Methods and apparatus for emergency rig monitoring

• US 20070118289A1
• Filed: 11/04/2005
• Published: 05/24/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 11/04/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Russell Roy
• Original Assignee: Russell Roy
• Inventors: Roy, Russell
• Granted Patent: US 7,366,614 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 702/3
• CPC Class Codes: G01W 1/00 Meteorology
• CPC Class Codes: G01W 1/10 Devices for predicting weather conditions computers per se G06; display devices G09

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for emergency rig monitoring are disclosed herein. The invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for monitoring an offshore rig. The rig monitoring systems and methods of use can relay information regarding the rig such as location, attitude (e.g. tilt, oscillation), and local water and weather conditions. The rig monitoring systems and methods can also facilitate emergency communication for rig personnel. Access to the information can be remotely initiated and the systems can be configured to automatically respond to such initiation. The rig monitoring systems are equipped with a self-sustainable power supply for operation under conditions where external power sources are unavailable. Such rig monitoring systems and methods are particularly useful on rigs that are located in waters subject to rapid and severe changes in local weather such as storms.

Claims

1. A method for remotely monitoring a parameter on at least one offshore hydrocarbon rig comprising:

providing at least one data acquisition system including at least one parameter sensor and at least one power supply configured to operate independently of an external source;

providing at least one remote data access member;

positioning the parameter sensor for monitoring at least one parameter related to the offshore hydrocarbon rig;

acquiring data from the parameter sensor; and

communicating the data to the remote data access member.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the power supply comprises a battery.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the parameter is at least one of longitude, latitude, roll, pitch, wave height, wave direction, wave frequency, water current, wind speed, wind direction, and rig mooring line tension.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the data acquisition system comprises a plurality of parameter sensors.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the data is displayed in real time on at least one of the data acquisition system and the remote data access member.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensor is an inclinometer.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensor is an anemometer.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a plurality of sensors.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the sensors are at least in part redundant.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising storing the acquired data.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one stored data is time stamped.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising using at least a portion of the data to determine secondary data.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the data is communicated using a communication port.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the communication port is a Low Earth Orbit satellite modem.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the secondary data comprises rig speed.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the secondary data comprises rig course.

17. A method for ceasing offshore rig operations comprising:

receiving notification of an approaching adverse weather condition;

ceasing rig activities related to at least one of hydrocarbon exploration and production;

securing equipment on the rig;

evacuating the rig;

monitoring the adverse weather condition;

monitoring at least one rig parameter; and

communicating data related to the rig parameter to a remote location.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the data is at least partially communicated using a wireless system.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the adverse weather condition is one of a tropical storm and hurricane.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the wireless system comprises a satellite communication system.