary system prevents fluid leakage and reduces human exposure by containing the cleaning fluid within the closed system.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus uses pneumatic and hydraulic principles to manage cleaning fluid, including suction systems that draw spent fluid and debris away from the cleaning zone, preventing leakage and exposure.
3Productivity
If multiple cleaning tools are used simultaneously for central and peripheral pipes, then cleaning productivity is improved, but the complexity of fluid management and debris collection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid management system merges multiple collection functions into a single integrated collection system. This allows spent cleaning fluid and debris from multiple cleaning tools to be collected simultaneously through a unified system, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A central collection system serves as an intermediary that receives and manages fluid and debris from multiple cleaning tools. This intermediary system simplifies fluid management by providing a single point of collection and removal.
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
Enables efficient cleaning of both the larger and smaller diameter pipes by allowing simultaneous pressure washing and fluid management, improving the effectiveness and speed of the cleaning process while minimizing fluid leakage and human exposure.
Implementation Method 1
applying a suction to the flow bores of the riser section to facilitate cleaning
Implementation Method 2
A cable preferably supplies fluid under pressure to the first cleaning tool
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a method of cleaning an oil and gas well riser section that has a central larger diameter tubular member having a flow bore and a plurality of smaller diameter tubular members connected to the central larger diameter tubular member, each smaller diameter tubular member having a flow bore. The method includes placing a fitting on an end portion of the riser section, the fitting covering an end of the larger diameter tubular member and the ends of the smaller diameter tubular members, wherein the fitting preferably has multiple openings including one or more centrally located openings and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart outer openings that are spaced radially away from each of the one or more centrally located openings, said fitting having a drain opening. A cleaning tool is preferably inserted through the centrally located opening and into the larger diameter tubular member, wherein said pressure washing tool cleans the inside surface of the larger diameter tubular member. The cleaning tool is then preferably inserted through one of the outer openings and into one of the smaller diameter tubular members, wherein said second pressure washing tool cleans the inside surface of the smaller diameter tubular member. Fluid from the cleaning operations is preferably removed (suctioned) via the fitting discharge. The outer openings are preferably positioned along a curved line that is radially spaced outwardly of the centrally located openings. Preferably all tubular members are cleaned simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.